Cedric made haste in arriving at the castle courtyard, his daily meeting place with Ralin and Galgi. His fears had nearly gotten the best of him on the way there, but he was relieved to find Galgi’ls modest grin waiting for him, along with nearly the rest of the men.

However, what stopped him in his tracks, was the lack of the loud, burly face of the group.

“H-hey guys...uh…. w-where’s Ra-”

“Ah, Ral,” Galgi answered gently, “he’s…. recovering down at the barracks sickbay. Last night was a rough fight, and

Ral took the worst of it out of all of us.”

“Is he-will he…be okay?” Cedric sputtered out, gripping his food carrier tightly.

“Ah yes, not to worry Cedric, it’s mostly just a load of rather severe flesh wounds. Nothing too serious, and it would take a lot to put ol’ Ralin out of commission. I’d bet he’ll back out there with us tonight!” Galgi’s tone sounded hesitantly cheerful, but it got a chuckle from most of the men.

“Well..that’s good to hear. But, yeah…I heard about last night. Did the wall…?”

“Yes, it did get broken through, unfortunately.”

Cedric sat quietly on the fountain’s edge, listening with fearful intrigue.

“It wasn’t much of a break through, at least not like the one six years ago. We had it re-sealed by the morning, but it’s a weak fix if we’re to be targeted again tonight.”

“Did…. any enemies…?”

“Get in? Well, Commander Giro was quite confident his sentries eliminated the group that made to intrude, but…there’s no way to be sure. They were fast, and efficient.”

Galgi’s words cemented Cedric’s fears. He stared down, his hands shaking as he wondered whether he should bring it up.

“I heard the battle from the ruins…it must have been really tough.”

“Mm. That was the most intense battle any of us had ever seen. To tell you the truth, we’re extremely lucky to be alive. We have Ralin to thank for that, mostly. What’s certain is that the Wolverines have decided to go all out. Not only were there some fifty warships, and one gold-studded flagship likely controlled by a general, but…the potential intruders…it seems they were from the rumored special unit…the Red Wolves.”

Cedric’s eyes darted upward.

That name…

Where have I…

And then, as if in slow motion, Galgi pulled from his matte coat a piece of red sash.

“Th-That sash…”

“I pulled it from one that I couldn’t kill...seems they all-”

Galgi paused at Cedric’s terror.

“Cedric…what is it?”

“I…”

He had to tell them. He knew that, but he couldn’t get the words out. He wanted to believe that the intruder didn’t make it through the night, and that he could go on without burdening anyone with his incident. However, he couldn’t stop feeling as though it was his duty to speak up.

As he battled within his own mind, a new face had wandered into the scene.

“Ah, Al! What’re you doing around here?” Ralin’s genuine surprise sparked Cedric’s interest, causing him to look up at the man who seemed to have stumbled into their party by accident.

“Ohh, Galgi, good to see ya looking better than last night, mate. I was supposed to meet a friend around here, but I don’t know the area around the castle too well,” the man chuckled in a gruff yet energetic voice.

The moment Cedric heard his voice and looked upon the modest size and build of the man whose high grade green military garb was dressed heavily in wound wrappings around his torso, head, and long arms, he was stricken still, a flood of memories coming over him.

“Taking prisoners like this man is EXACTLY what you’re supposed to do!”

“I don’t want to kill a kid, so I guess I’ll say that he has qualities of an Heir as well.”

“….So don’t you dare give up on yourself.”

Everything about that dreadful day in the pouring rain came back to him all at once, simply upon seeing the man’s face.

“You’re…”

“Huh? Ah yes, Cedric, this is 3,000-man Commander Al, otherwise known as Al the Bleeder.”

Cedric was speechless. Whoever he was now, while bright and daunting, didn’t matter. It was who he was in the past that was searing through his heart and stomach like a hot knife.

“That time…”

“That time? Have we met before, kid?”

It was undoubtedly him. He hadn’t gotten a good look at his face before, but the fire in his eyes was the same.

So, he became…a commander.

Even though…he almost died a meaningless death.

“Ah, no…pardon my rudeness. It’s a pleasure to meet such a respected military officer, Commander.” Cedric spoke firmly, his head bowed.

