Niles awoke in a cocoon of warmth and comfort, the kind he hadn’t felt since arriving in this strange, chaotic world. Today marked the beginning of his banishment, a judgment that should have left him despairing. Yet, the sunrise was soft, Felix was peacefully recovering in the bed next to his, and Squeaky looked like a tiny puff of serenity. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, he wished the hours would stretch into an uneventful, lazy day.
Stretching his arms, Niles recounted the whirlwind of events since his arrival: the duels with the king, the attack during the royal ball, and the frantic search for someone who could save Felix. His life had been a blur of action. Just one boring day—was that too much to ask?
He rose from bed, his movements light to avoid disturbing Squeaky, who opened one eye, surveyed the situation, and promptly closed it again. After dressing, a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in!" Niles called.
A breakfast cart rolled into the room, pushed by a servant, and next to it loomed one of the Xargian elite guards: Dragon. Her dragon-maw helmet, its snarling visage frozen in steel, was equal parts magnificent and terrifying.
"How are you feeling?" Dragon asked, her voice steady but not unkind.
Niles grinned. "I give today a solid ten out of ten—so yeah, I feel fantastic." He tilted his head. "And thank you, by the way. If you hadn’t healed me during the ball… well, let’s just say I wouldn’t be here enjoying this delightful breakfast."
His attention shifted to the food cart. "Oh, speaking of which—could we get some fish? Squeaky’s got a refined palate." He gestured at the bird, which let out a sleepy chirp.
The kitchen staff member nodded with a smile. "Of course, Sir Niles. One moment."
“Sir Niles,” he mused, savoring the sound. “It has a nice ring to it.”
Dragon chuckled, her voice losing some of its edge. “You’ve earned it. You were the talk of the strategy meeting yesterday. Turns out, you played a big part in saving a lot of lives.”
Niles blinked, his smile faltering into something softer. “That’s… the kindest thing anyone’s said to me since I got here.”
Dragon laughed heartily. “We’re not all that bad.” She crossed her arms, leaning slightly against the doorframe. “Xemena tasked me with handling your banishment preparations. So… where do you wish to go?”
Niles didn’t hesitate. “Monster Island!”
Dragon tilted her head, gauging his seriousness. “And what exactly have you heard about Monster Island?”
“Unclaimed by any nation, bursting with resources,” he replied with sparkling eyes. “It’s the perfect place for me to start my own kingdom!”
Dragon smirked behind her helmet. “Xemena said you’d pick that.” She straightened up. “Very well. I’ll prepare a ship at the docks. As a token of gratitude, you’re welcome to keep the clothes you received yesterday.”
“Thank you!” Niles beamed, his joy as infectious as ever.
Dragon continued, her tone professional. “We’ll also help transport Felix to the ship. We figured he’d want to join your party—since he’s banished as well. Winston’s already packed and waiting just outside the castle moat. But before we go…” She stepped aside, cracking the door open wider.
Standing in the hall, elegant and composed in their Xandrian uniforms, were Roy and Gustavus.
“We’re here to say goodbye to Squeaky,” Roy announced, his gaze flicking between Niles and the little bird perched nearby.
“We really bonded yesterday during the card game,” Gustavus added, mimicking Roy’s tone and stance, though his grin gave away the tease beneath his words.
A brief silence followed, with Dragon quietly observing the scene, unsure what to make of it. Then, as if on cue, the three Earthlings burst into laughter and pulled each other into a boisterous group hug.
“Man, these past few days have been intense,” Roy said, shaking his head with a grin.
Gustavus shrugged. “I thought we were toast so many times.”
Roy nodded, his smile widening. “But somehow, we made it through.”
Gustavus smirked, nudging Niles. “Yeah, we survived all the crises Niles caused… by teaming up with Niles… and then watching him take the credit.”
Roy blinked, realization dawning. “Now that you mention it, our lives might’ve been a lot simpler if Niles had just kept quiet the whole time.”
“Without a doubt,” Gustavus said, his tone flat but his expression mischievous. The two exchanged a look, their exaggerated despair making it clear their complaints were more camaraderie than criticism.
“Hey!” Niles protested, crossing his arms. “I thought this was supposed to be a heartfelt goodbye!”
Roy and Gustavus smirked. “Take care, Niles. Until we meet again,” Roy said with a sly grin.
Gustavus gave a curt nod. “And send Squeaky once in a while to check in on us.”
The trio clasped hands in a firm handshake, their bond unspoken but undeniable. After a final round of goodbyes, Roy and Gustavus turned and walked away, their laughter trailing behind them.
The kitchen staff returned moments later with a small dish of fish, which Squeaky devoured with delighted chirps. As Niles busied himself gathering his belongings, Dragon watched with quiet curiosity.
