《Oliver Castle and the Dragonkeeper》


 Prologue - Fifteen Years Ago

    Prologue


    The Last Dragonkeeper Village - Fifteen Years Ago


    The village was ablaze. Roaring flames swallowed aged yellow tents one by one, casting a haunting glow over the crimson soldiers rushing in and out of falling tents, pulling dead Dragonkeepers outside or stabbing living ones through the tough tanned leather. The Dragonkeepers resisted, nearly repelling the invading forces with their legendary strength and magic. Ice, fire, and lightning poured from their hands and mouths as they fought desperately to protect their children and homes. Even the kids, those older than six who had awakened their powers and dragons, fought the invaders.


    It had taken eight years of war, countless coin, and thousands of deaths, before the nation of Brent finally gained a footing in their solitary war against the Dragonkeepers. The rest of the continent of Aidenbre had formed a desperate alliance to resist Brent¡¯s military but it was already too late for the ancient people.


    The Dragonkeeper¡¯s companions, the dragons themselves, were caught one-by-one by diamond-laced steel nets forged in the North. The dragons were brought low by the wiry threads that sliced easily through their wings, forced to fight on the ground.


    In the center of the village was Chief Kelo¡¯s tent. Two dozen bloodied soldiers circled the home. They shook as they waited for the famous warrior to make a move.


    Inside the tent, Chief Kelo whispered to his wife.


    ¡°You must take her and flee,¡± the Chief¡¯s voice was calm, a hundred and seventy years of leading the tribe helped keep his composure.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think for a second I¡¯ll abandon you now,¡± the Chief¡¯s wife, Hebo, turned to her stepmother, ¡°Please, watch over Holo.¡±


    The elderly Dragonkeeper, Bast, bowed her head solemnly, ¡°I will see to it. Your sister lives but a two-day from here. The child and I know the way well.¡±


    Tears sparkled beneath Hebo¡¯s eyes as she knelt and smiled at her daughter, ¡°Young Holo, I¡¯m trusting you to lead Bast to your aunt¡¯s home. Can you do this for me?¡±


    Holo shook her head, her jet-black hair spread across her young face. The girl looked at the ground.


    Chief Kelo growled low and steady as he watched the silhouettes of the Brent soldiers close tighter around the tent.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°We¡¯re out of time,¡± Chief Kelo turned to his daughter, brushed away her hair, and spoke softly, ¡°My starlight, the brightest among the tribe, I know you¡¯ll do great things and restore this tribe¡¯s honor. But, for now, you must run!¡±


    Holo shook her head again, more violently, ¡°No!¡±


    At her voice, the soldiers charged. Spears turned the fabric walls to shreds. A swarm of swordsmen rushed inside and were turned to ash as Chief Kelo and his wife Hebo grasped hands and roared. White and orange fires twisted around themselves, harmlessly washing over Holo and Bast. Taking hold of Holo, Bast used to the distraction to leap past the soldiers and rush away from the tent.


    The child twisted and squealed in Bast¡¯s arms. A few Brent soldiers broke formation and chased after, but even they couldn¡¯t keep up with Bast¡¯s nimble stride. Two and a half centuries meant nothing to the old Dragonkeeper. Not when the future of her son¡¯s tribe was at stake. She paused only to grab a pearlescent egg from her tent and hand it to Holo.


    ¡°Do not drop this!¡± Bast hissed before once again sweeping the child up and running. Dropping the egg couldn¡¯t harm the shell, but Bast didn¡¯t believe they could afford to stop running again. Something sinister haunted the back of her mind, a dark and ancient presence was washing over the ruined village.


    Within moments, Bast was at the edge of the Iron Forest ¨C a jagged range of mountains buried under thick brambles and trees that ran along the center of Aidenbre. Bast had been among the first to cross the harsh terrain, she¡¯d picked the retreat herself after the Dragonkeeper War. Once, the mountains were the Dragonkeeper¡¯s shield, now it would allow the peoples¡¯ last hope to escape.


    The ominous presence was overwhelming. If she didn¡¯t stall for the child, all would be lost. Bast stopped, set Holo down, and turned the child to face her.


    ¡°This is as far as I can take you. Follow the tree line to your aunt¡¯s town and don¡¯t turn back!¡±


    ¡°I can fight! I can help mommy and daddy!¡±


    Bast¡¯s brazen features relaxed, ¡°Of course, but today is not the day. Now go!¡±


    Holo hesitated. Bast was never this mean. Holo knew Bast was serious, but she worried about her parents. Holo nodded, however. She trusted her grandmother. Bast turned Holo around and pushed her along. The young child ran, cradling the precious egg in her arms. Tears ran down Bast¡¯s face as she watched the child fade into the darkness.


    The air chilled, Bast¡¯s neck prickled. She turned slowly, unsurprised to see a figure approaching. Bast felt the stranger¡¯s aura and grit her teeth as she recognized the man¡¯s scent.


    ¡°I thought there was something awful in the air,¡± Bast murmured. The figure ahead was unnaturally tall. His hulking features were covered in a robe dressed in colorful layers of dragon-scale armor ¨C trophies, Bast guessed.


    In his right arm, the figure held a slim curved blade nearly as tall as himself. The metal was dark ebony, the hilt and pommel a silky dark honey gold. He strode up until they were within talking distance.


    ¡°Running off on your own? Not really fitting for the new chief, is it?¡±


    The figure tossed what he carried in his left hand, the heads of Kelo and Hebo rolled in front of the old Dragonkeeper. The back of Bast¡¯s throat burned ice-cold, turning her calm expression into a snarl. Bits of ice dripped from her teeth and melted into the ground.


    Bast crouched low, her fingers sprouted icy claws, ready to tear into the slayer of her tribesmen and family. Before she charged, she venomously called, ¡°Son of Agoros, God of War and the Coming Conflict, I pray to the gods for your head!¡±

 Chapter 1

    Chapter One


    Fifteen Years Later - Northcry


    On top of a hill outside Northcry¡¯s city walls, Oliver Castle was relaxing beneath an oak. Or, at least, he had been before his two mentors, Wizard Fen and Sir Henry, came around to deliver terrifying news. Now, his hands shook as he swallowed the fear building inside his throat.


    ¡°You¡¯re kidding, right?¡± Oliver tried to smile, but his nerves turned it into a twitching grimace.


