We traveled through the night, the steady beat of the horses' hooves mingling with the silence of the open road. By morning, the scenery changed as we moved deeper into the kingdom. Villages and towns began to dot the landscape—some alive with people carrying on their daily routines, while others stood as empty shells, like ghost towns haunted by recent memories.
The sight of these abandoned places made me uneasy. Families had fled, moving deeper into the continent hoping for safety, thinking they'd be spared if our kingdom—or another—fell. Yet, as I observed these deserted villages, I couldn't help but feel they'd made a grave mistake. We're all bound together now, every kingdom's strength and survival woven into a delicate web. If one kingdom crumbles, it risks dragging down the rest with it.
The reality is that no one can stand alone anymore. Kingdoms rely on each other for trade, military alliances, shared resources, and even the stability brought by intermarriages between noble families. It's like human natureealize the importance of connection only when faced with great danger. And now, facing common threats, our kingdoms are finding strength in unity, setting aside old rivalries in favor of survival. In times of peace, we might have quarreled endlessly over borders and resources, but in the face of true darkness, we find ourselves stronger together than apart.
Lost in these thoughts, I hardly noticed as the sky began to darken. My captain approached with a slight bow. "We should stop to let the horses rest, my lord. A few hours of rest will be needed if we're to reach the capital without wearing them out."
I nodded. My guards had been handpicked from among the fortress's elite soldiers—loyal, skilled, and trustworthy enough that I felt secure in leaving matters to them.
We stopped in a quiet village that still held a small population. It was a modest settlement, mostly elders and children, the rest having left in search of work or safety. I took the opportunity to stretch my legs and explore, letting the surroundings and cool air clear my mind.
Nearby, a little girl was playing in the dirt with a few other children, and I approached, pulling a piece of candy from my pocket. "Hello," I greeted her with a smile.
"Hello!" she replied, her face lighting up.
"What are you playing?" I asked, handing her the candy.
"Tag! Do you want to play too, mister?"
I chuckled at her innocence a small light in these troubled times. "Maybe next time. Where's your mom?"
"She's in the capital! She said she'll bring me lots of toys when she gets back."
A woman spoke up from nearby, her voice gentle yet steady. "Her mother works in the capital, young lord. Her father gave his life defending one of the fortresses."
I turned to see an elderly woman watching us with a warm, knowing smile. I gave the girl another candy and walked over.
"May I ask you a few questions?" I asked, bowing slightly out of respect.
"Of course, a young lord of Windborne. I would be honored to help," she replied, eyes alight with recognition.
I raised an eyebrow, surprised. "How did you know I was a Windborne?"
She laughed gently. "Even at my age, it's hard not to recognize the family emblems of those who protect us. And you have your father's look—so much so, it brings back memories."
"You knew my father?" I asked, surprised.
"Yes. He was assigned to oversee these lands when he was around your age. He was a good leader, and the people loved him dearly for his kindness and sense of justice," she said with a nostalgic warmth.
"What happened to this place?" I asked, looking around at the empty homes.
"After he became a duke, he returned to his lands, and another was assigned here. But times have changed. Many of the young left, seeking better lives in the cities or safety farther inland. Now, only a few of us remain."
I listened quietly, feeling a pang of responsibility. My father had once watched over this village, and now it was nearly deserted. "Thank you for sharing your memories. I'll remember this place and its people," I said, offering her a small pouch of gold coins for the children. "Please, make sure the little ones are cared for."
She nodded, her eyes misting. "Thank you, young lord. And thank your father for us, too. Because of him, we lived good lives here, even if for only a short while."
As I returned to our camp, her words stayed with me, filling me with both pride and a renewed sense of purpose. My guards and I rested for a few hours under the calm village night, then set off under the moon's watchful gaze.
On the road again, I couldn't help but reflect on the path that lay ahead. I had Newt's memories to guide me, but my own questions weighed on me heavily. The figure in my dreams had promised I'd find answers in the capital, but what answers? And how would I know where to look?
The first step would be reuniting with my family. My father and mother would know more, and perhaps, just perhaps, I'd find the clarity I sought. But for now, my weary body demanded rest. I drifted off with the sound of the horses and the soft murmur of the guards standing watch.
The capital lay far ahead, and with it, the answers I had chased since my journey began.