Chapter 1.11:

We left the Wooded Inn early the next day. Paul lent me a coat to wear while we made our way through the Jagged Pass. It was the only route that directly connected North Haven to the Roost but it passed through the mountain ranges. It was said that the frigid air could freeze a man’s arm off.

I could barely contain my excitement at seeing so many new things.

Around midway, Abram told me that to the left, hidden behind the tall peaks, was the Pearl Sea. I had never seen a huge body of water before but I made sure to add it to the things I would explore in the future.

Maybe I could go with my mother and father someday.

The thought of a family outing gave me a warm feeling in my chest that seemed to defy the cold winds.

However, my happy thoughts were interrupted by a loud howl in the distance.

“What was that?!” I clutched Paul’s arm tightly.

“Ah, pay it no mind Adi. Just frost wolves calling to their own.” Abram reassured me.

I looked at their relaxed demeanor and slowly started lowering my guard. “So this happens a lot in the Jagged Pass?”

“Yeah, it’s a fairly common occurrence. But frost wolves don’t hunt in the day, and aside from them, there aren’t really any wild animals or dangerous monsters that could survive this climate.” Paul said matter-of-factly.

“Hmm… But then what do they eat?” I asked.

“Well… I think there are some elk and snow rabbits around here, so mostly those I suppose. Right, pa?”

Abram seemed to shift uncomfortably at the sudden question.

“Right… Right… of course, son.” Abram said unconvincingly.

Seeing my worried look, Abram smiled and changed his tune.

“No need to worry Adi. During the day, both North Haven and the Roost send out their own mountaineers to patrol their half of the Pass. They’re trained to fight off whatever dangers are lurking around here.” Abram said confidently.

“Ah, in fact, we’re nearing the boundary where they both keep a small outpost.” Abram pointed ahead.

I looked over and saw two small towers about five meters in height that were facing each other, and flew two different banners. The one we were approaching from the rear flew the banner of North Haven, a steel helmet with two swords crossed underneath in a blood red background. The tower beside it flew a banner that had two birds in flight carrying a sword in their beak across a deep blue setting.

My eyes widened in excitement and Abram chuckled at my response.

“I thought that would get your attention. That’s the banner of the Roost and the Valera Family.” Abram explained.

I looked down the hilt of my knife and held it near my heart.

As our caravan approached the outpost, we saw two armed guards departing and headed in our direction.

They halted us and asked to see identification.

Abram presented a silver insignia and some documentation. The two guards looked it over and handed it back.

They gave us a brief salute and proceeded to head towards the direction of North Haven.

“Lovely gentlemen.” Abram said to himself.

“True. Much nicer than the ones yesterday who spat in our direction.” Paul said sadly.

“I don’t understand… why would they do that?” I asked.

“Prejudice is a scary thing, Adi. The Helm Family has had a bitter rivalry with the Valera Family for centuries. When they imposed the trade ban, a lot of nasty propaganda was circulated in North Haven for years. ‘Never trust a thing produced in the Roost’, I believe was the punchline there.” Abram said while shaking his head.

“That’s… that’s horrible!” I said indignantly. “You guys are great! You’re nicer than anyone I’ve ever met in that city by a league!”

Paul looked at me and started chuckling. “No need to get worked up. We appreciate the sentiment. But we also try not to let it get to us. The people aren’t the problem, really… It’s the lies they’ve been told.”

Abram nodded, “Very true. That’s also why we have to be on our best behavior. We can help change a lot of the negative perception of the Collective through every interaction we have with the people of North Haven.”

Their words gave me a lot to think about.

“But you said the innkeeper was a friend? And… the old owner of the house you bought seemed to be nice enough to you.” I asked.

“That’s because they’re people who used to live in the Roost.” Abram explained. “Old Macalaugh was an old drinking buddy of mine and his own assignment was to relocate to North Haven a few decades ago and try to establish roots. Of course, he didn’t say he was from the Roost when he got there.” Abram winked. “The previous owner of the house though is the son of a merchant that was loyal to the Valera family. Even if he never saw the Roost, he grew up hearing the stories and was insulated from the prejudice that seeped to the masses.”

As Abram was explaining we passed the second tower and saw two guards preparing to set out in the distance. Abram suddenly brought the caravan to a stop.

“Adi, until we get to the Roost… Until we get to the Valera Manor, I must ask that you stay hidden.” Abram said in a whisper.

“Why?” I asked.

“Please just trust me. It’s for your father’s benefit that other people from the Roost don’t see you before he’s gotten a chance to see you himself. Promise me.” Abram insisted.

I didn’t know what to make of it but I trusted Abram. I nodded and hid under one of the blankets but positioned myself near the front soI could still peek through the corner and through the slats at the bottom.

The caravan then headed towards the direction of the guards.

“Well, I’ll be.” Abram suddenly remarked. “If it isn’t little Malcolm, all grown up!”

One of the guards turned towards us and a smile broke his stern demeanor.

“Uncle Abram!” The guard said while running towards us.

Abram dismounted and met the guard. They clasped their arms and hugged.

“I thought I wouldn’t see you for a while!” Malcolm remarked.

“Aye. Some matters I forgot to wrap up in the Roost before settling in.” Abram explained.

“Understandable. So you’re headed there now? That’s perfect! We were just about to begin our return patrol. You can go with us.” Malcolm exclaimed. He then waved to Paul and Paul waved back.