    ¡°No,¡± Wizard Fen said with a sigh, ¡°We¡¯re sending you to the Thicket, just south of Westvale.¡±


    ¡°I understand that,¡± said Oliver, who was already familiar with the enormous forest, ¡°I meant the part about a dragon!¡±


    Wizard Fen hated beating around the bush as much as he hated that his lifelong companion, Sir Henry, dragged him out of bed this early. The sun was hardly over the horizon. The wizard scratched his stubble. He looked grubbier than usual in his sleeping gown and slippers.


    ¡°Yes, yes¡­¡± Wizard Fen waved his hand dismissively, ¡°Some hunter sent a pigeon. Something about a dragon flying over the God Trees, yadda yadda. The fowl left a huge mess on my desk, you know.¡±


    Sir Henry cleared his throat, ¡°Regardless, we¡¯re not asking you to fight the beast, just see if it exists. After all, nobody has seen one since the end of the last war.¡±


    That clarification didn¡¯t ease Oliver¡¯s worries. Of course, he couldn¡¯t fight the dragon, he was just nearing the end of his training. Even if the dragon was real, it¡¯d be a very long time before he could even stand a chance.


    ¡°But why now?¡± Oliver looked at each of his mentor¡¯s expressions, trying to gain a clue to their thoughts. He paid special attention to Sir Henry, who looked perfectly alert. Like normal, he looked the part of a knight as he wore a crisp blue suit and brilliant white scarf.


    Sir Henry glanced at Wizard Fen. They were practically brothers, so they could say just as much with a look as they could with speech. The wizard just rolled his eyes and sighed.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°Just think of this as your final test,¡± Wizard Fen looked away as Sir Henry chuckled deeply.


    ¡°Bashful as ever,¡± Sir Henry met Oliver¡¯s gaze, his voice softened, ¡°Your parents would be proud, you¡¯ll make a fine Guardian.¡±


    The worry in Oliver¡¯s chest lessened, he¡¯d been working hard the past fifteen years to become a Guardian, like his parents were before they were killed. They were a famous Huntress and Sorcerer, so Oliver trained in both fields by adapting magic into his study of the bow.


    Sir Henry clapped his hands together eagerly, ¡°Now! You may take the day off, you leave in the morning, you¡¯ll need the rest.¡±


    Oliver¡¯s heart quickened, ¡°So, wait, I¡¯m to go on my own?¡±


    Wizard Fen grinned, ¡°Wouldn¡¯t be much of a test if we sent an escort, would it?¡±


    Oliver bit his lip. It had been silly to even ask. Traveling with troops would be noisy, it¡¯d slow him down. Oliver thought it wouldn¡¯t be too difficult to travel to the Thicket on his own, anyway. He¡¯d been on his own during hunts for several years now.


    With that, Oliver¡¯s mentors left him alone and went to have breakfast, talking on the way down the hill.


    ¡°You¡¯re not planning on eating in that guise, are you?¡± Sir Henry asked as he left with Wizard Fen.


    Wizard Fen scoffed, ¡°Of course I am, you expect me to spill wine on clean clothes?¡±


    Oliver stopped listening as he took in the scene from his morning spot. From this hilltop, he could just see into the town skirting around Northcry¡¯s castle. The old city was tucked in the foothills of the Stoney Ridge Mountains where much of Aidenbre¡¯s gold, iron, silver, and copper were mined. The city and it''s small robust military were famous for surviving and repelling every force which threatened its walls throughout Aidenbre¡¯s long history.


    It was Oliver¡¯s home and he never wanted to leave it. After his parents were killed in the last war with Brent, Oliver swore to become the city¡¯s next Guardian. A title of elite status with a lineage dating soon after the city was founded, five hundred and fifty years ago. Sir Henry and Wizard Fen were the current Guardians, but Oliver had been training under them since he was a kid. That was ten years ago. It was appropriate he¡¯d become a Guardian by his eighteenth birthday, just two months from now.


    Oliver dusted himself off, patting away the soil from his black trousers and straightening his brown shirt. He decided to visit his caretaker, one of the castle¡¯s maids named Tina. She¡¯d raised him since he was three and he knew she¡¯d be excited to learn he was so close to completing his training. He¡¯d leave out the bit about the dragon, though. That¡¯d only make her worry. Odds were, the sighting was nothing but a mistake, anyway.


    As Oliver made his way down the hill, excitement seeped into his step. Soon enough, he¡¯d become this city¡¯s Guardian. He¡¯d figure out the rest as it came, but for now, this was all that mattered. It was all coming together.

 Chapter 2

    Chapter Two


    Oliver found Tina in a guest room, halfway under a carved dresser. Not wanting to disturb her, Oliver patiently waited until she pulled herself out. However, Oliver¡¯s footsteps were so light, Tina had no idea he was in the room, and she nearly hit her head in surprise.


    ¡°Oh, Oliver! I didn¡¯t notice you come in,¡± Tina stood up and brushed herself off. Oliver was just a couple inches taller now. Tina looked very put-together, despite having collected some dust in her hair from cleaning. She always kept her dark brown hair braided and pulled tight under a frosty blue handkerchief. She smelled of lemons and soap ¨C the king, King Baltz, had a penchant for lemons.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Oliver couldn¡¯t help but laugh a little, ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything just in case it startled you.¡±


    ¡°Well, you did anyway. All that time hunting in the forest did you some good, I guess.¡±


    Tina laughed, too. After the pair settled down, Oliver caught her up on the day¡¯s news.


    ¡°Master Henry gave me the day off to prepare,¡± Oliver finished.


    Tina¡¯s hazelnut eyes gleamed pridefully, ¡°It¡¯s finally that time. Stephen and Claire would be so proud.¡±


    Tina was the only one who regularly brought up Oliver¡¯s parents. Now and then, Sir Henry wistfully reflected on an old memory, when it was appropriate for a lesson. Wizard Fen, however, rarely brought them up. Whenever the thought crossed his mind, his eyes turned sharp and pained. Tina, however, had known Oliver¡¯s parents since the three of them had run throughout the castle, playing games and laughing together. To Tina, Oliver''s parents were the closest she had to family.


    Suddenly, Tina¡¯s eyes turned devious, ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me everything, however.¡±


    ¡°You eavesdropped again, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re investigating a dragon-sighting? I can¡¯t believe people still think they¡¯re around.¡±


    Oliver nodded, ¡°It¡¯s unbelievable. They were supposed to have all been killed. Almost as unbelievable as your bad habit, you didn¡¯t forget what happened last time, did you?¡±


    Tina blushed and waved her hand dismissively, ¡°That was the only time they ever caught me, do I look like a creature that makes a lot of noise?¡±


    ¡°You know Wizard Fen hates people sneaking around. He won¡¯t let you off with a warning again.¡±


    ¡°Oh, he won¡¯t mess with me. I hear everything.¡± A cocky grin spread over the little maid¡¯s face.


