Shortly after the first bell, the lord of Theostan was having breakfast in his room when a servant entered the hallway. It was Holven, and his outfit showed traces of travel. "You've been gone for a long time," Theodoric said briefly.

"The people who followed us outside the city. He didn't meet anyone, though," Holwin reported. "He seemed to leave forever, heading south. I followed him for a few days and approached the land of Ingmund. I think he may have left the field, he took heavy grain with him. ”

"What notable things have you learned?"

Halwyn shrugged. "As far as I know, this Godfrey has met the Most High Priest, and more than once. But I couldn't get close to find out why. ”

"He personally met with the High Priest?"

"Yes, but the Templars are a suspicious bunch. I'll never hear what they're saying. ”

"I guess it doesn't matter now," Theodoric said, breaking open a loaf of bread. "Adalthing is over and everything is in order."

"Not exactly," Halwin said hesitantly.

"Yes?" Theodoric looked up and said.

"When I walked back to town last night, I saw something." Holewin swallowed and continued. "Longfeng's beacon. It was lit up. ”

"It sounds suspicious," Theodoric said dismissively. "I'm almost certain that the Knights don't even control the beacon anymore."

"There is no doubt about it," Halwyn insisted. "You haven't been out of the room today, have you? No one knows exactly anything, but the city is in the midst of a hustle and bustle, and a series of events are taking place in the castle. ”

"I do wonder why people are so noisy," Theodoric muttered. "But those beacons haven't been lit for five hundred years?"

"I don't know, sir, I haven't studied history."

"If this is true, the Order will have to be summoned. I should talk to the marshal. ”

"Do you have anything to ask of me, my lord?" Hallwin asked.

"Help me get dressed," Theodoric ordered. "When she came back from the garden, she told my sister that we would have to postpone going to the temple."

~~~~

In the largest estate in the city, the horses were saddled, and about twenty horses were given to the lord's brother Constance and his retinue. A few days' drive to Cole Harbour and a boat ride down the river to Valcaster, home of the Valley House. Walking outside, Constance found his warriors ready and next to their horses. He put on his gloves and turned to his brother and niece. "I'll see you guys in about a week," Constance told them.

"Maybe two," Valerien said hesitantly. "The caravan brings in more cargo every year, and it takes me longer to check the ledger. I may need to investigate some discrepancies. ”

"I'm sure you'll get rid of them," Constance said, walking toward his horse.

"Travel safely, uncle," Valéli said quickly.

"Thank you, Valéli," Constance replied and mounted his horse. Just then, Konstantin came to the courtyard.

"I see that my son is also glorifying us with his presence, albeit at an early age," Constance said with a sarcastic smile, which elicited some laughter from his followers.

"I'm trying to find out what's going on," Konstantin said sourly.

"What do you mean?" Valerian asked.

"The city is in trouble," Konstantin explained. "They said the lighthouse at Dragon Peak was lit up last night."

"Impossible," Constance snorted. "That hasn't happened yet—"

"Five hundred years," Valerie said.

"Probably just black boots and assailants as usual," Constance said dismissively.

"That's not what people say," Konstantin retorted.

"At this point, everybody knows that the lighthouse is on," Valery chimed in. "They don't have a basis for assuming one of them."

"Maybe it's a bad time for me to leave Midanhal," Constance said thoughtfully.

"Nonsense," Valerian said. "It's important to be ready to meet the prince in Valcaster. If that's all we get from Adalthing, we'll squeeze every copper coin out of it. ”

"It happened in Hæthiod, father," Konstantin argued. "It's not going to affect us here."

"I think," Constance said, even though he didn't sound convinced.

"Say hello to my mother on my behalf," Konstantin added, and his father nodded. Then he motioned for the door to open, and twenty-one men rode out.

"Father, can I take a carriage to the castle?" Valerie asked.

"So early?"

"Lord Macaster's daughter wants to see me, since they're leaving the city today......"

"Alright," the lord agreed, waving his hand dismissively. "As you wish. Do you need Konstantin to accompany you? ”

"Uncle," Konstantin protested, "you can't tie me down with the small talk of two women. ”

"I think we'll be fine," Valerie said with a smile. "Let my poor cousin spend his time as he pleases."

"As you say," Valery replied reassuringly. "He can go to the warehouse with Arion."

"Uncle," Konstantin objected again, but Valerian had already turned and walked inside. Constantine also left with a look of chagrin, leaving Valéli in the yard, and the hand of the stable prepared a carriage for her.

