Old Man Robert’s POV

Some time ago

Much like everyone else on the estate, Robert found himself deeply disturbed by the sudden disappearance of Lord William. The last sighting of the lord was in the afternoon, as he exited his study. Beyond that, the only clue came from an elderly gentleman who informed Tristan and the rest of the upper echelon that he had seen the lord near the gates.

But for him to be the only witness, that is certainly suspicious, Robert mused, his gaze lingering on James and his grandson frolicking in the garden. This is the lord we're speaking of. Surely, someone else must have noticed him.

Despite harboring his own suspicions, Robert refrained from voicing them. Tristan, teetering on the brink of despair, had clung to a sliver of hope. Robert could not bear to snatch that away from him.

Even if they return from the forest empty-handed, I just hope they come back safe and sound, he silently wished.

Robert had yearned to accompany Tristan on the search for Lord William. However, his responsibilities as James' bodyguard took precedence. In a world where even a lord could vanish without a trace, no one was truly safe.

Lost in thought, Robert's attention was suddenly captured by a silver flash beyond the garden. Rising from his chair, he was taken aback as a creature materialized before him—a kobold, its fur shimmering silver.

“Don’t make any noise,” the silver-furred kobold warned before Robert could utter a word. “Your life, and the one you've sworn to protect, are in grave danger.”

These words, chillingly aligning with Robert's worst fears, sent a shiver down his spine, his complexion turning pale. A tumultuous mix of confusion, shock, and dread rendered him speechless.

“I understand your surprise,” Alacritas said, offering a semblance of comfort. “Let me explain in terms you'll grasp. Lord William isn't in our forest; he has been kidnapped by Nalia. The sighting at the Gate was a ruse by her to lure Tristan into the forest for an ambush.”

This flood of revelations staggered Robert. Yet, his primary concern wasn't to doubt Alacritas's intelligence but to act to safeguard his benefactor. “I must warn him. Perhaps there's still time.”

“There's no need,” Alacritas countered, shaking his head. “Our lord is already addressing that situation. But as I've mentioned, both you and James are in peril. Nalia intends to eliminate anyone with a legitimate claim to the Lordship of Locksley.”

“How can I trust your word?” Robert challenged, frustration coloring his tone. “You emerge from nowhere, claiming his grace is walking into a trap, yet expect me to believe your lord will handle it? How can I be certain?”

Alacritas sighed at the challenge, understanding the gravity of his request for trust. “You’ve witnessed our lord's strength firsthand during the battle with the guardians,” he reminded Robert. His voice grew more earnest. “I assure you, he has since grown exponentially in power. With my lord in action, Tristan remains untouchable.”

At the mention of the guardians, Robert's mind flashed back to the devastating firestorm unleashed by the red-furred creature and its tribe. In that instant, he contemplated the terrifying power: had that magic been aimed not at the guardian, but at their army, they would have been utterly obliterated, consumed by the inferno's wrath.

That creature is taking action to protect Tristan? But why?

"The time for contemplation has expired," Alacritas's urgent tone jolted Robert from his thoughts. "Nalia's assassins will soon be upon us, and engaging them in combat is not my desire. My lord has commanded me to escort you discreetly, to avoid drawing any suspicion to our involvement."

These words unsettled Robert. The swift and drastic shift in circumstances left him adrift in uncertainty. Historically, his role was to follow orders, not to devise strategies. Yet now, the critical choice was his to make.

As he grappled with silence, the memory of the white-furred kobold that had imprisoned him and his grandson emerged. Despite its fearsome appearance, the creature had honored its word, sparing their lives, fulfilling its promises, and even revealing the secrets of the class statues.

If it is the same creature, then perhaps I can trust him.

With determination etched on his face, Robert turned back to Alacritas. "Give me a moment to speak with James."

"Be swift," was Alacritas's terse reply.

Nodding, Robert approached the two boys, who paused their play, their expressions turning to curiosity at his approach.

Drawing a deep breath, Robert faced James. "Young lord, there's something we must do."

Observing the change in Robert's demeanor, James's eyes widened with concern. "Did something happen?" His voice wavered, betraying his growing anxiety. "Is my brother alright?"

"Come on, don't worry so much," Little Roo interjected with a comforting tone. "Tristan is incredibly strong. Nothing bad could happen to him, right, grandpa?"

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At this, Robert let out a heavy sigh. "His Grace is currently under the protection of someone exceedingly powerful. So, it's unlikely that he has come to harm."

Turning his gaze back to James, he added gravely, "However, the same cannot be said for us. There are dangerous individuals after us—powerful and malicious."

James swallowed hard, his voice barely a whisper, "Are they the same people who harmed Father?"

"I believe so," Robert confirmed, his expression somber.

The weight of this news caused James to lower his gaze, fists clenched in silent determination. Little Roo, noticing his friend's distress, offered a supportive pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry, we're going to be okay."

Drawing a deep breath, James managed a grateful smile towards Little Roo. "Thank you." He then turned to Robert, his resolve returning. "What should we do?"

"Remaining here is no longer safe," Robert declared, his tone laced with urgency. Glancing towards Alacritas, who stood enigmatically in the night's embrace, he continued, "But if we accompany this individual, we will find safety. He will lead us to where His Grace is currently safeguarded."

