243 A State of Shock

Sir Erom Stuttin, the knight of Aerithor had not said a single word since that revelation. No one knew what to say to him or how to console him, or even if he needed consoling. It was a peculiar case. It was not like the man was dead. But perhaps, this was even a gate worse than death. All the excitement at being in the Temple of Answers had just faded away and they all trooper rather dolefully outside and back to their horses. Erom still hadn't said a word so Ella took charge and led the group back along the trail till it was time to stop for camp at dusk. Eventually, Ella had to go march up to him after they had all eaten dinner and Erom still sat still and stared into space like one in a trance. “Erom, you cannot keep doing this.” She declared. He looked up at her and she calmed down at the sight of tears in his eyes. Erom was crying! Ella knelt and reached out to him. He came into her arms willingly enough and she did her best to shield him from the curious eyes of Freidis a