“Al, this is Cedric. If you’d believe it, he’s one of the three Heir prospects that everyone’s been talking about. He’s a friend, so we meet here for lunch every day. You won’t tell anyone, will ya?”

“Haha don’t worry ‘bout that. But wow, one of the Heir prospects, huh? Good to meet ya, Cedric! And don’t worry about being polite, you have my respect already, friend!” Al responded cheerfully with squinted eyes, waving one hand at Cedric modestly while scratching his head through wrappings and messy brown hair.

Cedric looked back to him with a smile, before his recollections came back to him like a wave. The things he remembered about that day, along with the recent happenings, forced his hand.

“Um…sorry to bring this up out of the blue, but, I have to tell you all something.”

“Hmm? What is it, Cedric? You’re looking awful serious all the sudden.” Galgi inquired, while Al looked on with mild interest as he carelessly bit into a potato from Cedric’s carrier. Cedric paused, took a deep breath, and looked at both of them sternly.

“The truth is…I encountered a Red Wolf last night. I think he was one of the ones you mentioned, Galgi, because he was wounded, and wore a torn red sash, just like the one you’re holding.”

Galgi and Al, along with the rest of the group, looked on speechlessly. Galgi seemed to be especially frozen in place, as if he couldn’t believe the words he was hearing.

“And, I think their goal is… to kidnap the Heir prospects, maybe… He was attempting to sneak into High Town when he saw me, and he said some really odd things…like, that he was setup in a trap or something...”

“Hmm, wait just a second, kid. You said he was sneaking into High Town?” Al was the first to speak up.

“T-that’s right. But, I stopped him for a moment…and then, something, something…else, scared him off, and he fled into the forest.”

“Cedric…that’s…completely insane…It may have only been one man, which I’m sure is why you kept quiet this long, but this is still…”

“Extremely dangerous,” Al finished for him, seemingly deep in thought.

“But wait, Cedric, you said…about kidnapping Heir prospects? What gave you that idea?”

“Ah…well, that’s…”

He didn’t want to get into talk of that day long ago, especially since it seemed Al didn’t recognize him. He thought the man may have wanted to forget that day just as much as he did.

“Well, let’s not worry about that, Galgi,” Al surprisingly cut in. “I’d say his suspicions are warranted, for various reasons…. What’s important here is that our fears from last night were very well-founded. It seems the Red Wolves are making their move as we speak.”

“But just what are they planning…what do you think we should do, Al?”

“My friend will have to wait. For now, the three of us need to enter the castle and speak with Chief Allen.” Al now sounded completely different than he had before, all signs of his careless grin gone.

“The Commander-in-Chief of military affairs…?” Galgi questioned in a near gasp.

“That’s right. That’s just how serious this is…” Al had already begun walking away when he stopped and said this, his tone completely different.

And so, Cedric followed the 3,000-Man Commander and the lowly Go captain inside the castle’s main floor. He had his reservations being here, not only being under the allowed age of attendees, but also in the amount of attention he was bringing, which would surely come back to his father. He was doing everything he was taught not to do at this point. However, he was resolved to see this through, and accept whatever retribution he might incur from it.

As the group walked down a fine green carpet toward a matching green staircase that split into two paths down either way of a torchlit hall, Cedric eyed the portraits hung up on the wall behind a line of chiseled silver pillars. The first was the most expensively made, a painting of a broad-shouldered man with flared blonde hair- none other than Garik.

The portraits that followed, while ranging in size and quality as well as stature of the person featured, all shared one characteristic:

Bright, blond hair.

Down to the last man, whose prominent jawline matched his sleekly parted long mane dauntingly well. As he admired the aura of heroism the man gave off from his constructed eyes, he realized this person was likely Hedric, the last Sword Heir who was betrayed and murdered by the Wolverine Chief-General.

The three took the flight of stairs, Al in the lead, and took the left passageway, bypassing guards who were either too confused or too intimidated by the 3,000-Man Commander to question them. After traveling some ways down the richly decorated hallway, Al stopped and scratched his head.

“You’ve forgotten where it is, haven’t you, Al?” Galgi spoke up with a sigh.

Ignoring him, Al held up a hand, before turning and pacing back the other way. Finally, he stopped and turned down a rather dimly lit corridor headed by two crossing green sword emblems on either side of the larger Teuton insignia, an emerald green shield with a bold black cross on its face.

