Gabriel marveled at the sprawling splendor of the kingdom’s market on Lightday. It was a mesmerizing labyrinth of commerce and human connection, a tapestry of bustling activity bursting with energy.

The watchful eyes of the guards shadowed their footsteps. Gabriel was pleased to have Janus, the youngest of the guards, accompanying them. Gabriel and Janus got along well, he would often offer words of encouragement when they crossed paths in the training yard. Upon making eye contact at the entrance to the market, Janus approached him with a gentle demeanor. “You have a few hours to explore, Prince, but remember to stay near us at all times. Tell the princess too.”

“Of course, Janus,” Gabriel said.

Janus slowed his pace, motioning for Gabriel to walk with him at the back of the group. He said, “I want you to know that I’ve seen what you’ve faced on the sands. You’ve done well. I see the determination in your eyes. Hone it until it is as sharp as steel, and nothing will keep you down.”

“Thank you, Janus. I will press on,” Gabriel said, sounding more confident than he felt. Janus’s words flattered him, but deep down, he was unsure how long he could sustain his resolve. Each day presented a battle, both physically and emotionally. Wielding a sword clashed with his true nature. But for now, I have little choice.

Gabriel felt guilty for deceiving him, even unintentionally. Although Janus had shown kindness, Gabriel knew that revealing his inner turmoil would only distance one of the few people who offered him support. Determined to distract himself from the overwhelming thoughts, Gabriel pushed them deep into the recesses of his mind. He had come to the market yearning for solace and diversion; he didn't want to be trapped within the confines of his own troubled thoughts. As their conversation ended, Janus nodded, and Gabriel walked up to his friends.

As Gabriel and his companions navigated the market, he was swept up in its infectious spirit. They weaved through the throngs of people, their hands rummaging through goods, their ears catching snippets of conversations.

Stalls and carts lined the cobblestone streets, each one a miniature universe of treasures. Canopies stretched overhead, shielding the market goers from the sun's warm embrace and adding a vibrant splash of color to the scene. Gabriel noticed the food guild's white banner, which featured grain and bread. It fluttered in the wind as it beckoned his companions.

They followed their noses to a stall adorned with an array of sugared sweets, their jewel-like colors glistening in the sunlight like edible treasures. The vendor was deftly arranging the sweets in an artful display. He greeted them with a warm smile.

They each ordered; the confectioner was patient with Sarah as she made the hard decision of which flavors, she wanted. The treats were delicate masterpieces, crafted with care and expertise. tangy sweetness enveloped their taste buds, the fruit infused flavors bursting on their tongues. The textures danced in their mouths, melting and dissolving into pure bliss. Gabriel offered one to the guards, but they politely declined.

With their cravings for sweets satisfied, they continued exploring the market, letting themselves be carried along by the ebb and flow of the crowd. Inviting them to discover new worlds of merchandise.

They stumbled upon a stall that specialized in women's clothing. Richly colored fabrics spilled from every corner, inviting their touch. Jessinta and Sarah ran their fingertips along the different dresses, their laughter filling the air as they delighted in their finds. Gabriel and Lovren waited while their sisters slipped behind the dressing curtain.

“Do you think this is pretty?” Sarah asked, wearing a rich blue silk dress that shimmered in the light. Gabriel thought the dress far too revealing for a girl of ten.

“I think it’s ugly,” he said, and subtly stuck out his tongue. She only rolled her eyes and muttered something under her breath, causing his smile to widen.

“What do you think about this?” a voice asked from behind him.

Gabriel turned to see Jessinta wearing a tight peach-colored dress. He couldn’t help but notice how beautiful she looked. He stood there silent for too long, unable to think of anything to say.

Beside him, Lovren looked at him and scrunched his brows, before remarking, “Looks fine enough.”

The girls swiftly changed from one dress to the next, showcasing a range that represented the kingdom's diverse attire. Some outfits were outlandish, while others stayed true to tradition. After what felt like an interminable wait, Jessinta finally settled on the peach dress and remarked, “I'll have to wear this for supper.”

“I... that sounds wonderful,” he stumbled over his words. Jessinta merely smiled in response. Gabriel tucked his hair behind his ear, acutely aware of Lovren’s eyes.

They stumbled upon a stall selling freshly baked pies, their golden crusts enticingly flaky and fragrant with warm spices. The tantalizing scent of roasted meats and freshly baked bread wafted through the air.

Gabriel's eyes sparkled with fond memories as he caught sight of the pies, reminiscent of the ones he used to stealthily pilfer from the castle's kitchens alongside Lovren and Jessinta. Suddenly hungry again, he eagerly purchased one for each of them.

Whilst eating, he watched the marketgoers. Families with children in tow, merchants bartering with customers, and friends exchanging laughter painted a picture of community and connection. The market was a place where people from all walks of life converged, their differences dissolving. The market was a demonstration of the kingdom’s spirit, a reflection of its people's resilience to celebrate life amidst adversity.

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Gabriel was dragged from his thoughts as Jessinta and Sarah led them from one stall to the next.

Caught up in the whims of the girls and barely able to keep pace, Gabriel and Lovren exchanged a knowing look. “We should explore the market by ourselves next time, without the girls,” Gabriel said.

Lovren chuckled, “You're right. Next time, it'll be just us.” They shared a nod, both knowing that there was no chance—the girls led this group of friends.

As Gabriel and his companions continued their exploration of the market, he was unexpectedly captivated by a particular stall. Instinctively, he veered away from the group and gravitated toward the stunning collection of intricately crafted jewelry. Amidst the dazzling array, his eyes fixated on a delicate silver necklace, adorned with a radiant sun pendant. The craftsmanship of the piece was nothing short of hypnotic, each intricate detail reflecting the skill and artistry of the jeweler.

