"Dalko!"
The voice preceded the man.
Roland followed the sound and saw Baron Fosling, who was normally so composed, rushing over. In the blink of an eye, he was in front of Dalko.
When he got a clear look at his son, who was bathed in blood, his lips trembled violently. It took him a long moment to force out a hoarse voice.
"My child... What happened to you..."
"Father, we ran into goblins in the forest..."
Supported by a servant, Dalko was about to explain when the Baron raised a hand to stop him.
"Don't say another word. Just don't say anything."
Baron Fosling's voice was filled with an unprecedented panic.
"What you need most right now is rest. Someone! Help the young master back to his room! And..."
He paused, then suddenly changed his mind.
"No, I'll go get the physician myself!"
Before the words had even faded, the nobleman, who had always remained calm in the face of adversity, stumbled away.