~~~~

Even at such an early age, in the castle, several supplicants crowded the antechamber and came to the marshal's quarters. As he had done on other occasions, the lord of Theodstan walked by and knocked heavily on the door. "I'm sorry, but I don't have guests today." The servant answered, and tried to close the door. Before he could do so, Theodoric placed a boot between the door and the door frame.

"Tell him that the lord of Theodstan is here," Theodoric insisted.

"No visitors," the servant repeated, clumsily trying to close the door, but without offending the lord.

"It won't take long. Tell the marshal that I just want to talk to him briefly. ”

"It's all right, Regin," said the marshal, appearing behind his servant. "The lord can accompany me to the meeting. If only he could be as brief as he claimed," Renault said, walking through the door into the antechamber. Several hopeful spectators rose from their seats, but the marshal gestured for them to go away, and Theodoric followed him. "We still have a hundred steps to reach the council chamber," Reynolds told the lord, and they quickened their pace.

"Was the lighthouse in Dragon Peak really lit up last night?" Theodoric asked.

"Yes. That's all? You hardly need to go to me just to hear this," Renault replied.

"Are you sure it's sending the signal it should be? Did the outsiders force their way across the Langstan River? ”

"I'm sure the beacons on the wall are lit, they're just lit to indicate an invasion. Since it was Dragon Peak, it meant that East Haysed was the place where they invaded. Now you know what I've done. ”

"What are you going to do?" The corridor was crowded with other people, and Theodoric was forced to walk behind the marshal.

"That's what I convened the committee to decide," Renault explained bluntly.

"Are you going to go to Highside on your own?" The lord asked tentatively.

"It is the duty of the marshal," Renault replied.

"That's unwise," said Theodoric hurriedly as they approached the council chamber. "The lords are unhappy with the end of Adalthing and the end of the lords. If they help their candidates get into office, they all get a lot of promises. Now is not the time for the Dharma Protector to go out of bounds. ”

"They want to thank you for having nothing," Renault retorted, turning to face Theodoric. "Come, Theodoric, invasion from the Bendlands! The first of 100 years. Finally, a proper war with an enemy whom we all despise equally. Not like the Heohlond fiasco. ”

"Crash? Would you call it that? Theodoric asked incredulously.

