"Your Highness, someone reported seeing a man in Yorath using the same sword technique as Knight Dillon," the messenger informed the king, his words sparking a flicker of hope in Themis' eyes.
Delighted by the news, Themis held onto the belief that his wife and friends might have survived their encounter with Casimir. For eight long years, he had clung to hope, never giving up, knowing deep in his heart that the queen was still alive. He also knew that Alaunos and Dillon were not easily defeated.
"I've also dispatched someone to tail the man, and it turns out he's wielding the same sword as the knight," the messenger added, further confirming the king's suspicions.
"Let's go to Yorath," Themis declared without hesitation, determination burning in his eyes.
Arranging for Ayira's protection in his absence, Themis set out from Absalom to Yorath, a journey of two days.
Upon arrival, Alec, one of the mages accompanying the king, reported that the house where the man with Dillon's sword was seen living appeared to be abandoned.
"There's no one here, Your Highness," Alec informed him as they entered the empty house, though signs of recent habitation were evident.
Noticing a used teacup on the table, Themis approached it and felt the warmth still lingering within, indicating recent occupancy.
"I believe the occupants fled upon hearing of our arrival," Alec deduced.
"Search the area," the king commanded, prompting Alec to hasten outside.
As Themis glanced at the four cups on the table, he whispered a silent prayer, hoping against hope that his beloved Queen, Dera, was still alive.
"Mister?" A young boy's voice interrupted his thoughts. Themis turned to see a boy about his daughter's age, his crimson hair and blue eyes catching his attention.
"Why are you here in our house?" the boy asked, his concern evident. Themis smiled warmly at the child and knelt down to address him.
"Is this your house?" Themis asked gently, reaching out to touch the young boy's hand. The child nodded in confirmation.
"Who else is here with you?" the king inquired further, hoping to hear the name of his beloved queen.
"My two uncles and my mother," the boy replied.
Themis felt a pang of confusion.
"Your mother?" he repeated, puzzled by the unexpected response.
"Your Highness," Alec returned abruptly, his attention drawn to the child. Themis glanced at Alec, then stood up, addressing the boy.
"Are you royalty?" the child asked innocently, catching Themis off guard with the question. Realizing the presence of the child, Themis smiled warmly, patting his head gently.
"Don't tell anyone I was here," he whispered before turning to Alec and motioning to speak outside.
Remaining cautious, Themis was keen to maintain secrecy for the safety of the princess, fearing that Casimir might still be searching for them.
"Your Highness, I found no trace of anyone in the vicinity," Alec reported upon his return.
"They just vanished into thin air?" Themis mused, pondering how their subjects could have disappeared so swiftly.
"It's possible they found a hiding place," Alec suggested.
Suddenly, a thought struck the king. "The child!" he exclaimed, believing the boy might hold the key to their disappearance. However, when they turned to look, the child had vanished without a trace.
"Where did he go?" Themis wondered aloud, baffled by the child's sudden disappearance.
"I'll search for him," Alec offered, darting off to look for the missing boy.
While Alec scoured the area, Themis ventured into the house, exploring its small confines. As he perused the bookshelf filled with volumes on magic, history, and swordsmanship, his attention was drawn to a ceramic sculpture. Just as he reached out to touch it, the young boy with red hair reappeared behind him.
"Your Highness?" the small lad exclaimed, startling the king as he turned to meet the gaze of the perplexed child holding a loaf of bread.
"I went to town to purchase some bread for you to eat, Your Highness. My mother always said that when we have guests, it's polite to offer them something to eat as a welcome," the young boy explained earnestly.
"And where is your mother?" Themis inquired curiously, his interest piqued. The child hesitated before nervously replying, "She's... out of town."
"I see," Themis responded, still unsure. As the child busied himself in the tiny kitchen preparing the bread he had bought, Themis approached him, his mind swirling with questions about the boy's mother.
"How old are you, young lad?" he asked, taking a seat at the table.
"Nine, Your Highness," the child replied, finishing the bread slices and joining the king at the table.
Themis observed the child's hesitant demeanor and softened his tone. "Do you read all these books?" he asked, gesturing towards the shelves.
"Y-yes, Your Highness," the child stammered, avoiding eye contact. Themis offered him a reassuring smile.
"Don't be afraid," he murmured, giving the child's back a gentle pat. "And drop the formalities," he added, grabbing a piece of bread. The child looked at him with surprise as the king enjoyed the bread he had brought.
"Aren't you afraid?" the child asked suddenly, causing Themis to pause mid-chew.
"What if I poisoned that bread?" the boy continued, a mischievous glint in his eyes. Themis was momentarily stunned before the child burst into laughter.
"So, you enjoy making jokes like that, do you?" Themis remarked with a smile, admiring the child's boldness in making such a daring jest.
The mage arrived, observing Themis and the child engaged in conversation and sharing laughter. Seeing the mage's expression and demeanor, Themis understood that the mage had seen nothing of significance.
Motioning for the mage to wait outside, Themis turned to the child. "I think it's time for me to leave; it's getting dark," he said with regret. As he stood up, he noticed the sadness in the child's eyes.
"I've enjoyed our conversation, Your Highness," the child said, standing and bowing his head respectfully. Themis gently patted the child's back, smiling as he met the child's gaze.
Returning to Absalom, Themis felt a mix of disappointment for not finding the person he sought and satisfaction for meeting the young red-haired child who had brought him so much joy.
"This is the first time I've seen you laugh so much, Your Highness," Alec remarked, pleased.
"I didn't expect to laugh as much as I did," Themis admitted, glancing at Alec. "He even joked about poisoning the bread I was eating," he chuckled, recalling the child's audacious humor.
"But, Your Highness—" Alec began, his worry evident.
"It's fine. There's nothing to worry about," Themis reassured him, confident in his judgment of the child's character.
"We don't know anything about the child's background," Alec persisted, concerned.
"Don't worry, he's harmless. Did you see his smile?" Themis replied, recalling the child's infectious grin and assuring Alec of the child's innocence.
Satisfied, the mage fell silent, trusting in the king's instincts.
"Oh! I forgot to ask his name," Themis exclaimed suddenly, realizing his oversight.
"But at least I know his age," he added with a smile, peering out of the carriage.
"I guess you enjoy too much of the child's company, your Highness" replied the mage, Alec. Themis only nodded and smiled while admiring the sights they passed by. He even forgot to ask more about the child's mother.
"He could be friends with Ayira or even marry her," Themis said, laughing. Alec smiled as he looked at the king, who was making a foolish joke about marrying off his daughter.
"We should visit that house again when we have the chance," Themis murmured, expressing his desire to see the red-haired child once more.
"Yes, Your Highness," Alec agreed, nodding obediently.