    Oliver offered to help Tina clean the rest of the morning, and the two spent the time laughing and swapping gossip. It was good for Oliver, Tina¡¯s presence always melted away the stress of his training. Today, it eased his nerves about his upcoming mission. There were days he felt overwhelmed by the gratitude he felt towards Tina. She¡¯d given up her youth to watch over him. However, even that feeling disappeared whenever she called out to him.


    By lunchtime, Tina had finished over half her chores, thanks to Oliver¡¯s help. She thanked him for his help, then sent him away.


    ¡°You go enjoy the rest of your day,¡± Tina smiled once again, ¡°You¡¯ve got a big day tomorrow. I¡¯ll see you off.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Tina,¡± Oliver replied, ¡°I¡¯ll see you then.¡±


    Oliver decided to stop by his favorite bakery. He thought that, if it was his last mission before he became a Guardian, he couldn¡¯t do it without eating a honey roll ¨C his favorite pastry. The bakery sat in the center of the village, just off the marketplace.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    The village wrapped along the front of Northcry Castle, made of cobblestone homes built in squares that surrounded a small yard. The squares created small communities, so the village felt homely and united. Every month, the squares held their communal dinners. The friendliness reflected itself in the marketplace as well. Northcry held over five thousand citizens, but everyone knew each other, even if it was just recognizing faces.


    Oliver knew the owners of the bakery personally. His parents had taken him to have his first honey roll when he was two, and he¡¯d been visiting since. Oliver could find the place by smell alone. Standing in the plaza, Oliver watched the citizens going about their day.


    A woman leaned out of her balcony, beating the dust out of a blanket. Two men lifted crates of goods onto a cart. A blacksmith fed his furnace, shoveling coal into the glowing mouth. A band of merchants from the city of Matz, dressed in bright green and yellow wraps, were selling sculptures, paintings, jewelry, and decorative buttons.


    The sweet smell of honey drew Oliver''s thoughts away, the heavenly scent of fresh bread curled in his nose. His body began moving on its own and, before he knew it, Oliver found himself in front of the bakery. He slipped inside where an elderly woman, stubby and wrinkled from age, smiled warmly.


    ¡°Oliver, what a pleasant surprise!¡±


    ¡°Hello, Able,¡± Oliver stepped up to the counter and eyed the various loaves of bread and pastries spread among tiered platters, ¡°I was given the day off, so I thought I¡¯d stop by,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s pretty rare, is it because of the mission?¡± Able winked when she saw Oliver¡¯s surprise, ¡°Tina stopped by this morning, she said to have this ready for you around lunchtime.¡±


    Able reached down and pulled out a basket. Oliver immediately knew there was a honey roll inside. There was even a meat roll ¨C a flakey bread roll stuffed with sweet mustard, shaved roasted beef, and mild cheese. There was a shiny red apple, too.


    ¡°George saved you something as well,¡± Able stepped away and returned with her husband. George was older than she was, but he was built like a bear.


    In his enormous hands was a small brown pastry bag.


    ¡°Candies?¡± Oliver asked as he received the parcel.


    ¡°Peppermints,¡± George said simply, ¡°A gift from us, you¡¯ve been a good customer.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Oliver said gratefully. He¡¯d be sure to save the mints for the trip. Lifting the basket, Oliver smiled, ¡°You know I¡¯ll be back, right? It¡¯s just a mission, you aren¡¯t losing me as a customer.¡±


    Able¡¯s expression was warm, but she couldn¡¯t quite smile. She thought it felt like her boy was growing up, but she and George never managed to have a child of their own. She couldn¡¯t tell Oliver that, however. She didn¡¯t think it was fair to assume she and George had been like parents to the boy.


    ¡°Oh,¡± Able said simply, ¡°It¡¯s just me being old. Never know when I¡¯ll kick it!¡±


    Able laughed heartily, but Oliver barely managed a chuckle and a polite smile.


    ¡°Of course, but you¡¯ll be around so long as there¡¯s an oven, isn¡¯t that right?¡±


    George nodded mightily, ¡°Right you are.¡±


    As Oliver exited, Able told him to leave the basket with Tina.


    ¡°She and I have tea after we close, she can bring it over then.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do that, thanks again!¡± Oliver held the basket in one hand as he made sure the door shut, then marched off towards his regular spot. There was a small pond close to the Western wall he liked.


    Nestled against a boulder, Oliver crossed his legs and unpacked his lunch. Whenever he had an hour or two, he would buy a honey roll and eat it peacefully in this very spot. It was out of the way, a little downhill in its little pocket.


    The roll was deliciously savory, with a little spice from the mustard. Oliver washed the roll down with the apple¡¯s crisp and juicy taste before he moved on to the honey roll. Oliver savored it first with his eyes, memorizing the glazed and flaky coat of honey and sugar. It crackled, just slightly, under his teeth as the sweet aroma washed over his tongue.


    It was gone before Oliver knew it, but that¡¯s how it always went. Once, he tried to make it last by cutting it in quarters so he could pace himself. However, it only made it easier to eat and Oliver ate it even faster.


    Oliver was licking his fingers, enjoying the remnants of his delicious lunch when the wind picked up. The breeze caught Oliver¡¯s tunic, catching the clothe that had covered the basket. Oliver reached out and caught it, pushing himself up with his knee to reach. On the ridge of his little picnicking spot, Oliver saw a young girl. Her blonde hair flowed like running amber water over her petite shoulders, a sparkling white dress drifting over her thin frame.


    Her white teeth shined as she smiled devilishly, the look sharpened by her sapphire eyes. She took a cautious step in her laced flats as she steadied herself with a parasol. It was too late for Oliver to run, now.

 Chapter 3

    Chapter Three


    Oliver groaned internally as the frail-looking girl, Gretchen Everdain, carefully made her way down the hill. While the two had grown up together in the castle, Oliver thought Gretchen¡¯s tedious personality aged like a bottle of sour wine. Gretchen felt the same, considering Oliver¡¯s ability to create such a wide gap in their relationship despite sharing the same castle. She hoped Oliver wouldn¡¯t notice the couple beads of sweat slipping down the side of her neck. It¡¯d taken her a while to find him.