"As a Dharma Protector, I can call it whatever I want. As a marshal, I can tell you to stay outside," Renault told the lord when they arrived at the council chamber. "Don't look so contemptuous, Theodoric," the marshal continued. "Even now, the lord will complain like you, but that's about it. Now you have to forgive me. I have a war waiting for me. "The marshal entered the room, and the lords of Theostan heard him told that they were still waiting for the arrival of Sir Roderick and Sir Asselstein. Then the door shut, and Theodoric was left outside.

~~~~

The castle has extensive enclosed gardens within its domain. Some were limited to the royal family, but the orchard and its adjacent gardens were open to all the noble inhabitants of the castle. Early in the morning, there were few people except one or two servants, who used the garden as a shortcut. Arriving at the fortress, Valéli entered the flower area. She walked aimlessly, looking at the lush flora with no interest.

"Valerie," a voice whispered.

"Eisenwald," she said, turning to hear the speaker's voice, relieved. She found him standing next to a tower protruding from the interior wall, forming a corner. "I'm not sure if you can come," Valerie said, joining him in the shadows.

"My father—who was so busy getting angry that his title—was lord rather than protector," Eisenwald said with a laugh.

"Isn't it scary?" Valerie asked with concern.

"My brother has taken his farewell to the Divine Castle," Eisenwald said, his smile grim. "My uncle – who is doing his best to control my father – he – is the only one brave enough to face – the Iron Fist."

"I'm sorry," Valerie said, her face aching from sympathy.

"It's — not bad for me," Eisenwald said lightly. "My father rarely noticed me. How-yours take-it? ”

"He's calmer about it," Valéry told him. "I think he's equally happy with his books and numbers."

"And you will invite the prince as your guest," said Eisenwald.

"Imagine what it would be," Valerie thought. "But Valcaster in the summer is very beautiful and I'm sure he'll love it. I hope you can see it too," she added wistfully.

"Perhaps—one day," Eisenwald suggested. "When are you coming back?"

"A week, two weeks," Valéli said, shrugging at the uncertainty. "It depends on how long it takes for my father's matter to be resolved. Luckily, there are a lot of them. ”

"It's going to be harder to write to Valcaster," Isenwald said. "This reminds me that this is for you," he added, taking out several folded pieces of parchment from his belt.

"And for you," Valerie said with a smile, taking his letter while giving him a stack of papers in return. "There is something to read before we meet again."

"I will cherish your every word." Esenwald said softly, which made Valerie blush slightly and look away shyly.

"Still, if I come here again tomorrow, I think my father will find it strange," Valéli warned.

"Temple?" Eisenwald proposed. "We can meet in the basin - inside the complex."

"Tomorrow just after noon, I'll go and pray," Valerie said.

"Until then, I'll count every hour," Eisenwald promised.

This made Valerie's mouth smile again. She hesitated for a moment, then pressed her lips to Eisenwald's cheek. Her bold move made her almost stumble backwards. She hurried away with her eyes down, leaving Issaan's heir standing dumbfounded; His gaze followed the blonde girl, his hand caressing the spots on her cheeks.

Eisenwald waited until Valéry was gone, and he stepped out of the shadows under the tower. He hurried away, not seeing the sister of Lord Theostan sitting in the shade of a nearby pavilion. On the other hand, she kept an eye on the young man until he disappeared from the garden. Then, with a good-natured laugh, Theodwyn got up and went back to her room.

~~~~

Since Adalsin, Axelstan had spent time on the estate of the Issan family, so he finally reached the war council convened by the marshal. The latter and the knightly marshal Sir Roderick were naturally present at the meeting as the designated leader of the Order. Sir William of Tothmor was the third person in the room. Like Axelstan, he did not have an official rank in the Order other than that of Knight. However, he rose to prominence in the Order's war at Heohlond, and he was an obvious choice of commander in any upcoming campaign, as was the case with Athelstan. In fact, all the men in the room, with the exception of Lord Marshal, gained a reputation as warriors and captains during the plateau rebellion.

"Welcome, Sir Axelstein," said the marshal in a rough voice, gesturing to a seat. The chamber is actually just a small oval room with a round table in the middle and chairs around it. Drew a map directly on the table. Otherwise it is completely plain and has only one advantage. There are no windows and only thick walls around it, which makes eavesdropping very difficult.

"Please forgive me for being late," the knight began, but his boss interrupted him with a wave of his hand.

"It's okay, let's get started. Last night, the lighthouse of Longfeng was lit up. Renault said expectantly as he looked at the Knight Marshal who was in charge of the Order in the Adalric realm.

"Definitely. A bird flies in from the Beacon Keeper, confirming that this is not a mistake. Sometime in the evening, the lighthouse to the east was lit," Roderick explained.

"And since it's Dragon Peak, we know it's East Haysed that issued the warning," William said quickly, his tone indicating that he hoped things would be quick.

"Yes, yes, as I was about to say," Roderick said, a little annoyed. "We must assume that at least some of the garrisons of Langstein have fallen. If they do come, Tosmore seems to be their target. ”

"What cities south of Hæthiod can attract them?" Renault asked.

"None of them can provide half of what Tosmore does," said William, himself from the capital, Heatother. "Not even Lacan."

"Are we sure this is a real invasion and not just a force that has been mistaken for a bigger attack than it actually is?" Axelstein asked.

In response, William stood up slightly, leaned forward, and pointed to the map. "Usually the attackers pass through the mountains from the north, they may bypass Langstan completely, or they try to cross Langstan covertly, unnoticed. If they captured the walls and killed the garrison, this illustrated a much bigger plan than just killing livestock and stealing the products of the peasants. ”

"How big is Tosmore's garrison?" Marshal asked.

