I got off the carriage still half-asleep. We were in the plains. The coachman, surprisingly resourceful, was already setting up a spacious tent and tending to a pot over the fire.
"Thought you were dead," said a voice from behind the carriage. It was Acrylas.
"Were you trying to compete with that old man?" He pointed to the elderly man sitting by the fire, now awake, gazing at the flames.
We gathered around the fire. The cold was biting. I could see the old man's teeth chattering while the imposing moon lit up everything around us.
"Aren't you two a bit young to be traveling alone?" the old man asked, wrapped in a blanket.
Acrylas and I exchanged a glance. He responded with a mischievous smile:
"And aren't you a bit old to be traveling without company?"
The man frowned.
"Kids these days have no respect for their elders..."
I heard Acrylas chuckle quietly. He was clearly enjoying himself.
"You, red hair," said the old man, pointing at me,
"you're Ivan's boy, right?"
I was surprised for a moment, but then I recognized him.
"Wait... you used to sell fruit at the Kazan market, right?"
"Hohoho!" he laughed, eyes closed. "So you still remember this old man?"
We talked while dinner cooked. The smell was amazing.
Later, we went to the tent and slept.
That night, no strange dreams — which, for me, was a win.
The next morning, we set off early. Before long, we saw Zielitz.
It was nothing like Kazan. Tall stone walls surrounded the city, with soldiers patrolling on top. Outside, resilient crops survived the harsh winter.
"Alright!" shouted the coachman from the front. "This is where the trip ends."
I got off, grabbed my things, and headed toward the reinforced gate. Two armed guards stopped me, but after showing my ID, they let me through.
"Big city, huh?" Acrylas commented, walking beside me.
"Very different from Kazan," I replied.
"Still doesn't compare to Ygg." He stepped away.
"See you later, squire. I'm off to meet someone."
I didn't reply. I just watched him vanish into the crowd.
"Alright… where do I start?" I murmured to myself, walking through the streets.
Zielitz was built around a crystal-clear lake. Most of the houses were made of white stone — a place that seemed perfect to live in.
I found an inn and walked inside. The main hall was empty, but apples scattered across the wooden floor betrayed how busy it must've been earlier.
Behind the counter, a man was cleaning dishes. He wore glasses snug on his face, well-combed hair, and a precisely groomed mustache. Dressed like a waiter.
"Excuse me, sir," I approached. "Where can I sign up as a squire?"
He set down the plate and looked at me curiously.
"You want to join the Order, huh?"
Order?
"Actually... I just want to be a squire," I said, confused.
He laughed.
"There are no squires anymore, kid. That ended about twenty years ago. Nowadays, you have to join the Knights' Order."
Damn.
"And where is this Order place?"
"Take the main road and head north. Look for a building with a huge sword on the front."
I thanked him and followed his directions. After a long walk along the busiest street, I saw it — a colossal building, almost like a cathedral, made of white stone and decorated with golden pillars. And in the center... a giant sword embedded in the entrance.
I walked in.
Inside, a sea of counters, clerks, and people waiting in lines. The magical lights on the ceiling caught my eye — until I bumped into someone.
"Hey… watch wher—" the voice stopped.
A shorter man looked at me in shock.
"I'm sorry, Sir..."
Sir?
Maybe it was my height. I smiled faintly and joined the smaller line on the right. I waited. My legs hurt, but soon it was my turn.
"Next," called the clerk with a tired voice. I handed over my copper tag.
She asked basic questions: hometown, parents' names. I said Kazan, since I didn't remember where I was really born. As for my mother's name... nothing came to mind. She left it blank.
I received a piece of paper — my registration slip.
"Come back tomorrow. If you're called, bring this paper." I nodded.
"Next."
"Now what?" I asked myself as I stepped outside.
"Guess I'd better head back to the inn."
The sun was setting. The magical lights were lit. The inn was now bustling. Music, laughter, waitresses running back and forth.
I pushed through the crowd to the counter. The same waiter from before, now serving drinks, noticed me and approached.
"Did you find the place, young man?"
"Yes, thank you," I said, just as my stomach growled loudly.
Everyone turned to look. I felt my face burn.
"Hoho, nice rumble. Want something to eat?"
"Yes, but… first, I need a room."
I went upstairs. The room was cozy, with a double bed, desk, and a place to bathe. I took off my bundle, revealing the sword hidden inside. I dozed off until hunger woke me again.
"Let's take a bath first."
The hot water relaxed me.
Then I went back downstairs. The hall had quieted down. I sat at the bar.
"Today's special is duck stew."
My mouth watered.
"I'll have that, please."
The food was excellent. While I ate, he asked:
"Aren't you a little old to be enlisting?"
I finished chewing.
"Might not look it, but I'm only fifteen."
His expression finally changed — a genuine surprise.
"Heavens, what are they feeding kids these days? Oh, you can call me Erik Duboir."
"Samo Gorynych," I replied.
"Gorynych..." he repeated, surprised.
"Haven't heard that name in a long time. Mind if I ask where you got it from?"
"From my father. Ivan."
"Ivan? That rat's still alive?" he laughed.
"We fought together on the Frontier. He was good with a blade. How's he doing?"
We talked for a while. But the next day was calling. I said goodbye and returned to my room.
And again… a strange dream.
I recognize this feeling. I'm there again.
I hear dogs barking, a river nearby. I'm crying.
The lid opens, revealing the full moon shining in the sky. It silences me.
Then I see her eyes — blue, like mine. The woman speaks, but I don't understand.
I'm wrapped up again and placed back into darkness.
I float… water?
I woke with the sun in my eyes.
"Crap, I'm late!"
I dressed quickly, strapped my sword on my back, and ran downstairs.
Erik was cleaning the floor just as hurriedly.
"Morning, sir!" I shouted as I passed.
"Aren't you taking your things?"
"I'm sleeping here again! Keep them safe for me!"
And I ran through the streets toward the Order.