    ¡°You look pleased with yourself,¡± Gretchen called out as she approached. The wind kept blowing her long hair into her eyes, she fought the irritation creeping up her throat. She should have done it up before she came looking for Oliver. Leave it to the weather to put a damper in her plans.


    ¡°I was enjoying my day off,¡± Oliver caught himself just before he emphasized the word ¡®was.¡¯


    ¡°Why haven¡¯t you come to see me?¡± Gretchen stopped just feet away from Oliver. He did not attempt to greet her. Instead, he collected the cloth and leftover pastry paper from his lunch and stuffed them into a small basket.


    ¡°Because I didn¡¯t want to,¡± Oliver griped, ¡°You don¡¯t normally go outside, what are you up to?¡±


    ¡°Up to?¡± Gretchen tilted her head and smiled, ¡°Why? You curious?¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Oliver stood up and brushed himself off. Gretchen was probably the only part of Oliver¡¯s life he felt no control over. He was the one who asked to be trained to become a Guardian. He woke up early, exercised, ate breakfast, then practiced his archery. In the afternoons, he studied magic in Wizard Fen¡¯s study. Everything was routine in Oliver¡¯s life, except for Gretchen. She popped in and out whenever she pleased.


    Gretchen pursed her lips, ¡°You don¡¯t have to be so blunt. I came because I wanted to see you before¡­¡±


    ¡°Before what?¡± Oliver didn¡¯t realize the trap until it was too late.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Gretchen smiled again, she¡¯d drawn him in, ¡°Before your mission, silly.¡±


    Oliver¡¯s look of surprise was priceless, Gretchen loved it when she caught him. It was this part of Oliver Gretchen loved the most. Oliver hated surprises; he was a man of habit. Well, almost a man, Gretchen thought. Sure, he was seventeen and technically a man, but it was traditional that men waited until they were eighteen to marry. Gretchen didn¡¯t have many options when it came to possible suitors, but she had no reason to look harder. Oliver was too much fun!


    Gretchen twirled her parasol, ¡°Did you think I didn¡¯t know? I have eyes and ears all over the castle, who do you think my mother is?¡±


    Oliver knew Gretchen enough to understand her sense of humor. He knew she hated her mother, Lady Everdain, but admired the way she¡¯d maintained her powers after Gretchen¡¯s father died. Thankfully, Gretchen only inherited her mother¡¯s cunning.


    Gretchen didn¡¯t wait for Oliver¡¯s response. She stepped up to Oliver, lifting her eyes to look at him. She had to rise on her toes, just a little, as she came close, ¡°Don¡¯t be so rude. I¡¯m all dressed up and surrounded by such a romantic summer scene. Doesn¡¯t that make your heartbeat race just a little?¡±


    Oliver bit his cheek, ¡°Not one bit, you¡¯re too close.¡±


    Gretchen turned around, ¡°Not close enough, I guess. You better not disappear without saying goodbye.¡±


    Oliver picked up his basket, ¡°What¡¯s it matter to you? I¡¯m not going to be gone long, just a few weeks.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve forgotten the fact I know everything about your mission,¡± Gretchen¡¯s voice turned to a hushed whisper, ¡°I¡¯m worried¡­¡±


    ¡°What did you say?¡± Oliver took a step forward, curious what Gretchen was so afraid to say aloud, but Gretchen took a step back, as well.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Gretchen sang vainly as she walked back up the hill without so much as a glance. She was irritated and tired of the outdoors.


    Losing Oliver as a close friend frustrated Gretchen to no end. Before they turned twelve, she and Oliver were inseparable. Everyone else in the castle was either old or aging, so Gretchen was grateful to have someone her age.


    But now, things had changed. Oliver was so focused on his training he had pushed her away. Of course, Gretchen knew she wasn¡¯t much better. Her training to take on her mother¡¯s position of Dutchess of Westvale consumed most of her free time as well. Unless Gretchen escaped her studies to find Oliver, the only time they spent together was at dinner.


    Gretchen could only hope that the dragon-sighting was false. Oliver was a capable warrior, but over the years Gretchen discovered she possessed something Oliver did not - guts. If Oliver came face-to-face with a dragon, Gretchen wasn¡¯t sure he had the gall to either run away or fight it to the end. Then the only exciting thing in her life would disappear in a puff of smoke.

 Chapter 4

    Chapter Four


    Gretchen didn¡¯t attend dinner that night, which Oliver took as a bad sign. Even when she had a fever, Gretchen mustered the energy to make it to dinner. She liked to make faces at Oliver when no one was looking. Since she wasn¡¯t there, it was just her mother, Sir Henry, Wizard Fen, and Oliver. Normally, dinner was lively, but since Lady Everdain was in the city visiting, the dining hall was reduced to the clattering of silverware.


    Sir Henry ate calmly, pretending to enjoy the silence. Wizard Fen purposely slurped at his wine, watching a vein squirm in Lady Everdain¡¯s temple. Oliver tried desperately not to laugh as he focused on quartering a steaming potato.


    Finally, Lady Everdain couldn¡¯t bear the strained atmosphere any longer. She firmly set her glass on the table. Her voice was sharp and deliberate.


    ¡°It¡¯s like someone died, for goodness sake,¡± Lady Everdain wiped her lips with a napkin, then turned to Oliver with an accusing glare, ¡°I hope you¡¯re satisfied. You upset Gretchen so much, she ordered the servants to bring her food to bed.¡±


    ¡°Let him be, I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll apologize,¡± Sir Henry¡¯s voice was commanding. The knight turned a knowing eye to Oliver.


    Oliver caught Sir Henry¡¯s gaze and immediately looked down. The knight had the uncanny ability to say a lot with very little. Oliver poked at his potato absently. He knew he¡¯d been harsh to Gretchen. No matter how much she tried to hide it, Gretchen¡¯s life was a house of cards. Oliver was surprised when Gretchen didn¡¯t run away after her mother forced her to take lessons to become the next Dutchess. What kept her here, Oliver hadn¡¯t figured out.


    ¡°He better. Honestly,¡± Lady Everdain took a bit of her pinkish steak, chewing methodically before she swallowed and spoke again, ¡°You have no tact, Oliver, I swear. Speaking to her like she¡¯s some pest!¡±


    Wizard Fen¡¯s fork fell from his hands and splashed in his glass of wine, splashing over Lady Everdain¡¯s lavender dress.


