Star Eater

Chapter 435:

Greigh's Point of View

Reed Family Farmstead

Looking up as Ziah turned around, we were greeted by the three women. "Hey, Cass!" The Sergeant greeted. "You look like you've seen better days."

Cass nodded. "Ah'm doin much better than Ah have been." All of them moved into the kitchen, but she was helped by both Ayda and Rennal. "Could be better, though."

"I see that. Anything we can do to help?" I offered.

Shaking her head, she slowly sat down. "No. Just need ta take it easy for a few more days."

Ayda nodded. "She will recover soon."

"I don't think I've ever seen you so sick, Cass." I commented.

The green-haired elf responded as she used her magic to pour a few cups for everyone else. "It happens to everyone, and stress can be a huge part of the bodies wellness." Ayda stated. "On top of the weather, I think it likely that it was the perfect storm for her to get sick. Especially when you take recent events into consideration."

Ayda always was quick to give off the most logical explanations. It was one of the most frustrating things when having a discussion with her. She would list several cause and effects that were all sound. Making it almost difficult to ever prove her wrong. There were very few who could do so, and I wasn't one of them. Although, as I looked over Cass, she seemed decent enough, so I didn't feel any reason to pry further.

"If you say so." I said back as she took a sip.

However, like usual, Ayda was quick to ask her own questions. "I must admit, I am curious as to why you are here. Has something happened with the project?" She inquired. "I do believe I informed you that I would be unable to attend for some time, but have there been complications in my absence?"

Shaking my head, I answered. "No. Arthur's project is nearing completion in terms of its progress in Helmsforth. The tracks still need to be laid out elsewhere, but that is a process that will be continual."

Cass quirked a brow at that as she put her mug down. "Then are ya here ta check in on me? If so, Ah appreciate it. Ah'm doing far better than what Ah was thanks to Rennal, Ayda, and Austin."

"That was part of it, but that's not all." I told her, and opened my mouth to continue, but found myself unable to. "I-" My voice got stuck in my throat as I looked at Ayda.

After she had been through so much, I was worried about how she might react to news of her brother. Well, rather the lack thereof. Ziah nudged me, and I looked to her. The three women seemed to realize something was wrong. As much as I wanted to pry into what they were doing, there were more important matters.

"Greigh?" Cass called.

"Greigh..." Ziah said softer.

A sigh escaped my lips. "I wish I was only here to check in on you two." I began as I looked to Ayda for a moment before averting my eyes. "The Priestess is summoning you two to the Temple again. Ziah and I will also be in attendance." My lips moved a few times before I figured out what to say. "She expects us to be there tomorrow." Then I looked to Cass. "That is, if you're feeling well enough."

"Ah should be okay." Cass told me.

Standing, Ziah looked at me surprised. "Then I suppose we should leave. We'll see you tomorrow." Grabbing our coats, I handed Ziah hers as I pushed my wings through the slits in the fabric. "I'm glad we were able to check in on you."

My Sergeant was looking around and taking her time putting on her coat. "Greigh... Ziah..." Cass's voice came in slowly as she put her mug down. "What's happening?" There was a nervousness in her tone.

My brows furrowed as I looked at all three women eyeing us carefully. That wasn't the reaction I was expecting. All of them seemed more wary than anything. Ayda especially seemed ready to restrain us if necessary. I eyed them carefully for a moment before I sighed. Whatever they were up to, it clearly was something to be concerned about.

"The Priestess will inform you tomorrow." I told them.

Cass stood and the other two women steadied her. "Greigh." She said my name more firmly this time. "Do ya know what this is about?"

I looked at Ziah, who gestured to the group softly with a bob of her head. "Yes." Taking a deep breath, my eyes landed on Ayda. "I don't know all the details, but all communication has stopped from General Alwin." Ayda's eyes widened at that. "Not just him, but Lady Lucia, and all Zugal messengers have completely come to a halt."

The Elf shook as she stared at me with wide eyes. "Are you saying my brother is missing?"

I grit my teeth at that. "We don't know yet. It could be because of a winter storm, but the Priestess plans on addressing the situation some time tomorrow."

"And she didn't think to tell us that there had been no news for weeks until now?!" Ayda demanded.

"I'm just relaying what I've heard." My eyes flickered to Cass who had a serious look on her face as she stared at the table. "Cass?"

"Has she sent anyone ta look into this?" She asked without looking at me.

Shaking my head, I answered. "Not that I know of."

That just seemed to make Cass take on an even darker expression. "Ah have a very bad feeling about this." She told me.

"You're not the only one."