My legs felt like they were about to give out. Turns out walking 30 kilometers on foot, with a giant sword no less, wasn’t my best idea. But considering every single horse had either burned to death or been gutted during that delightful little brawl back in the forest, it wasn’t like I had a choice. So here I was, finally reaching my destination, legs trembling, practically begging to sit down somewhere that wasn’t dirt or charred earth.

In the distance, I saw a village perched on the mountain, its stone walls rising like a beacon of civilization. 'If my map’s right' I thought, 'this is Seryne Village, under Count Verkas’s rule.' Big place, or at least by village standards. Ten square kilometers of farmland, houses, and people living their delightfully ordinary lives.

In the Blackwood Barony, most villages barely stretched five square kilometers, and that was with marshes, woods, and fields thrown into the mix. Rich folks had about 30 acres of land to lord over.

'Yet here I am dragging my

half-dead self through a ten-kilometer village wondering if I’ll find a ride to the capital...'

Chariots were a city thing. No driver worth his salt was hanging out in a backwater village, waiting for someone like me to pop by. Still, it was better than nothing. 'Maybe I can at least find a horse.'

I skirted the village wall, opting to skip the main gate. Didn’t feel like explaining why I was walking around with a giant sword strapped to my back like some overambitious mercenary. Jumping the wall was easier, anyway. 'What was Burrak thinking, lugging this thing around?'

The village sprawled out before me, a mix of stone and wood buildings, their roofs thatched and low. Chickens wandered aimlessly, People moved about, their clothes simple and worn, a stark contrast to the finery I was used to seeing in the capital. They were hard at work, hauling sacks of grain, tending to livestock, and shouting orders , smoke drifted from chimneys, the smell of baked bread mingling with the earthy scent of freshly tilled fields. A few children ran by, laughing, chasing each other in the dust.

The buildings themselves weren’t much to look at, but they were sturdy, built to last through the harsh seasons. Each one was crammed together with the next, leaving narrow alleys that I could easily duck through if needed. It was peaceful in the way only a small, insignificant place could be.

I wandered the village for a while, trying to ignore the ache in my legs, until I finally spotted what I was looking for—an inn. It wasn’t much, but at this point, I wasn’t feeling particularly picky.

I pushed open the door and was greeted by the sight of a woman at the reception, clearly exhausted. She was probably in her mid-thirties, carrying a small child on her hip who was fussing about something. The moment she saw me, though, she plastered on that practiced work smile—the one people use when they’re too tired to care but still have to be polite.

"Good morrow, young men" she said, her voice strained but polite, shifting the child on her hip. "How may I be of service?"

I forced a smile, doing my best to seem less like a vagabond and more like the nobleman I technically was. "I seek lodging for one night."

Her eyes flickered over me, taking in my clean clothes—despite the long trek—and, of course, the absurdly large sword strapped to my back. I saw the briefest hint of confusion in her eyes before she smoothed it over with that same tired smile.

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"Aye, we have rooms available," she said. "One night? That will be... three silver pieces."

I nodded, reaching into my coin pouch. Three silver pieces was fair, especially considering this was the only inn in the area. I handed over the coins, trying to ignore the way her eyes kept darting back to the sword.

"Forgive me" she began cautiously, "but that sword... 'tis rare to see such a weapon carried by one so young. Art thou of a knightly order?"

'Here we go.' I plastered on my best noble smile. "Aye, I hail from a knightly family," I lied smoothly. "On my way to the capital, in fact, to attend the Equestrian Academy."

Her eyes widened a bit, clearly impressed. "The Equestrian Academy ? 'Tis an honor indeed. Art thou traveling alone?"

I nodded, making sure to keep my expression serious. "Alas, my horse fell ill along the way and perished. I have been forced to walk these last many leagues."

Her expression softened with sympathy. "That is a most unfortunate fate. The road to the capital is long and treacherous on foot. I pray thou findest a mount soon."

I glanced around the room before returning my gaze to her. "Wouldst thou happen to know if any rides to the capital are available in this village?"

The woman frowned, shifting the child on her hip again. "At this time, my lord, I am unsure. We are but a humble village, and most who travel by chariot do so from the cities. However, I wouldst suggest thee inquire at the tavern on the morrow. Oft travelers and merchants pass through, and perhaps one such soul might offer thee passage."

'my lord? well i think even Knights families are so great for common folk'

I nodded thoughtfully. "I shall do that. My thanks."

Her smile wavered but stayed in place. "I wish thee a restful night, my lord. Shouldst thou need anything further, do not hesitate to ask."

I gave her a polite nod and turned toward the stairs.

As I made my way up to the room, I couldn’t help but think, 'this not even close my room at blackwoods castle but...at least I’m not sleeping in the dirt tonight.'

.

.

.

I woke up with the kind of stiffness that only walking thirty kilometers and sleeping in a bed that felt like it was stuffed with rocks can give you. My legs still hated me, but at least I wasn’t dead. That was a win in my book. After I forced myself up, I went downstairs for breakfast at the inn.

The food was... well, let’s call it food for now. Stale bread, some sort of grayish meat, and a cup of what might’ve been ale if you squinted and hoped for the best. I ate in silence, listening to the creaks of the old building and the occasional cough from the innkeeper’s child. 'Charming place' I thought, as I choked down the last bit of the “meat.”

Breakfast wasn’t going to get any better, so I figured it was time to head to the tavern. 'Great. Time to ask a bunch of drunk strangers if they’ve seen anyone with a ride to the capital.'

The tavern wasn’t much warmer than the outside. Cold draft snuck through the cracks in the walls, making the air inside feel damp and miserable. The floorboards creaked underfoot, and every surface seemed to have a layer of grime that probably hadn’t seen soap in years. The patrons looked about as lively as the place—hunched over their mugs, lost in their own little miserable worlds. The only light came from a small fire in the hearth, which did little to chase away the shadows clinging to the corners.

I made my way over to a table near the bar, where a group of men with large, scraggly beards were laughing and talking among themselves. They looked like the kind of men who would chew glass for breakfast and ask for seconds. One of them noticed me as I got closer, his eyes narrowing as he looked me up and down.

"Thou hast a big sword for such a little lad," he grunted, his voice rough. "Ne’er have I seen thee here before. Who art thou?"

'Let’s get this over with.'

"I am traveling to the capital," I said, keeping my voice calm. "Dost thou know of any chariot drivers who could take me there?"

The men exchanged glances, their laughter dying down. One of them, the leader, I assumed, rubbed his beard thoughtfully before replying, "Not in this time... Old Jack hath one, but he’s out for trade now. But thou hastn’t answered me, lad. Who art thou?"

I could feel my patience wearing thin.

Without a word, I raised my hand, letting a small bit of aura crackle around my fingers. Then, with a flick of my wrist, I shot a pulse of energy into the air, just enough to make a small wave ripple through the tavern, sending their mugs shaking on the table. The men’s faces turned pale, their eyes wide with shock.

"My apologies," the leader stammered, his voice trembling. "I did not know I was speaking to a lord."

'Yeah, i like how that’s always make things easier.'

"Well, let me ask again," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "Is there any ride to the capital?"

The man shook his head, fear clear in his eyes. "Nay, my lord... but a commercial caravan shall arrive today. 'Tis not their habit to carry strangers, but... for one as honorable as thee... I am certain they would be pleased to take thee along."

I stared at him for a moment, considering my options. 'Commercial caravan, huh?'

"Good," I said, turning to leave. "I thank thee for thy assistance."

As I walked back to the inn, I couldn’t help but smirk. 'At least I didn’t have to break any bones to get an answer this time.'