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Baynard halted his horse as he spotted his childhood home in the distance. After a decade’s absence, he would reunite with his parents, but his homecoming was tinged with sorrow. Weeks ago, a letter from his mother had reached him in Eldoria’s capital, bearing news of his younger sister Sely’s death.
Following weeks of travel, Baynard approached Littlewood, accompanied only by a guard. He carried no luggage beyond what adorned his person.
“I never imagined returning to visit my sister’s grave,” he murmured to his guard, a mercenary hired for the journey from the capital to Littlewood.
Despite their brief acquaintance, the shaven-headed, heavily bearded mercenary had shared enough conversation with Baynard to understand certain topics.
“No one expects it… But death calls to all. Some are fortunate enough to avoid witnessing their loved ones’ passing, but most of us observe from afar.”
“Sigh! Come, Milon, let’s see what’s transpired.” Baynard steeled himself, urging his horse forward to bridge the final gap separating him from his family—or what remained of it.
Before Baynard and Milon could halt at the estate’s grand entrance—nestled in a secluded forest area accessible only by a single path—they spotted old Yeoman Ferry astride his horse, embroiled in some apparent trouble.
Beside Baynard’s father stood a group of eight armed men, all mounted and awaiting their leader’s departure.
“Father…” Baynard called out, drawing the attention of the man so preoccupied he’d failed to notice the new arrivals on his property.
“Baynard!” Yeoman Ferry exclaimed, his gaze shifting to his son.
Baynard was Yeoman Ferry’s pride and joy. The young man not only bore a striking resemblance to his father’s younger self—tall, strong-built, and handsome—but also possessed a personality that filled the family leader with immense pride. Baynard’s cautious nature and strong work ethic made him an ideal heir to carry on the family name.
It was for this reason that Yeoman Ferry had spent tremendous effort to secure a place in the capital for his son’s education, going to great lengths to provide Baynard the opportunity to study under a mage’s tutelage.
Yet, even the sight of his pride and joy couldn’t ease the recent problems that had been vexing him.
“What’s going on? Is there a problem?” Baynard indicated the group ready to leave; he was in the dark about the family’s actual situation.
His mother’s letter had only told him about Sely’s death and how he should hurry to get home.
Yeoman Ferry heard his son’s question and subconsciously clenched his fists. His thoughts went back in the direction that was already making him pulse with anger. But he answered Baynard, “Too many problems. You should talk to your mother and understand what’s going on. Now I have to go to Littlewood. Some fools think they can defy me!”
With these vague words, Yeoman Ferry turned and left, racing his horse ahead of the group of armed men, leaving Baynard and Milon with deep expressions, full of questions in their minds.
Baynard, unaccustomed to seeing his father so agitated, sensed something deeply troubling was afoot.
Dismounting swiftly, he rushed into the house, momentarily disregarding Milon.
Meanwhile, Yeoman Ferry led his party towards Littlewood. Though pleased by his son’s return, he remained far more perturbed by the current predicament.
Jack and his men, dispatched to track Sayer, had been missing for months!
Initially, Yeoman Ferry had entertained the possibility that Jack was conducting a prolonged investigation. But as time wore on without a word, a grim realization set in: Jack was dead.
Weeks ago, having accepted this harsh truth, Yeoman Ferry had dispatched another group to investigate both Sayer’s escape and Jack’s group’s fate. This time, however, he stressed caution. They were to avoid rash actions, prioritizing information gathering before returning to strategize with a larger contingent.
Yet these new directives from Yeoman Ferry had yet to yield results.
“Boss, Count Riverash is receiving a group from the capital. We need to be subtle in our actions,” said one man at the head of the group running towards Littlewood.
But the trouble with Jack and Sely’s death wasn’t what was irritating Yeoman Ferry so much this day.
“To hell with those bloody brats! They can’t come to my home and get in the way of my business! I’ll show that fool who truly rules this town, no matter what!”
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Meanwhile, at the Riverash Family’s headquarters in Littlewood…
Count Riverash strolled through his estate’s lush garden, accompanied by two impeccably dressed youths. Their demeanor and conversation exuded a calm confidence.
The woman, barely in her twenties, boasted long blonde hair and captivating emerald eyes. Her white dress accentuated her lithe, athletic frame without being overly revealing. The jewels adorning her wrists and neck, along with her attire’s intricate details, highlighted her elevated status in Eldoria.
She walked hand-in-hand with a tall, robust young man sporting short brown hair. His black and blue suit was complemented by a sword that swung gently at his waist.
Count Riverash was walking alongside the two, talking and smiling with these visitors. A few steps behind them, the two family mages were walking alongside Garrat’s and Ada’s guards.
But even the old local Acolyte, Count Riverash’s chief advisor, had a solemn look on his face, glancing back and forth at the Bladefall Family’s combat mage, and his associate, a support mage.
