As they were walking, Kleos had noticed some scars on the man's arms as well as the weapons decorating his waist. Because of this, he began to wonder why a mage like this man wasn't sent on the trip to get water, but instead the helpless mother and child had gone to fetch water instead. But he couldn't simply ask the question, considering this man was grieving; instead, he would try and force the answer out of the man.
"Sir, what do you do? What is your job?" asked Kleos
"I guess I am the knight of this little village, as well as the explorer."
"I see. Was your wife also an explorer?"
"Cunning little brat, I know what you're doing. The reason my wife and child went to get water was because people who do not have mana, or are very good at controlling their output, will not get attacked. Well, they have a lower chance of being attacked at least."
"Still, we do not usually send children to get water, but it wasn't suspected to be dangerous this time, and all of the village knights, like myself, have been busy fighting off monsters so that none of the civilians would get injured. And the so-called royalty haven't thought to offer us their assistance, and people like my wife have to venture out and retrieve things like water. Since our main water source currently isn't available due to the winter drought."
"Haa, sorry kid, I shouldn't have yelled."
"No, it's ok." Replied Kleos, realizing that this man was holding back much more than he originally thought. And the thing about the royals did rub him the wrong way. But it wasn't the time to talk about all of that, since they had arrived at the burial site.
There were multiple logs being stacked up onto each other, getting much taller than the average man. Each log had a small incision where the next would rest. And the rest of the pieces of wood were being piled down into the square shape the logs had formed.
Then Kleos looked left, where he saw multiple bloody bodies being covered by white tarps. After counting, there seemed to be 5 adults and one child. Going off only on size, since the bodies were fully covered and their facial features weren't visible. If Kleos had not been to war and if he hadn't witnessed worse. He would've been throwing up, as many who were watching already had.
Multiple cries were being heard, while most stared at this empty-eyed. Just like Adam, who seemed to be of a high position since most kept away from him, and as he stood closest to logs, holding Kleos's hand. Which he had grabbed seemingly out of instinct.
Kleos looked at his left hand, which was currently grasping another hand, which was much larger than his own. Had multiple calluses and scars decorating it. The hand also had some hair on top, and the hair got thicker the further Kleos looked up the arm. It was obvious how gentle the hand was being, as it could've crushed Kleos's in an instant if it wished to.
The wood strained as multiple corpses were laid upon it. 7 people, who seemed to be in horrible moods, crying, or covered with a dead look, came and stood next to Kleos, some next to Adam. It didn't take a genius to figure out that these were the families or friends of the dead. All of them were holding a bow and an arrow, which at the tip had a cloth that carried the stench of alcohol.
Then wood was taken and plopped down in front of them by two people. Then the person on the left took their hand and pointed at the wood and shot a ball of fire at it. Lighting it.
A mage, Kleos thought.
Then Kleos and Adam were also handed a bow and arrow of the same fashion. Though it was a little big.
Then in near synchronization everyone took their arrow and put the cloth in the fire. Making it catch fire.
Kleos did the same, though he wasn't copying anyone. Well, except for his past self. It was a common thing for him to do back on earth during the war.
Then they aimed the arrows and fired.
Soon the town center was covered with the crackle of fire, which drowned out the cries of the dead and the living.
***
"That was a good shot, kiddo. Have you had some practice when it comes to the bow?" asked Adam
"Well, a little. But nothing advanced." Replied Kleos with his right hand rubbing the back of his neck.
"Well, I think it's about time we went to sleep. Tomorrow, you can tell me what you want to do. Whether it is that you would prefer to leave this village or whatever."
"Thank you for letting me stay, Sir Adam."
"Sure."
***
As Kleos opened his eyes and came to his senses, he saw the sunlight coming through the window and shining straight into his unadjusted eyes, making him wince.
As he sat up, Adam looked towards his direction, where someone seemed to be cooking some eggs. At least that's what Kleos thought it smelled like.
"Get dressed and come to the table. My sons' clothing is hanging over the chair; they should be the same size as yours. Tell me if they aren't, though."
"Ah, thank you, sir. But you didn't have to; my clothing would've been fine too."
"A kid your age shouldn't be wearing monster hide all the time, especially considering it has sleeves. It's winter; you might catch a cold. That fur coat should suit you well." Adam said with a smile, one akin to the one Camilla used to wear.
Because of this, Kleos became inclined to trust him and accept his kindness. Without a second word, he climbed out of bed and into the warm clothing. Even though he wasn't cold considering his phoenix blood. The clothes gave him a warmth that wasn't completely physical.
Hopping up on the table and picking up his fork, Adam placed in front of him a plate of scrambled eggs with three pieces of warm toast. Placing a slightly bigger portion for himself. And sat down at the round table across from Kleos.
"So, Kleos, kiddo. Have you decided what you want to do? I understand that this village might be difficult and that you also might want to return home, wherever that may be. And I'm willing to take you, but why don't you stay in our village for a little bit? Until you grow up?"
Just then a thought entered Kleos's mind, a thought so strong he couldn't think of anything except for asking Adam.
"Sir Adam, I'm sorry I wasn't able to save your family. And I know that you might even hate me. But would you please teach me how to survive?"