Come on Sonorus, two days of travel down, an unknown amount of more to go. I stared at the rolling hills in apprehension, the fear of encountering those criminals growing in intensity. It was enough to make you vomit. The eagle that was escorting me was long gone and with my only support of backup soaring back through the clouds, I feared for my life. I’m not a man of muscle or brawn nor am I of wits or brain. I had nothing going for me in this situation besides the absent feeling of luck and hope. If the gods are staring down at me, I hope they show me mercy.

Rock, the stallion, stirred below me as the rustling of wind picked up over the plains. The crisp morning air gave chills to my skin as I clicked the reins, urging the horse forward. As our pace picked up, I couldn’t help but stare at the beautiful fields that stood golden in the summer heat. Their stalks brushed against my heels as Rock struggled to pick his way through the long stems. It was stunning compared to the cobbled streets of Eowawin. So full of color.

Rock let out a startled nicker as his body heaved upwards, nearly throwing me off of his back. I quickly reached forward, wrapping the reins around my wrist in an attempt to keep myself on the saddle.

“Rock! Chill! CHILL!” The horse dropped back to the ground before backing up in a nervous manner. I followed the direction of his head as my eyes landed on a shape. My tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth as my eyes first landed on the blood. What the hell happened here..?

A dried pool of blood stood before me as the glossy eyes stared up at me with no hint of life. Bile rose to the back of my throat as I quickly looked away, the need to pour my insides onto the ground doubling. My leg quickly swung off the horse as I dismounted. My arm wrapped around my stomach as I bent down into the grass, retching.

I stood back up after a few minutes, turning to stare at the scene once more. The two corpses laid motionless in the rising sun. One lay a few hundred yards back while another surpassed its companion and had collapsed right below a hill. Their stench radiated in the morning heat, filling the air with the scent of decay and death. Flies buzzed around the bisons’ hide, laying their eggs in the rotting flesh. The russet fur clung to the bloated bellies as my eyes flowed to the sources of their deaths.

One bison was young, with large and round eyes. I stared at its side where it seemed some-sort of animal claws had peeled back the hide, exposing the muscle and tendons beneath. I stared for a second longer than I wanted too, the feeling of disgust and horror stirring in my chest.

The larger corpse didn’t show injury at first glance until I traveled to where its stomach was in view. Two lines had pierced into the soft underside of the Giga bison before tearing farther down its abdomen. Blood soaked the fur along the main cut of the wound before slowly pooling below the bison’s mass. The dark liquid flaked in the soft soil as the sun continued to dry the thick puddle. Rock let out a soft whinny, backing up a few more paces before I had to grab his reins.

“Relax. This has to be at least a day old, so whatever did this is long gone.” I murmured, more to console myself rather than the horse. I gazed at the puddle for a second time, noticing the smears of blood on the grass stalks leading to the corpses. The trail led northeast, towards a village that was known to be a minor producer of crops for the kingdom. I looked to Rock before looking back at the trail.

“Thinking what I’m thinking?” I muttered. Rock snorted before leaning his head down to nibble at some grass. I furrowed my eyebrows.

“Weren’t you just scared like two seconds ago?” I got no reply which earned a sigh from me. “And here I am, talking to a bipolar horse with two dead bison beside me. If I’m insane, I’d hate to see the faces behind those criminals.”

I slowly inched forward, picking my way around the bison as I dragged my stubborn steed behind me. The soft crunch of grass filled the air as I followed the blood trail. There was no sign of the other bison as the trail came to a dead-end, revealing a clearing of trampled grass. I stared at the large ring with an arched brow, trying to decipher what happened.

“A skirmish?” I whispered to myself, seeing a pool of blood in the middle of the clearing. My eyes swiveled back to the blood trail as I linked the two. Whatever killed the bison must’ve ticked off the herd to get such a battle. And whatever killed the bison must be strong to cause such damage. I looked to the horizon where the tip of a silhouette poked over the rolling hills.