We then started crossing the other half of the Jagged Pass with the two guards flanking our caravan. The whole time Abram, Paul, and Malcolm would exchange stories and jokes.

I listened intently and only felt more longing to know this place that they all seem to fondly call their home.

The last leg of the journey took a few more hours, but then the caravan started slowing down. Through the slats I could see a huge stone gate at the bottom of the small slope before us, and flying across the wall was the Valera banner.

Malcolm then loudly proclaimed, “And there she is folks, The Roost.”

Chapter 1.12:

As we entered the settlement, everyone recognized Abram and Paul. There were greetings and well wishes all around. It made me really excited to become a part of a community that seemed like a big family.

Eventually, Malcolm and the other guard went on their own way and we proceeded to head towards our destination.

The quaint houses and merchant stall started thinning out until all I could see were well trimmed hedges and iron fences.

We arrived at a large gate that bore the Valera crest on its front. Abram dismounted to push it open and we started to head along the small road within. Eventually, I saw a giant manor.

Instead of heading directly towards the front door, however, Abram steered the caravan to the side and then towards the back of the house. I saw some small lodgings and some servants flitting in and out performing various tasks.

We stopped in front of an ornate door where one of the maids greeted us.

“Welcome sir Abram, to what do we owe the pleasure?” The maid said with a curtsy and a low bow.

“Aye Lily, nice to see you again. I was hoping you could assist me in a matter that requires… absolute discretion.” Abram replied. “Could you request a private audience with Lord Chase in one of the secluded rooms, please. Tell him that it is absolutely vital that Lady Vela and the young mistress not catch word of this.”

Lily raised one of her eyebrows and glanced toward the caravan. I know it was unlikely she knew I was there but somehow I felt like she was staring directly at me through the small slats. I felt a small shock go down my spine.

“As you wish.” Lily responded before quickly turning around and heading inside.

“Paul, can I come out now? We’re at the manor right?” I whispered.

Paul tapped my head that was still hidden beneath the pile of blankets. “Not yet, Adi. Not yet.”

I held my place. Everything in me wanted to jump out of the covers, run inside, and hug my parents. But I gave Abram my word so I tried to contain my agitation.

After a few minutes, the maid returned and whispered something to Abram. She then quickly went back inside.

Abram turned to us. “Alright lads. Let’s go inside. Try not to make a lot of noise as we go in.”

“Abram, what’s really going on?” I pressed.

“Uh… it would just be rude to enter someone’s house and make a ruckus. Nobility takes manners of etiquette very seriously, even among family members.” Abram explained.

It didn’t really explain all the secrecy but I gave him a nod and followed them into the manor.

Everything inside gleaned from a good polish. From the upholsteries to the staircases, from the walls to the marble floors, everything seemed to glisten as the sunlight streamed in from the gigantic windows on the stair landing.

I was held in awe and tried to take everything in. My eyes eventually landed on a huge portrait and I stopped walking. A man, who I assume was Lord Chase, a noble lady, and a small girl wearing a blue dress sitting in front of them.

Is that my family?

I didn’t realize I was frozen until I felt Paul pulling my hand to lead me away. We went into a small room at the side of the staircase that looked similar to the matron’s study in the orphanage.

There were bookshelves all around the room, a small desk and some couches around it.

Abram led us to the couches but told us to remain standing as we waited for Lord Chase.

Shortly after, Lily the maid entered carrying a tray of what looked like tea and some bread rolls. The smell was fragrant and sweet and made me realize I was quite hungry.

She placed the tray on the small desk, gave a small bow, and exited the room.

I couldn’t take my eyes off the bread rolls. Paul tapped my shoulder and pointed to the corner of his mouth. “Drool.”

I realized what he meant, and wiped away the drool from my mouth. I looked down in embarrassment. That’s when I noticed that Abram’s legs were fidgeting. I looked up at him and I could see that he was visibly bothered. His eyes kept darting towards the door and his breathing was measured.

Suddenly, the door to our left swung open and the man from the portrait entered. He had a kind face with droopy eyes and a small curly mustache. He was wearing a decorated coat made of fine linen. He wasn’t burly like Abram. Rather he seemed very lithe but he carried himself with confidence.

He then gestured for us to sit down while taking his own seat on the biggest couch.

Abram and Paul proceeded to sit and I followed suit. Abram then started pouring the tea in front of us and handed a cup to Lord Chase and then one to each of us. Abram offered him the plate of bread first to which he declined. He then set it infront of Paul and I. Paul took a bread roll and gave one to me.

Very acutely aware of Lord Chase’s gaze on me, my hunger dissipated and I felt really small. I couldn’t bring myself to meet his gaze or to put the bread in my mouth. Instead I just held on to it while looking at the ground.

“Alright, Abram, enough of the pleasantries. Tell me what matter requires absolute discretion.” Lord Chase commanded.

Abram hesitated for a second. He then set down his own cup and cleared his throat. “Lord Chase. We happened to run across someone in North Haven that I believe would be of particular interest to you.”

“Oh?” Lord Chase mused. “I take it you mean this fine young man who arrived with you?” He kept his gaze on me and continued to sip his tea. “And who might you be?”

Abram looked at me and nodded. I stood up and prepared to introduce myself. I mustered all my courage and closed my eyes. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Chase. My name is Adi. I believe… I believe I am your son.”

I heard a strange sound, like the steady drip of a half-open faucet.

I slowly opened my eyes and saw Lord Chase, mouth agape, with tea streaming down his shirt.