'' I am going mom! '' I shouted as I threw open the door and stepped outside, I instinctively shielded my eyes from the bright sunlight. A gust of wind greeted me, rustling through my long blonde hair and sending it flying in all directions. Perhaps it was time for a haircut - Elenoir had always preferred shorter styles on me. But first, I had to make my way to the inn to gather salt for the upcoming winter.
Before I left, my mother's voice rang out from inside the house, reminding me to pass along her regards to Frank , the owner of the inn. As I set off down the familiar path, I couldn't help but notice how lush and vibrant everything looked in the warm summer sun. The grass was a vibrant green, dotted with wildflowers of every color.
As I turned around, the monotonous sight of the grey camp greeted me with a sigh. My heart flinched at the familiar pain that always accompanied this view, but it quickly gave way to the burning rage that fueled my every step.
''Calm down Lucas..soon you will have your revenge,'' I muttered, trying to quell the fury bubbling inside me as I continued on towards my destination.
As I approached the inn, the smell of freshly baked bread wafted towards me, mingled with the salty tang of ocean air. It was a comforting scent that always reminded me of home. With a smile on my face, I pushed open the door and entered, ready to stock up on supplies for the coming months.
As I made my way through the crowded bar, all eyes turned to me. The sound of laughter and clinking glasses filled the air as I approached the counter. Suddenly, one of the men at the bar raised his cup of ale and shouted to the others, "Look who's here, one cup for Lucas!" With a smirk on his face, the man at the counter with a round belly replied "You still have to pay for your own drink, John."
Before returning to wipe one of the cups as he gestured me closer. "But don't worry, Lucas. Your first drink is on the house." His smile was warm and inviting.
As I took my place at the counter, another man chimed in. "Oi Frank, how come you're never so generous with us?" The others laughed along with him. "Because he's a good lad, unlike you good-for-nothings," Frank retorted with a grin before passing a cup to me. "Here you go, Lucas. Enjoy." I thanked him as I raised my hand in greeting to John.
"I'm not here to drink today," I said with a smile. "I came to buy some salt."
"Well then, have your first drink and I'll get your salt," Frank replied with a chuckle.
"Two silvers' worth," I requested as I swung the cup to my lips and downed its contents in one gulp. The surrounding patrons whistled and cheered at my impressive display.
After the cheers died down, I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand and placed the empty cup on the counter. Frank chuckled and nodded, impressed by my swift consumption. "Two silvers' worth of salt it is," he confirmed and disappeared into a back room to retrieve my order.
As I waited, I glanced around the inn. The atmosphere was lively, with people engaged in animated conversations and clinking their glasses together in celebration. It was a stark contrast to the desolate camp where I had spent most of my days, planning and plotting my revenge against those who had wronged me.
A soft, gentle voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I turned to see Elenoir standing beside me. Her long, fiery red hair cascaded over her shoulders in loose curls, framing her delicate features. She reached out a hand, slender and graceful, to touch mine.
"What brings you here?" she asked softly, her voice like the tinkling of wind chimes.
"The salt," I replied, forcing a smile onto my face. "Just stocking up on it. What about you?"
"My father is the supplier for this inn and he had me bring this week's supply to Frank," she explained.
"Do you need a hand?" I offered with a genuine smile.
"No, I already finished. I was just on my way out. Would you like to come with me?"
"Of course-" Before I could finish my sentence, a loud voice beside me started talking breaking any plan I had that afternoon.
"On second thought, I am sorry. I actually have something to do. We will see each other later," I said quickly as Eleanor nodded understandingly and smiled at me before turning and walking away. As soon as she was out of sight, the fake smile dropped from my face and a scowl took its place as I approached the man who had caught my attention.
The man sitting at the table was completely bald, with just a few stray strands of hair clinging to his scalp. In his hand, he held a chipped and worn cup, the remnants of many nights spent in this very inn. His reddened cheeks and slightly slurred speech hinted at his prolonged stay here.
"Sorry to bother you," I said politely, flashing a smile and a wave towards Frank, the innkeeper. "Could you repeat what you said?"
A wide grin spread across the man's face as he let out a small hiccup. "Oh, you're interested, Lucas?" He asked, clearly enjoying the attention.
"Yes, please do repeat it," I urged him on.
"Well, it's quite an interesting story," he began, leaning in closer and lowering his voice conspiratorially. "A few days ago, a royal army and our kingdom's forces joined together to raid a dungeon that had been discovered nearby. Inside, they found a demon and its entire army.. But thanks to the goddess' grace, they were able to defeat them all and destroy the dungeon. And get this - it was the count's son who managed to kill the demon and claim its head."
My eyes widened in disbelief. A demon's army so close to my home? And even more shocking - that useless excuse for a son actually did something worthwhile?
"Where did you hear this news?" I couldn't hide my shock any longer.
"It's been the talk of the whole county!" He exclaimed before taking a swig from Frank's cup and smacking his lips in satisfaction. "I'm surprised you didn't know.The king is probably going to launch a feast soon to celebrate, I wonder if the count's son will go from what I heard he sustained many wounds ..."
Thanking him and offering him another round of ale - which he eagerly accepted - I paid Frank for my drink and made my way out of the inn, my mind reeling with thoughts about what could have possibly happened for that cowardly boy to become strong enough to defeat a demon. This news would surely shake up the entire county.
Though my exterior remained stoic and composed, inside I was a chaotic mess. The gnawing feeling of unease grew stronger with each passing moment, intensifying to the point where it felt almost physical. Did that despicable bastard deceive us all? No, he wouldn't have allowed me to pummel him as I did if his weakness was a lie. That leaves two possibilities: either he has managed to become stronger, or the news of his weakness is nothing but a falsehood. In my gut, I feel that the latter is more likely. Nevertheless, it changes nothing. He will still meet his inevitable end at my hand...but why does this nagging feeling persist? My gut has never steered me wrong before. Maybe I should just quicken the hit to murder him, I believe I would feel much more at ease with him underground...
I knew that one must always be prepared for unexpected twists and turns.
But now, with news of his upcoming departure for the capital, it didn't seem like such a far-fetched idea anymore. This was a golden opportunity for me to act, to eliminate my target as he left the safety of the mansion. I knew the road he would take well - he would leave in a carriage, accompanied by his usual guards. A battle with them may prove to be a challenge, but I was confident in my skills and abilities.
"Very well then, it's decided." I whispered as I made my way back towards my own home, heavy bag of salt in hand, an uneasy feeling began to grow in my gut.
But I forcefully pushed aside all doubts and hesitations. This was my one chance to achieve my ultimate goal, to ensure the safety and well-being of my family and the love of my life, Elenoir. No longer would I have to fear the count's vengeful son and his potential threats against my loved ones.
I set forth on the road home, knowing that the road towards the capital would soon be drenched in blood as I pursued my righteous vengeance.