“Rock, I think we found our village.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Roker?” I stared at the older man as we strolled through the bustling crowd of Eowawin. His armor glinted in the sunlight as his eyes stared at a child who was squatting at the edge of the street, picking at a dead rat carcass in hopes of scavenging some meat off of the tiny bones.

“Keep...keep walking, Sonorus.” My eyes switched to those of confusion as Roker turned to move forward. I reached my hand out to catch his arm which only gave me a stare of melancholy.

“But, Roker, what if the kid needs help? I mean, look at him! He’s practically starving!” I gestured towards the kid’s sunken cheeks and eye sockets. Thin and bony fingers wrapped around a tiny stick while a malnourished body shook in the cold breeze of the evening.

Roker gave me a sad look. I knew the man and I knew that look. He knew the kid needed help. He wanted to help that kid, but something was holding him back. His body rotated so he was facing me. Strong but gentle hands landed on my shoulders as I looked at those stormy-gray irises.

“Kid, I know. I would love to help the kid, but this is something that the King has requested be left with him.”

“What does that even mean?! I mean, in no disrespect to the King, but why does he want to deal with the poor?” My head tilted as Roker looked away, shrugging his shoulders. His gaze was far-off as if he were remembering something.

“Balor, I don’t have the answers to everything. Especially when it comes to the King.” His gaze shifted to the ground. “I’ve known the man for years, but it only seems that his motives have become more and more secretive as of late. And I am not a Royal advisor, so I can’t question any of it. You know if I could, I would. For now, Sonorus, we are going to have to leave the child and hope for the best.”

I gazed at the child once more as we set off down the cobbled streets. It didn’t feel right. None of it did. But what could we have done but trust the King?

I stared at the multiple carts with interest as I brought Rock to a halt. The streets were filled with people covered in dirt and rags. The hushed chatter of the crowd provided a contrast to the previous insect-filled ambiance of the grasslands. My eyes followed children who would run in between the legs of others, pickpocketing and shouting to provide money for their younger siblings and friends. Why hasn’t the King done anything yet?

The memory of Roker’s guilt-ridden face embedded itself into my mind as the poverty-stricken people walked past my horse in slow motions. They paid no mind to our presence but instead, focused on their livelihoods and where their next meal will be. I felt a slight pang in my chest as I gazed at their dirt-covered faces. What exactly is the King going to do about all of this? Why focus on criminals when your own people are suffering? I clicked the reins as the questions buzzed through my brain.

I’ve always trusted the King. He kept our walls safe, pulled criminals off the street, and fought off any threat to our Kingdom. Who wouldn’t trust a man who has kept you sheltered and safe within comforting walls? My eyes wandered to a bounty-hunter sign that was posted onto a corkboard. I took in a sharp breath as I noticed who the target for the bounty-hunter was: the King. My loyalty took over as I reached forward, ripping the sign off the corkboard.

I crumpled the parchment in my fist before tossing it to a free-roaming goat who began to nibble at the edges. My eyes flowed back to the news bulletin, noticing the multiple criminal flyers. One was missing; however, and it was easy to pick out which it was. A tack remained with a tiny piece of paper still clipped to the cork.

“Looks like someone didn’t like their name flying around,” I mumbled to myself. The questions that burned behind my eyes disappeared as I remembered my task. The criminals had been here, that was for sure, but whether they were still here was still up in the air. A round of goosebumps graced their presence over my arms as I looked around. The thought of coming across the thief and ‘asset’, and having to somehow earn their trust or be killed trying nagged at my brain.

The longer the days lasted and the closer I got only seemed to scare me more. I thought back to the last hug I gave Roker before I set off. Why exactly was I chosen? I know I am scrawny and unfit for battle, but why send my easily-scared-self off on an adventure where I know I will be killed without mercy? And the idea of killing my own comrades and guards was atrocious. The strong line of loyalty that linked me to the King was being torn in half as this moral dilemma continued to pump these repetitive thoughts through my conscience.