‘The royal family is really powerful. They can send men like these two to protect the Third Prince when he travels around the state,’ the old Acolyte thought to himself, glancing back and forth between his lord and these two guards.
The voices of the three individuals resonated through the Count’s garden, where the Third Prince was visiting to strengthen alliances following his marriage to Ada.
“…My father is aging. Since the War General’s departure decades ago, he’s been gradually withdrawing from less crucial state affairs, delegating to heirs and trusted advisors. Over the past four years, this trend has intensified. Recently, he summoned us all…”
The conversation took a more serious turn, captivating the Riverash Family mages more than the royal guards did. But suddenly, a servant approached the old Acolyte, whispering urgently in his ear.
The old mage’s eyes widened before he cleared his throat with a cough. “Your Grace, I regret to inform you that a new problem has arisen. Your immediate attention is required.”
The Count and the two youths halted their garden stroll, turning their gaze to the black-cloaked elder.
“Your Highnesses, please finish visiting my garden. Further on there is a small pond and carp. I’ll be brief and return as soon as possible.”
This did not bother Prince Garrat. “Don’t worry. Focus on settling your business. Ada and I will return when you’re free.”
Luckily for Javis Riverash, the Third Prince was the least arrogant and easiest to talk to of the entire royal court.
Javis thanked the prince for his understanding and ensured that one of the family’s mages stayed to guide the newly arrived couple into Littlewood.
“What’s the matter?” Javis’ tone and expression shifted as he excused himself from the couple and strode back to his office within the estate.
The old mage spoke directly, “One of our lookouts has signaled Yeoman Ferry’s movement. He’s likely discovered our actions.”
Javis’ concern deepened considerably at this news.
Recent months had been exceptionally busy for the Riverash Family, particularly as they orchestrated decisive actions to reshape their future in Littlewood.
Count Javis, the weakest and least influential in his family’s history, was determined to alter this legacy through strategic moves against Yeoman Ferry.
“He was bound to discover it, eventually. Now we must proceed with our plans,” Count Javis declared, clenching his fists. Though he had anticipated this day, apprehension still gripped him. “Mobilize our men. The damned Ferry is vulnerable after dispatching so many men out of the region. It’s time we struck at his cursed family!”
While Yeoman Ferry pursued Sayer and investigated Jack’s group’s fate, Count Javis had been keenly observing his rivals, preparing for this very moment.
The old mage nodded in understanding and departed to implement the next phase of their ambitious plans.
Javis remained in his office, contemplating the implications and timing of this development.
‘I must expedite Garrat's and Ada’s departure. I can’t risk the royals in my city during this turmoil!’
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As dusk approached, Asher entered a tavern and spot his two companions seated at a table, engrossed in food and drink.
This establishment defied typical traveler tales about city taverns. While somewhat disorganized, with patrons speaking louder than necessary and some drinking excessively, the overall atmosphere was surprisingly calm. It was far from bustling, a stark contrast to the more popular haunts found in human cities.
Food was expensive. Drinking was no longer a possibility for many, even at a low cost.
The atmosphere in the tavern was not cheerful, but depressing.
As he walked in and joined his fellow villagers, Asher overheard some conversations of the few people there: a man complaining that his wife had left him, an old woman mourning the death of her grandson and a guard talking about the royals.
Asher listened carefully, but as he sat down next to his companions, he got straight to the point by asking them how their day had been.
“How were your results? I discovered some interesting things.”
One of Asher’s companions shook his head before reporting, “We’ve had similar experiences. We sold half our resources and uncovered recent local rumors. That man’s group and the town leader are at odds. Some merchants suggest leaving town for a few weeks until the situation settles.”
“I’ve heard comparable accounts. The local leader and that person seem estranged,” Asher concurred, alluding to the leader of the enemy group that had attacked their village.
Littlewood appeared to be in a state of unrest. Count Javis wasn’t universally respected; his lack of magical prowess made him questionable in the eyes of wealthy locals. People openly discussed his leadership and speculated about the city’s future without fear of persecution. Many even favored some regional landowners over the Count himself.
Eldoria wasn’t a kingdom where nobility held exclusive land rights. While nobles and royalty owned most farmland, property acquisition through purchase was possible for commoners.
Typically, small landowners aligned with nobility for protection. However, Littlewood’s current situation deviated from this norm. From what the Eternal Village group had gleaned, Count Javis seemed intent on altering this dynamic.
“We’ll continue gathering information for two more days before returning to the village,” Asher declared, curtailing their mission. He sensed they had accomplished their objectives earlier than they prepared for and that unwelcome conflict seemed poised to erupt in the area.
‘Jonn, I’m not certain of your exact plans, but I suspect you intend to resolve this matter here, away from our village.
It appears the timing is opportune.
When local authorities lose control over public discourse, it’s a clear harbinger of significant impending changes. And indeed, all involved parties seem to brace for upheaval.
As for mages, while I’ve heard no mention of them, if they do exist here, I hope they eliminate each other in the process!'