It was on a clear, very quiet night when I found this boy. He appeared to be unconscious, and his head was bleeding. I grabbed him and took him to my house. He wasn't that heavy; he should eat more.
I placed him on the bed. Wake up, boy…
I took some cold water with my hands and sprinkled it on his face. It looked like he wouldn't wake up that easily.
Hmm... I'll clean his wounds first.
For two days straight, all I did was feed him while he was still unconscious and clean the wound on the back of his head. I hope he wakes up soon. I'm just an old man, after all—it's hard to take care of someone else.
Hm... what—
As I slowly opened my eyes, I saw a dark ceiling. Ouch... what's this pain in my head? It feels like there's a knife in it. But where am I?
I tried to sit up, but suddenly a hand pressed gently against my chest.
Stay lying down, kid… your wound hasn't fully healed yet. I'm Celvar... Celvar Vendar.
I-Ia… I tried to speak but couldn't.
Stop, kid, don't speak yet. I can tell the hit on your head was hard. I'll ask you some questions. Just nod or shake your head, alright?
I nodded.
Do you remember anything at all?
I nodded again, yes.
Do you know who hit you?
I shook my head, no.
Alright, kid... here. He handed me a piece of paper and a pencil. Write down everything you remember. I'll go make dinner.
Then he left the room.
This man is old, but he's kind. And he's surprisingly muscular. I wonder what he does...
I tried to remember as much as I could. So… someone hit me from behind, and before that… uhm...
A familiar face came to mind. Ria… wait, she… she got killed. That arrow...
Images of what happened flashed one by one through my head. I've got to write down something about the girl. But even if I tell him, he can't save her—she's already dead. It's just a random girl; she doesn't matter.
Wait, what am I saying…? It's like I don't even care that a girl was killed in front of me. Do I... even feel anything?
Alright, here, kid, I made you some soup. It's a special soup that can heal wounds.
He handed me the soup and a spoon.
The soup didn't have any meat; it was completely green. I wondered how it would taste. I took the first sip. It tasted awful, but I'd had worse. I ate it all quickly, then placed the bowl on the desk next to me.
Thanks for the food, I said. I hadn't even realized I could speak again. The man was sitting in a chair in front of me, holding the paper he'd given me earlier, waiting for me to finish.
Nice, you can speak fine now.
I hope you enjoyed it, kid. Honestly, you're the first ever to finish this soup, haha… he laughed. By the way, boy, this soup can heal your wounds—I wasn't lying.
Before he even finished, I started feeling something in my head. He came closer and took the bandage off.
Alright, kid, you can touch the wound. It's fully healed.
Wai—really? I asked, touching my head. It was like I hadn't even been hit.
Wait, can I ask a question, Mr. Vendar?
Just call me Celvar.
Alright, Celvar. Did you see a girl next to me when you found me?
No, I didn't. Why?
No, it's nothing… just forget it.
You can be honest with me, kid. Tell me what happened. And why didn't you write anything on the paper? Don't you remember anything?
Alright, I'll tell you the truth. I had just started an adventure from my hometown, Zoda. On my way to Bosoru, I saw a village and went there to get supplies, where I met—"
Wait, boy, sorry to interrupt, but did you say… a village?
Y-yes, it wasn't far from Zoda.
But, kid, there isn't any village near Zoda or Bosoru.
Wh—huh? But when I was hit, it wasn't far from the village. Wait, where am I now?
You're in my home. We're in Bosoru, kid.
How many days have passed since you found me?
I found you two days ago, he said.
And how long have I been lying here?
For the same two days, he replied.
But I was at least a four-day walk from Bosoru! How did you get me here so fast? It was strange. Even if he'd had a horse, it would still take two days to reach Bosoru, and then two more to be here in his house. But he's saying just two days? It doesn't make sense.
It's simple, boy. I ran from the place where I found you to here. It took me around two hours. I think I'm getting old; it used to take me less than that.
Wait, you ran? In two hours, while carrying me?
Alright, boy, since you've been honest with me, I'll be honest, too. I'm Master Celvar, he said proudly.
Um, yes… you told me your name before…
Huh? He doesn't know who I am? he thought to himself. But everyone knows me…
Are you a teacher or something? I asked, confused.
Haha, no, no. I'm a martial arts master. Just kidding; it's alright if you don't know me, kid.
Oh, sorry. And… thank you for saving me and taking care of me. I appreciate it.
No problem, kid. But… you're going already?
I should leave; I've brought you enough trouble.
Wait, kid. What's your name?
I'm Von.
Did you say you're going on an adventure?
Y-yes, I am.
Alright, listen, Von… your eyes. They're some of the most intense eyes I've seen… I don't want to pry, but I can see there's sadness inside you. I know how that feels. Let me offer you something: you can stay in my house, and I'll teach you how to fight so you can defend yourself next time.
That's… very kind of you, Celvar. But… what do you want in return?
Haha, I'm an old man. All I'd want is for you to help me clean the house now and then.
Alright… I guess.
If I go on a long journey, I might meet anyone who just wants a fight. Some martial arts skills wouldn't be bad to learn, I thought.