“That seemed like a deep friendship,” she remarked. “How long have you known each other?”
Niles paused, as if calculating the weight of his response. “About… four days,” he said with a sheepish grin. “They’re my planet buddies!”
Dragon tilted her helmet slightly. “Four days?”
Niles smiled wistfully, his eyes distant. “Back home, we have something called ‘brotherhood.’ Maybe it exists here too. The idea is that all wars are civil because, deep down, all men are brothers. If you ask for help, there’s a good chance someone will step up.”
Dragon tilted her head further. “That doesn’t make any sense.”
“It means we’re idiots together,” Niles clarified with a chuckle.
Dragon let out a laugh, her amusement audible even through her helmet. “That explains it.”
With his belongings secured, Niles turned to her. “Okay, I’m ready. Let’s move out.”
Dragon clapped her hands, summoning two Xargian guards who entered with a stretcher bearing Felix. “We’ll prepare a new bed for him on the ship,” she explained.
Niles gave an approving nod. “Now this is high-quality service!”
Dragon chuckled softly. “We aim to please.”
As the group exited the inner sanctum of the castle and entered the sprawling courtyard, they found Winston waiting to join them. High above, Princess Xemena stood by a tower window, her sharp gaze fixed on the peculiar party below.
“So he’s leaving with…” she began, counting aloud, “one incapacitated soldier, one court assistant… and a bird?” Her lips curved into a smirk. “And if he hasn’t changed his mind, he’s planning to sail for Monster Island? Foolish.”
She turned her head to address the lounging figure behind her. “Almost as foolish as you, dear brother.”
Prince Xander lay sprawled on his bed, staring at the ceiling, his expression one of practiced indifference. “Why are you even here? To mock me?”
Xemena chuckled, folding her arms. “You seem perfectly capable of doing that yourself, brother. Besides, I was worried Father had finally run out of creative punishments—but your sentence to walk naked back to your chambers? That was new.”
Xander waved her words away with a dismissive flick of his hand. “Don’t get used to it.”
Xemena shuddered theatrically. “The mere thought makes my stomach churn.”
Xander exhaled deeply, the sting of last night’s humiliation still fresh in his mind. “Aren’t you supposed to be in the city center, keeping Xhiva company?”
“I’ve seen enough hangings,” she replied coldly.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
He sat up, understanding the weight behind her words. “Aren’t you going to say goodbye to Niles?”
Xemena scoffed. “Every time I speak to that man, I lose a few brain cells. No, thank you.” She paused, her smirk returning. “In fact, that might explain why you made such a fool of yourself yesterday. You spent too much time with him. Maybe his skill is radiating idiocy.”
Xander chuckled, shaking his head. “If that’s the case, I can only hope it’s not permanent.”
Xemena smiled faintly, but Xander’s expression turned grim. “Still, I don’t think sending him away is the wisest choice. The future is uncertain. The more allies we have—even unconventional ones—the better.”
“Such grand words, future king,” Xemena teased, referring to the argument he’d had with Xerxes the night before.
Xander stood, his tone calm but firm. “I carry no ambition for the crown. If anything, I think you should take it—so long as it doesn’t go to Xhiva.”
Her curiosity piqued, she raised an eyebrow. “Why not Xhiva?”
Xander sighed, choosing his words carefully. “A man who pursues good through evil means bears the consequences of that evil, but the harm he inflicts falls on others, not himself. The crown would magnify that flaw.”
He wandered over to the window, gazing at the distant horizon where the public hanging would soon take place, though it was too far to see. “This event is a mistake. It’s cruelty disguised as justice, a spectacle to curry favor with Father. If Xhiva miscalculates, he’ll find himself without allies.”
Xander’s gaze drifted to the courtyard below, where the morning light bathed the castle grounds. His tone shifted, almost wistful. “It’s a beautiful day, though. A shame I’m locked in here.”
Xemena shrugged, her expression equal parts irritation and amusement. “You still speak in riddles, brother,” she said, though her voice softened. After a pause, she added, “But… I don’t mind listening to them, every now and then.”
Xander smiled faintly, the unspoken bond between them momentarily easing the tension.
Xemena’s smile lingered, a subtle curve at the edge of her lips. “You’re the only one bold enough to speak ill of our little brother,” she mused.
Xander shrugged lazily. “Perhaps.”
**********
“That prince Xhiva can go and screw himself!” Niles bellowed, his voice echoing across the bustling city square. Laborers were busily assembled the wooden gallows, their hammers echoing through the air as the grim structure took shape.
Dragon, walking beside him with her imposing dragon-maw helmet gleaming in the sunlight, stiffened slightly. She cast a careful glance around before responding, her tone measured. “Sir Niles, perhaps it would be wise to, ah, tone it down a little.”