Eventually, they came to a curved passage that led to a small room with a long table blocking a chamber door. At the table sat a young man not older than twenty-five, frowning through thin spectacles at a stack of documents. Upon noticing his three visitors, he sprang up, revealing a white buttoned shirt resembling Cedric’s, and a pair of suspenders latched to sleek black pants. Clearly frazzled, he attempted to asphyxiate his slick black hair before it experienced full bloom in the worst way.

“Well, hello there, Ango, been a while! You sure are working hard there, aren’t you?” Al rang out with a boisterous laugh that resembled his charismatic air from earlier.

“Al, huh? Yeah, I’m extremely busy sorting through reports for the Chief, as you can imagine…but what business could you have here? And with a rank-and-file soldier and a student, no less…” The now-calmed Ango looked Galgi and Cedric up and down, as if they were a species he was seeing for the first time in years.

“Ah, well, something rather serious actually. We’d like to see Chief Allen, as a matter of fact.”

“Huh? Hahaha-you’re joking, right? You know how bad last night was for us, so you know exactly how swamped the Chief is right now. Of course, you can always write a report, and I might even give it a bit of priority over some of these others, here, like these pointless ones…” Ango trailed off, sitting back down with a relaxed breath and sifting through a chunk of the papers spread out on his table.

“I’m afraid this is far too urgent to write a report, due exactly to the seriousness of last night’s battles.” Al leaned over the table and laid a hand firmly onto the stack of papers Ango was rummaging through.

“Hmm…I guess it would be something odd. Still, I can’t just send you all right through to the Chief, even if you are one of the top commanders on this side of the mountains. At best, I can get the chamberlain or his aide. This is just the reporting ward of the Security Bureau, after all. We’re a subsidiary to the Chief’s ward, and sure it’s kind of on the way, but we still have to follow protocol and have you checked and escorted. Especially with these two with you.”

“Ah, enough rambling already. Ango, I need you to go get the chamberlain. Quickly.”

“Sure, sure. Just, don’t let them dig through any reports please. No offense, guys…” Ango smiled awkwardly, holding his head as he opened the door to the proceeding chamber. Cedric and Galgi exchanged their own awkward smirks as they watched him leave.

It didn’t take long for Ango to return with another younger man, this one wearing green robes that suited his feathered strawberry-blonde hair.

“Yes, what is it? Commander Al, is it?”

“Correct. But, Ango, I’m certain this is not the chamberlain,” Al retorted with a frustrated look.

“The chamberlain is in a meeting right now. I am his direct subordinate, Shae Cillavier. You may address me with your concerns, for now.”

“Cillavier..?” Cedric accidentally mumbled out loud.

“Yes, what of it, boy? Commander, I must say, the company you bring inside castle walls does not reflect particularly well on your behalf.” The man blinked his blue eyes reproachfully at Al.

“And your attitude toward a Commander doesn’t reflect well on yours,” Al stared back at him, his eyes beginning to look menacing. The mood in the room had turned from awkward to tense, quick.

“Government representatives have no duty to kiss up to military commanders, unfortunately. So, state your business before I return to the inner chambers to continue cleaning up your people’s messes.”

Al’s eyes opened slightly before narrowing once more.

“Ah, yes, gladly.” His tone remained low as he was clearly holding back a significant amount of anger.

“Our business involves last night’s battles. I’ll cut right to the chase- this boy encountered a Red Wolf operant within the walls, and this soldier can verify the likeliness of this operant, and maybe more, sneaking through our defenses.”

Al summarized the night’s events, nodding for Cedric and Galgi to pitch in at certain parts. Shae stood cross armed, frowning with a raised brow through the whole thing, while the dumbfounded Ango pretended to work.

“Well, despite everything wrong with this group’s collaboration, I understand your sense of duty to come here directly,” Shae admitted as he rubbed his temples.

“I can assure you, however, that there is no need for concern. This matter has been taken care of already, hence the comment about cleaning up your people’s messes.”

“And you’re absolutely certain it’s been taken care of?” Al retorted, ignoring Shae’s condescending tone this time.

“Yes, as I said, we’ve handled any intruders. The chamberlain has confirmed this. There is no need for any further query, so please take your leave.”

