The soft morning light filtered through the lingering mist that enveloped Pine Castle. Guards along the stone walls had just completed their shift change, while occasional neighs echoed from the stables, breaking the stillness. Though outwardly serene, an unspoken tension hung heavy in the air. Since Allen Greenwood had declared his intentions to his father, Leon, the castle's inhabitants had been abuzz, speculating on what steps he might take to prove himself.
That morning, Allen had just finished breakfast when the steward, Mor, hurried into the dining hall. "Young Master, the Baron has requested your presence in the study. Your uncle and a few merchants have arrived to discuss some business matters."
Allen paused briefly, his mind already piecing together the reason behind the summons. Rumors had been circulating for days about an important trade deal in the works, though specifics remained elusive. It seemed his father had finally decided to include him.
"I'll be there shortly," he replied, adjusting his tunic before following Mor down the castle's dim stone corridors. The stained-glass windows cast fragmented patterns of light onto the deep red carpet, as though mapping out an intricate, uncertain future. Allen couldn't help but feel a flicker of unease. Family affairs were rarely straightforward, and for someone branded as "talentless," his involvement would likely draw scrutiny.
When he entered the study, Leon Greenwood was seated at the head of the room, his expression guarded. Unfinished scrolls and documents lay scattered across the desk before him. On a nearby couch sat a portly merchant and a meticulously dressed man with a practiced smile—Bryan Greenwood, Allen's uncle. As soon as Bryan saw Allen enter, his face lit up with exaggerated warmth. "Ah, Allen! Come, have a seat. We were just talking about you."
Standing to the side was Roy Greenwood, Bryan's son and Allen's cousin. Taller and more imposing, Roy's gaze swept over Allen with thinly veiled disdain. Four years older and far more gifted in magic, Roy made no effort to hide his contempt for his "useless" cousin.
Leon nodded toward Allen. "Since you're here, listen to what Bryan has to say."
Bryan maintained his genial demeanor, speaking with the practiced ease of a seasoned negotiator. "Brother, I've been discussing a potential partnership with Mr. Hodge here. If we successfully escort his cargo to its destination, the benefits to our family could be substantial—not just monetarily, but also in terms of reputation. It's an opportunity to remind the region of Greenwood's strength."
The merchant, Mr. Hodge, nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly, Baron. And if a noble presence like young Allen accompanies the expedition, it would only bolster our credibility. It would reassure everyone that the Greenwood family personally stands behind this venture."
Allen felt a twinge of discomfort. The irony of being paraded as a "noble scion" while carrying the label of "family disgrace" wasn't lost on him. Yet Bryan's beaming smile left no room for protest.
Before Allen could respond, Roy interjected with a smirk. "And what exactly would he contribute? He can't even cast a basic spell. If anything goes wrong, don't say I didn't warn you—he'll just be dead weight."
The words struck like a slap, cutting through the room's fragile civility. Leon's brow furrowed in disapproval, though he refrained from reprimanding Roy outright. Bryan gave a theatrical cough, feigning concern. "Roy, mind your tone. Allen may not wield magic, but he's still a Greenwood. You can't speak to him like that."
Roy shrugged dismissively. "Fine. But don't expect me to babysit him when things go south. Eagle's Peak isn't exactly forgiving."
Allen's anger simmered beneath the surface, but he forced himself to remain calm. "Thank you for the advice, Roy. Let's see how things unfold."
Leon cleared his throat, signaling an end to the exchange. "Enough. Bryan, let's hear the details of this venture."
Bryan launched into his pitch with renewed vigor. "It's straightforward—escort a valuable caravan of goods, including grain, furs, and medicinal supplies, to a northern market. The payment is generous, provided we ensure its safe arrival. I'd like Roy to lead the effort, with Allen accompanying him to gain some experience. After all, we can't have people thinking the Greenwood family avoids responsibility."
Leon considered his brother's words carefully, his gaze shifting to Allen. "What do you think? This won't be a smooth journey."
Allen hesitated, weighing his options. Rejecting the offer would only fuel the perception of him as cowardly and incompetent. Moreover, Leon's decision to include him signaled a subtle expectation: this was an opportunity to prove his worth. "If you believe I can contribute, Father, then I'm willing to go."
Roy scoffed quietly but said nothing. Bryan's smile widened. "Excellent! That's the spirit, Allen. A young man should venture out, see the world, and show his mettle."
Leon's expression remained cautious. "Very well, but I'll assign a few trusted guards to accompany him. This is not a risk I take lightly."
Bryan nodded amiably. "Of course, Brother. The more hands, the better."
As Bryan and Hodge rose to leave, Roy shot Allen a cold glance, his expression dripping with silent condescension. The message was clear: Don't get in my way.
When the others had gone, Leon's demeanor softened. "This journey will be dangerous. Bryan might speak kindly, but his motives are rarely straightforward. And Roy… you've seen how he treats you."
"I know," Allen replied, meeting his father's gaze. "But if I keep avoiding these situations, the council members siding with Uncle Bryan will only grow bolder. I may lack magic, but I still have to try."
Leon gave a faint smile of approval. "I'll assign a few loyal guards to your team—veterans who won't hesitate to put your safety first. Remember, Allen, nothing is more important than staying alive."
Allen nodded, glancing at the list of names Leon handed him. The familiar names of seasoned guards brought a measure of relief. His uncle's scheming and Roy's hostility would make the journey treacherous, but with his father's support, he felt less alone.
That afternoon, Allen prepared for the expedition, selecting a well-worn short sword and a lightweight leather-and-scale cuirass from the armory. Though untrained in advanced combat, he had practiced basic techniques enough to wield the blade without hesitation. His father also provided him with magical scrolls, each containing simple but effective defensive spells, and a small vial of healing potion—a rare and valuable gift.
By the time night fell, Allen had organized his supplies meticulously. His short sword, armor, scrolls, and provisions were all secured, while the healing potion was kept close at hand. He studied a map of the route, tracing the winding path through treacherous terrain to their destination. Eagle's Peak, with its sharp ridges and narrow passes, loomed as the most likely site for danger.
As he gazed out at the moonlit landscape, a mix of anticipation and apprehension churned in his chest. Tomorrow would mark the start of a journey that could redefine his standing within the family—or reaffirm the scorn he'd endured for years.
Though sleep eluded him, he closed his eyes and resolved to face whatever lay ahead. This was his chance to prove that Allen Greenwood, the so-called failure, was anything but.