“Tone it down?!” Niles turned to her with indignation, his arms flailing in exaggerated protest. “He’s planning to HANG old man Vulcan just because he dared to display a sign with his heritage name! Can you believe this madness?”
Dragon hesitated, clearly caught between her loyalty to the royal family and her burgeoning patience for Niles. “Well, you see, the laws of our nation—”
“I EVEN SAID EASY PEASY!” Niles interrupted, his frustration boiling over.
Dragon tilted her head, utterly baffled by the non sequitur. “I… I don’t understand what that means,” she admitted with a sigh. Collecting herself, she attempted a firmer stance. “Look, I understand you’re upset, but let’s not make a scene. For everyone’s sake, I’ll pretend I didn’t hear this, and we’ll get you to your ship at the port. Alright?”
Niles paused, staring at her. “You’re a good person, Dragon,” he declared with sincerity. Then, abruptly, he swung his finger around to point at one of the guards carrying Felix’s stretcher. “Unlike that guy!”
The guard in question, Wolf, froze mid-step. Beneath his snarling wolf helmet, the tension was palpable. His shoulders tightened, his hand twitching as though longing to grab his sword.
Niles crossed his arms dramatically. “Did you know he punched me the moment I arrived here? And then—then he threatened to cut me down with his sword! The worst first impression I’ve ever experienced!”
The second guard, stationed on the opposite side of Felix’s stretcher, spoke up. His voice carried a dry, casual humor, muffled slightly by the intimidating elephant-maw helmet. “If it’s any comfort, Sir Niles, Wolf doesn’t make good first impressions. With or without his helmet.”
For a moment, there was silence. Then Niles burst into laughter, pointing at Wolf like a gleeful child. “See? Even your own teammate agrees!”
The elephant-helmed guard joined in, his chuckles deep and unrestrained. Their camaraderie spread like wildfire, with Dragon letting out an involuntary snort of laughter. She quickly brought a hand to her helmet to stifle the sound, but it was too late.
Wolf spun toward her, his tone desperate and wounded. “Captain!”
Dragon waved him off, barely containing herself. “Let’s keep moving,” she ordered, though her voice wavered with amusement.
Wolf let out a low, aggrieved growl, his steps heavier with frustration as the group continued toward the port.
Winston, trailing a few paces behind, kept his distance from the lively banter. He glanced at the horizon, his thoughts heavy. The weight of banishment pressed down on him like a physical burden. He’d spent his entire life in the capital—every corner of Xandria was familiar, every street a piece of his identity. Now, like a weed, he was being uprooted.
At least he wasn’t alone. Felix, though still unconscious on the stretcher, offered a potential kindred spirit. Another man who had served Xandria, who might share stories of the city, its people, its memories.
Winston exhaled, trying to focus on that sliver of comfort. It wasn’t much, but it would have to be enough.
The group weaved through the bustling city streets until they reached the port, where the vibrant hum of daily life thrived. Fishermen hauled their morning catch onto the docks, while merchants bartered over crates of goods, their voices blending into a lively cacophony. Among the clutter of boats rocking gently on the tide stood a medium-sized vessel, its sturdy wooden hull weathered but well-maintained. It looked built to accommodate a dozen passengers, its white sails unfurled and fluttering in the breeze. At its mast, a triangular flag striped in red and white snapped proudly in the wind.
“We’ve arrived,” Dragon declared, her voice cutting through the port's commotion.
An old man limped forward to meet them, his white beard tangled like seaweed and his face weathered with years of salt and sun. One leg ended in a wooden stilt, and his expression was as fierce and untamed as a bull shark. Dragon bowed slightly in respect before introducing the party.
“This group has been banished and seeks passage to Monster Island,” she said, her tone formal.
The old man grunted, rubbing his nose absentmindedly. “That’s a long and dangerous trip,” he muttered.
Dragon produced a pouch from her belt, its weight announced by the jingle of coins. With a precise flick, she tossed it over the gap between dock and deck. The old man snatched it midair, opened it, and gave a brief nod after inspecting the contents.
“Welcome to The Flying Turnip,” he said curtly.
The Xargian guards, Wolf and Elephant, hefted Felix’s stretcher onto the ship. Meanwhile, Dragon turned to Niles.
“The bed will arrive shortly,” she said, her tone matter-of-fact. “Transporting it is taking a bit longer. Now that you’ve seen where your ship is, you’re free to remain in the city until sunset, but be gone by then.”
Winston’s face went pale, his voice barely a whisper. “Did she just say we’re going to Monster Island?!” He blinked rapidly, as if willing the absurdity of the situation to vanish like a bad dream.
Dragon ignored him and offered a curt nod. “I wish you a safe journey,” she said.
