Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 1589

His past exploits had been sensational. By defeating the champions of seven different guilds, he had delivered a huge slap in the face to those countries, making him an enemy to many powerful factions. He was afraid his old enemies would recognize his techniques and come after Evan. If his own life wasn't nearing its end, he still wouldn't have taught him. After falling gravely ill, he thought he'd never see Evan again and had recorded instructional videos, but even the clearest video was no substitute for in-person training. So, no matter what, he had to seize this opportunity to teach Evan everything. ... Meanwhile, Elliot had reached the comms outpost. Gerald had shown him this place before, so he expertly operated the equipment and dialed Tarquin’s number. Tarquin, who had been waiting for the call, answered instantly. “Elliot, have you arrived?” “Yes, Dad. I gave it to Great-Grandma, and she confirmed it. It's the one.” Tarquin let out a breath, his anxious heart finally settling. “Good. Was the journey smooth?” “Perfectly smooth. Dad, Great-Grandma made a list. She needs you to help ship some supplies over.” Tarquin asked, “So, Gerald and Howard haven’t contacted the mountain either?” “No, that’s why we need your help.” “…Alright, leave it to me.” After that, Elliot added, “Dad, I want to stay in the mountains for a while longer before coming back.” “How long are you thinking?” Tarquin asked. “Maybe a week or two. Bernard is sick, and I want to wait until he’s fully recovered before I leave.” Elliot was sharp. He had a gut feeling that Bernard’s illness wasn’t as simple as his great-grandparents were letting on. “Is it serious?” Tarquin asked. With Walter present, Elliot said, “It doesn’t look serious right now. Don’t tell Mom, she’ll worry.” “…Alright.” Elliot then asked, “Where’s Mom? I want to talk to her directly about taking some time off school, so she doesn't keep worrying.” “Hold on.” Tarquin took the phone to find Elysia. As soon as she heard it was her son, she quickly took the call. “Hello, Elliot! Where did you two run off to? You haven’t contacted me in so long.” Elliot laughed. “We’re in the mountains.” Elysia was astonished. “The mountains? You went back to the mountains?!” “Yeah. Don’t worry, Mom. We came back with our great-uncle. Everything went smoothly.” Elysia stared in shock for a long moment before asking, “Why didn’t you tell me you were going back to the mountains beforehand?” “I was afraid you’d worry, and I was afraid you wouldn’t let us go.” Tarquin covered for them. “They came back with my grand-uncle.” Elysia assumed the old man was feeling down and had gone back to the mountains to see Bernard. She didn't overthink it and asked, “Is your great-uncle doing okay?” “Yes, he’s fine. But we want to stay in the mountains for a few more days. Mom, when you ask our teachers for leave, could you ask for a bit more time?” Elysia knew the trip to the mountains was arduous, and she also knew they would be safe there, so she felt at ease. “Alright. Be careful when you come back down the mountain. And send my love to your great-grandparents.” “Okay.” Elliot chatted with Elysia for a bit, and Walter and the old man spoke with her as well. After hanging up, they prepared to leave. But Elliot turned to Walter and asked, “Walter, tell me the truth. What’s really wrong with Bernard?” Before Walter could speak, Elliot said, “I’m not Evan. You can’t fool me that easily. He’s not sick, he’s poisoned, isn’t he?” Walter and the scarred man froze. Elliot’s small brow was tightly furrowed. “Who poisoned him? Who did this to him?”