Rock shifted with impatience as my eyes continued to linger on the board. His soft whinny brought me back to reality as the noon sunburned its heat into the cobbled streets below. I’ve got to stay on task. I removed my eyes from the board as I urged Rock onwards.

After a few minutes of traveling, the grunting of an angered merchant rose over the crowds. My head swiveled to the source of the noise. A disheveled looking man in his late forties was sorting through boxes that littered the foot of his cart. The low rumble of his mumblings caught my attention as I edged my horse forward. The metallic clattering of blades rolled over the noise of the crowd as the words of the merchant finally reached my ears.

“Good for nothing thief. One of my finest blades, gone.” I narrowed my eyes as the word ‘thief’ registered in my mind. I quickly dismounted, the rustling of the riding tack shocking the merchant. His head shot up before he hit the low-hanging ledge of the cart’s stand.

His irritated eyes met my armor before the realization settled over his face. He quickly coughed into his fist as the irritation left his eyes like cockroaches to light. I watched as his composure relaxed and his hands lowered themselves to the counter.

“Good day, sir. How may I help you?” The man flashed a small, but nervous, smile as I arched a brow.

“Uh, yeah. I couldn’t help but overhear your little rantings there. Did you say a thief?” The merchant paused as he looked to the boxes. He nodded slowly before speaking up once more.

“Yes, sir, I did, but why would such a matter like that concern someone like you?” I blinked. Is this man not aware?

“I’m not sure if you are aware, but a thief from a village southwest of here happened to steal something of great importance-” I paused, picking my words carefully. “-from one of the royal members and is now a WANTED criminal. Have you seen the flyers?” The man shook his head, looking mildly bored.

“I’m a traveling merchant. I see posters all the time, the last one the same as the new one. Matters that involve the Royal Command don’t concern me, so I rarely pay attention to the new arrivals.” I furrowed my brows before letting out a sigh. The man continued before I could step in.

“I doubt the thief I encountered was the one you’re looking for.” I held up a hand in confusion.

“How can you be sure?” The man locked eyes with me as he huffed.

“I’ve seen my fair share of thieves, boy. I can tell which ones have the guts to do something as ballsy as steal from the high rankers. Tiny pickpockets’ don’t have the mindset to do something of that sort.” I stalled, remembering a detail of the thief. The merchant turned to sort through his supplies once more before I placed my hands on the cart’s counter in a rushed manner.

“Tiny?” I questioned. “Sir, could you at least give a description? Maybe you’re wrong.”

The look of pure agitation that the man returned to my question caused me to freeze before he sighed. A tiny breath left my lips as he put down a dagger sheathe.

“Fine. But I want no part in this little man-hunt, you got me?”

“I promise, you will not be mentioned at all. Just please describe your thief.” I looked at him eagerly as he became silent with thought. He stared at the counter before looking back up at me.

“Well, one thing I can tell you is that the thief was a female. Her voice gave it away.” The man looked down at the boxes in annoyance. “Knew a great deal about blades too. I couldn’t slip her a rusted metal without her finding a fault in it.”

I snapped my fingers, regaining his attention.

“Uh, the knives aren’t my greatest concern right now, sir. Back to the physical description?”

“Right. If you are looking for facial features; I’m sorry, but I can’t help you there. She wore a dark cloak with the hood up to conceal her face. It’s a new tactic I’ve seen from pickpocketers, but nothing I wouldn’t expect.” The man yawned as my eye twitched in irritation.

“Sir, I hope you are aware that this person might not just be a street crook. As for her items, did you notice anything odd? Anything related to magic?” I jumped as the man bent back to let out a hearty laugh. The warm boom echoed across the street where other merchants lifted their heads to the odd joyous noise.

“Magic?! In these parts?” He crossed his arms as he stared me down. “What is the Royal Army teaching recruits these days? Look, kid, I know you have heard about magic, but it isn’t as common as the Kingdom has you to believe. If anything, the magic you see in Eowawin is the only place you will see it. In our Kingdom, anyway. Any strays you see are quickly rounded up by your superiors. They ever tell you that?” I looked at him in confusion. The man only shook his head.

