The following day, General Mustafa's ships made landfall in the foreign land of Alfiro.
When they reached the shore, the tired travelers saw a friendly little seaside town, this humble settlement, known as Costamar, nestled itself at the southernmost edge of Alfiro, serving as the primary entry point for all ships and boats arriving in the country.
The town wasn't rich or poor, but it had a special charm. Its stone streets and small houses told the tales of the many travelers who had visited and lived there for generations.
Starting in Costamar, explorers and merchants would venture into the core of Alfiro, embarking on a path that led them to the magnificent City of Murallón. This vibrant capital served as the nation's center and was famous for its impressive walls, symbolizing Alfiro's fortitude and power.
As General Mustafa and his crew disembarked and set foot in Costamar, they were met with the warm greetings of the townsfolk. The aroma of freshly caught seafood filled the air, and the lively chatter of the locals provided a comforting backdrop.
Mustafa nodded toward one of his men, and with his signal, eight warriors quietly broke away from their group. As they moved stealthily into the surroundings, the general's gaze shifted to a nearby cottage adorned with a sign that simply read "Seafood."
"Well, let's enjoy our breakfast at that restaurant." His finger pointed toward the inviting little cottage, promising the tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked seafood.
Before them, an array of different seafood cuisines lay spread out, each dish brimming with vibrant colors and enticing aromas.
Hugo and Bennet stared wide-eyed at the feast before them. These dishes were unlike anything they had ever encountered. The vibrant hues of ceviche, the rich aroma of moqueca, and the tantalizing spices of choros a la Chalaca all beckoned them. Their mother watched with a warm smile, her heart swelling with happiness as her children dug in with unabashed enthusiasm.
"Try this, Bennet!" Hugo exclaimed, offering his brother a bite of paila marina. "It's amazing!"
Bennet eagerly accepted the spoonful and savored the taste, his eyes lighting up with delight. "Wow, Hugo, this is incredible!"
As the family reveled in their newfound culinary experiences, General Mustafa appeared somewhat preoccupied.
Sensing the general's unease, he leaned over and asked, "Is something troubling you, General?" Bennet couldn't help but notice the furrow in the general's brow and the distant look in his eyes.
"It's just that..." He paused for a moment, choosing his words carefully.
The family's attention turned to General Mustafa as he spoke with a hint of concern in his voice.
"We haven't received any word from Robert since yesterday," he revealed, his words casting a shadow of uncertainty over their otherwise joyful meal.
Do you think they were attacked?" Martha couldn't help but voice her worries.
General Mustafa, however, remained composed and pragmatic.
"It's possible they're simply caught up in the midst of their own challenges, trying to navigate through difficult waters," he reassured, dismissing the notion of an attack as premature.
He continued, "Besides, the eastern region is where the headquarters of the Watchers are. If they encounter any trouble, they should be able to call for reinforcements."
Noticing the family's worry, the general chose to offer his experienced advice.
""Worrying about something that may not have happened is like battling a phantom." he said.
" What truly matters is addressing the challenges that are tangible and immediate. Right now, our only battle should be conquering this delicious seafood feast before us."
Hugo, couldn't contain his laughter at the sheer absurdity of the situation.
The thought of engaging in a battle against the delicious seafood in front of them was just too comical for Hugo to resist. His laughter erupted, filling the air with infectious smile.
Mustafa chuckled heartily, his deep laughter harmonizing with Hugo's. Bennet and Martha couldn't help but join in as well.
After their hearty meal, one of General Mustafa's men approached him, leaning in to whisper something in confidence. The general listened attentively, then nodded in acknowledgment. He decided to call the family over to share the news.
Gathering them around, General Mustafa spoke with a reassuring tone. "I've dispatched scouts, and they've reported that the road ahead is safe and clear. There shouldn't be any immediate problems."
With the information that they have, they set out on foot, leaving the coastal town of Costamar behind. Their path led them into a dense forest, its towering trees forming a natural canopy that filtered the sunlight into dappled patterns on the ground. Despite the wilderness surrounding them, a clearly defined carved path made their travel surprisingly manageable.
Hours passed as they trekked deeper into the forest, their steps guided by the well-maintained trail. It seemed as though someone had taken great care to ensure travelers could navigate these woods without much difficulty.
Then, as the day wore on, the forest gave way to an unexpected sight. Just beyond the trees, they beheld a city unlike any other. Instead, it resembled a formidable fortress. Massive stone walls, high and impenetrable, surrounded the city, giving it an impression of power and safety upon it.
