In the opulent hall of Grand Duke Salazar Saladon, in Zoarlath, the tension was palpable. The Grand Duke, a man accustomed to control and order, faced a situation that took him out of his usual balance. He fixed his intense gaze on Hwin, a famous mercenary from Karastea, whose casual attitude strongly contrasted with the seriousness of the moment.
"Have you found the traitor?" Salazar's question was direct, reflecting the urgency and importance of the matter in question. Hwin, with his feet casually propped on the table enjoying Salazar's own fruits and wine, replied with confidence, without noticing the Duke's growing irritation. "Don't worry, I'm almost there, I'm just waiting for the hunt to bite the bait!" His tranquil voice carried a touch of unconcern that was almost provocative.
Salazar, unable to maintain his composure in the face of Hwin's calm response, lost control. In a burst of anger, he threw the fruits to the floor and raised his voice, an explosion of frustration that echoed through the halls. "I'm paying dearly for your services, Hwin, finish him soon or you won't receive another coin!" The threat was clear, and the authority with which it was delivered left no room for doubt about its seriousness.
Hwin, however, did not seem intimidated. His face maintained a serene expression, and he even allowed himself an ironic smile in response. "I've never lost prey, and this won't be the first time. Besides, getting nervous makes you bald more quickly... ah, you already are bald... apologies!" Hwin's sarcastic tone, though dangerous, demonstrated his confidence in his own skills as a mercenary and tracker.
The interaction between the Grand Duke and Hwin revealed not only the tension of an ongoing hunt, but also the complexity of power dynamics within Saladon's court. Salazar, despite his high position and power, found himself dependent on a mercenary's skill to keep his dominion secure. Hwin, on the other hand, while dependent on Salazar's payment, controlled the situation through his unique ability to track and capture.
The conversation made it clear that resolving this internal conflict would be crucial not only for Salazar's personal security but also for the stability of the Duchy of Saladon. As Hwin left to continue his search for the traitor, Salazar remained behind, pondering the implications of his dependence on mercenaries and the cost of maintaining power in a kingdom rife with intrigue and betrayal.
The journey of Arphaxad, Eron, Draka and the other little girl through the forests south of Zoarlath was already difficult but as they walked Eron whispered "I think we're being followed." Arphaxad asked the young man why he thought so and Eron replied "We're still near the area of the big boar, which means that no animal will stay within 500 feet of that area, which is the area of the boar's strong smell, so whoever is around here can't smell or isn't afraid of the boar, and I don't think there's any animal around here that can't smell his strong odor, so whoever's out there isn't afraid of the big animal, and I think it's unlikely not to be a human." concludes Eron.
Eron's logic, outlining the atypical animal behavior in the forest and the constant threat posed by the big boar, was solid and put Arphaxad on alert. Eron, with his sharp perception and understanding of nature, had concluded that only a human, or something as fearless as a human, would be deliberately following them, ignoring the danger posed by the boar.
Responding to Eron's suggestion, Arphaxad acted quickly. He carefully placed Kal on the ground to avoid aggravating his injuries and, speaking loudly, announced his peaceful intentions to whoever was hiding in the forest shadows. "We don't want to cause harm, we're looking for Hadon's house!" he shouted, hoping the direct and honest approach could avoid any misunderstanding or unnecessary confrontation.
For a moment, silence fell over the group as they awaited a response or sign of movement. The tension was palpable in the cold forest air, every sound of the natural environment seeming intensified.
The sudden appearance of a young man from the trees brought more tension to the already anxious group. His fine clothing and the lute on his back suggested he was no simple forest dweller, but someone of varied skills and stories. The scarf hiding his face and hair added an air of mystery to his figure.
"Where did you hear the name Hadon?" he inquired with tangible distrust. Arphaxad, keeping himself firm and direct, replied, "We came at his request." The response, however, did not seem to convince the stranger. "I've lived in this forest for some time, and I've never heard of anyone named Hadon!" The suspicion in his voice was clear, and he watched the group cautiously, as if measuring the truth in their words.
Arphaxad, realizing the man's distrust and the need to convince him, insisted on the authenticity of his mission. He explained that Kal and he had traveled very far to meet Hadon and learn more about his past. Arphaxad's words seemed to touch something in the man, who cast an uneasy glance toward Kal, still clearly debilitated.
When the man began to move away, saying, "I think it's better if you leave, there's no Hadon around here," a weak voice interrupted the ensuing silence. "Wait!" It was Kal, who despite his weakness, had regained a moment of lucidity. "Look...this!" He showed the man the golden brooch Hadon had given him. The sight of the brooch seemed to shock the man, who abruptly stopped and turned to face the group once more.
With a decisive gesture, he removed the scarf, revealing long silvery hair that sparkled in the filtered light of the trees, surprisingly similar to Kal's. "I am Yorion, if you are guests of Hadon, you are welcome!" Yorion's words, now revealed with a new identity, transformed the atmosphere from one of suspicion and tension to one of recognition and relief.
The unexpected encounter with Yorion not only clarified the misunderstanding, but also opened a new path for the group. With Yorion recognizing Hadon's brooch, it was clear that a deeper connection was to be explored. The revelation of his identity and acceptance of the group as Hadon's guests suggested they were closer to achieving the objective of their journey and, perhaps, unraveling more mysteries surrounding Kal and his past.
With a nod confirming the brooch had indeed been a gift from Hadon, Kal and his companions followed Yorion toward the promised residence of the enigmatic host. Yorion's question about who exactly had been invited clarified the situation a bit, and Arphaxad, always ready, explained that originally only he and Kal had been directly invited by Hadon, and the others had joined along the way, in Bercuranon.