“I don’t think so, pal. You haven’t told me anything to ease my mind about the possibility of more intruders. I’m not going anywhere until I’ve at least met with the chamberlain.” Al’s voice rang out much firmer than before.

“You have no right to make such demands! Are you aware of your position here? Not only mingling with a student, but sharing security information with each other! If you continue to throw your overestimated weight around here, you might end up finding yourself stripped of your rank!”

“And just who will be stripping me of my rank, eh? Will you?”

“Excuse me, gentlemen…” a deep voice interrupted the two before their aggressive faces managed to reach each other over the table.

From the open doorway, a tall older man with finely molded blonde hair stepped in, placing a hand on Shae’s shaking shoulder.

“Just what is going on here, Shae?”

“Ah, Master Wendell, these men here-”

“I’m Al. Are you the Chamberlain here?” Al cut Shae off, incurring his wrathful glance.

“Yes, I am. Wendell Eraldin, Chamberlain of the Security Bureau.”

“Erald...in?” Cedric spat out unintentionally.

“Huh? Oh, is that…Cedric? What business could you possibly have here? Mel hadn’t mentioned you running around with soldiers…”

“Ah, yes sir, every now and then. He hadn’t mentioned his father being the Chief of Security, either.”

“As it should be. The boy needn’t share such information with commoners,” Wendell scoffed at the surprised boy as he turned back toward Al. “So, I only heard a bit, but I’m guessing you’re reporting an intruder?”

“Yes, that’s correct, Al responded shortly. “I’d like to speak with Chief Allen, or at least gain some peace of mind. Your man here telling us that all is well, and that is it…the Red Wolves are clearly making their move here, and I’d like to know for certain that there is no need to escalate the matter with the Chief.”

“Very well. I will be as transparent as you need me to be, Commander Al,” Wendell said with a firm look. “The facts are that our sentry unit spotted a deceased Red Wolf in the forest last night. Concerned that there may be more, the unit rallied with more troops and initiated a full search of the areas surrounding the battle zones. In the end, the dead man was the only one that we found. Is this sufficient?”

“Whose troops did they commandeer? Me and my men were back and forth between Giro and Hydrick’s position, and neither of them seemed to have any men requisitioned.” Al inquired with the air of someone interrogating a prisoner.

“It was one of Samuel’s independent units. Sarai, I believe his name was.”

Cedric waited to see if Al would question further, but he seemed to be thinking.

“Um…what did the dead man…look like? I saw the intruder myself, so, to make sure there wasn’t any others-”

“He had a torn red sash, a wounded side and arm, and long dark hair.” Wendell responded, almost too quickly.

Cedric and Galgi looked at each other wide-eyed. It was undoubtedly their man.

“Anything else?” the man asked, tapping his finger on his opposite arm while Shae smirked and Ango awkwardly hid his face in his papers.

“Why is this being kept quiet? Don’t the people deserve to know, in case there is a real concern going forward?” Al pushed further, not satisfied.

“Like I said, we have every reason to believe the situation has been handled. Therefore, there is absolutely no reason to cause the public needless worry. In fact, I would ask that the three of you keep this to yourselves. We are in a period of uncertainty as it is, especially concerning our security within, so it is in our best interest to keep the public contentedly ignorant.”

The three frowned at this, Cedric more so than any, recalling the conversation at Quentle’s place the day before. However, none of them spoke up.

“And need I remind, that your little party here is completely unlawful, and would cause trouble for all three of you in different ways. Especially you, Al. And Cedric, I’m sure I needn’t explain the trouble this would cause your father if it were to be dealt with properly. In return for keeping this matter to yourselves, I will turn my head to your little friendship.” Wendell spoke with a mixture of coldness and liveliness, looking them over one by one.

Cedric bit his lip, his eyes downcast. Al glanced his way, before looking back at Wendell with a bitter grimace.

“Fine.” With that, he turned, and led the group toward the hall, stopping briefly to shoot one last glare at Shae. The cocky noble smirked back at him, while Ango hid his face in awkward panic.

___

“Well, either those two are seriously insistent on keeping the people out of the loop, and with good intentions, or something else is going on behind the scenes.” The group had walked silently all the way back to the fountain where the rest of the men awaited them, when Al finally spoke up.

“But just what do you think they’re hiding?” Galgi inquired.