    ¡°Oops, clumsy me,¡± Wizard Fen muttered as he continued to eat. He stabbed at his steak with his knife and bit into it, tearing away a gluttonous chunk.


    Lady Everdain¡¯s face twisted in anger. A maid rushed in, having heard the commotion and pulled a towel from her apron. Lady Everdain snatched it without so much as a look. She stormed out, barking at a servant outside to bring the rest of her meal to her quarters.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    The enraged Dutchess¡¯ voice echoed down the halls, ¡°Gretchen¡¯s wasted on him! Wasted!¡±


    Sir Henry gazed flatly at Wizard Fen, ¡°Now you¡¯ve done it.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s bad for my health,¡± Wizard Fen pulled out his fork from the puddle of wine and licked it clean, ¡°I¡¯m surprised Westvale hasn¡¯t thrown a coup.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Fen,¡± Sir Henry sighed, ¡°She¡¯s unpleasant, but she¡¯s still a Dutchess. She technically outranks both of us, you know.¡±


    Oliver was trying not to draw attention, but Sir Henry turned to him, ¡°Please go and apologize. I¡¯m sure you didn¡¯t mean any offense. I know she teases you, but you two should remain pleasant towards each other. I believe she means well. Well, well enough.¡±


    Sir Henry chuckled, then collected his plate to leave. Wizard fen topped off his wine glass again, then took a long sip. He savored the taste, then pointed at Oliver as Sir Henry left.


    ¡°I think you should let her stew; women take a mile if you give them an inch.¡±


    Sir Henry¡¯s laughter boomed, ¡°That¡¯s rich, coming from you. Oliver, I¡¯ll see you off in the morning. Be sure you¡¯re well-rested.¡±


    With that, Sir Henry left. Oliver¡¯s potato was rapidly growing cold, which was just as well. Oliver hated potatoes. They needed butter and salt to be palatable and were bland on their own.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Wizard Fen let out a long breathe, ¡°Now that Sir Moral has left us, how about I play the good mentor and ask what¡¯s bothering you?¡±


    Wizard Fen focused more on his glass of wine than Oliver, but that¡¯s just how he was. The wizard was naturally reserved and wasn¡¯t one for small talk. Oliver was surprised he was even trying to relate.


    ¡°Honestly,¡± Oliver set his fork down, ¡°I don¡¯t understand the assignment. Why would you send me to investigate something as serious as a dragon sighting?¡±


    Wizard Fen nodded, ¡°That¡¯s an excellent question. Investigating a dragon-sighting is a tricky situation, so the fact you¡¯re so hesitant is a sign that you understand the potential danger.¡±


    Oliver nodded solemnly; he knew it was beyond him to fight something as powerful as a dragon.


    ¡°However,¡± Wizard Fen continued, ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate yourself. You¡¯re a second-ring magician and a great archer, as well.¡±


    Wizard Fen returned to his meal while Oliver pondered the wizard¡¯s words. Oliver realized he hadn¡¯t been given an answer. Despite that, hearing that his two mentors, who were legendary warriors themselves, believed Oliver was up to the task was enough for Oliver to dismiss their cryptic responses.


    The rest of the dinner moved by in silence. The two finished their meals and parted ways, but not before Wizard Fen gave Oliver one more piece of advice.


    ¡°When you¡¯re out there, remember to keep an open mind. Things turn up that you¡¯d never expect, you¡¯ll have to make decisions.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Wizard Fen simply shrugged, ¡°You¡¯ll figure it out, somehow.¡±


    With that, the wizard left Oliver. The young Guardian-in-training stood alone in the hallway. Something felt off. His mentors never went easy on him, but they never made an effort to hide the answers he sought. What could be so serious that they¡¯d keep dodging his questions?

 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5


    The next morning, Oliver stepped out of the castle¡¯s main gate and sucked in a breath of the cool morning air. He was to meet his mentors by the inner wall gate, just down the path. Gretchen wouldn¡¯t answer the door last night, but Oliver decided that it might be best to leave her alone. He was sure she¡¯d forgive him by the time he returned, anyway. She ran hot and cold, most of the time she forgot the reason she was angry within an hour.


    Still, it stung that Oliver would be leaving her in such a state. Oliver shook his head and clapped his hands to his cheeks so it stung. He focused on the pain for a moment, then stepped forward to meet his mentors.


    Wizard Fen and Sir Henry were by the inner wall gate, along with Tina. She was wiping her eyes with her sleeves when she saw Oliver approaching. She quickly gathered herself up and smiled. Oliver was about to call out and wave when he noticed something strange.


    Numerous guardsmen lined the castle walls and gate in full-armor. Some stood still as they watched the horizon. Others readied and double-checked mounted ballistae while some shuttled extra bolts.


    Sir Henry was in his full armor. Designed for maximum protection and mobility, it was brilliantly polished and bluish steel, the edges were trimmed in gold, and a calf-length royal blue cloak fluttered gently in the morning breeze. Wizard Fen, surprisingly, was also dressed up in his Sage¡¯s Garb; a maroon woolen cloak interweaved with silver over a pale cream shirt.


    The fact Oliver¡¯s mentors were dressed for the occasion wasn¡¯t all too surprising, though Wizard Fen wasn¡¯t known for his fanciful tastes. What surprised Oliver were the guardsmen lining the walls and gate. Drills were only held on the first and third week of the month and even then the guards practiced in shifts. Today, it seemed as if the castle was on full-alert.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Oliver asked as he approached his mentors and Tina.


    Wizard Fen cocked his head, ¡°Did you hit your head? You remember the part about the dragon?¡±


    Oliver pointed to the guards dressed in their chest plate and chain. Each wore a green hood and helmet and wielded spears, shields, and a longsword on their belt. Sir Henry cleared his throat,


    ¡°Just another drill. I believe Fen is anxious for your mission, he¡¯s taking his stress out on the guards.¡±


    Sir Henry was a terrible liar. Oliver sensed his mentor was holding something back and it irritated him. Weren¡¯t they about to send him on his last mission as their pupil? Did they not trust him?


    Tina broke the tension, ¡°Oh, I am so proud of you!¡±


    Tina rushed over and tried to wrap her short arms around Oliver in a tight hug. Oliver¡¯s lightweight leather armor poked her side as she squeezed, but she couldn¡¯t have cared less. The boy she¡¯d watched over for so long was about to become a man.


    Taking hold of Tina¡¯s distraction, Sir Henry nodded to Wizard Fen. The two stood side-by-side as Wizard Fen raised his hands. The guardsmen nearby took a rigged formation lining each side of the path and stood at attention.


