A figure strode towards Luca and the others, his steps brisk and his expression stern. The instructor was a tall man with a wiry frame, dressed in the same dark leathers as the man who had led them to the grounds.
His sharp eyes scanned each child, assessing them with a disapproving frown. The children, including Luca, straightened, feeling the weight of his gaze.
"Listen well," the instructor began, his voice carrying an edge that demanded attention. "You are here to serve the Drakemore family, and that demands discipline and obedience. Rules are not suggestions. You will follow them without question, or you will face the consequences."
Luca swallowed, the instructor's words settling heavily on his shoulders. The children exchanged nervous glances, fully understanding that the instructor meant every word.
"You will arrive here at dawn each morning," the instructor continued, "prepared for your training. There will be no lateness. Strength and obedience are expected. Those who fail will be punished. Is that understood?"
"Yes, sir," the children murmured, barely daring to speak above a whisper. Satisfied, the instructor gave a curt nod and left without another word, his boots echoing against the cobblestones.
Shortly after, a maid appeared, a soft contrast to the rigid presence of the instructor. She had kind eyes and she motioned for the children to follow her.
She led them through the corridors of the Drakemore estate to a small wing where their rooms awaited. Simple yet clean, each room contained a narrow bed, a small table, and a chest for their belongings. Luca was too tired from the excitement and tension of the day to complain; he simply dropped his bundle beside the bed and drifted into sleep.
The next morning, Luca and the others arrived at the courtyard, just as the instructor had ordered. The instructor wasted no time, putting them through exercises that were simple yet effective—squats, lunges, and short runs across the yard.
Luca felt his muscles strain, and though his heart pounded, he pushed through, unwilling to let himself falter. The instructor watched over them, correcting their stances and ordering them to keep up the pace.
By the time they were done, their faces were flushed and their breaths ragged. When the exercises finally ended, the maid reappeared, leading them to the dining hall, where they were each served a bowl of harrowgrain stew.
Harrowgrain was a crop grown in the fields around Silverdeep, known for its rich nutrients, which were said to build strength over time. Though it was hearty and filling, Luca found the taste bland and slightly bitter, lacking the warmth and flavour of the meals his mother used to make.
But after the morning's training, he ate it gratefully, glad to feel his strength returning.
Once breakfast was over, the children were split into small groups and assigned various tasks around the estate. Luca's group was given the job of cleaning the garden, while others swept floors or organized supplies in the storerooms.
The work was simple but required focus, and by the time midday came, Luca's arms felt heavy from the repetitive motion.
Lunch was much the same, more harrowgrain stew, which, despite its plain taste, left them feeling energized. Afterward, they were given an hour to rest, a precious relief that Luca used to close his eyes and drift into a short but deep nap.
In the evening, they returned to the courtyard, where the instructor had them repeat the morning exercises with a few added drills. The movements were small and repetitive, meant to build their endurance and strength gradually. Though each drill seemed simple, by the end of the session, Luca's legs felt like lead, and he could barely lift his arms.
After dinner, they were all but ready to collapse. The night was quiet as they trudged back to their rooms, exhaustion heavy in every step.
When Luca finally lay down, he felt his eyes close almost immediately, his tired body finding peace in the bed's worn but comforting feel. It had only been their first day, but already, the life at Drakemore was proving to be challenging, with a rhythm of discipline that would shape the days to come.
After weeks of training and hard work, Luca and his fellow trainees began to form bonds that eased the burdens of their daily routines.
Finn became a close friend, always ready with a quip or a shared laugh during their breaks. One afternoon, as they collapsed on the grass after a particularly gruelling session, Luca spoke up, "You know, sometimes I think about how hard it must be for our parents."
Finn nodded, his expression shifting to one of understanding. "Yeah, my dad works the fields from dawn till dusk. I bet he misses me. But I think he's proud I'm here."
Luca looked away, the weight of his thoughts heavy. "My mom… she's done so much for me. I want to make her proud. That's why I try to train hard. I want to show her that I can take care of myself."
Finn grinned. "You're tougher than you think, Luca. Besides, she'll be amazed at how much you've grown when we go home."
Luca nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination. He remembered the long nights his mother spent working, the way her hands would callus from labour as she provided for them both.
The thought spurred him on during training, and he pushed himself to his limits, imagining the smile on her face when he returned.
Three months flew by, and the transformation in the children was undeniable. Luca was now stronger, his muscles honed from the training, and he had learned to carry himself with a sense of pride.
When the day finally came for them to return home, excitement bubbled within Luca. They were each given a small pouch of coins for their hard work, and he had been planning for this moment.
As they filed into the bustling marketplace of Silverdeep, the colourful stalls and lively chatter surrounded him, drawing him in like a moth to a flame.
Luca spotted a small shop adorned with a vibrant sign that read The Trinket Trove. He rushed inside, eyes wide with wonder at the shelves filled with trinkets and treasures, glimmering gems and intricately carved wooden figures. He was determined to find the perfect gift for his mother.
"Welcome, young lad!" said the shopkeeper, an elderly man with a kind smile and asked Luca, "What brings you in today?"
"I want to buy something special for my mother," Luca replied, a hint of shyness in his voice. "Something to show her I've been thinking of her while I've been here."
The shopkeeper nodded sagely, his eyes narrowing as he considered. "Ah, a thoughtful boy indeed! How about this?" He gestured toward a delicate silver locket that hung from a display.
It sparkled in the light, the intricate design of flowers etched into its surface. "This locket is enchanted to keep memories safe. You can place a small note inside, and every time she opens it, she'll think of you."
Luca's heart raced at the thought of his mother's joy. "How much is it?"
"Only five silver coins," the shopkeeper replied, his voice warm.
Luca hesitated, counting the coins in his pouch. He had saved enough from his monthly pay, and with a nod, he placed the coins on the counter. "I'll take it!"
The shopkeeper wrapped the locket carefully, placing it in a small velvet pouch. "You have a good heart, boy. She'll cherish it."
With the pouch clutched tightly in his hands, Luca stepped back outside, the bustling market alive with energy. He soon re-joined the group of children from his village, including Finn, who had been picking out gifts of his own.
"Did you find something?" Finn asked, noticing Luca's happy expression.
"Yeah! I got her a locket," Luca beamed, "something to keep our memories close."
As they left Silverdeep behind, Luca's excitement grew. The road back to their village, Eldermoor, stretched ahead of them, lined with lush trees and vibrant fields. Eldermoor was a village nestled by a serene river, where houses were made of warm timber and everyone knew each other by name. It was a place of simple joys and the comforting smell of home-cooked meals wafting from every door.
"I can't wait to see my mom," Luca said, his heart swelling with anticipation.
"Me too! They'll be so proud of us," Finn replied, matching Luca's enthusiasm.
As they travelled, the memories of his mother filled Luca's mind, and he felt the weight of the locket in his pocket, a tangible reminder of his love for her. The thought of their reunion made the long journey worthwhile, and he looked forward to the moment he could share his experiences and newfound strength with the one who had always believed in him.