“I don’t know. But I know that I don’t trust those two at all. I don’t know much about the Eraldin family, but the Cillaviers…the old man-Shae’s father seems to have a lot of influence, despite being a long-retired military general. The few times I met him, I sensed a strange vibe about him. He seemed more like an official than a soldier, I guess.”

“Hmm…but, Mel’s father, huh? You really didn’t know anything about him, Cedric?”

“No, I really didn’t. But…I know that the two families are friendly with each other. Mel and Selmy, the daughter- you guys know her, those two are practically engaged…” Cedric trailed off, half-wanting to explain the weird exchanges he’d been noticing between the two. However, he couldn’t talk so freely about a friend like that, even in this situation.

“Gah, this whole thing stinks,” Al sighed, standing to his feet. “If either of you find anything else out, come straight to the barracks and ask for me or my Lieutenant, Jack. If you can’t get either of us, look for General Hydrick. Ah- speaking of! Well then, fellas!” Al strode away as energetic as he had been earlier, having spotted someone wandering around the greenhouses a distance away. When he caught up and greeted the man loudly before proceeding toward the exit, Cedric caught a brief glimpse of the man’s flowing blonde hair.

“Well, Cedric, you better get going or you’ll be late for lessons,” Galgi reminded him, standing back up himself.

“Ah, right…”

“Don’t worry too much about it for now, okay? Al’s a reliable guy, so he’ll do whatever he can do. Just go about things like normal, if you can.”

“Yeah…good luck tonight, guys.”

As Galgi and his men departed, Cedric pondered his words.

If you can, huh…

That’s the thing…

How can I…

He needed some sort of answer. For now, though, he didn’t want to see Mel. Therefore, he searched the courtyard, but to no avail. And then the school infirmary, where there was still no sign of her. Only Tess was there, sleeping comfortably.

Having opened the door quietly enough to prevent her from stirring, Cedric decided not to enter. Instead, he made his way to Valblin’s dojo, noticeably late.

“Ohho? Just waltzing in whenever you like, is it? This Heir business getting to your head? Ohohoho, putting the cart before the horse there, aren’t we?” Valblin chuckled, completely sarcastic.

“Not at all, Master. I was just looking for someone, and lost track of time. I apologize,” Cedric replied seriously, head bowed.

Valblin shrugged him off, and promptly began the lesson. As Cedric fought avidly yet helplessly against the overpowering old man, he forgot about everything that was going on around him. His stress seemed to dissipate, as he found himself oddly at home in the dull, dusty old room.

Thus, his energy level and focus remained consistent, and he was therefore much more proficient with his attacks and defense than ever. Not overextending or going for anything desperate, Cedric maintained his aggressive style, and felt his strength and precision begin to come together anew. Exuding an aura of confidence, he stayed the course, and managed a few very even exchanges with the old man.

“Well, what a sight, it’s like you’re growing before my very eyes! Splendid form and consistency today, young Cedric!”

As a reward, Valblin only dumped a small portion of his big water basin over Cedric’s collapsed body. Though, as exhausted as he was from the genuinely good workout, he would have welcomed even the whole basin.

“But you know, you shouldn’t try to grow too fast. Everyone and everything follows a natural process that shouldn’t be underestimated. Allow yourself to grow properly, or you might find yourself wilting before you ever get the chance to bloom.” Valblin said this, his back turned and face half showing as he reached for the door handle.

Don’t reach out too far, huh…

He sounds like father…

“Master… do you know anything about…everything going on with the war?” Cedric stopped him, breathing heavily through his words.

“Hoh, I wonder. An old geezer like me wouldn’t know much. I have more than I can handle at this schooling center here. For example, did you know my wooden swords have decreased in number lately? Hohoh, I surely wonder where they could have gone! A gnome of some sort?”

“…guh.…”

“Ohoho, well, it might suit the gnome better to find a real sword next time. Goodness knows, it’s a dangerous world out there for little gnomes.” The old man chuckled his way into the hallway, letting the door close behind him.

Cedric dropped his head against the wall, letting the old man’s words sink in.

……

After drying off- a courtesy to Quentle, he found himself back in the apothecary ward.

“Ah, Cedric, good afternoon…err…evening?” Tess yawned, rising from her uncomfortable looking chair while Cedric took a seat on the patient’s cot.

