As they set forth on the grand road leading to Atria, the realm's illustrious capital, excitement and anticipation swirled in the air. The journey ahead held the promise of both adventure and glory, for it was there that the highly anticipated tourney would unfold, bringing together knights from far and wide.

The road stretched like a ribbon of destiny, cutting through verdant meadows and ancient forests, a pathway trodden by countless heroes of the past. Leto, the young knight with a mane of shimmering white, rode at the forefront, eager to test his mettle amidst the fiercest competitors the realm had to offer.

This tourney held the promise of transforming Leto's life, bestowing upon him not only personal fame but also bringing honor and renown to House Ravenheart. The very thought of it stirred a fire within his heart, igniting a determination to succeed like never before.

As they rode along the road to Atria, Leto couldn't help but envision the possibilities that lay ahead. The grand arena, where knights of valor and skill would clash in epic duels, seemed like a stage upon which he could carve his name in history.

"Ser Matthew, will you participate in the tourney as well?" Leto inquired, his gaze earnest as he looked to his steadfast companion.

"No, young lord, I wouldn't dare to," Ser Matthew replied with a warm smile. "I am here to accompany you, not to gain fame."

Leto nodded, understanding the noble knight's sentiment.

Leto's mind wandered to thoughts of his father, who was leading the siege on the Ironfury homestead. He couldn't help but wonder how long it would endure. The weight of uncertainty weighed heavily on his heart as he considered the fate of his family's soldiers and the lingering tension between the two noble houses.

As they journeyed towards Atria, Leto's thoughts oscillated between the approaching tourney and the ongoing conflict back home. The tourney represented a chance to bring glory to House Ravenheart, but his father's siege of the Ironfury homestead reminded him of the harsh realities of the realm's power struggles.

Ser Matthew noticed the troubled expression on Leto's face and offered a sympathetic nod. "Your father is a formidable leader, and his strategic prowess is respected throughout the realm," he assured Leto. "I have no doubt that the siege is in capable hands."

As Leto and Ser Matthew strolled along the street, enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the woods, they were taken aback when a hooded figure abruptly leaped out from the nearby foliage. Ser Matthew instinctively drew his sword, swiftly positioning himself protectively before Leto, ready to defend against any potential threat. However, the sight of the figure's trembling form and the desperate plea in the young girl's voice quickly softened their stances.

"Please, no, we need help! Please, help me," the girl's voice echoed, her fear evident in every word.

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Ser Matthew's sharp knightly instincts sensed that the girl was not a threat, but someone in distress. He lowered his sword slightly, signaling to Leto that the situation required a different approach. Leto stepped forward, his eyes filled with empathy and concern.

"We are here to help," Leto said calmly, his voice reassuring. "Please, tell us what troubles you, and we will do everything we can to assist."

With a quivering hand, the girl pulled back her hood, revealing a tear-streaked face and frightened eyes. She clutched a worn piece of parchment, which seemed to be of great significance to her.

"My village... something terrible is happening!" she gasped, her voice filled with desperation. "Everyone is dying, and I don't know what to do!"

Leto's worried gaze met Matthew's stern expression, and he couldn't help but voice his concern. "Do you think it is a plague?" Leto asked, the weight of the possibility heavy in his voice.

Matthew's experienced eyes scanned the scene, assessing the situation carefully. "That's probably the case, ser," he replied.

"Lead the way, young girl!" Leto said with unwavering determination. His voice carried both authority and compassion, assuring Elena that he was committed to helping her and her village in their time of need.

With newfound hope, Elena stepped forward, her eyes filled with gratitude. She guided Leto and Matthew through the winding paths towards her village, sharing stories of the people they had lost and the struggles they faced. Leto listened attentively, his heart heavy with empathy for the suffering of the villagers.

As Leto and Matthew approached the village, a grim scene unfolded before their eyes. The streets were lined with the bodies of the deceased, their lifeless forms bearing the heavy burden of injuries on their skin. The stench of rotting flesh hung in the air, a haunting reminder of the relentless plague that had struck this once-thriving community.

The sight was heart-wrenching, and Leto could feel the weight of sorrow pressing down on him. Matthew, too, was visibly shaken, his stern countenance betraying the sadness he felt for the innocent lives lost.

"Such devastation," Leto whispered, his voice barely audible amidst the silence of mourning.

"In this house are my parents, come!" the girl said urgently, leading Leto and Matthew towards her home. The urgency in her voice was palpable, but Leto's instincts told him to be cautious.

"No, farther, stay there!" Leto shouted, his voice commanding and protective, as they approached the doorway of the house.

"If you go into this house, I will kill you!"

Leto hesitated for a moment, torn between his duty to aid those in need and the gravity of the situation. He knew that entering the house could indeed put them at risk of contracting the plague, but he also understood the desperate father's desire to protect his family.

"Please, sir, we only wish to help," Leto said, his voice calm and empathetic. "We understand the danger, but we cannot abandon those in need. We will take all necessary precautions to minimize the risk." Matthew stepped forward, adding his reassurance to Leto's words.

"We have encountered the plague before and have experience in dealing with such situations," he said, his voice firm. "We will do everything in our power to protect ourselves while offering aid."

"Stay there, girl," Leto commanded, his voice resolute as he stepped into the house. Before him, a horrifying scene unfolded—the mother lay dead in the corner, her body mutilated, while the father was rotting but still clinging to life, missing an arm and with his eyes gone.

With a heavy heart, Leto drew his sword, resolved to end the father's suffering.

"Fear not," he assured the dying man, "we will take care of your daughter." "I thank you, ser," the dying man whispered with gratitude in his final moments.

And with a swift, merciful stroke, he brought an end to the man's torment.