"If I'm not mistaken, my lord, two dozen knights. A few thousand infantry, about half the number of archers. ”

"If this is really an invasion," the knight marshal interjected, "we must recruit the local nobles and make them increase their levies. In such cases, we have the right to do so. ”

"And unlike Herrond, we need not doubt their loyalty," muttered the marshal, and no one else in the room commented.

"How many people from Hæthiod can we rely on to recruit troops?" Athelsan asked, continuing the conversation.

"Hundreds of riders," William guessed. "Our infantry and archers may be doubled. Even if we increase not only conscription, but also peasants, the number of archers will triple. ”

"We will," Renault nodded. "The more longbowmen we have, the better. Their arrows should be good against the leather armor of the Black Boots. What forces do we have available in Adallik until we mobilize any forces? ”

"There were about five thousand knights in Midanhar alone. If we include the city guards, about three thousand infantry and attached archers, "Roderick replied.

"Are you going to summon Adalric?" Axelstein asked.

"I think it will be necessary," Renault thought, leaning forward and scanning his eyes over the map. "We have not been able to withdraw our troops from Herrond, and Vidrevi's contribution to the Order has been lackluster. After the election, I will have to go there in person and talk to the marshal," Reynolds said bluntly.

"Ealond has a lot to contribute, though," Roderick said. "This is true for both soldiers and supplies. There may not be much of Korndale, but it can always send supplies. ”

"Write a letter," Renault nodded. "Let the marshals of Korndale and Ealond know that they are going to send what they have to Hæthiod."

"I will, my lord," Roderick assured. "However, perhaps we don't need to carry out additional mobilization. We don't know the numbers we're facing. It is quite possible that once our standing forces are all gathered in Heatherd, it will be enough. Starting mobilization in Adalrik may become unnecessary, it is very expensive. ”

"It's always that damn coin," Renault snorted. "Good. If there is a need for conscription, I will leave with the vanguard and send back the message. ”

"You're going to lead the campaign yourself?" Axelstein asked cautiously.

"That's why we have a knightly marshal," said Renaud crudely, "so when I left the kingdom, the affairs of the Order were handled in Adalric. ”

"Of course, my lord," said Axelstein hurriedly, "I know very well that in the past, the battles of the Knights were often led by the marshal himself. I was just thinking about you being appointed as Lord Protector......"

"That's why Sir Roderick is also the Dragon King," Renault reassured Athelstein.

"As you say, my lord," Axelstein muttered.

"Oh well. To-morrow I will set out with five hundred knights as the vanguard to assemble the conscripts at Heatherd. Sir William, you will accompany me as my lieutenant. You know the land and the people. ”

"As you say, my lord," the young knight bowed his head in acquiescence.

"Sir Roderick, you prepare the rest of your army and supply it for a proper campaign."

"Your Excellency," replied Roderick, bowing his head as well.

"Once ready, the infantry will follow under your leadership, Sir Asselstein."

"My lord," said Axelstein, obedient like everyone else. "Where's my lieutenant?"

"Take Sir Richard of Alwood, for example. Under the leadership of the champion, ordinary soldiers will enjoy it. ”

"Very well, sir. Can I have several riders at my disposal? Like my nephew. ”