“Tess…where’s Selmy been at today?”

“Hmm, some greeting there, punk. Selmy took the day off today. I ended up taking it easy today, myself, hehe. I blame her.” She yawned again, stretching her long limbs carelessly, before straightening her white coat over a short black skirt that accentuated her slender figure.

“Ah, it’s just…don’t you think she’s been acting a little off lately?”

“Hmm, that girl is always off, if you haven’t noticed. But…yeah, she is being a little bit more cagy than usual, no doubt.”

“Mel is the same way. I was hoping I could ask her about it, but I guess I can’t waltz into High Town, huh...” Cedric sighed, plopping down onto the cot.

“Well, if you’re really worried, can’t you just check with them tonight?” She asked casually while brewing a pot of tea.

“Yeah, I suppose…I should.”

“Well, obviously. You’ve known each other for years, what’s changed that you can’t all be open with each other anymore? Oh, and don’t say the whole Heir crap either.”

“…If you know, then why ask?”

“Because it’s not a reason. At all.” Tess blinked at him with a tensed face, her firm words chastising him like a big sister’s.

“Uh…yeah, I guess…you’re right. You haven’t, by chance, gone through anything similar, have-”

“Oy Cedric, you hurt?” Quentle shouted into the room after winging the door open recklessly. Cedric and Tess both threw their glances over at the sudden noise, eying Quentle dubiously.

“Nope, I’m fine. You hurt, loudmouth?”

“How rude, Wardric…and after I came to carry you home to return yesterday’s favor!”

Despite the general annoyance he brought, seeing Quentle acting as usual lightened Cedric’s mood instantly.

“I somehow doubt there’s any truth to that, but I’ll absolutely pass. I’ll let you hold my lunch carrier on the way to your place though. I didn’t have time to bring it back home today. I had something I wanted to ask Elem, anyway.” Cedric answered, lifting his head up to make sure Quentle had come alone.

“Sounds fun! Rich boy went home already, grouchy as ever. Mm, the tea smells delicious, Tess! You ever think of quitting the apothecary ward and joining my future Sword Heir naval crew as the official tea brewer?”

“If the price was right…. or so I’d say, but if you’re the one in charge, I’m pretty sure the ship would sink before I ever touched a tea-kettle, let alone getting my first pay.”

“Couldn’t she do both? Why limit her to tea?” Cedric asked facetiously.

“Oy, just who are you trying to dump all these responsibilities onto? You be the apothecary, punk.”

“No thanks. I’ll gladly be the ship cook, though.”

“Ooh sounds good, and Selmy can gather plants from various islands for medicine and such, and make sure we don’t get poisoned and die! And, and, Mel, he can be…uhh… the head crewman!” Quentle rang off ideas so enthusiastically it seemed like he was going to pop.

“Ahaha, I’m sure he’d just love that,” Tess chuckled as the three laughed together.

“Ah, and we can even have your friends, Galgi and Ralin join the crew, reliable soldiers are a must!”

“Ah, I forgot you guys know those two!” Tess remarked with a genuine look of interest.

“I forgot Quentle knew them too, honestly,” Cedric added.

“Wow, how long ago was it when we all got together on the beach?” Tess pondered. “Hmm, it was during the monthlong ceasefire the Wolverines suddenly initiated, which would have been two years ago, about. Come to think of it, that was when I first realized you three knew Selmy, and that Cedric knew Gal and Ral.”

“Yeah that was pretty funny, huh.” Cedric chuckled, reminiscing. “I think my favorite part was shooting Quentle into the ocean from an actual catapult.”

“That was my favorite part, too! Well, that and Selmy in her swimwear, of course!”

“Ah, that must have been when Mel turned all serious and grouchy, having a perverted little guy like you ogling his precious gem in a more vulnerable state than he’d probably ever seen. Though, I seem to remember even him having a good time, that day,” Tess recounted, taking a sip of her steaming tea.

“Yeah, he was a lot easier to understand back then,” Cedric mumbled.

“Well, everything’s simpler when you’re young, isn’t it? I was an adult back then too, but even for me those feel like simpler days.”

“True, things were less tense within the walls at the time, after all…” Cedric mumbled again as he began to space out, drawing Tess’ curious glance.