Niles, ever opportunistic, grinned. “You could always come with us,” he quipped, his tone equal parts hopeful and mischievous.
Dragon crossed her arms, her posture firm, her voice warm. “Somehow, I don’t think the king would be thrilled with that idea.”
Wolf and Elephant returned from the ship, their task completed.
“We’re finished,” Elephant said simply.
Dragon nodded and turned on her heel. “Safe travels,” she said over her shoulder. “And try not to cause any more chaos before you leave.”
With that, the guards strode back toward the city, their presence retreating like a shadow fading in the afternoon sun.
“Should we stir up some chaos before we leave?” Niles smirked, tossing the question directly at Winston.
“SIR NILES!” Winston’s panicked reply came instantly, his voice sharp with the urgency of someone desperate to avoid more trouble.
“I was just joking!” Niles held up his hands defensively, then muttered under his breath, “Joking-ish.”
Winston caught the word and narrowed his eyes. “The sooner we leave, the better,” he grumbled, looking faint at the mere thought of further mischief.
The two of them stowed their belongings in one of the ship’s cramped rooms, setting them beside Felix, who remained unconscious on his stretcher. The ship’s captain, who had already inspected the pouch of coins, tested its authenticity by biting one of the gold pieces.
“We’ll be back soon,” Niles called to him from the deck. “Be ready to set sail as soon as we return.”
The old captain gave a dismissive wave. “Aye, aye. I’ll watch over your friend while you’re gone.”
As they stepped off the ship, Winston turned to Niles. “So… where are we going?”
Niles strode ahead without missing a beat. “First, the adventurers’ guild. Then, of course, to meet your parents.”
Winston froze mid-step, his expression a mix of suspicion and dread. “The adventurers’ guild?”
“I made some friends there yesterday,” Niles replied casually. “I’m going to say goodbye.”
Winston didn’t look convinced but decided not to press further. “If you say so, Sir Niles.”
AT THE ADVENTURERS’ GUILD
The interior of the guild was dimly lit, with a few candles struggling against the gloom. The scent of stale alcohol hung thick in the air, embedded in the wood of the battered furniture.
“I’m back!” Niles announced, throwing his arms wide. “Thanks for all your help yesterday. We managed to save our friend!”
The small crowd—almost identical to the one from the day before—cheered. Among them, the burly man with calloused hands and a knack for crafting delicate floral bouquets beamed with pride.
“Did my flowers save a life?” he rumbled hopefully, his eyes glittering.
Niles grinned, stretching the truth just enough. “Well, kind of! But let’s get to business.”
He approached the bald woman behind the bar, her eyepatch gleaming in the faint light. She was methodically cleaning a glass, her demeanor sharp and unflinching.
Leaning in, Niles lowered his voice. “Did you hear? They’re setting up gallows in the city center to hang Vulcan, the smith.”
She leaned closer, her voice a measured whisper. “I heard. They apprehended him this morning at his forge.”
Niles’s brow furrowed. “Did they catch anyone else?”
The woman shook her head. “No. Xhiva and his men stormed this district looking for Lina’s little brother, but they didn’t find him—or her.”
Niles exhaled in relief. Thank the gods they got away.
“How did they manage to catch Vulcan?” he asked cautiously.
She set down the glass she was cleaning and fixed him with a steady gaze. “He wanted to be caught.”
“What? Why?”
She sighed, her voice tinged with sadness. “Years ago, his child was taken by the Xargian Guard—recruited as an infant. Then, after his wife passed… he just didn’t have any fight left in him. I suppose he thinks the world would be better off without him.”
Niles frowned, recalling the tension between Vulcan and Xander the day before. “That explains his reaction to Xander yesterday,” he muttered to himself.
Straightening, he got to the point. “I want to post a quest,” he said firmly.
The woman raised an eyebrow.
“I want to save Vulcan from the gallows,” Niles clarified. “Hide him and bring him to the ship The Flying Turnip. My party—Winston, Felix, and I—will be departing soon.”
Her expression darkened. “That smith doesn’t want to be saved,” she said bluntly. “And a quest like this? It’d put my entire guild at risk. That doesn’t come cheap.”
Niles reached into his pocket, pulling out the royal brooch gifted to him by Squeaky, courtesy of Xander. He held it out to her.
“Take this,” he said.
Her one good eye widened as she inspected the emblem. “If this is real… it’s worth a fortune.”
Niles nodded. “If Vulcan truly doesn’t want to live, so be it. But before he makes that decision, tell him this: If he pledges his allegiance to me and joins my party, I’ll tell him everything I know about his missing child.”
The woman’s gaze lingered on the brooch before shifting back to Niles. Her lips pressed into a thin line, weighing the gravity of his words. Finally, she nodded.
“I’ll see what I can do,” she said.