"You're rather quiet today," I remarked, noticing Mayra's unusual demeanor. Resting in the garden after my training session, I watched as she diligently hung the laundry on the clothesline, a task she performed every two days.
"I just had a conversation with Father. He seemed gloomy," she replied, her voice tinged with concern.
"What might be the reason for that?" I inquired, curious about the cause of the priest's somber mood.
"The estate borders have been sealed. All trade routes are blocked, and prices of food and other necessities will increase," Mayra explained, her tone reflecting the gravity of the situation.
"An emergency situation has been declared. They're choosing to settle the matter discreetly?" I surmised, trying to make sense of the unfolding events. 'Knights will be on the move'.
"When will they be arriving, then?" I asked, seeking clarity amidst the uncertainty.
"No idea, maybe in three to four days," Mayra replied, her tone tinged with apprehension. I nodded, taking in the information. This was certainly not a common occurrence.
Even when this town was ravaged by monsters twenty years ago, Knights were not stationed here. Nuns from the monastery perished during that time too, yet there was no concern for their safety. They're not here to protect us; that's just an excuse.
"Everything will be fine, so you don't need to worry. It's not like we can do anything if something major occurs but rely on them," I reassured Mayra, though uncertainty still gnawed at the edges of my confidence.
She didn't respond to my comment. After a few moments, she left with clothes hanging on the rope as they swayed in the gust of wind.
In a world where safety is but an illusion, where the notion of home and family can be shattered in an instant, the threat isn't just from monsters lurking in the dark. Those in positions of power can be just as formidable, their actions capable of plunging entire cities into chaos with a single command.
And it's not just humans who inhabit this realm. Elves, dwarves, beast-kin—all have their place in this intricate tapestry of existence. There are other beings, hidden and undiscovered, lurking in the shadows. I came to this town seeking refuge, peace and anonymity; but now, at such a crucial time, a major incident seems imminent. Hopefully, no one recognizes me.
But despite all this I don't feel fear. I don't feel the need to run, hide when I know that guy is here. We all don't know his name, nuns just refer to him as "Him", on the other hand outsiders call him stranger.
At first glance, he appears no ordinary person, perhaps a noble son of Baron. Yet, his knowledge surpasses the ordinary, hinting at a deeper complexity. Does he even realize if he's lost his memory of what a disaster he is? It's a puzzling situation, considering the depths of his understanding.
He inquired if I have ever encountered a sage all while he possess the knowledge of how powerful they are and how their heeling abilities work. He might be above the level of Baron family or might be a deserter of some kind of special force.
I feel conflicted receiving teachings from someone living in deception. Yet, the power he holds is invaluable to me. With my thoughts in check, I rise to continue my duties, including teaching the children who wandered away during study hours.
....
The next four days passed swiftly, like a fleeting breeze. Each day, he appeared weaker, as if slowly fading away. Despite my inquiries about his condition, he would deflect my questions, immersing himself in teaching me the intricacies of energy control.
Meanwhile, I managed to master the first thunder spell he had taught me. Though weaker than his demonstration, it wielded enough power to inflict significant damage or even slay a monster. Conjuring the spell demanded only my willpower, taxing my mind and core, yet it seemed boundless in its use. Unlike conventional spells, which draw from an energy pool, this ability was both fascinating and overwhelming.
Under the radiant sun, casting its warm embrace over the monastery grounds, children slumbered peacefully in their rooms while nuns engaged in their usual activities and chatter.
As I traversed the corridors, the pope emerged from the prayer hall, making his way toward the entrance. My gaze followed, landing on a group of men clad in hauberk, their presence commanding attention and awe among the nuns. They were knights, bearing the emblem of a winged angel holding the sun—an emblem of the House of Sunwing, a baronial family with influence over the outskirts and Rivertown.
Leading the group was a knight distinguished by his sturdier armour and a golden-hued emblem emblazoned on his hauberk. With a forceful gesture, he sheathed his sword and knelt, sending ripples of wind through the air, followed by his comrades in orderly procession.
'They exuded power,' was the collective realization that dawned upon all in their presence. Startled by the commotion, children stirred from their slumber, peering through the windows to witness the unfolding scene outside.
"Respected Father, I am Sir Aldric Sunwing, Knight Commander of House Sunwing, entrusted with the protection of these sacred grounds. We come with humility and purpose, seeking to ensure the safety and well-being of all who dwell within these hallowed halls," Sir Aldric declared. His voice resonated with authority and clarity, commanding attention from those present, even from a distance.
"You may rise and be at ease. I feel it should be for the best if we converse in a private area," the pope replied, his tone measured and calm in contrast to the knight's commanding presence.
They all followed the pope as they glanced back at the grounds of the monastery, but before proceeding, Sir Aldric cast a brief, knowing glance in my direction, his eyes betraying a hint of intrigue before he proceeded towards the room where the pope awaited.