"A few knights or less is no big deal." Renault said in a disinterested tone. "Whatever you want." The four knights stood at the end of the war meeting and prepared to leave.

~~~~

Arthurstein walked through the castle and knocked on the dormitory belonging to the Arnling siblings. Brand himself opened the door and let the knight in. "Glad, sir," Brand said as they took their seats. "What brought you here?"

"Isn't your sister here?"

"And the sister of Lord Theodoric in the Temple. Are you here to see her? ”

"Not at all," Axelstein shook his head. "I only have some news to tell you, so it's better. You can tell her yourself when I'm gone. ”

This made Brand lean forward. "Should I expect fair news or bad news?"

"It's up to you," Asselstein responded. "I guess you know about the lighthouse being lit?"

"The whole city knows," Brand shrugged. "Even if half the city doesn't know that there was a lighthouse on Dragon Peak yesterday."

"The Order is being assembled," Athurstein said.

"I thought so too," Brand claimed. "We're sent to Hæthiod?"

Asselstein nodded. "We are, though not right away. The marshal will ride in front of the army with available knights. As soon as the supplies and supplies are ready, I will lead the rest. ”

"When do you want us to leave?"

"Depends on what we get from Hæthiod. If our standing forces are sufficient, we will leave in a few days. If we're going to muster more forces and go all out, it could take weeks. Athelsan hesitated for a moment before continuing. I'm afraid that means we have to postpone your knighthood. ”

"Because before I'm twenty-one, we're going to Heatherd." Brand nodded in understanding.

"If it's a short-lived campaign, we could be back in Midanhal before the end of the year. If not, we'll find a shrine in Hæthiod, probably Tothmor, and watch it finish," Athelsan assured Brand.

"It's okay," Brand said, holding up his hands. "I don't care about those decorations, just to get into order completely."

"You'll be before the end of the year," Acelstan reiterated.

"And I'm going to have a chance to win the Spurs on the court," Brand added.

"That's the same, but don't be too hasty," Axelstein admonished him. "Young and zealous people can easily die in battle."

"I think it's a knight's creed," Brand argued. "In war, knights are fearless," he said, citing the Code of Knights.

"Yes," said Arthurstein hesitantly, "but being a knight is more than that. The Codex doesn't detail everything a knight needs to know. Becoming a soldier of the Order can be – complicated. ”

"As you say," Brand said, not as convincing as he sounded.

"When we're leaving, I'll send someone to pick you up, whenever we want. I just wanted to tell you the news to your face," Atherstein said, standing up.

"Thank you," replied Brand, bidding farewell to the knight.

Not long after, Arndis returned to find his brother lost in thought in the living room of their dormitory. "Cards?" She said to get his attention.

"Forgive me, my mind is elsewhere," he said, finally looking up at her.

"So I know," Arndis replied, sitting down next to him. "What are your concerns? Are the money lenders looking for you again? ”

"No, no," Brand said, shaking his head. "Something completely different. The Knights are being sent to Heather for a campaign. ”

"Ah," Arndis simply said. When her brother didn't continue, she did it herself. "The rumors of war are true, I believe."

"It looks like so. I'm going to follow Sir Atherstein, though he doesn't know when. A few days, a few weeks, everything in between. ”

"I'm going to be sad to see you leave."

"I'd be sad to leave you alone, even though I had no choice."

"Of course," Arndis nodded, "I know. I have friends in court, and I won't be alone. ”

"That's good. At least those who pick up the money won't chase me all the way to Highside," Brand said, making his sister laugh half-heartedly.

"Be careful," Arndis branded on him.

"Don't worry," he reassured her. "I will be at Sir Atherstein's side, and he will take over the command. I will occupy the safest position in the army. ”

"I hope it's true," Arndis said, biting his lip.

"Let me tell you something that reassures you," Brand whispered. "Have you heard of the Battle of Cairndorn?"

"I've heard, yes," Arndis nodded. "It's just a name."

"Athelastan sometimes tells me about it. There's no better source than that," Brand said with a laugh. "The army of order was shattered, and thousands fled toward Keynton. Mid-winter in the Highlands, cold and hungry. Hunted down by the rebellious Highlanders, and knowing that if they did not reach Cairn in time, the city would be defenseless and would fall. ”

"What happened?" Arndis asked, already captivated.

"The marshal is dead, as are many other high-ranking knights. Athelsan was in charge with the few remaining knights, such as Sir Theobald, captain of the Citadel, or Sir Richard and Sir William, both winter solstice champions, all travelling with us to Hæthiod," Brand noted. "For one of the flanks, Axelstein gave the impression that the defense was weak. It's inside the canyon and is a bottleneck. ”

On the table next to it is a chessboard with chess pieces. Brand grabbed it and set up the chess pieces to simulate the battlefield. "The highlanders stormed it in order to crush the ranks of the Knights," he recounted. "They were crammed together and couldn't use their numbers. All the remaining knights, excelling in close combat, defend the canyon and repel the attackers. At the same time, the infantry of the Order unexpectedly advanced to the other side in order to crush the enemy. Brand looked up at his sister. What was supposed to be a certain defeat, Axelstan and these people turned into a resounding victory. So you see, there's no need to worry," he said with a smile.

"If you say so," Arndis admitted and stood up. "Let's go, let's both go to the temple."

"You just came from there," Brand said confusedly.

"Yes, but it looks like there's more to what I should be praying for. We should both," she said to her brother, and then went into her room and chose a small piece of jewelry that she might enshrine in the temple in exchange for her brother's safety.

