Yverl was a generally peaceful and quiet town, but her evenings were usually bustling with excitement as the village folks came together from the day’s hard work. Some would finally be at home spending time with their families while others enjoyed the company of friends in the local taverns.

“Alrighty,” Milka chimed, placing the last of the plates on the large wooden dinner table, “I know we’ve all gotten out to a bit of a rough start, but how about we put all that behind us and start over with a nice dinner.”

“Indeed, right now we are all seated here as family and friends. So, if there is anything, let it be settled now peacefully.” Jacob added, beaming a warm smile, most particularly at Blaze.

“Right.” Erica nodded.

“Of course.” Kalius agreed.

Blaze remained silent, still glaring at the two who sat at his opposite until Milka came up from behind and secretly pinched him.

“Hmm-hmm.” Blaze quickly nodded urging Milka to release him. If there was anything that he and Anna were terrified of, was Milka’s vicious nails.

“Good, so Lady Erica, how about you start us off with a prayer.” Milka smiled.

“Oh, me, really? Okay.” Erica was a bit nervous, “I guess so, sure. Let us pray.”

All eyes were closed and arms placed together as the room was filled with a brief moment of silence.

“For this wonderful meal, we thank you, Lord, though it may we be blessed, together with all the works of our hands. May we conduct ourselves righteously and obediently. Thank you, Lord, and may we all have a wonderful meal. Amen.”

“Amen!” The unison reply sounded out.

After the prayer, the food was passed around the table. There was plenty of it—scrumptiously prepared, a benefit of being in a farming village where food was abundant. Even during the winters, when supplies were usually ample, there was still enough to spare. A bonus was having a wonderful cook like Milka in the house

But for a fact, Yverl wasn’t always this peaceful and cozy. There was a time when the village was constantly plagued by monster attacks who would destroy their fields and pillage their harvests. One day, however, a stranger arrived amid a monster attack and single-handedly drove out all of them. The villagers insisted on paying him for his help but he refused, and instead asked for a job as well as lodgings. He also asked that his presence in the village to not be announced to anyone apart from those living there.

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Jacob was more than obliged and took him in as one of his assistants. Now, he lived together with him and his family working with the head farmers in charge of all the farms and as the secret guard of the village when needed.

“On first impressions, he might seem a bit hot-headed but once you get to know him, Blaze is a pretty sweet kid,” Milka said after her father’s explanation, ruffling his spiky crew-cut black hair.

“Was all that really necessary?” Blaze said as he took a bite out of his honey-butter glazed ham, a bit annoyed, feeling his personal privacy being highly invaded.

“What? You don’t want people to know how there’s a big ‘ol softy behind that muscley bod of yours?” Jacob said as he mockingly flexed his aged biceps making almost the whole table burst into laughter.

The mood finally lightened up and for the rest of the meal Jacob and Milka did their best to make sure it stayed that way.

“Fellis, listen - I apologize for earlier, we might have been a bit too rash, hope we can get along.” Erica finally spoke up to the boy, Kalius too agreed to that with an apologetic nod.

Blaze remained quiet for a bit before sighing and easing his serious demeanor a bit, “It’s fine, I didn't exactly make it easy for you guys either – I'm sorry as well.”

Ah, so he actually knew he was being rude. The comment sparked in Erica’s head.

“So, regarding the King’s summons. You should know such a chance is a great honor, and we would appreciate it if you would come to the capital with us.” Insensitive to the whole situation, Kalius went straight on to ask.

This made Blaze glare back at Kalius before he responded.

“I’m sorry but as I said before, I have no intention of going back with the two of you,” the boy said before getting up from his seat, “Thank you for the meal, it was delicious as always Milka.”

“It’s considered rude to excuse yourself in such a manner from the dinner table young man,” Jacob said as he took a bite out of his salad, stopping Blaze on his way towards the door.

“I apologize then Grandpa, since I’m not as civilized as these royal knights are,” Blaze said as he continued.

“Let it be known Blaze Fellis, the King did authorize us to use any means necessary to bring you back, even force,” Kalius said with intimidation to his tone but Blaze didn’t even bother to reply and simply opened the door and left the room.

An awkward silence filled the air until Jacob decided to rise from his chair.

“My deepest apologies Lady Erica, Sir Kalius. Allow me to talk to the boy, and please, I beg that you do not hold this against him.” He said bowing to the two.

“Please Chief Jacob, raise your head, it’s alright,” Erica said before she too arose and gave a slight bow.

And with that, Jacob too left the room leaving the two knights together with Milka and Anna in an awkward silence again.

“Meanies.” Anna blurted out and her mother quickly covered her mouth while giving the two a nervous chuckle.

“Kids, am I right?”