Confronted with the shadowy figure, James couldn't hide his apprehension. "Is this person trustworthy?"

"I cannot be certain," Robert confessed. "But if his master is who I suspect, then they mean us no harm."

James's expression hardened with determination. "If you trust him, then so do I," he declared firmly. "I will follow your lead, Sir Robert."

Feeling the heavy burden of young James's trust upon his shoulders, Robert released a long, tension-laden exhale before casting a wary glance back at Alacritas. "Should this turn out to be some deceit or trap, I assure you, I'll find a way to haunt you beyond the grave."

"There's no merit for me to devise such an elaborate plot merely to end your lives," Alacritas responded with a sigh, stepping into the open garden and revealing his full form. In an instant, he vanished, only for Robert to feel an icy touch at his neck. "Had I desired your demise, I could have easily achieved it from the outset."

Whirling around, Robert was met with Alacritas standing directly behind him, a sight so startling that James and Little Roo were rendered speechless by fear and astonishment.

Unperturbed by the shock he'd caused, Alacritas pressed on. "Time is a luxury we no longer possess, as Nalia's forces are mobilizing. If you don’t wish to die, then we must flee the city at once."

Amidst the turmoil of emotions swirling within, Robert managed a determined nod. "Very well, let's proceed."

Alacritas nodded, his expression grave. "Before we depart, we need a diversion, something to mislead any pursuers about your path. Find someone, a servant or a guard loyal to the estate, and give them a message. Make it seem as if your escape is orchestrated by allies from within. This will cast a shadow of doubt and misdirection."

Upon hearing this, Robert let out a weary sigh. He cast his gaze downward, lost in thought, before his fist clenched in resolve and he nodded. "Everything in my life urges me against following your lead. But, I'm willing to entertain it," he conceded.

Gently nudging the two children forward, Robert led them through the dim outskirts of the estate. Mixed feelings of dread and hope tangled within him as they approached the stables, where, to his surprise, they encountered the stable boy, still awake and tending to his duties.

"Uh, Sir Robert?" the boy stuttered, his eyes widening in shock upon noticing Robert. His surprise deepened at the sight of James. "Young lord? I... I'll get out of your way immediately."

"No, stay," Robert countered, shaking his head. He bit his lip in contemplation before addressing the young man firmly. "Listen, you must keep tonight's encounter a secret. I've been ordered by the general to ensure the young lord's safety, and no one should learn of this. Do you understand?"

"Absolutely, sir!" The stable boy nodded eagerly. "This secret will die with me."

"Good," Robert acknowledged with a nod, then dismissed him. The boy wasted no time darting away, leaving Robert alone with the children. Having accomplished Alacritas's directive, he led them away from the manor, unseen by any prying eyes.

As they ventured into a secluded alley, Alacritas, the silver-furred kobold, materialized before them. With a piercing whistle, he summoned two more kobolds to their side. Without a moment's hesitation, Alacritas wrapped his arms around Robert, while the other kobolds securely grabbed the children. Together, they embarked on their critical escape, disappearing into the night.

In a blur of motion, Alacritas whisked Robert from one rooftop to the next, each leap spanning two buildings with ease. The velocity at which they traveled left the seasoned Robert disoriented, a sensation he was unaccustomed to.

Within a mere ten minutes, they had reached the outskirts of Locksley and plunged into the forest beyond. It was here that the kobolds finally decelerated, releasing Robert and the two boys from their grasp.

It took Robert a moment to overcome the dizziness and nausea that assaulted him. Glancing around, he saw James and Little Roo doubled over, retching onto the forest floor, the velocity of their escape having taken its toll on them as well.

“We're beyond Locksley's bounds, yet still within Nalia's reach,” Alacritas remarked, his tone heavy. “You have one minute to recover before we must press on.”

Regaining his bearings, Robert's first concern was for his grandson and the young lord. As he passed the two silver kobolds, he couldn't help but reproach them, “There was no need for such rough handling.”

Kneeling to comfort the boys, he reassured them, “Let it out. You'll feel better afterward.”

Panting, Little Roo managed to ask, “Must we endure that again?”

“I'll not survive another bout,” James lamented, voicing his dread.

“Just focus on getting your breath back,” Robert advised, shooting the kobolds a stern glance. “Next time, carry them with care. And not so swiftly.”

The kobolds exchanged looks before turning their attention to Alacritas, who received Robert's glare with a resigned sigh.

“We'll proceed at a reduced pace now that we're in the forest,” Alacritas conceded. To his underlings, he commanded, “Use both hands. Hold the children close to your chests to keep them steady.”

“Yeah, boss, got it,” one kobold replied with a casual shrug.

With the brief respite over, Alacritas looked back at Robert and announced, “Time is up, we must move on.”

Despite James's and Little Roo's protests, the kobolds adjusted their hold, securing the boys in a protective embrace to mitigate the jostling. Alacritas hoisted Robert onto his back for a more stable journey.

They surged forward, the forest a green blur around them. In mere moments, the imposing walls of a village loomed into view.

Upon setting Robert gently onto solid ground, Alacritas turned with a welcoming grin. “Welcome to our village, Wolvendale.”