~~~~

As the evening bell rang, Kate walked into the library tower. Quill carefully added brushstrokes to an open scroll, so she didn't bother him. She simply took the song of Sigvard and sat down at a table; However, her attention seemed to be drawn to the blank wall and books in front of her.

Time passed in silence until Quill finally spoke. "Do you have any ideas?" He asked, without looking up.

"No, master," Kate said absent-mindedly.

"I'm just asking, because I haven't heard you turn the page in a while."

"Oh. I guess my thoughts are a bit scattered. The castle is full of such rumors. ”

"Rumors about invasions and wars. Yes, they even reached my ears all the way here. ”

"Are they real?"

"Do you think I have some form of knowledge or foresight? Am I like a Norn to you? Quill said with a faint dry smile.

"You seem to know too much and know everything," Kate noted, abandoning her book and turning her attention to the scribe.

"There are limits," Quill said, but he put down his quill and looked at Kate instead. "What the hell do you want to know?"

"Is there really going to be a war?"

"It looks like so. But you might really want to ask, if there is a war, what will affect you? ”

"I think," Kate admitted, looking away.

"I don't think it matters to you. Few people in the city will feel it. I doubt that the war will spread from Hæthiod to Adallik. Maybe salt will be harder to come by or more expensive. ”

"Why?"

"Well, almost all of the salt in this city comes from Highside, so it's probably going to be less and less. But it was the soldiers and knights who were sent away who really felt the war. And those who are tied to them. Their wives and children may be separated from their husbands and fathers for years to come. ”

"Years?"

Quill nodded. "If you pull it out. Although maybe it will end before the winter solstice. At the moment, we don't know. ”

"I'm glad I don't know anyone," Kate said.

"Then I suggest you put these thoughts behind you and go back to your book," Quill said sternly, and she immediately complied.

~~~~

Sir William of Tosmore, champion of swordsmanship, hesitated for a moment, then knocked on the door of one of the southern wings of the fortress. This is a place where the low-ranking nobles of the court live in single rooms, and there is no luxury. The door was opened by a maid. "It's Sir William, ma'am," the servant announced to the young woman in the room.

"Sir William," said the woman, rising to meet him.

"Mrs. Eleanor," he said, bowing his head slightly. He was in his early thirties, about ten years older than the woman. She is ordinary in most respects, with brown hair covered in a veil. She had already lowered her veil when she heard a knock on the door, but now she had removed it again, revealing her face. This also shows her defining characteristics; While the right side of her face is unblemished, the left side of her is covered in faded scars and burns. "I'm sorry I couldn't accompany you to the temple tonight. I haven't forgotten that today is Rilday," William began.

"Oh, it didn't hurt me to go alone," said Eleanor softly, sitting down to pick up her needlework. "And, next week and next week, there's Rilday."

"That's why I wanted to talk to you. Why didn't I come tonight. Annie," he said, pointing to the maid, "let me speak privately with your lady. ”

Anne bowed, retreated into the small alcove in her bedroom, and drew the curtains to the door in the middle. Eleanor, on the other hand, let go of the needle and raised her head, her eyes fixed on William. "You're going to war."

"Yes," William admitted. "Tomorrow with the Vanguard."

"So fast," she said, a slight tremor in her voice.

"I'm scared of that. We were going to Heatherd, so the Marshal wanted me to be present as his lieutenant. ”

"Your pleasure," Eleanor said.

"It's my duty and I'm happy to serve," William said earnestly.

"I have no doubt that you are," Eleanor said, looking away.

"You won't be missing anything in my absence, I hope?"

"Of course not," Eleanor said dismissively. "Your winnings haven't been touched yet. With my friends in court, I'll barely know you're gone. ”

"It's good to hear that," William said, sounding relieved.

"Really, Sir William, you need not worry. Two years ago I was no longer your guardian. ”

"Of course I do," said the knight. "I just feel responsible, because I brought you here from Tosmore."

"You are the kindest," Eleanor smiled vaguely, "but you have long been absolved of your responsibilities to me. In fact, you shouldn't even spend your winnings on me. ”

"I don't think I have to," William said hesitantly. "But until you get married and have a husband to take care of those needs, I'm happy to do so."

"A husband. Yes," Eleanor said calmly. "Thank you for telling me, Sir William. I won't keep you anymore. I'm sure you have a lot to prepare. ”

"I have," William said, bowing his head in farewell. "Pray for me and our fight on the next Rilday," he said, turning to leave.

"Always," Eleanor could barely hear, watching the knight leave. Before her maid could withdraw from the alcove, she quickly wiped the moisture from her eyes.