    Wizard Fen raised his right hand and a series of five crimson arcane circles appeared and rotated around his palm. The edges of the circles crackled and sparked like lightning as they turned around like opposing clocks. Tina let go of Oliver and stepped to the side. Oliver watched the circles of magic with fascination. Even though he¡¯d seen them so many times in his training, Oliver couldn¡¯t help but feel excited when his master performed magic. He was grateful to have such a powerful mentor.


    The Fifth-Ring Wizard spoke, his voice amplified slightly by his magic, ¡°Oliver Castle, Second-Ring Enchanter and Bowman of Northcry; son of Stephen and Claire Castle, Fourth-Ring Sorcerer and Mistress of the Hunt; I, Fifth-Ring Wizard Fen, hereby declare you to be a Guardian of Northcry on the completion of your final mission.¡±


    Five vibrant red ribbons stretched out from Wizard Fen¡¯s fingers and wrapped around Oliver¡¯s right wrist. A burning pain pulsed underneath Oliver¡¯s skin, but he resisted the urge to back away. The ribbons shattered into sparks and where the burning sensation was an outline of Northcry¡¯s emblem ¨C a Stormcrow.


    Wizard Fen lowered his hand, dismissing the magic rings. Sir Henry stepped up to Oliver and took the boy¡¯s wrist, pressing a thumb inside the mark.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°This is the mark of a Guardian,¡± Sir Henry explained, ¡°It will be complete when your mission is fulfilled. As soon as we believe you¡¯ve succeeded, we will grant you the powers and rank of a Guardian.¡±


    Oliver nodded; his face lit with reverence. Sir Henry smiled, then his eyes glowed blue. Oliver understood his master was tapping into his powers. Sir Henry¡¯s feature sharpened, making him look twenty years younger. The Knight held three fingers and touched them to Oliver¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°I, Knight and Paladin Henry Allaster of Northcry, hereby promise you the focus and strength required of a Guardian, should you fulfill your quest.¡±


    With that, Sir Henry stepped back. His eyes returned to their silvery blue and the marks of his age presented themselves once again. Wizard Fen stepped up as he held a hand up once more. The guardsman struck their spears to the ground and shouted, ¡°Hail Guardian!¡±


    The sound echoed along the walls until it sounded like a thousand men. Oliver¡¯s heartbeat quickened and he felt tears rise. It¡¯d look bad if he cried, so he resisted, fighting the excitement that boiled within himself from the many years he¡¯d spent fighting for this chance.


    Tina grabbed Oliver¡¯s hand. He turned to look at her and nearly lost control of his tears when he saw Tina¡¯s tears streaming down her face.


    ¡°Your parents would be proud,¡± Tina said slowly.


    Wizard Fen shuffled his feet. It was getting too emotional around here. Even Sir Henry was getting caught up in the excitement. The perfectly composed Knight¡¯s cheeks were tight with joy. Wizard Fen had known Sir Henry long enough to know the knight had a fondness for ceremonies, especially weddings where Sir Henry often felt just as stricken as the bride¡¯s father.


    ¡°Now then,¡± Wizard Fen clapped his hands loudly and the guards stood at attention once again, ¡°Time to get a move on. The Hail Guardian was just a formality, you¡¯ll get another when you return. The longer you¡¯re here, the longer you¡¯ll have to wait.¡±


    Oliver nodded, also eager to begin his last journey before achieving his goal. He decided the fuss about all the guards could wait. The mission shouldn¡¯t take longer than a month, he¡¯d figured out. Two days to reach the Thicket, another two weeks to search the ancient forest, then a week to return.


    After goodbyes, Oliver left the inner gate and moved down the path through the village towards the outer gate. Some of the villagers had heard the news and congratulated Oliver as he walked. Around the village square, the marketplace paused to cheer when Oliver passed. The bakery owners waved from outside their shop.


    Gretchen was waiting for Oliver at the outer gate, dressed in a light blue dress. Her blond hair was tied up in a curly bun and she held her hand to block the sun as she spotted Oliver approaching.


    Gretchen twisted and untwisted the strap of a white purse she carried, ¡°Well it¡¯s about time! Tina kept you, didn¡¯t she?¡±


    Oliver just nodded, the excitement of the day fading. A pang of guilt crept up and Oliver opened his mouth to apologize for yesterday, but Gretchen stopped him,


    ¡°Don¡¯t. I think we both know things between us haven¡¯t been the best, recently,¡± Gretchen stopped fiddling with her purse strap and grasped it tightly, her knuckles turned white.


    ¡°I want to apologize. I know you¡¯ve been training hard for this, I guess I was jealous we weren¡¯t spending time together. We used to be so close¡­¡±


    Oliver stepped forward; he didn¡¯t like seeing Gretchen like this, ¡°It¡¯s my fault, too. I¡¯ve been harsh on you. I guess it¡¯s because, every time I see you, you have some plot or scheme.¡±


    ¡°Maybe I do,¡± Gretchen grinned, ¡°You know, when you get back, you¡¯ll have to settle down here.¡±


    ¡°What does that mean?¡± Oliver smiled back, he knew where she was going. Since they were kids, people around them joked they¡¯d end up married. Northcry was small enough the word spread quickly. It annoyed Oliver, most of the time, but even he knew that becoming a Guardian meant he¡¯d live the rest of his life here.


    Gretchen retrieved a pair of vials from her purse. One contained a dirty emerald green liquid and the other was paler. She held them out for Oliver.


    ¡°What are these?¡± Oliver examined them in the sunlight.