“Your superiors aren’t as morally-inclined as you think they are. Any hint of an aiteho that hasn’t been discovered is quickly sought out and anyone who possesses them is quickly-how do you put this?-silenced.” He turned his head as if remembering something. “Wasn’t always like that.”

“Sir-” He cut me off, leaning forward as if telling a secret.

“Kid, your King hasn’t always been the intimidating persona you see him as.” I looked at him, my heart pounding as the seasoned man leaned back up.

“Not everyone has the same perspective as those who live in those enclosed walls. Your food is provided for you. You earn wages. You don’t have to live off the street or off the wilds that surround your home. Your only task is to provide a shield to protect those who decide all of your decisions for you. You aren’t supposed to have your own opinions. To have your own life that you believe is best for you. They place where you are going to work from your birth.

The world outside those walls is different, son. And before you ask why I am telling a Royal Guard all of this without fear, I can tell you are different from the other guards. It isn’t just your physic, kid, your eyes show something different. You don’t want to go after this thief, do you?” My gaze was frozen at the boldness of this man. I simply nodded as he sighed, rubbing his hands together.

“See? You never have a choice.” The man looked at me. “I’m not one for defending thieves, but I understand their mindset for doing it. Imagine living on the streets with no food, no money, no way to survive. Soldier, once you leave those walls, that’s all you are met with. The overwhelming tide of poverty. They do it to survive. Some do it to make a statement. Life out here isn’t a walk in a cornfield. And all the government has to say is ‘we’ll handle it’. I’m sure you were told that, right?”

“Yes, sir, but-but what’s the point in telling me this? I can’t change it. And what that thief did was out of her mind! What kind of statement does stealing something from the Royal Castle prove other than to get yourself killed? She didn’t do it to survive! If she wanted to survive, she would’ve stuck to the streets! As for me, I’m doing this out of loyalty to the one thing that has kept me from dying. Wouldn’t you do the same?”

The man laughed softly as he stared at me.

“Tell me, kid, what’s your name?” We shared gazes for a few minutes before I broke.

“Sonorus. Balor. Sonorus Balor, sir.” The man nodded as he stared at the dagger sheathe that still lay on the counter beside him.

“You are really different, kid. I don’t know what that thief stole or what their point was in doing it. All I know is that some things happen because someone was wronged. Kid, look outside those walls, I know you can. A lot of people are suffering, us merchants including. In times of need, people will do absolutely everything to survive, even if it means the risk that surviving will fail. And no, you can’t change that. Not one person can, but you can change your perspective. Not one man is high and mighty to escape the suffering of thousands. The people who sit behind those walls will suffer the same fate one day. But the sooner you change your perspective, the sooner you can help yourself.” Silence fell over us as the man’s words raced through my head.

Are the people really suffering that much? My eyes locked with the man’s as it seemed he knew I was slowly understanding what he meant.

“Thank you, sir. For the information, on both ends. Here, for your troubles.” I slowly pulled out a tiny bag of coins from the saddlebag on Rock’s side. With a swift motion, I placed it on his counter as he stepped back with inquisitive eyes.

“It’ll pay for what the thief stole plus some.” I turned to mount back onto Rock when the man stopped me.

“Kid, if we ever meet again, call me Chiro. And, as for that thief, take the time to listen to a criminal’s story before you condemn them. It may shock you as to why they do the things they do. I have one more hint, there is only one inn in this town and the time she stole from me was around nightfall yesterday, so she would have stopped there. I would look there next. Sonorus, I have a feeling you are going to be a bridge for us. Don’t forget to think about us once in a while.” He flashed a full-fledged smile before stepping back to rearrange his cart again. My eyes lingered on his form for a little longer before I turned on my heel, mounting back up again.

With a light kick from my boot, Rock pushed forward as silence fell over the afternoon air. I couldn’t help but continuously go over what Chiro had told me. What did he mean by the King wasn’t who he was viewed as? Chiro was in his late-forties, was there a history that was untold about the King? If so, how many people know the King for his true self?

