"Dear, is it okay to have only 6 guards?" Elena inquired as their journey toward Swan Lake Town began an hour ago.
"No need to worry, dear. The routes are safe now," Andrew reassured her with a smile, patting her hands.
A few days before their departure, news arrived of the Duke's soldiers successfully taking down a bandit group of 16. With no further reports of killings or robberies, this information brought relief to many, especially the merchants who had lived in constant fear of losing their goods to bandits. Andrew, feeling reassured by this news, relaxed a bit and saw no need to hire additional adventurers.
Alan had his horse with him this time, preparing for his upcoming enrollment at the Academy. It had also grown significantly, looking like a majeatic stead. Although Alan regularly took the horse for rides, he hadn't brought it along during his travels with the merchant's guild. The horse was ecstatic to accompany Alan again after such a long time. Alan rode for a while before joining Elena's family inside the carriage, relishing his time with the little girls who treated him like an elder brother.
The name "Trouble Maker" piqued the girls' interest, especially Rose. She had visited the horse often with Alan during their stay at John's estate. The horse had developed a liking for the little girl, acting silly and prancing around whenever she appeared.
The journey that day was uneventful, and they even encountered a couple of merchant caravans that confirmed the route ahead was considerably safer. Everyone relaxed further upon hearing this news.
In the evening, they halted near a clearing close to a small pond. Alan took care of his horse, spent some time with it, and checked on the other horses.
A small fire was set near the pond, and everyone gathered around it. Four guards were setting up the tents, one was feeding the horses, and another was on watch. The carriage driver, a middle-aged, gentle-looking man, was cooking stew for everyone.
As Alan approached the group, he saw everyone sitting in front of the fire, engaging in small talks. Spotting Alan, Rose darted toward him. Alan scooped her up into his arms and walked back toward the family with a smile.
"That horse of yours is one big guy," Lilly remarked. Andrew ruffled her hair, saying, "It's a war horse, dear. It's still growing. In a couple of years, it will be fully grown and will look even more majestic."
"Like big brother Al here," Rose said seriously. Everyone laughed, including Alan. "Rose, I am also tall and handsome. I will also grow like Al. Why do you always favor him?" William mockingly protested.
"Because you tease me too much. I don't like it. I am a big girl now," Rose turned her nose high in the air, posing like a noble lady.
Laughter erupted, and Williams rolled on the ground uncontrollably, amused by the little girl's expression. "Why are you all laughing?" Rose's cute anger triggered another round of laughter. Her eyes filled up, and Alan, noticing this, ruffled her hair, saying, "You are definitely a big girl now, little one. I agree." This made the girl happy. "See, this is why I like my big brother Al and not you," she stuck her tongue out at Williams.
Suddenly, a whooshing sound echoed through the air, followed by a few more. Alan and Williams instantly became alert, standing up and scanning their surroundings. A stray arrow was headed towards Lilly; her eyes widened in shock, and her body froze. Even before Elena or Andrew could open their mouths in horror, Alan outstretched his left hand and caught the arrow in his palm. Williams took out his axes, positioning himself in front of their family and looking around with absolute alertness.
The guards setting up the camp also grew vigilant. Two of them grabbed their bows and arrows, shooting into the darkness where they heard the sounds. After several seconds, the unsettling noises subsided.
Lilly slowly opened her eyes, and instantly widened them looking at the scene infrom of her. An arrow was stuck to Alans palm, blood was dripping from it. Elena and Andrew also were in disbelief seeing Alan's reflexes. Are.... are you ok brother ? Lilly asked tentatively. Alan smiled at her, pulled the arrowfrom his hand and threw it aside.
"Everyone, behind me," William ordered. His commanding voice stunned Elena, Andrew, and the girls. They had never seen Williams so serious, his presence exuding an aura of authority. The two guards with bows and arrows came towards them, remaining alert and keeping their arrows knocked and ready.