Approaching a colossal open gate, warriors were scattered throughout the vicinity. A quick glance told Bennet that these residents were much stronger than the people in Minkwood town or the City of Aurelium.
"Quite intimidating, isn't it?" General Mustafa remarked to Bennet.
Indeed, the general's observation held true. It didn't resemble a typical town; instead, it felt as if they had ventured into a fortress, where nearly every resident was a seasoned fighter.
They proceeded directly to a guild house, where General Mustafa instructed them to wait outside for a brief period.
After roughly thirty minutes, a man emerged, accompanying General Mustafa.
"These are the individuals I mentioned," General Mustafa introduced them.
"Welcome to Murallón. I'm Eliador, the guild master," he said, extending a handshake to each member of the family.
General Mustafa turned to face the family, a gentle smile on his lips. But beneath his warm expression, there was a hint of sadness in his voice as he delivered the news.
"This is where our paths diverge," he said, his words carrying the weight of their impending separation.
Bennet, though he had anticipated this day would come, felt a pang in his heart. They had spent weeks together, and in that time, he had grown unexpectedly attached to the old man who had become not just their proctector but also a trusted companion on their journey.
As General Mustafa extended his hand for a handshake, Bennet gave a warm hug instead. The old man's initial surprise transformed into a genuine smile.
"I'll see you again, General, when we've grown into skilled warriors," Bennet assured him.
"I promise I'll practice with the halberd," Hugo chimed in with determination, his eyes reflecting the sincerity of his words.
"Thank you, General, for guiding us and keeping us safe on this journey," Martha said, her words carrying a deep sense of appreciation.
Inside the guild house, Eliador extended a warm invitation for the family to enter, just as they were about to step through the threshold, General Mustafa called Bennet aside.
Hugo, and their mother ventured into the guild house, their curiosity piqued by the unknown. They exchanged pleasantries with Eliador and began to explore the surroundings, unaware of the solemn conversation taking place just outside.
In a hushed and serious tone, General Mustafa shared a recent development with Bennet. He revealed that Robert and his men had come under attack, their fate shrouded in grim uncertainty. Days of silence had prompted Mehboob and Mansoor to dispatch a scout ship, leading to the discovery of the remnants of Robert's ship, but no survivors.
"Bennet, I need you to understand the gravity of the situation," Mustafa said, his words weighted with the solemnity of the news he had just shared.
Bennet listened intently, his heart heavy with the weight of what he was about to hear.
The general went on, "remember, don't tell your mother about this troubling news. It's something you'll have to bear alone."
Bennet nodded in understanding, his determination unwavering. He knew the importance of keeping this secret, of shielding their mother from worrying further.
"I'm sharing this with you because, in my eyes, you've become the head of your family," he declared, his voice resolute. "You'll need to grow stronger and be their protector."
These words settled upon Bennet like a mantle of responsibility, and he nodded in understanding. It was a solemn moment, a passing of the torch from the experienced general to the young man, and Bennet accepted it with a firm resolve.
"Farewell, Bennet," the general said.
"Thank you, General Mustafa," Bennet replied, his gratitude evident in his words and his eyes.
He paused for a moment, hesitating, but ultimately decided to muster his courage. In a world filled with uncertainty, who knew if their paths would ever cross again?
"I've never had a grandfather," Bennet confessed, his voice tinged with emotion, "but I've felt like I've met one in you."
General Mustafa, a man of few words and profound wisdom, looked momentarily overwhelmed. He took a moment to collect himself.
"I've received many honors, medals, and acknowledgments in my life, but this... This is the most meaningful one of all." with a voice that held a rare vulnerability.
As the old man walked away, each step felt heavy, laden with a profound sense of parting. Throughout his life, he had always considered himself a father or uncle to some of his soldiers, forming deep bonds and genuine affection for them.
However, in this moment, he couldn't help but reflect on the saying that a grandparent's love for their grandchildren is something truly exceptional.
"You've gifted me many children, and I was contented," he murmured, his thoughts turning to the soldiers he had mentored and cared for over the years. "Now, you've even given me grandchildren, Albert. I am truly thankful for your life." General Mustafa found himself speaking to himself, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.
"Ah, I'm really getting very old. I should retire soon." the general couldn't ignore the undeniable truth. With a wistful smile, he admitted to himself.