I watched as the tiny crowds swallowed me up again, the routine drone of their feet echoing as a steady beat to my heart-racing thoughts. I joined the Guard to help those in suffering; not to watch as they fall at my feet while we sit back and say ‘I wish there was more I could do’. We were seen as heroes in Eowawin, something of hope and renewal; but here, we were nothing more but a pest that muttered worthless words of the future. We weren’t heroes, but simply rats feeding on grain. These people had no one of hope, no one to tell them it will get better.

The pang in my chest only grew as the minutes lingered. My eyes scanned each hut in hopes of finding the said inn. The mud-caked buildings only caused my stomach to tighten even more as the stench of free-roaming animals and decaying waste baked in the sun. I kept my eyes forward in hopes of keeping the suffering out of my mind. It did little; however, as a raven-haired kid rushed past my horse. The child was shouting towards an elderly man who was carrying a single loaf of bread.

“Ido! I think I found the flower that the girl was talking about!” I watched with interest as the joyous kid held up a black-petaled flower to the old man. The kid had a shine to his eye of curious interest that only seemed to grow as the man, who I deemed to be named Ido, nodded in boredom.

“Tan, I don’ think that’s the verbena flower the girl was talking about.”

“Huh? But it’s petals are black! Look!” Tan puffed out his cheeks as he held the flower up to Ido.

“A lot of flowers have black petals, Tan. And you’re holdin’ it up to my blind eye, enough.” Tan let out a whine as he dropped the flower to his side. I tilted my head as I urged my horse to follow them. After a few minutes, I let my reins fall as the duo entered a rather small and worn-down building with an aged-sign handing right above the door.

After tying Rock to a post outside the door, I made my way inside while staring at the under-kept looks. A gasp caught my attention as the kid from before stared up at me with large eyes. The brown irises widened in nervousness and fear as he darted into a back hallway.

“Wait!” I called out as the kid disappeared from my view. I let out a low sigh as my fingers traced the dusted counter. Whispers floated along with the air from the back room before the creak of floorboards interrupted them.

I peered around the corner, spotting the dark-haired kid. My hand lifted to wave at the boy before he took a step closer. A moment of silence was shared before I coughed to clear my throat.

“So...you work here?” The kid kept silent as he moved forward again, his eyes lingering on my armor. I blinked as realization swept over my thoughts. “Oh! Ah, don’t be worried, kid. I’m not here to hurt you.”

His eyes floated up to mine. With cautious movements, he moved towards the counter. The swishing of paper filled our silence as the kid went to work. I looked around, the lack of conversation only causing more awkwardness as time passed.

“Y-you looking for a room, are you?” A tiny voice caused my head to swivel back to the ravenette. He stared at the counter, waiting with a quill in his hands.

“Oh, no. I’ll be off in a few hours. I’m just here to ask questions.”

“Like the others?” I stilled as his voice trembled.

“What do you mean, have others been here too?”

“S-soldiers have been patrolling more recently. You don’t know that? Y-you are one of them, right?” The tiny fingers placed down the quill as the inquisitive kid looked up at me once more.

“Yeah, I am a soldier but they shouldn’t still be patrolling…” I murmured, trailing off. The King called off the other troops, right? Stuttering interrupted my thoughts as I noticed the kid was speaking again.

“-have had five in the p-past week. They keep asking about c-criminals. They-they said they were of the highest treason and that we should stay close to our homes or something bad might happen.” I stared at him for a long second before slowly shaking my head. Causing panic? That will only make matters worse.

“Well, I won’t tell you to do that. Tan, was it? Listen, I don’t think those criminals would hurt a kid like you.”

“H-how can you be sure?”

“Because I have a sneaking suspicion that you already met them.” Tan’s eyes widened in shock as he jumped. His head snapped to mine as his body seemed to still be in fear.