    ¡°You can¡¯t kill a dragon with a bow,¡± Gretchen chastised, ¡°so I borrowed these.¡±


    Oliver nearly dropped the vial in surprise, ¡°You can¡¯t mean¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s twilight blossom. The lighter one is the antidote, in case you screw something up. You have to drink it immediately, though, or the poison will have already eaten through your insides.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± Oliver carefully tucked them in his pack, ¡°Though I don¡¯t have to kill the dragon, even if there is one.¡±


    Gretchen shrugged, ¡°True, but I don¡¯t trust you to know when you have to run.¡±


    Oliver bit his lip, ¡°You know, Master Henry and Wizard Fen both believe I can pull this off.¡±


    Gretchen rolled her eyes and set her hands on her hips, ¡°And that¡¯s supposed to make me feel better? I don¡¯t care what they think.¡±


    Gretchen stepped close, Oliver could smell jasmine tea, ¡°Their praise means nothing if you don¡¯t convince me you believe it too.¡±


    With that, Gretchen snuck a kiss on Oliver¡¯s cheek, ¡°Though, lucky for you, I already believe you can do it. At least, now that I¡¯ve given you that poison.¡±


    Before Oliver could say a word, Gretchen quickly walked away. She desperately wanted to hide her blushing. It felt like she had a fever. It felt weird leaving things like this, so she called back to Oliver once more, not turning around to see if he could hear her,


    ¡°Don¡¯t die! If you don¡¯t come back and marry me, my mother will kill you. And I¡¯ll help her do it!¡±


    Oliver considered chasing after Gretchen, try to clear up that his going along with her jokes didn''t mean he promised to marry her, but Oliver couldn¡¯t think of a single thing to say. Instead, he watched Gretchen disappear in the village square. A mixture of emotions swirled through his mind. Marrying Gretchen would be an adventure in of itself, let alone the fact his mother-in-law would be Lady Everdain. A shiver ran through his spine; could they even live in Northcry peacefully in that situation?


    Oliver put it out of his mind. For now, he had to focus.

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6


    Within half an hour, Northcry had disappeared among the Stoney Mountains, and Oliver came to the edge of Burrow Lake. The lake was fed from several mountain water streams that joined together. A long and winding river trailing away from the lake would take Oliver straight to Westvale. He stopped briefly to slash the cool water on his face.


    It wasn¡¯t uncommon for Oliver to leave the city walls, he often hunted in the woods nearby. Burrow Lake was also a common fishing spot. This time, however, even the water felt different. It was freeing, exciting. It ran down his neck, washing away the anxiety of such a grand adventure just waiting to happen.


    When he finished, Oliver continued his walk. His eyes traced the tips of the mountains peeking over the trees. The Stoney mountains ran from the Southeastern edge of Aidenbre, all along the coast, and finally past Westvale. Oliver was grateful he¡¯d have them as a constant guiding landmark. Many souls lost their way within the Thicket, mostly those who couldn¡¯t keep their heads straight.


    The walk to Westvale would take several hours, so Oliver decided to practice his magic on the way to pass the time. Oliver reached down and picked up a flat stone a little larger than a gold Denz coin. He concentrated, focusing the magic in his body towards his fingertips and into the stone. Two sunset orange rings of magic wrapped around his hands as the stone began to twitch in his grasp.


    When Oliver let go of the stone, the magic rings disappeared, and the stone began to float on its own. With just a simple thought, Oliver could make the stone move around the air and spin as it circled him. As he continued his way to Westvale, Oliver gathered a total of eight stones and kept them afloat for a few hours before he felt his energy wane. Oliver was able to stack them, arrange them in shapes, and even collide them together so hard they broke apart. Oliver¡¯s breathing grew deliberate and beads of sweat formed on his brow.


    Oliver waited until he couldn¡¯t support the stones any longer, then one-by-one they dropped until Oliver cut off the enchantment entirely. While his mentor, Wizard Fen, could summon bolts of lightning and fly, Oliver¡¯s talents lied with enchanting. He could affect objects, like rocks and even his bow and clothing. There were a few spells Oliver could pull off outside of enchantments, but for the time being, he had much to learn.


    As the sun began its descent in the afternoon sky, Oliver reached a hilltop from which he could make out the small cabins of Westvale. Taking a moment to catch his breath, Oliver examined the village.


    Westvale held around five hundred people, mostly carpenters, farmers, and hunters. It started as a large post for producing lumber and food for Northcry¡¯s mines. Now, it was a developed settlement and a close trading partner with Northcry, who provided the village protection, stone, and metals. There was a traveling marketplace, too, where travelers and hunters from all over sold their goods. It was the perfect stop early on in a journey.


    Oliver made his way down towards the log wall, down to a gate guarded by two Northcry soldiers. Oliver recognized their faces from the barracks grounds, where he trained with Sir Henry. With a wave the guards, in turn, recognized him.


    ¡°Good afternoon, young Oliver!¡± The first guard called out as Oliver came close.


    ¡°Good afternoon,¡± replied Oliver, ¡°It¡¯ll be Sir Guardian when I return!¡±


    ¡°Is it that time already?¡± The second guard asked with a smile, ¡°I¡¯ll look forward to it!¡±


    The two let Oliver pass and as he walked into the town, Oliver felt a surge of pride. He¡¯d be the same as his parents, soon enough. It¡¯d been fifteen years since he started training. Even as a child, he studied the history of his country, Aidenbre, until he was strong enough to hold a bow. Now he was a practiced magician, an accomplished archer, and he could even hold his own with a blade ¨C though swordplay was easily his least skill.


    Oliver found an inn close by and stepped inside. He was welcomed with the rich scent of stew and a few grizzled stares from a table of middle-aged hunters. Oliver gave them a polite nod and the four hunters resumed their meal.


    The ground floor of the inn was a dining hall with several small round tables and a bar counter where an elderly man stood polishing a plate. He gestured to a stool by the bar and Oliver gladly took a seat.


    ¡°Staying the night, young man?¡± The elderly man asked with a slow drawl.


    ¡°Just stopping for a rest,¡± Oliver replied, ¡°I¡¯ll have a stew and something hot to drink.¡±


    The elderly man nodded, ¡°Six bronze Denz, then.¡±


    Oliver fished through a pouch under his jacket and pulled out a silver coin, ¡°I¡¯ve only got the silver.¡±


    The elderly man took the coin and replaced it with four bronze coins, then turned and disappeared in the kitchen. Oliver pocketed the coins and double-checked his purse. Through odd jobs and selling trophies from his hunting trips, Oliver had managed to save a fair sum. Most of it was tucked away in his room, back in the castle. There was no sense in bringing it along, after all. For the trip, Oliver gave himself four gold Denz and five silver. Plenty more than was necessary, but Oliver never had the chance to spend his coin, and he knew there¡¯d be a few merchant stalls in Westvale.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    The elderly man returned with a wooden bowl full of thick potato and beef stew, with some carrots and herbs mixed in as well. Making his way to the fireplace, where an earthenware pot hung above the flames, the elderly man filled a stone cup. When he set it out in front of Oliver, the heavenly scent of apple cider filled Oliver¡¯s nose.


    ¡°Enjoy,¡± the elderly man said before turning to put away clean dishes.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Oliver warmed his hands with the cup before digging into his soup.