~~~~

Towards dusk, the last bell struck, and Nicholas from Tothmor walked through the low town with his bow and staff and a bag of belongings. In the days following the winter solstice, he was revered as a bow and arrow champion in various parts of the city, but he still returned every evening to the humble tavern where he had originally lived. Despite the tavernkeeper's willingness to find a better place to stay for him, the archers refused such an offer and still slept in the stables.

"Master Nicholas!" As the man from Heitiodd walked into the tavern, the owner, Gilbert, shouted. "Want a drink? There's only time," he said tentatively.

"Thank you, Master Gilbert, but I'm going home tomorrow."

"Are you sure you want that? Things they say bad things are coming to your homeland. ”

"More reason for me to come back. I'd better get as good a night's sleep as possible," Nicholas said, continuing.

"As you wish," said the bartender, saying goodnight to him.

Nicholas walked through the common room, into the courtyard, and into the stables. The animals barely noticed his presence, and he sat down in the haystack that served as his bed. Putting away his staff, he opened his bag and rummaged through the items he had bought at the Temple Square bazaar. Food on the way home, a warm hat when the cold weather arrives, and certain oils that he will mix to make the mixture he uses to heal the shafts of his bows. Hearing the sound of footsteps, he said without raising his head. "Really, Lord Gilbert, I'm flattered, but I can't-"

He was interrupted by a gruff voice. "You've got my stuff." Nicholas looked up, barely able to catch a clear look at the figure of a man in front of him. He was then hit in the head with a stick, knocking him to the ground. When he closed his eyes, he heard the sound of someone rummaging through his things. "This one too," the voice said, pulling out the ivory statue he had won in the Winter Solstice game from Nicholas's pocket. Nicholas weakly stretched out his hand to stop the theft, but the robber simply stepped on his hand. This was followed by a kick to the head, which caused Nicholas's consciousness to lose control of the world around him.

When he woke up again, Nicholas was lying more comfortably in the hay than on the floor of the stable. The maid in the tavern held his head and pressed a damp rag to his forehead. "Master Nicholas." The tavernkeeper's concerned voice came. "How are you?"

"My head is pounding like an anvil," Nicholas groaned.

"I'm sorry," Gilbert said, wringing hands. "None of us saw anyone come in! The tavern was too busy just now for me to keep my eyes on the door, and—"

"Please, I believe in you," Nicholas said with difficulty raising his hand. "Be quiet."

"Yes, I'm sorry," Gilbert said in a low voice. Then he left the stable, muttering about the pain of ordinary people surrounded by bandits.

"You have a nasty lump," the girl said, stroking his head.

"They took my money," Nicholas grumbled excitedly. "And my carvings, my prizes."

"I'm sorry," the maid said sympathetically, while gently stopping him from getting up. "But now you should close your eyes. I asked the cook to make some willow bark tea, and she would come at any time. ”

"Thanks," Nicholas muttered, leaning back. "I'm not going to leave here anyway. I can't go home without coins. ”

"Well, at least you'll stay a little longer," the girl said with a smile, which Nicholas could catch even with his eyes closed.

"What's your name?" He asked.

"Alan, good master," she replied, stroking his head to ease his pain.

"I'm Nicholas of Tosmore."

"Yes," she said, still smiling, "and everyone here knows that." ”