“Y-you aren’t playing a trick on me?” I shook my head.

“It’s what I came here to ask you about.”

“B-but I didn’t see anybody that looked like c-criminals.” He whispered. I chuckled, moving to sit down on a lonely bench that stood in the corner of the room.

“You wouldn’t be able to tell unless they plain out told you. What I’ve heard, they are good actors.” Tan looked at his hands as if he were in thought. I continued, staring up at the ceiling.

“Two people. One girl of short stature and one male with dark hair. Sound familiar?” My brows furrowed as I looked at Tan’s face. Tears dotted the corners of his eyes as he stared at the counter.

“They didn’t lie....” I looked on in confusion as the words were barely audible.

“What?” Tan’s head shot up as tears flowed from his eyes. My heart clenched as his words were littered with sobs.

“They wouldn’t lie, would they?! I can’t believe...I can’t believe it.” My eyes lingered on the young boy as he continued to cry.

“Tan, tell me what you’ve seen, please?” Tan wiped his nose with his sleeve as he went back to staring at the counter. Moments passed before he looked back up.

“Will you hurt them?” I blinked as the kid continued. “You won’t hurt them, will you?

“Tan, I can’t promise-” His face hardened.

“And why can’t you?! Soldiers are supposed to be heroes but you guys always come in here talking about death and slaying things!” The stuttering was gone as the streams of tears only seemed to get harder. “Isn’t there a way to deal with criminals without death or injury?!”

The innocence of the boy shocked me. It had been years since I had such a mindset. What are heroes? What defines a hero? What defines a villain? I watched as the kid continued to break down. They left a good impression on him, didn’t they?

“Tan, I wish there was. But at the moment, I can’t say what will happen, it’s not up to me.” I stood up, running my hand through my hair. “There is a lot I don’t know about those criminals either.”

Tan sniffed as he moved away from the counter, coming into the lobby with stiff motions. He pointed to a lonely scroll in the corner. I tilted my head at him as a question popped in my head.

“You can read?” He nodded as he sat down in the middle of the floor.

“Only me and Ido can in this village.” I chuckled.

“No wonder you sound so mature for your age.” He looked up at me slowly.

“They gave me that scroll.” I went silent once more as we both stared at the piece of parchment. “The girl told me they were about the battles of our kingdom.”

“Do you like history?” The kid smiled at the thought.

“Yeah. It’s amazing how things that happened long ago affect now.” I nodded in agreement as Tan went back onto the criminals.

“I had asked them where they were coming from. They told me they couldn’t say exactly but instead told of places much different than this village. A large forest and rolling hills of grass. Giga bison herds and wrapping vines.” Tan looked up at me. “You’ve seen them too?”

“Yeah. They are incredible.” I leaned back against the wall. “They left, didn’t they?

Tan simply nodded as he stared at the scroll. Minutes passed as the clopping of mules slipped through the doorway. Noon turned to even as Tan finally spoke up again.

“They left in the morning, after answering a few of my questions. How could people like that be criminals?” I looked down at him, tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth. With a glance at the floor, I intertwined my fingers in my lap.

“I-I can’t provide an answer for that, Tan.”

“They’re good people.” Tan stood up as he looked at me with determination. “Whatever they did to make them criminals, I believe, they did for a good reason.”

“Tan...maybe what they told you isn’t the truth.” Tan opened his mouth to retort when the clacking of a cane interrupted us.

“You two talk loud.” The old man from before stood in the doorway, one milky eye staring directly at me. Tan turned to the old man with a swift motion.

“Ido! The people from yesterday! This soldier says they were criminals!” Ido simply stared at the kid. His working eye moved to the side as he sighed.

“Tan, yer’ forgetting that they were strangers. You don’ know anything about them excep’ fer’ the stories they told you.” Tan’s lip quivered as he looked back down at the ground with clenched fists.

“I just can’t truly believe it.” He murmured to the floor with his tiny voice wavering. He walked off, disappearing into the darkness of the back rooms.