“Happy Lightday, my prince,” the old woman greeted him. She had a smile that didn't quite match her face, setting Gabriel slightly on edge. Her wrinkled face bore the marks of countless years, etched with wisdom that stretched far beyond Gabriel's own existence. But it was her eyes that held him captive, for they were unlike anything he had ever seen.

One eye shimmered a deep mesmerizing blue. The other was a striking amber, like the glow of a crackling hearth on a winter's eve. The contrast of colors seemed to dance within her gaze, and Gabriel wasn’t sure where to look.

He wondered how she knew he was a prince, considering his infrequent ventures outside the palace walls and his lack of regal attire. Returning the greeting, Gabriel said, “Happy Lightday, madam. You have beautiful wares.”

The old woman smiled, but there was something hidden behind that smile. “Thank you, Prince. Are you looking for something for yourself?”

“No, Madam. I'm not looking to purchase anything. I was just admiring your craftsmanship; I must say, they are wonderful” Gabriel kindly replied.

“My, my, what a well-mannered prince you are,” she said. Then, as her smile disappeared and her voice dropped an octave, she said, “I am sad that will change.”

He frowned and took a half-step back, confused why she would say such a thing.

“I will not change in terms of manners, madam,” Gabriel said nervously, cautious of the old woman's cryptic words.

“That is not what I said, Prince,” she said gravely.

He replayed their conversation in his head, analyzing her intent. If it wasn't about his manners, then it must be related to his status as a prince. But why would that change? His heartbeat quickened.

“Why… Why would I no longer be a prince?” Gabriel asked. He couldn't help but wonder if the old woman was threatening him in some way.

“You will always be my prince,” she responded, quickly adjusting her demeanor to that of a kind old lady again. “Don't mind the words of an old lady. Forget those cheap silver necklaces. I have a gift for you,” she said.

She pulled out a black leather pouch from a drawer. Her gnarled hands expertly opened the pouch and almost reverently picked up a necklace, as if infusing it with the essence of her own spirit. It was a necklace unlike any he had seen before. Its metal was completely foreign to him; it was a deep black that seemed to absorb all the light. The craftsmanship was unparalleled. He had seen the king wear some quality pieces, but never as fine as this. The necklace looked like it had been woven from a single piece, intricately linked like chainmail. Its pendant, crafted from the same black metal, was etched in the form of the sun.

Breathless, Gabriel whispered, “This is beautiful, madam, a treasure.”

Handing him the necklace, the old woman spoke as if delivering a prophecy, “In the darkest of shadows, there will be those who wield the light.”

“I can’t madam, this is too valuable” he said. He couldn’t comprehend why anyone would give such a valuable piece so freely.

“The true value of this necklace is realized when it is worn by someone worthy. It was made for you.”

He didn’t understand. Never had he felt so lost in a conversation, so unsure. The way she had said the last sentence, it wasn’t of a merchant selling wares to a customer but rather something else—something more.

“Thank you, madam, I will seek to repay your generosity in kindness to others out of respect for the gift you have given me,” he said, and he meant every word.

He was completely fixated on studying the necklace, lost to the world around him. Gently, he clasped it around his neck, carefully tucking it beneath his shirt, a primal instinct compelling him to protect it. Strangely, the metal felt cold against his skin, yet it seemed to belong there. Forcing himself to pull his attention from the necklace, Gabriel addressed the mysterious lady once more. “What is your name, madam?” he asked.

To his surprise, only silence greeted his question. He finally looked up, but he didn’t find the strange woman. Instead, in her place stood a grizzled middle-aged man. Utterly bewildered, Gabriel asked, “Where did the old lady go, sir?”

Perplexed, the man asked, “What old lady, boy? I've been here the whole time.”

Disbelief washed over Gabriel as he exclaimed, “No, just a moment ago, I was speaking to her, right here!” He struggled to comprehend the sudden disappearance.

The man's confusion deepened. “Boy, don't play pranks on me. I may be grey, but I’m not senile. You've only just arrived, and I just said 'Happy Lightday' mere moments ago.”

Gabriel’s confusion grew, unable to reconcile his memories with the man’s words. Where did the old lady go? Who was she? Did I imagine it all?

His thoughts raced, questioning his sanity. Seeking answers, Gabriel instinctively reached for the necklace, seeking reassurance. He felt the pendant, still resting against his chest, confirming its presence. None of this made any sense. Was it magic? Have I attracted the attention of a follower of Ash? The necklace, despite the confusion, emitted an unexplainable sense of rightness.

Unable to articulate his thoughts, Gabriel stammered, “Never mind, sir. It's nothing.” The man shook his head, muttering something about the youth of today.

Lost in thought, Gabriel was startled when his sister tugged at his sleeve, her eyes brimming with excitement. “Gabriel, look! They're having a puppet show over there. Can we go watch?” Her enthusiasm momentarily distracted him from the mysteries that surrounded him, and he managed a small smile.

“Of course, Sarah,” he said.

And so, his friends all came together again as they followed Sarah to the colorful puppet theater. They all laughed and clapped along with the lively performance, except for Gabriel. Whilst they immersed themselves in the enchanting world created by the puppeteers, he was lost to the enchantment of his new necklace and the strangeness of the encounter.

As the day turned into night, Gabriel was unable to focus on anything but the encounter. In his chambers, he picked up the book Tunklard had gifted him and began reading, seeking solace and distraction from the whirlwind of questions swirling within him. Little did he know that one day he would need distractions from that very book.