"You okay, Aries? What happened? Why were you sleeping here? How did you end up here?" Drake's voice was filled with concern, his gaze fixed on me, his eyes scanning my face.
I rubbed my temples, trying to piece together what happened. "I... I just came here for water," I muttered, my voice laced with confusion. "I think Must have dozed off."
Drake didn't seem convinced but didn't press further. He extended a hand to help me up. I accepted it, standing, the lingering unease still gnawing at me.
"Anyways," Drake began, his tone shifting to something more serious, "I need to head to Kaelenor. Got some business there." His words sparked a flash of curiosity.
"Kaelenor?" I repeated, brow furrowed in doubt.
"Yeah," he replied, eyes flashing with urgency. "One of the three states in Marden Kingdom. We leave today."
I nodded, intrigued, but before I could ask, Drake dropped another bombshell. "I will be teaching you swordsmanship," he added, a grin tugging at his lips.
I raised an eyebrow. "What's the point of swordsmanship when I have magic?" I asked, arms crossed. "I mean come on Gramps it Seems like a waste of time."
Drake's grin faded, his expression turning stern. He flicked my head with his fingers—sharp and swift.
"Ow!" I winced, rubbing my sore scalp, giving him an annoyed look.
"Swordsmanship is essential, Aries," he said firmly. "It's not just about swinging a blade. It amplifies your power. When you infuse a sword with magic, it becomes an extension of yourself—making you stronger, faster, and more dangerous. It's about synergy, strategy, control."
I frowned. "But I'm a mage. Not a swordsman."
Drake chuckled, eyes gleaming. "That's Exactly where you are wrong Aries. Magic and swordsmanship complement each other. Magic enhances the sword, and the sword enhances the magic. It's about versatility. You'll need both to be a complete warrior."
I mulled over his words. Maybe he was right. Swordsmanship wasn't just about fighting with a blade—it could enhance everything, including my magic. I sighed in resignation.
"Fine," I muttered. "Teach me swordsmanship. But don't expect me to be a master anytime soon."
Drake's smile returned, lively as ever. "Wouldn't dream of it, Aries."
As we set off toward Kaelenor, the warm sunlight bathed us, the journey stretching ahead. The landscape rolled out before us, golden fields against the sky.
Curiosity bubbled up again. "Hey, Gramps," I said, turning to Drake. "What's this business with Kaelenor?"
Drake's face darkened, and he lowered his voice. "It's about the Knight's summons," he said, his tone sharp. "We have no choice but to—"
A sudden cry cut through the air, raw and desperate.
A boy, no older than ten, was being dragged by a burly man. An iron chain was fastened tightly around his neck, pulling him along. The boy's terrified eyes met mine, and my stomach churned.
"No, not my ring! It's all I have left—please!" His voice cracked, desperation pouring through every word.
My chest tightened. I moved, instinctively, but Drake's hand gripped my shoulder, halting me.
"Aries," he said, his voice low, urgent. "We can't interfere. It's not our business. Let's go."
"But Gramps he's in trouble —"
"Listen Aries...
Slavery here are common, they do these things but we have no right to stop them since it is him who took that boy by purchasing him"
He paused then
"Since there is nothing we can do, we can't get ourselves under trouble so understand me"
But I couldn't tear my eyes away from the boy. The man's cruel laughter sent a shiver through me as he raised his foot, ready to strike. The impact echoed in my ears—sickening, sharp.
My stomach twisted as the boy collapsed, trembling from the blow. The man's boot came down again. And again. Each thud filled me with a sickening rage.
"Aries, don't!" Drake's grip tightened, but I stood frozen, unable to look away.
The boy's cries grew weaker. His body limp on the ground. Then the man stopped, panting heavily.
I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to rush in. My heart thudded in my chest. The man spat on the ground, then yanked the boy to his feet by the chain.
The boy's eyes locked with mine. Something in those eyes made my heart stop. A terrible recognition twisted in my gut.
It was like looking at my own reflection in a broken mirror—the same fear, the same desperation. My breath caught in my throat.
The man tugged at the boy's ring, wrenching it free from his hand. The boy's small voice trembled. "Please, give it back."
He clung to the man's legs, fingers desperate. "Please, I beg you... it's all I have."
But the man's response was brutal—He kicked the boy off hard, and the boy's grip was so tight that a little tear appeared in the pant leg of the man as it was ripped away.
The boy stumbled, crying out in pain.
"You brat," the man sneered. "Now you've pissed me off." His eyes darkened as he pulled a knife from his belt, its blade gleaming coldly in the dying light.
The boy's eyes widened, terror consuming him as he backed away. "N-no..." he whispered.
The man stepped forward, the knife glinting with deadly intent. "I don't care anymore. DIE!."