The children got up too many shenanigans through their walk, but eventually they got to a hill. Everyone seemed intact, but the teachers had a problem. They looked at the thriving town in front of them with weary eyes, and the other adults furrowed their brows.

The hill seemed to be a fine vantage point, and the children didn’t know what the teachers found wrong. Th town too just looked like a regular town. But even as the students looked at civilisation with a yearning the adults decided to wait.

After some hushed whispering Mr Gilbert headed down. His old and friendly face had hardened to stone, and his steps were heavy.

Once Mr Gilbert had arrived at the town, he questioned the first person he saw. His attention always focused on a strange white flag.

“Hello there, I happened to be passing by, and I couldn’t help but notice the state of the village. I must say the last time I was through here it was an absolute wreck.”

“Ah, yes we have put quite a bit of effort in. but not to say that we are done yet, there is always work for those who follow faithfully.”

“Then I suppose there will be a new church around here? It’s a pity but this region has been without a dedicated place of worship for quite a while.”

“You are quite correct; I hear Bishop mason himself has given the funds. Maybe we can see a great congregation restored in the region once more through his guidance.”

“What a marvellous dream. Well, I do suppose I have taken up far too much of your time, I will be on my way.”

“Haha, have a good day and may the lord watch over you through your journey.”

“May the lord grant you the same kindness that you grant upon others.”

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Mr Gilbert’s goodbye was strange but before the stranger could thank him, he had left. The old man felt like he had been bathed in tar. before he had even returned the other adults began turning the children away.

Once he had returned to Mr Gilbert questioned one of the other teachers.

“Was it really that obvious from my face?”

“Yes and no, we noticed before you turned back that there was a court.”

“I suppose it wasn’t regional then.”

“The new baron is going to have a hard time, it’s imperial.”

“Well, that is… something.”

The group decided to backtrack a little before heading south. The route was a little harder than before, but they soon reached an even better destination.

A lake nestled in a clearing below a cliff. The teachers touted the waterfall that would flow from said cliff. But it wasn’t flowing today, and the children didn’t care very much for it. everyone but Ciaran was much more interested in the stunning view and messing around.

The shimmering light blue mixed well with the vibrant greenery. It was not like the darker greens of the forest around it, the entire lake was surrounded by warmth. Several other colours also mixed in the form of flowers and the white of the stone.

Hidden by their smiles the teacher’s thoughts churned wildly. They no longer had a run-down village to safely teach the children responsibility. They would need to do something else, but there wasn’t anything close that was “safe”.

One teacher suggested using the dried-out nexus as an example. But that was shot down as it would require the children to understand what a nexus was. It would also damage the crown’s reputation and was thus illegal to do so.

Unfortunately, none of them could think of a practical example so they decided to hold off till the next year. They just had to hope that words and the children’s parents were good enough to produce children with morals.

The trip was not wasted however and the teachers leaned heavier into the survival aspect of it on their way back. The children learnt how to build a shelter in groups, and even a few went hunting. Most of the other things were just household chores with a twist for most. Though Ciaran got to learn a lot since the servants did most of the work around the house.

Despite his new skills Ciaran didn’t even mention cooking when he got home. He was far too content with the delicious meals that came from the skilled chefs in the kitchen. He also enjoyed his warm room and comfy bed. Each little thing that he enjoyed were maintained by the manor staff. Ciaran grew a little appreciation for their presence, and he could never imagine a home without them.