As I prepared to leave for Silverglade, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at leaving my parents behind. They gave me a warm farewell, reminding me to stay safe and return home soon.
With Andrew by my side, we set out on our journey. The road was long and arduous, and we stopped in a small town to restock on supplies. The town was nestled in a valley, surrounded by rolling hills and vast meadows. The town was enclosed by a low stone wall, with a single wooden gate that served as the only entrance and exit.
Inside the town, the streets were narrow and winding, with thatched-roof houses lining the streets on either side. Most of the houses were made of wood, with a few made of stone. Smoke billowed out of chimneys, and the sound of clattering carts and horse hooves filled the air.
The town had a small marketplace, where vendors sold their wares from small stalls. The market was bustling with activity, as farmers and traders haggled over prices and exchanged goods. The smell of fresh bread, spices, and roasted meat wafted through the air, tempting passersby to sample the wares.
The town had a small church with a simple bell tower, where the townspeople would gather to pray and seek solace in their faith. I instructed Andrew to gather enough provisions to last us for the remainder of our journey.
As Andrew gathered supplies, my mind wandered to the upcoming meeting with Lady Calliope Moonlight. She was a highly influential figure in the kingdom, and her allegiance would be a valuable asset to our cause.
As I pondered over my plan to approach Lady Calliope, I knew that she was a woman of pride and independence, unlikely to be swayed by a mere 10-year-old boy like me. Furthermore, the people of Silverglade were known for their military might and their distrust of outsiders. So, if I didn't choose my words and intentions carefully, it could easily backfire on me.
I was aware that any forceful or aggressive approach could inadvertently reveal my true intentions, and make Lady Calliope and her followers suspicious of me. If that happened, it could spell disaster for my plans, and ultimately lead to my downfall. They could even reveal my true intentions to the public, turning them against me and jeopardizing my entire mission.
I looked over at Andrew, who was carrying our supplies back to our horse-drawn carriage. He was stoic and emotionless as always, his face a mask of calm efficiency.
As we continued on our journey, the road began to wind through dense forests, the trees towering high above us, casting long shadows on the ground. It was a peaceful and serene setting, but I couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched. Suddenly, a loud noise interrupted the tranquility. We halted our carriage, and I signaled for Andrew to stay back.
Emerging from the forest were 10 robed and masked men, causing Andrew to quickly unsheathe his sword in defense. The men surrounded us, and I knew that if a fight broke out, we would be at a severe disadvantage.
As the robed men surrounded us, I remained composed and looked at their leader with a calm expression. "Who are you?" I asked firmly.
The man stepped forward, his face obscured by a mask. "My origins are not important, Lucas De Clare," he replied smoothly. "But don't be afraid, I don't come to harm, but to question."
I raised an eyebrow at his words, but didn't show any fear. "Ask away," I said confidently, my mind already working on how to turn this situation to my advantage.
The man wasted no time getting to his question. "What is your motivation for your extended support of the southern territories? Why them? For all we know, you have no competition for the next seat of the count or any connection to the southern territories."
I put on a sympathetic expression and let out a small sigh. "Ah, I see that you have misunderstood my intentions. My support for the southern territories is not just a matter of personal interest, but rather a matter of compassion. The people there have suffered greatly, and I wish to alleviate their hardships and bring them prosperity. I cannot bear to see their struggles go unnoticed and unaddressed."
The robed man eyed me suspiciously, but I could see a hint of curiosity in his eyes as well. It seemed that my answer had struck a chord with him.
"You speak of compassion, but why should we believe that it is not just a façade? What do you gain from helping the southern territories?" he pressed, his tone still skeptical.
I smiled warmly at him, hoping to put him at ease. "I gain nothing personally, sir. My only goal is to see the people of the southern territories thrive and live in peace. I believe that by helping them, I can make a positive impact on the kingdom as a whole."
The robed man's eyes narrowed as he mulled over my words, and his lips curved into a menacing smile. "Your answer may be satisfactory for now, Lucas De Clare," he said, his voice laced with a dangerous edge. "But make no mistake, we will be watching your every move. If we find that your intentions are anything less than pure, you will regret it."
"I understand," I forced out through gritted teeth, my anger boiling within me. I had lost control of the situation, and now I was at the mercy of their watchful eyes. I cursed myself for not being more careful, more vigilant.
As the robed men vanished back into the forest, Andrew returned to my side, his sword still at the ready. His usual stoic expression gave nothing away, but I knew he was concerned. "What just happened?" he asked.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. "I don't know," I admitted, frustration seeping into my voice. "I thought I knew all the factions in this kingdom, but clearly, I was wrong. We need to be more careful from now on."
Andrew nodded in agreement, and we continued on our journey,