The trail took them through an increasingly enchanting landscape until they reached a large noble house, a place that seemed taken from a fairy tale. With a nearby murmuring small river, extensive orchards and plantations, plus a flower garden that extended throughout the property, the scenery was one of impressive serenity. The presence of lit lights indicated that the house was alive and ready to receive them.
Yorion, with a palpable enthusiasm, opened the front door while calling out to whoever was inside. The door opened to a scene of frenzied activity: people ran back and forth, setting the table, placing dishes, finishing the food preparations and filling cups with natural juice. It was evident that each of them had an important role within that place and they all did it with joy and enthusiasm.
Turning to his guests, with a wide and welcoming smile, Yorion proclaimed: "Welcome to Hadon's house!"
The group, impressed and somewhat relieved to finally reach their destination, entered the residence. The hospitality was palpable, every detail of the house showed the care and preparation for their arrival. The aromas coming from the kitchen promised a comforting meal, while the sounds of the lively house filled the air with music of welcome.
As they were led through the house, the group could feel the harmony and peace that the environment exuded, strongly contrasting with the difficulties and challenges of the journey they had faced so far. That night, promised not only rest and healing for Kal, but also moments of fellowship and possibly answers to the many questions still hovering over them. It was a time of pause and renewal, a time to strengthen bonds between them and prepare for the challenges still to come.
In the great dining hall of Hadon's house, the atmosphere was welcoming and full of expectation. The handsome young man expressed a genuine curiosity about the new visitors, but after Yorion's quick explanation about the brooch and their connection to Hadon, his hospitality seemed as warm as his appearance.
"Before any introductions, why don't we eat? Tonight we'll have wild pheasant!" announced the young man, with an invitation that quickly awakened Draka and Arphaxad's appetites, whose eyes shone at the mention of dinner. Eron and the other girl, more reserved, simply nodded, while Kal, still recovering, showed almost no enthusiasm.
The movement to adjust the table was quick and efficient, with extra chairs being brought in to accommodate everyone comfortably. The meal that followed was a culinary delight, with the wild pheasant shining, which was received with praise and appreciation by all. The atmosphere was full of laughter and friendly conversations, and the tension of the journey seemed to melt away before the exceptional hospitality and food.
As the meal progressed, conversation flowed freely. Stories were shared, laughter echoed throughout the room, and everyone seemed to relax more with each dish served. It was an opportunity for all at the table, including the newcomers, to feel part of a community, even if just for one night.
Kal, though still reserved and clearly struggling with his own internal issues, observed and listened, perhaps finding some comfort in the human warmth that Hadon's house offered. The meal was not just a time to satisfy hunger, but also a chance to establish bonds, create memories and, for some, begin to heal the wounds of the past.
As the night unfolded, it was evident that this meal was just the beginning of a deeper and more meaningful interaction between the guests and residents of Hadon's house. Kal and his companions' journey could have led to many places, but on this night, they were exactly where they needed to be.
After everyone finished eating, in an atmosphere marked by a pleasant climate of peace and friendship, the young man who had raised questions about their presence stood up and stepped forward to start the introductions. "Well, if you are guests of Hadon, you are our guests, so let's introduce ourselves!" he announced, encouraging everyone to share a little about themselves.
One by one, the members of Hadon's house stood up to introduce themselves. Yorion was the first to stand up again. "I'm Yorion, I'm 24 years old and I'm responsible for surveilling the mansion and taking care of the fishing, plus I'm the handsome bard of the bunch," he said with an outgoing smile before sitting back down.
Immediately after Yorion, an impressively beautiful woman stood up to introduce herself. With skin as fair as the whitest wool, long black hair that sparkled, and dark golden eyes, she had a presence that captured everyone's attention. "I am Sahara, my age doesn't matter. I'm responsible for the plants and also take care of cleaning, besides being a great dancer, believe it!" she said with a look of seriousness but also calmness before sitting back down and allowing the next person to introduce themselves.
The next to introduce himself was a serious-looking young man who was a bit quiet, he had darker skin than the others, silver hair, and dark brown eyes. "My name is Markel, I'm 21 years old, I'm the cook here." After Markel's introduction, the household's cook, whose shyness and brevity in speaking contrasted with some of the other members' outgoingness, a beautiful young woman with black hair and golden eyes like Kal's spoke up.
Her energy and enthusiasm were palpable as she spoke about her inventions and responsibilities in the house. "Hi everyone, I'm Aura, I'm 18 years old, and I'm responsible for fixing and creating everything to help people here. I'm very curious, you know? That's why I'm always inventing something to make life easier for my brothers here!" Her vibrant voice reflected her inventive spirit.
However, Yorion's facetious comment about Aura's inventions did not go unnoticed. "None of her creations actually work!" He whispered, provoking a threatening look from Aura, which quickly made him withdraw and fall silent.
Finally, the young man stood up to introduce himself. With a confident and serene posture, he began speaking about his role in the house. "I am Adonis, I am 26 years old and I am responsible for everyone here in the absence of Master Hadon." Yorion, always ready to add a comment, whispered a reminder, "Don't forget brother Set!" But Adonis remained undisturbed and continued, concluding with a warm greeting: "Welcome friends, to Master Hadon's house, home of the seeds of kings!"
Each member's introduction revealed the diversity of talents and personalities that resided in Hadon's house, creating a dynamic and multifaceted environment. Each one, in their own way, contributed to the functioning and spirit of the great house, from the kitchen to security, through the arts and repairs.
For Arphaxad and his companions, these introductions were not just a formality, but a doorway to better understand the community that had welcomed them so warmly. The interactions showed a mix of respect, camaraderie and even a touch of teasing between them, which helped relieve the tension of the journey and create a sense of belonging, even so far from home.