“Sorry bout’ him, Soldier.” Ido left the doorway, making his way slowly behind the counter. His elderly hands began to organize the multiple stacks of papers that stood upon the chipped wood.

“Don’t apologize, I know where he’s coming from,” I mumbled. “I’ve been having my own doubts about that duo.”

“Duo?” I slowly turned my head to Ido, the confusion behind the man’s words causing my stomach to flip.

“Yes. Only two stayed here, right?” I placed my hand on the bench beside me, pushing myself to my feet slowly.

“Not if my memory is failing me. There were three of em’.” My eyelids lowered in apprehension. I was only told of two. Who is the third?!

“Who’s the third person?!” I quickly shouted, startling the old man from his task. He paused, placing down a piece of paper.

“A girl, why? They didn’ give me their names.” I looked at the ground, mind racing. When did this change happen? A new fear settled into my stomach. I had no idea who this new addition was or what they could do in terms of power. I had knowledge of the other two, to an extent, but this discovery was unnerving.

“I wasn’t aware there were three,” I replied slowly. Ido shrugged, returning back to sorting with an uncaring demeanor.

“Well, there were. Tan told you they left this mornin’, yes? Headin’ Northeast.” He hummed, taking a quill and writing something down.

I sighed, moving towards the door once more.

“Alright. Thank you for the information. I must get going if I am going to catch up to them in time.” A voice stopped me in my tracks. I turned on my heel as I was met with Tan once more.

“Tan?” I questioned.

“I want to ask something of you.” He murmured, staring up at me with a gaze that could rival a wisened seventy-year-old man. I nodded, allowing him to continue. He took in a breath as he removed something from behind his back.

Shock overcame me as I stared at the silver quill. Ido’s quick intake of breath interrupted the moment as he stepped forward.

“Tan! Isn’ that quill from yer’ parents? What are you doin’?” Ido looked at the child in concern.

“I know. But I don’t need it. I’m working with you, remember?” Tan looked at Ido with a smile. The kid’s smile slowly spread to me as warmth filled my chest. Tan continued.

“I didn’t know much about my parents, but I figure they would want me to give it to someone who can do good with it.” Tan looked back at me. “You are a Dull, right?”

“Yes.” I nodded, watching the kid’s eyes sparkle once more.

“This quill may not be an aiteho, but it holds some magic. It never needs ink and can transport messages as long as you have the location in your mind.” Tan laughed. “I haven’t been outside these fields so I can’t use it, but I know you can!”

I held the quill in my hand, staring at the silver feather with wonder.

“And, I know you said you couldn’t promise, but I don’t want those guys hurt,” Tan mumbled. “They painted a world for me that I didn’t know was out there, and I don’t want that world taken from them either.”

“Hmmph. Tan, you read too much.” Ido murmured, chuckling under his breath.

“Tan, the name’s Sonorus.” I knelt down, ruffling the kid’s hair. “And I don’t want to hurt them either. I’m not that kind of man. Say, what do you want to be when you’re older?”

Tan froze, thinking over the question for a long second. After a few moments, he looked back up at me with a large smile.

“An author! I want to create worlds for others. To use my words to teach other orphans to read too!” I laughed at the kid’s sudden energy. I stood back up, settling my eyes on the kid.

“Well then, I have a feeling you are going to have one hell of a story to write. Don’t let the dream fade, kid. You’ll definitely paint a world for others.” I slowly reached into one of my pockets, pulling out a long pin in the shape of a spear. Symbols were etched into the golden design. My hand reached out to Tan, gesturing for him to take it.

“If you keep that dream, then I’ll promise to do the best for your friends with every ounce of the measly strength I have.” I murmured, watching the sparkle in the kid’s eyes grow. The criminals seemed to have ignited a spark, whether they knew it or not. The world as I know it will change. Loyalties will be stretched, but I know for sure now, there are always two parts to a story. I looked back at the pin, reading the symbols that flowed across the surface.

“Nothing is immortal.” I murmured, mind reeling at the meaning.