"Sir Barlow, it's good to see you return," called out a guard from Barlow's company as he spotted the knight approaching the camp.
"I see you've slain a starred beast, sir. It's a shame the young master couldn't join you for some experience, but I'm sure the cooks will appreciate having something new for tomorrow's return trip," the guard said, admiration clear in his voice.
Barlow gave a sly smirk. "Thank you for the praise, but I would be lying if I claimed to be the slayer of this beast. My student here is the one who brought it down."
The guard's eyes widened in shock. "Student?" He looked around, puzzled. "Since when do you have a student, and where is he?"
Watching cautiously from the treeline, Alex wrestled with the urge to run. What am I doing here? He felt his heartbeat quicken, but before he could retreat, Barlow's voice rang out.
"Sir Alex, come out and introduce yourself."
Knowing there was no escape with so many guards around, Alex swallowed his hesitation and stepped out into view. His pulse was still racing as he approached Barlow and the guard.
"Hello," Alex said, clearing his throat. "My name is Alex, and I am Sir Barlow's student."
The guard's suspicion remained clear on his face. "Where did this kid come from? He's not a spy from the Astor family, is he?" he asked, narrowing his eyes at Alex.
Barlow raised a hand to calm the guard. "He's no spy. He's an orphan, a resident of these woods, and unaware of the politics or common knowledge of the world beyond. He's also my student, so I'd appreciate it if you didn't throw accusations around so freely."
The guard's expression shifted quickly as he realized who he was addressing. He straightened up, offering a quick bow of apology. "Forgive me, sir. Welcome to our camp, young Alex. Please, make yourself comfortable."
The sudden change in tone caught Alex off guard, but he gave a polite nod in return. "Thank you. I'll be heading to the river to wash up before I rest."
Barlow turned to Alex with a gentle nod. "There are spare clothes in my tent—wear them. Just be careful not to stray too far into the river; we've only cleared the shallow part of any dangers. Once you're clean, the cooks should have the mountain lion stew ready for you. After that, you'll be able to rest in my tent."
Alex nodded in understanding, still feeling uncertain but grateful for the guidance. He made his way to Barlow's tent, and as he stepped inside, he was amazed by its contents. A luxurious brown bear rug sprawled across the floor, and a large cot sat in one corner. Across from it, a desk held various items, and under the cot were drawers filled with neatly folded clothes.
The clothes were unlike anything Alex had ever worn—black pants lined with lightweight chainmail, a button-up shirt striped in black and red with metal buttons, and a fur coat. He marveled at the craftsmanship, knowing these were the kind of garments that cost more money than he'd ever had in Vana. After selecting a set that seemed like it would fit, Alex grabbed a washcloth and towel before heading to the river.
Once there, he stripped off his old, ragged clothes and stepped into the cool water, sighing as he washed the dirt, sweat, and blood from his skin. His side still ached from the lion's attack, but as he cleaned himself, Alex noticed something different. His body seemed more defined, his muscles fuller than they had been before.
What's happened to me? he thought, looking at his reflection in the water. His bronze skin seemed to glow faintly in the moonlight, his muscles more prominent. Could this be from cultivation? He made a mental note to ask Barlow about it later.
Suddenly, a rustling sound came from the bushes near the riverbank. Instinct kicked in, and Alex spun around, adrenaline rushing through him as he raised his hand in defense. His pulse quickened, but after a few tense moments, nothing emerged from the brush.
Maybe it's just exhaustion playing tricks on me, Alex thought, shaking his head and quickly drying off before dressing in Barlow's clothes.
As he made his way back to camp, the potbellied cook waved him over with a broad smile. "Ah, you must be Sir Barlow's new student. Here, I've got some stew ready for you." He handed Alex a bowl, along with a small cloth bundle containing a piece of chocolate and some nuts.
Alex hesitated, still wary of the kindness from strangers. But hunger won out, and he accepted the food with a grateful nod. "Thank you."
"Don't mention it, young man," the cook said with a chuckle. "I'm just glad we're not eating bear meat again. That lion's made the whole camp happy. Now eat up, and if you're still hungry later, I'm working on some jerky for the journey home."
Alex sat by the fire, savoring each bite of the stew. It was rich, with tender meat and flavorful spices—far better than anything he'd eaten in a long time. For a moment, he allowed himself to relax, forgetting the tension of the day.
After finishing, he returned to Barlow's tent. Exhaustion settled in, and as he lay down on the cot, his thoughts drifted back over everything that had happened—the escape, the mountain lion, meeting Barlow, and now, being part of this strange new world.
I wish you could see me now, Mom, Alex thought, staring at the tent ceiling. But wishing won't bring you back. I'll get stronger, and I'll make sure the nobles of Vana pay. No one is innocent if they turn a blind eye to injustice.
With that final thought, Alex closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, ready to face whatever came next.