“Hey! We should all party on the beach together again, after we’ve won the war! Sounds good, doesn’t it?” Quentle threw in excitedly, in contrast to the mood.

“Heh, sounds like fun, we’ll get even more people out next time,” Tess agreed with her charming grin. Cedric gave a short chuckle, hopping up to his feet.

“Alright then, Sir Clumsy-perv, let’s get going.”

Quentle turned around, objecting Cedric’s nickname for him, while Tess motioned for Cedric to wait, pulling something from within her coat.

“Here, this is some of the best stuff I’ve been working on lately. Just in case your games get a little too real.” Tess smirked modestly, placing four vials of different colored liquid into Cedric’s open hand.

“Ah- Thanks, Tess. For this, and for listening,” Cedric replied clearly, giving a weak smile of his own. Tess pushed him to the door in response, showing her trademark grin.

After shutting the door on them, she set her tea down with a sigh.

“The two lovebirds aren’t the only ones acting strangely, ya know...it’s just like Al and Hyd, honestly…”

On the way to Quentle’s home, Cedric confided in him, revealing the events of the last night and day, emphasizing the connection between the Cillavier and Eraldin families, to which Quentle showed the most interest.

Quentle just stared at the cobblestone road in silence as they walked, either deep in thought or too shocked to speak properly.

“I didn’t want to involve Tess, but, I felt like you should absolutely know,” Cedric tacked on, before going silent himself.

After some time, Quentle looked up.

“I’ve decided, Cedric. I don’t know what kind of things their families are planning, but you and me should definitely save those two from whatever trouble they’re in. Even if the families are some sort of traitors, I know those two aren’t. They’re just getting caught up in all the games being played due to everyone’s fear and insecurity about the war. I’m sick of everyone acting anxious, and uncertain of the future, so… I’ll fight however I can to ensure that future. “

Seeing the firm resolve in Quentle’s eyes, Cedric nodded seriously in return, the memories of that day on the beach running fondly through his mind.

“But, honestly, I can’t believe you fought off an elite soldier like that! I should have gone with you last night, then we would’ve brought his head right to Mel’s old man!” He added with a change of tone, the two nearing his place. The two of them laughed at the thought as they opened the curtained door to the tent.

“Hoy, Cedric! An’ Quentle, yer’ right an’ prop’r t’day!” Dagan’s boisterous voice greeted the boys once they made it to the shack of a home in the back alleys.

“Hey there, Dagan! Good evening, guys!” Cedric politely greeted the four with a friendly wave.

“What brings you here today Cedric? Looks like our boy isn’t incapacitated this time,” Elem asked with a grin, taking a break from the group’s usual knife throwing game.

“Well, to cut to the chase, I actually wanted to ask you about something, Elem,” Cedric replied seriously.

“Oh, me? And what’s that?”

Cedric looked around, ensuring there were no visitors this time.

“About…everything going on with the bandits, and the battles putting a strain on our inner security. Honestly, I think there might be a connection.”

“Oh??” Elem perked up even further, genuinely intrigued.

“Have you heard of the Red Wolves, Elem?” Cedric asked in a low voice. Elem’s brow raised, his jaw sinking downward. A telling reaction.

“Eh..yeah, but…what about them?”

“Do you know what their true motive in the war is?” Cedric pressed on with a straight face, not even blinking.

“Hmm…this is pretty high level stuff, Cedric,” Elem responded, rubbing his chin. “But if you’re seriously interested…what seems to be the consensus between some of my more well-informed clients, is that the Red Wolves were started by a group of men that originated from the Black Shlanks, which one can assume means-”

“That they were a part of the Red Exodus…” Cedric finished his sentence, eyes wide in surprise.

“Yes, which would make them former Shlanks, who not only betrayed their homeland, but betrayed their group of defects on Shraunts Island, the Black Shlanks. As such, these men would have the blood and Wills of the Shlanks who so hate us.”

“But, if they were a part of the defects, they shouldn’t hold the sentiment of hating us as strongly as the rest, right?” Quentle asked, while Cedric was beginning to realize where Elem was going with this.

“They might not, but they still hold that Group Will deep within them. And what do you think could be a desire that even former Shlanks, without a strong Group Will, could hold even now?”

“The Red Sword,” Cedric muttered, his fears confirmed.

