"You have to survive..."
Vance jolted awake, his forehead damp with cold sweat, breath coming in ragged gasps.
The nightmare had visited him again.
Fragmented images flashed through his mind, a figure pushing him into a hidden space, hushed, urgent whispers, then dozens of silhouettes arriving like harbingers of death. Voices raised in argument, the clash of steel, and finally that protective figure turning crimson... collapsing... dying...
His father, most likely.
The only clear memory from that blood-soaked night when his world had shattered and his voice had been stolen away along with his family.
I will find out the truth and get my revenge one day, he thought, clenching his fists until his knuckles went white.
He stood slowly and began preparing for his daily morning routine.
As he walked through the corridor, he encountered that man again. The half-elf with a spectral bond, Lumin the healer.
Vance’s eyes immediately drifted to the man’s shoulder, where the cute little guy was perched, its ethereal form glowing softly.
"Good morning, Vance," Lumin greeted with a warm smile and gestured to the little guy. "He is saying hello too."
Vance gestured a greeting in return, his mind working to figure out how to ask the bond’s name in a way Lumin could understand.
"Hmm? Is there something you wanted to ask?" Lumin looked at him curiously.
Strangely, Vance found this man surprisingly easy to communicate with, even without words. He pointed at the small guy and made a questioning gesture with his hands.
"Ah, right, I forgot to introduce him properly before. This is Seren."
Vance repeated the name in his mind and gave a thumbs up, as if to say it’s amazing.
I will get one myself once all this mess is over, he mused.
They left the castle together and headed toward the lower keep, but as they descended the stone steps connecting the middle and lower keep, they ended up encountering a bizarre scene.
A group of figures lay tied up and unconscious near the base of the stairs, each one with a piece of paper stuck to their forehead. Two patrol guards stood nearby, staring at the absurd sight with expressions of complete bewilderment.
"What in the Alverra..." one guard muttered, scratching his head.
"Should we... should we call the captain or wake them up?" the other asked uncertainly.
Vance and Lumin exchanged glances, both equally stunned by the unexpected discovery.
The guards didn’t even notice their arrival until Lumin asked out loud.
"What’s happening here? Who are they?"
The guards finally turned, recognizing Lumin in an instant thanks to his noticeable features. "Oh, it’s you, Master Lumin!" One of them exclaimed.
The other greeted them and explained. "We just found them a while ago when we came for our morning patrol."
Lumin nodded thoughtfully. "Then, go and alert Captain Draven and the Baron immediately. We’ll keep watch over them."
The guards saluted and quickly sprinted through the snow toward the keep.
Vance and Lumin waited in tense silence.
After a while, a crowd started gathering, first other guards, then Captain Draven with an urgent expression, and finally Baron Nusayel himself, his face a mixture of curiosity and wariness.
Everyone greeted them. Lumin exchanged nods with them.
Then, the baron and captain each took a paper from different unconscious figures and began reading. Their expressions shifted a few times as they processed the content - surprise, then understanding, then something resembling grim satisfaction.
They stuck the papers back to their owners and quickly checked the several others.
"What’s written on them?" Lumin asked, feigning curiosity.
The baron turned toward them, his tone carrying a note of amazement. "These people seem to be the assassins we’ve tracked down yesterday. However, it seems like not all of them are real assassins, which somehow explains the ’scene’ we witnessed yesterday. Their circumstances and crimes are detailed on these papers, along with judgments on whether they’re guilty or innocent and what kind of ’punishment’ they should be given."
Vance silently listened to their conversation, observing them carefully.
Lumin nodded with a surprised expression.
"Can I take a look too?"
"Of course," The baron nodded, handing over the paper in his hand.
Lumin quickly read the paper as well, his expressions mirroring the baron’s and the captain’s.
"I see... But what will you do, Sir? And who put them here?" He squinted his eyes. "It’s a little suspicious."
Baron nodded, patting Lumin on the shoulder. "I know, but you don’t have to worry about the person; I know them well."
Lumin was surprised again but didn’t inquire further.
Baron continued chuckling with amusement. "It seems like our problem got solved without us doing anything." Then he turned to the captain.
Captain Draven understood instantly and ordered the guards. "Deliver the captives to the prison cells and make sure not to mess with those papers. They contain important evidence." He gestured to the remaining soldiers. "The rest of you, return to your duties."
The guards began carefully lifting the unconscious figures, being particularly cautious with the papers attached to their foreheads.
"Are you still going to depart today?" Lumin asked.
The Baron nodded. "I’ve already contacted the other families. We’ll be gathering at Derier City today and head to the capital tomorrow morning." He turned to Vance and handed him a sealed letter. "Deliver this to the Princess. Inform her of the change in plans."
Vance nodded in understanding and tucked the letter securely into his coat.
"Should I follow you on your journey?" Lumin asked again.
The Baron shook his head. "No, you should continue your work here. We’ve troubled you enough already. And... please, look after my wife, she’s still not recovered yet."
"Alright," Lumin nodded respectfully. "Safe travels then, in case we don’t see each other before you leave."
"Thank you for everything, Sir Lumin. Your assistance has been invaluable," the Baron replied with genuine gratitude before turning to oversee the prisoner transport.
Then Lumin turned to Vance, his smile holding a friendly affection.
"Well, it seems our paths diverge here for now," he said, reaching out to pat Vance gently on the shoulder. "I hope you will reach the capital safe and sound."
Seren waved his head as well.
"Perhaps, we will meet again, if fate allows it."
Vance nodded, his eyes meeting Lumin’s.
He couldn’t speak, but the firm look in his gaze and the slight bow of his head conveyed his gratitude and his promise.
He then gave Lumin a simple wave before he turned and began his ascent toward the middle keep, the sealed letter tucked safely inside his coat.