Kezati’s story wasn’t really that unfamiliar. In fact, after hearing it, Alrynn immediately got reminded of someone else: himself, back when he was younger.
Alrynn’s parents were nobles in Pheca, and pretty prominent ones at that. They wanted their son to be something grand, someone that could build up the reputation of his family. And, well, suffice to say he wasn’t the next best scientist or scholar. They never bothered waiting to try to put him in the Knight’s Academy—for one, police or military officers “weren’t influential enough,” and second, they were certain he’d fail at that, too. Honestly, he was almost certain they could only justify his presence if he showed immediate talent.
Which was probably why they left him off on his own by the age of nine. From there, he bounced from group to group, honing his skills as a mercenary. He kept his family name, too, even if he’s never talked to his parents since. It was like one final jab—to see someone who was undoubtedly their son, not only alive but thriving, as they kick themselves for letting him go.
Maybe that was why he bonded with Kezati; there was something in him that Alrynn, once, had seen in himself. And, when he heard word that Kezati had run away again, Alrynn picked up the job—and did the same the next time, and the next. Over the course of the year, Kezati was managing two or three escape attempts a month, and Alrynn was called to bring him back every time.
They talked about a lot, once Alrynn had found Kezati and started walking him back home. But this time, he was quiet.
“Is something going on?” Alrynn prompted. “You look a little shaken up.”
“Oh, I do? Maybe it’s just the weather. It’s all dark and gloomy, kinda got me feeling the same, you know?”
“You’re not going to fool me with a look like that. Did something happen recently? Are you in some sort of danger somewhere? You should remember what I told you when we first met—that I wasn’t going to bring you back if they hurt you. I still mean it, but you’ve got to talk to me first.”
“It’s not bad. At least, not enough that I feel like it really deserves that kind of seriousness.” Kezati tried to shrug, but it was hesitant, uncertain. He must not have known how to treat the situation either. “I’m just… very close to turning fifteen, and I’m not going to magically become a genius overnight. They’re starting to get a lot more clear about what might happen if I can’t ‘prove’ myself to them… and, honestly? I’m starting to wonder if they’re actually going to go through with it…”
Alrynn grew silent at the thought. Then, slowly, he asked, “Do you think they’re going to hurt you?”
“No.” But undoubtedly recognizing the hesitance in his own voice, Kezati repeated more confidently, “No, I don’t think they will. I might just be imagining it or something—exaggerating it all in my head.”
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
Almost against his better judgment—after all, he knew he’d regret if something happened—Alrynn nodded. “Let’s just see what happens. I’m pretty sure you’ll have no trouble leaving if things get bad, and you know where to find me. But we’re not going to know what will happen until then. Alright?”
“Yeah. You’ve probably got a point.”
When they arrived at Kezati’s home, he made no sign of the conversation having ever happened. They did, though, share a look of understanding—a promise that he’d act smart, and get out of any danger that arose—before he officially disappeared again behind those fancy doors.
Alrynn hadn’t traveled a lot after meeting Kezati. It was easier to stay in one area, where Alrynn knew he’d be needed, than to travel and struggle to find a job, after all. So there was a tavern he liked to hang out in—one with good food, decent rooms, affordable prices, and valuable intel. That’s where he tended to stay between Kezati’s attempts to run away, always with an ear open for any hints of a commission from the Dazana family opening up again.
And that was where he found himself several days after his last talk with Kezati. Alrynn, with a drink in one hand and the newspaper in another, was actually wondering if the kid ever said when his birthday was. Maybe he should stop by the market and try to find a little gift, for when they next run into each other…
Just as he started to wonder what he should get, he heard a familiar voice.
“H-hey, I could use your help. Is someone named Alrynn here right now? Or if he isn’t, has he said anything about where he’s going to be?”
Then Alrynn caught sight of Kezati through the crowds. The waitress’s voice was less distinct—something he didn’t clearly recognize—so he couldn’t tell exactly what she said. But it wasn’t long before they were both walking over to where he was and, as soon as Kezati saw him, thanked the waitress and not-so-subtly rushed over.
“What’s wrong?” Alrynn gestured to the spot across the table, and called to another nearby waiter, “Hey, can I get a glass of water for this kid?” The waiter nodded and seemed to take note of it, so Alrynn turned his attention back to Kezati. “You can talk to me, whatever it is that’s going on.”
“So, you know how we were talking, and you said we should wait it out to see what happened?” It was clear Kezati was finding it difficult to put the events into words. “I—I’m pretty sure that thing just happened. They’re… done with me. They said they don’t care where I go, that they wouldn’t even be missed if I died somewhere. All they cared about was that I was out of their house—that I was done staining the family’s reputation. I couldn’t get anything. Only—only what I have right now, that’s it. They’re probably in the process of burning all my old stuff now…”
“It’s okay.”
Kezati was drawn out of his spiraling panic when he heard that. “But I… don’t have anywhere to go. I don’t have any money…”
“And that’s where you’re wrong.”
“Huh..?”
“I was just thinking about what I should get you for your birthday, and I think I know just what you need. I’ve probably got enough to buy you a good gun and get you into a class so you can learn how to use it. The only question I have is: do you think it has what it takes to be a mercenary? More specifically, my partner?”