“That is correct. At least, that’s what some think, but all who have talked about this have said not to repeat it, as any talk about it is considered Heir propaganda.”

“They don’t want anybody fighting about what to do with the sword, because it might mean using one of us, right?” Quentle inquired, seeming to catch on. Elem merely nodded in response.

“With regards to that,” Cedric spoke up again, “have you heard about anybody indulging in that kind of propaganda talk?”

Elem hesitated, before speaking quietly. “Are you sure you want to get that far into it? Shouldn’t you just enjoy being students for a little longer?”

“Please, continue,” Cedric and Quentle both responded firmly.

“…well, alright,” Elem sighed before continuing. “One person has told me this: that there is a small circle of influential people, who hold the belief that if we were to give the Red Sword to the Wolverines, specifically the Red Wolves, they would pull away from our beaches, and cease this war.”

Cedric’s heart sank, realizing the possibilities this brought forth.

“But is that really it?” Quentle asked, visibly frustrated. “Do people think that they would happily go home and call off a fifteen-year-long campaign just because they got a powerful weapon?”

“Exactly why the secret circle’s sentiment is treated as propaganda,” Elem replied. “No such claims have been officially made by Wolverine leadership, and since we don’t know what they could possibly plan to use the sword for, the idea of using it as a negotiating tool is extremely dangerous. And as you said, using one of the Heir candidates in such a manner would not go over well with people like Headmaster Valblin.”

“This secret circle…you haven’t heard any names, have you?” Cedric asked almost desperately.

“Just one, though it’s nothing more than a rumor, I hear. He’s an ex-military man, and his name was Melvin…uhh..what was it, Cira…Civa-

“Cillavier…” Cedric finished for him, his face sinking.

“Ah, that was it. Like I said, this is second or third hand information, but the man who mentioned his name to me is a noble who lives in the same village as Cillavier, and apparently attended a party at his house and overheard some people discussing ‘the General’s plan to expand the circle’.”

“General, huh...” Cedric remarked, remembering Al’s words about the man.

“Yeah, I think I’ve heard of Selmy’s father being a former general…” Quentle followed up with a dejected look.

“Selmy’s father? That’s right, her name was Cillavier! Is that what this is about, Quentle?” Elem inquired hurriedly.

“Ah, yeah, kind of…we just heard some things, and were worried about some friends, is all…” Quentle replied, unable to even force a smile.

“Geh!” Dagan coughed in disgust, having sat quietly through the whole conversation so far.

“Get’n worried ‘bout friends is one mat’r, but ‘ont you dare stop bein’ the lov’ble fool ‘at I raised, an’ get all serious just fer a damn cute lass!”

“Oh, don’t worry, Master! Like I just told Cedric yesterday, I’ll be this way all my life! After all, I’ve always felt something within me nagging at me to live a life happy enough for two of me!” Quentle heartily replied, bringing the mood back to his pace with his excited nonsense.

After the group went back to what they were doing, the two boys sat at a table, facing each other with somber expressions.

“You know what really bothered me about him, today?” Cedric asked. “The way he threw all the guys into the game. It was like…”

“Like he’s expecting something to happen,” Quentle finished.

“Yeah…you think he’s planning to do something tonight?”

“I dunno… but neither of us have ever been in the forest before, which kind of concerns me. You think we should get to the ruins early tonight to scope things out?” Quentle whispered, to which Cedric nodded silently.

“Oy, Master, Cedric will be staying for dinner, so throw an extra treasure treader on the fire!”

“Hal’right, you got it!”

“Uh, treasure treader?” Cedric mumbled confusedly.

“Haha, just wait. We get these guys right from the Volcano of Disasters. It’s called Shoram’s diet, because it’s apparently all the volcano-dwelling cyclops ever eats!”

Cedric awaited with a certain fear of what he’d be eating. However, once he was served and had a taste of the small roasted critter, he understood. The taste was overwhelmingly rich, so much that more than a few bites was difficult to partake in. However, he gladly dug in, clearing his plate with ease while Dagan clapped him on the back.

He hadn’t planned on returning home for the night anyway, as his father would have surely heard about his being inside the castle. Therefore, the free meal in a cozy home was a great turn of events for him, and made him realize he was slightly envious of Quentle’s upbringing and home life. He thought warmly about this as he slowly nodded off at the table.