The figure gave one last glance at the duo at the countertop. Lifting his mug, he gulped the remaining golden liquid that he kept swirling for a while now.

He reached to the side where a carefully wrapped sheath was resting against the wall. There was a sword in it, but besides the hilt's vague figure nothing could be made out, as the thick linen wrapping carefully hid its decorative motifs.

He stood up and slowly put the holstered weapon back to the empty scabbard on the left side of his black leather belt. Raising his arms in the air he yawned loudly and stretched his tired back. After several days of information gathering and fruitless search, he finally found this runaway boy.

The only thing that puzzled him, was the second person, the female figure that arrived with him. Who was she? He couldn't glance at her due to the baggy hood they were wearing, but in the end, it doesn't matter. He had a job to do, and he can finally complete it and bring him back.

Glancing at them with one eye, as he finished his refreshing exercise, he slowly walked towards them. He was in no hurry, he wanted to catch a few bits from their silent whispers before interrupting.

As the scruffy man slowly, leisurely walked forward, Drake waved at the stout innkeeper who just came back from the kitchen with a large plate. Just looking at the plate full of steaming hot, dark brown grilled meat was enough to start the duo's waterworks. As for the bed, white rice was served with sliced mockernut and leeks. A bit of fried chard and chokeberries could also be seen.

It was hard for the duo to restrain themselves and not jump at the plate after a long and tiresome day of journeying. Seeing his hand, the innkeeper walked up to them. Giving a friendly smile, he greeted with his loud, powerful voice.

"Good Evening to you guys, the name's Arvin, the owner of this fine little establishment. What can I serve ya?"

Drake pointed at the plate that was just served as he replied in a hushed tone.

"That. Two servings please."

The friendly smile not leaving his face, Arvin nodded and looked towards the kitchen. In the same manner, as he greeted them, he shouted back 'sending' the order to the person attending it.

"Ey, Elyn! We got two more servings needed!"

Then, he turned back, gesturing a thumbs-up with his thick right hand.

"Okay folks, it should be ready in a few minutes. You can wait here or…" he briefly glanced at the room, looking at the tables before he continued. "...you can take a seat somewhere. I will call for ya when it's ready."

"Thanks." Drake curtly spoke. After Arvin stepped away to take the order of someone else, he looked at Scarlet who was still looking at the already half-empty plate next to them as if she was in a trance.

Sighing, he gently caressed the back of her hooded head, waking her from her stupor. He didn't say anything, just smiled at his sister.

Their tranquil moment was interrupted when suddenly a big hand lightly tapped Drake's right shoulder. He turned to look at the person only for his face to turn ugly upon seeing the smirking fellow.

Seeing his brother's reaction, Scarlet also turned to look at the guy. Scruffy, unkempt beard, large ugly scar on his face, and dusty black short hair. He looked vaguely familiar, but she wasn't sure from where.

However, before she could ponder on the matter more, Drake addressed the man.

"It's you… I hoped you would give up, you know I will not go back, no matter what you say."

The man gave a tired sigh upon hearing his words. Caressing his brows, he spoke in an exhausted tone.

"Let's not start this again, Draco. You know I have to take you back, this is not up to me or to you. We both know that you have responsibilities, you can't just shirk them away. You can't just elope with every commoner girl you-."

As he glanced over at the woman, his words froze in him on the spot due to the shock. Looking carefully at her fiery red tinges, the shadowy visage of her delicate face… Even after so many years, he could still recognize her. He stuttered to continue.

"P-p-p-princess?! H-h-how did… When… What?!" He mumbled in utter disbelief. He couldn't believe his eyes, the little girl that was taken away years ago with her brothers are back.

Drake smirked at the man's shocked expression. With a smug tone, he asked.

"What? Were the years this hard on you? Did you forget what I said to you before?" As the man's shocked gaze switched to him, he continued with an even wider grin. "I told you that I will find her, and I did just that."

The man couldn't speak. The appearance of the little missy was too much of a shock to him. He continued to look with wide eyes at the gently smiling girl. Eventually, with a clenched fist he loudly hit the area above his heart, and with a proud and loud tone, he exclaimed.

"I am so glad to see you return safe and sound my la-" He couldn't finish his greeting, Drake's hands covered her mouth, silencing him before he could say anything that would blow their cover.

"Shut up you idiot! Do you want to expose us? You were never the brightest knight Lloyd, but still, this is a new record even for you…" Drake grumbled.

Hearing the name for the first time, Scarlet's face curved into a much broader and happier smile. Looking at the man's scruffy, bearded face again, she bowed her head slightly.

"Greetings, Sir Lloyd! I didn't expect to see you. What are you doing here?"

The man, Lloyd, glanced at the boy, as he replied with a much quieter tone.

"I am supposed to protect your brother here. Unfortunately, he is hellbent to make my job as difficult as he could. As soon as there's an opportunity he is out of the castle…" He sighed at his own misfortune.

Scarlet giggled at his response.

"Oh, it couldn't be that bad, Drake is just teasing you!"

"Drake?" He asked with a questioning gaze. Then, remembering the prince's fake name he used to register as an adventurer, he looked at the boy with a wry look.

"Drake? Really? You hate your father so much that you even refuse your name now?"

Drake's face turned serious, he tightly clenched his fists. Looked at his right fist on the countertop, he growled as he repeated the words, he swore himself up to.

"Mark my words, I will have my vengeance on that bastard. What he did to us, Lloyd… There's no pardon for that."

"Drake…" Lloyd placed his large right hand on his back, gently patting it. "...Your father… He had his reasons. It wasn't easy for him too, but he had to take this step, for your future."

Swatting his hand away, he looked at his bodyguard with an angry expression.

"Had his reasons?! I don't care, there's nothing that should make a father sell his children away! I will NEVER forgive him."

Listening to him, Lloyd could hear the determination in his voice. He could only sigh and ask in a concerned expression.

"So… What are your plans? I guess there's no point in convincing you to return home, right?"

"The next time I return will be the day I will slice that bastard's head off!" Drake snickered angrily."

Thinking back on that night, Scarlet's smile receded, and sadness settled in. She had a distant look, as she remembered the early days of her nightmarish years. Being forced to go with those men, only to be thrown in a cage… The torturous training, the painful memories of the painful kisses of the whips… She lived a sad life, only because of a decision made by her so-called father.

"Drake is right." She suddenly spoke up, breaking the two man's discussion. As they looked at her, their expression soured. Her eyes blurred as small droplets of water escaped from the corner of her eyes. Although the memories were painful, there was always a small light that pushed her forward. Once again, she looked at her brother, filling her visage, shooing away the nastiness.

"That man is not my father. We will pay him back for everything… For every day I spent as a slave… Separated from my brothers! No. There's no pardon for that." She exclaimed with an expression that scared the other two. The cute, innocent little girl was gone, they could only see a seasoned warrior, a veteran that was christened in a sea of blood. Her gaze alone could tell tales of the hell she must have experienced.

Drake grabbed her fist and gently pulled it closer.

"Don't worry sis. After we found and rescued our brothers, we will visit that bastard. He will answer for this unforgivable crime!"