    The meat was heavily seasoned and a poor cut, but Oliver got it down. He knew he¡¯d been spoiled, living at the castle. Under normal circumstances, Oliver would have been simply treated as an apprentice, a position no higher than a regular soldier. However, his parents¡¯ former status as Guardians gave him certain privileges. Once, on a trip with Sir Henry as a young boy, Oliver complained bitterly that a leek stew tasted more like plant water.


    Unlike the other patrons, who gasped in shock, Sir Henry calmly looked at the server and said, ¡°Thank you for the meal, this will keep me going all day.¡±


    Oliver was embarrassed. He apologized to the server and ate his soup without another word. Sir Henry never brought it up, but from then on, he looked at Oliver expectantly whenever food was served. Oliver would have to show gratitude for the meal before he could eat.


    As Oliver ate his stew, he overheard the hunters talking.


    ¡°I heard the game down South is slim,¡± said the hunter with bronze hair.


    ¡°Reckon it¡¯s Brent? I hear they¡¯ve been having a hard time feedin¡¯ their soldiers,¡± a slimmer man with a lopsided beard said.


    ¡°That¡¯s what they¡¯re saying,¡± the bronze-haired hunter agreed, ¡°they¡¯ve been growing like rabbits.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s been feedin¡¯ them, then?¡±


    An older, graying hunter spoke up, ¡°Betcha it¡¯s them Imperials.¡±


    ¡°The Great Empire? Don¡¯t tell me they¡¯re getting¡¯ cozy,¡± the slimmer hunter said before taking a long drink out of his mug.


    The older hunter chuckled, ¡°Practically married.¡±


    Oliver turned to get a better listen, but then the door to the inn slammed open. Two staggering figures barged into the inn. The first one spat into the corner and walked over to take a seat on the other end of the bar. The second man followed, leaving the door open. One of the hunters at the table stood up and pushed it closed.


    The first man, who reeked of mud and cow pies, called out to the elderly man, ¡°Oi! Bring us drinks and something to eat, old man!¡±


    The loud man was dressed in layers of ragged scarves and jackets. The smell of manure, mud, and decaying wood hung around him. He dropped a backpack he was wearing and it clattered to the ground. The tips of various tools, like hatchets and pickaxes, stuck out the top. The second man was much shorter than the first, but he was built like a rock. He picked his nose contentedly, then wiped it along the face of his leather coat. He smelled just as bad.


    ¡°Old man!¡± The loud one yelled again like the innkeeper didn¡¯t hear the first time, ¡°fix us a couple of stews and something hot to drink.¡±


    The elderly man nodded politely with so much as a word before he disappeared into the kitchen. He returned with two bowls of stew, which he set before the two rowdy men before reaching for a metal pitcher. It smelled of sweet grapes and alcohol. Table wine, Oliver recognized. He was plenty old enough to drink, but his mentors only let him drink at night and on holidays, so he could sleep soundly and celebrate.


    Oliver wrinkled his nose, he hardly drank, however, as the smell always bothered him. Over the years he spent in the forest, he¡¯d developed keen senses. It also helped he could empower them with his magic.


    Oliver lifted his cider closer to his face, trying to smother the smell of alcohol with apples and cinnamon. It worked, for the most part, but as Oliver brought it closer, he couldn¡¯t help but continue drinking, and the drink was soon gone. The warm cinnamon and sweet apples were squelched by sour body odors and pungent wine.


    Setting down his cup Oliver felt his blood pump and pulse through his temple. It was too much. He couldn¡¯t even smell the rest of his stew. What did these men do all day? Bury bodies? Oliver couldn¡¯t stand it any longer, he already missed the castle. There, at least, people bathed every week!


    Unable to withstand the two men¡¯s presence any longer, Oliver thanked the elderly innkeeper for the meal and pushed away from the counter. Lifting his backpack and bow, Oliver cast aside the two men from his mind and started towards the door.


    ¡°Eh, old man! This stew tastes like crap!¡±


    Oliver paused in front of the door.


    ¡°Sir,¡± The innkeeper croaked, ¡°You¡¯ve already finished it, haven¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Call it charity,¡± The taller man sneered, ¡°The pigs don¡¯t gotta eat this slop now, right?¡±


    The words ran in Oliver¡¯s ear like a bell in an endless tunnel. Before he knew it, he¡¯d dropped his pack and bow and started back towards the two men.


    ¡°So,¡± The taller man continued, ¡°What do you think you¡¯re gonna do about this?¡±


    Before the innkeeper could respond, Oliver¡¯s arm wrapped around the taller man¡¯s kneck and the man was pulled to the ground. Oliver brushed his fingers across the man¡¯s coat and two rings of orange runes blossomed above his hand. The man¡¯s clothes grew heavy as lead, holding him in place. The shorter man shouted in protest, but Oliver¡¯s sharp bronze eyes turned towards him like blades.


    ¡°W-we don¡¯t want no t-trouble¡­¡± The shorter man stammered, looking at Oliver with doleful, pleading eyes before they turned sinister. In a flash, the shorter man drew a dagger and lept towards Oliver.


    Oliver¡¯s weakest skill was his swordsmanship, but as an archer, he¡¯d at least trained in defending himself against blades. Those years of training flashed in Oliver¡¯s mind as he gracefully stepped to the side, caught the shorter man¡¯s wrist with his left hand, numbed his grip with a jolt of magic, and pushed the man off-balance with his right. The man was on the ground in seconds, with Oliver twisting his arm painfully as two of the other hunters grappled the taller man and the other two came to assist Oliver.


    From an exposed tattoo on the pair¡¯s arms, it was found out they belonged to a group of mercenary bandits. The hunters carried the two off to the guards while Oliver apologized to the innkeeper.


    ¡°It was a reckless thing,¡± the innkeeper scolded, ¡°taking matters into your own hands like that.¡±


    Oliver didn¡¯t answer, but the innkeeper expected he wouldn¡¯t. The elderly man shook his head, ¡°Still, I appreciate you protecting my honor like that. But it¡¯s more important to protect your own, first, before you go around protecting everyone else¡¯s! Otherwise, you have no credibility, no right, to do so!¡±


    The innkeeper¡¯s words flowed through Oliver¡¯s mind as he left the inn. The edge of the Thicket was a short journey away. He¡¯d stop at the marketplace first since it was on the way. He rarely had the opportunity to go, so this was his best chance.


    Still, Oliver thought to himself, what point was there in being a Guardian, if he couldn¡¯t intervene at times like that? Wasn¡¯t that what was expected of him?