Paul's stomach growled as he wandered the streets, searching for a place to grab a bite to eat. His mind was still reeling from the events at the library, and he couldn't shake off the feeling that he had stumbled upon something much bigger than himself.
As he turned a corner, he failed to notice a tall, imposing figure walking in the opposite direction. The two collided, and Paul stumbled backwards, apologizing profusely.
But before he could even finish his apology, a knight stepped forward, his face red with anger. "You clumsy oaf!" he barked, his hand on the hilt of his sword. "How dare you collide with the young Lord Modrig!"
Paul's eyes widened as he took in the scene. The knight's armor bore the crest of the Modrig family, and the young man he had collided with wore a look of entitlement.
"I-I'm sorry," Paul stuttered, trying to appease the angry knight. "It was an accident."
The knight's gaze narrowed. "You'll pay for your carelessness. You'll come with me and face the consequences."
Paul's heart raced as the knight grasped his arm, pulling him away from the scene. He had no idea what lay ahead, but he knew it couldn't be good.
Just as the knight was about to drag Paul away, a soft voice intervened. "Wait, Sir Edward. Please, don't be too harsh."
The knight turned to face a young maid, no more than 15 years old, with a gentle face and a kind smile. She was dressed in a simple but elegant dress, and her hair was tied back in a neat bun.
"Who are you to interfere, Lenna?" Sir Edward asked gruffly.
"I am Lord Modrig's personal maid," she replied, her eyes fixed on Paul. "And I know that my lord would not want to see someone punished for a simple accident."
The young Lord Modrig spoke up, his voice dripping with disdain. "Lenna, mind your place. This is none of your concern."
But Lenna stood her ground, her eyes never leaving Paul's face. "With all due respect, my lord, I think it is my concern. This boy looks like he could use a meal and a kind word, rather than a punishment."
Sir Edward snorted. "You're too soft, Lenna. But I suppose I can spare the boy...this time."
He released Paul's arm, and Lenna smiled warmly at him. "Come, boy. I'll make sure you get something to eat".
Lenna took permission from Young Lord Modrig to go with Paul for a few minutes.
Lenna led Paul through the bustling streets of the city, dodging merchants and traders as they made their way to a small food stall. She handed him a warm loaf of bread and a piece of cheese, her eyes sparkling with kindness.
"What's your name, boy?" she asked, her voice gentle.
"P-Paul," he stuttered, his eyes fixed on the food.
"Paul," she repeated, smiling. "And how did you come to be here, all alone in the city?"
Paul hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "I...I ran away from home," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
Lenna's expression turned sympathetic. "Oh, Paul. Where are your parents? Don't they miss you?"
Paul shook his head, feeling a pang of sadness. "I don't know. I never knew my mother, and my father...he didn't want me anymore."
Lenna's eyes filled with compassion. "I'm so sorry, Paul. But you're safe now. Eat this, and maybe we can figure out what to do next."
Paul nodded, taking a bite of the bread as Lenna watched with a concerned expression.
Paul's eyes widened in gratitude as he took the food from her. "Thank you, Lenna. You're too kind."
Lenna smiled and patted his shoulder. "Be careful, Paul. The city can be a dangerous place, especially for someone like you."
With that, she turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Paul to wonder about her mysterious ways. He ate his food, feeling a sense of gratitude and wonder at the unexpected turn his life had taken.
What will Paul do now?