It was the evening after I prepared everything. Celia and Mei bandaged my wounds after they helped wash my body. I would have usually felt embarrassed or insecure about them helping me, yet I was unconcerned about something as trivial. My right arm was still damaged, so I did my best to avoid using it when possible. Just more scars to add to my collection of them.

"It's time to head to the town square. Everyone is waiting for us to be present, my Lord." Celia wraps herself in a coat; Mei does the same. I look at the two women, flip my cloak over my coat, and turn to leave.

"You have everything, Caleb?" Mei speaks in a soft tone before she follows through the door.

"I have everything I need." The sky was snowing, and the sorrowful feeling in the air left its trace. The dark town was lit up by the vast torches and lanterns placed around two coffins. Julia and Mayor Keiga stood near a pedestal waiting for us. The majority of the village was in attendance, and the Guild, including Nana, was present next to the coffins.

"It is time, Caleb," Keiga speaks. The spry dwarf gives me her blessing to speak first as the overseer of the village. I humbly accept and step up onto the pedestal. Looking at the people in front of me, they all held stern faces. Uzel was standing right next to the coffins, and Hinnia stood by him for support. White bandages covered his eyes instead of the cloth we wrapped it. Gale and Yann stood on the other side of the coffins, opposite of Uzel and Hinnia.

My voice was dry and dull. I cleared my throat after a slight cough before finding the courage to speak. Everyone who was there gave me their undivided attention. Celia and Mei stood near me for support as I proceeded.

"We are gathered today, not as people but as a community and collective body, to give respect to our fallen. I may be a child, but I understand the feeling of loss and responsibility of the two brave men who died serving this town."

As I continued, a slow whistle of wind blew past. The cold air burned my lungs.

"Senka and Noro. They were the unfortunate souls who died in their first major quest. However, before they were adventures, they were born and raised here in Saiana. They were friends and family to this place. And they passed fighting to protect it. Their noble sacrifice allowed others to live and alert us of the danger that was bound to come at our walls."

A large wave of loud footsteps approaches in the distance—a march of knights.

"I was their teacher, alongside others who saw to their potential and encouraged them to be the best they could be. Their deaths will be something I have to carry with me. The Scarlet Hunters traveled into a massive den of goblins, led by an unforeseen Hobgoblin wielding dark magic and power. With the help of Guild Master Nana and the efforts of the Phantom Blades, we were able to recover their remains. They allowed us to rescue the surviving members of their party and allowed us to finish what they started."

The sigil of a rose with swords as its thorns raises high into the air.

"I know I've lived here for a short time, but during my time here, I have come to greatly respect and know the people who live here. I would like to extend my gratitude and appreciation for your efforts. I understand that the loss of these two will have an impact. I will let the mayor Keiga conduct the remainder of the service before we lay them to rest. Thank you."

The crowd watches on as I step off and trail away at a distance. Standing in front of Eckhart and the knights, I give my approval.

"We shall find your brother and return when we can." Eckhart salutes as well as the rest of the knights. Carlo hangs back and sticks to my side to watch them leave with me.

"Looks like it will be up to us to keep our swords sharp for now." Carlo softly speaks.

"I need to get stronger." My words trail through the cold win. The army of knights passes through the gate and gives one final respectful salute to the service. After a moment passes, they leave with the sounds of their march muffled by the snow.

"There isn't much we can do. Eckhart sees potential in me if you can believe it." Carlo scoffs at the idea. I grab his shoulder and look at him.

"I see it too. Regarding your shortcomings, I know you will do your best. You are my senior, after all."

"You flatter me, Caleb."

"He placed you in command of the troops. You're fifteen now, aren't you? That is quite a feat for someone your age."

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

"I am not a knight. I don't deserve to take command and oversee the small garrison we have left. One of them should be in charge."

"Carlo, you are the only one who has seemingly landed a solid strike on Eckhart with pure skill and talent. I hate to admit it, but you will probably be a much better fighter than me if you continue to train and learn. I can follow you as closely as possible, but as it stands, you can beat me in a duel if you don't hold back."

"Yeah, I probably could."

"Finally, you agree. Which is why I am going to join the Guild."

"What?"

"The Scarlet Hunters need time to recover. After what happened, it is unlikely they will return to adventuring. If they do, I want to support them. I owe it to them."

"Then what exactly do you have planned? What else do you think you can accomplish?"

"Gale asked me to join the Phantom Blades after we became friends. I thought it was silly and stupid at the time. But seeing as I won't be able to get stronger without pushing myself, I need to be with people who I can rely on when we go into the thick of quests and fight for our lives."

"Caleb, at least let me join you!"

"Carlo, my friend, my rival. You don't need me to tie you down to your duties. Eckhart gave you responsibilities because he sees you becoming a great knight, myself included. But you have the opportunity to achieve that through your efforts alone and not being a noble like me. You can command your own army in no time if you continue working hard. So, do my Father and Eckhart a favor and keep growing stronger. I want to fight you when I come back and see how much you improved."

"Is this what you really want? What about Celia and Mei?"

"I'll talk with them tonight. I'll see them when we return from jobs or quests, so it won't be long before I return. I'm sure they would understand."

"Did the Guild Master pull some strings to make you a Gold rank?"

"Something like that."

"I see."

A cold silence sweeps through us. We stare as the Keiga finishes her own speech. When she does, Gale and Yann help lift the coffins along with the Scarlet Hunters and carry them to two burial sites. Carlo takes his leave to return to the barracks, leaving me alone; I walk beside Celia and Mei, who follow. Stepping before the crowd, we all watch as they lay the coffins into the holes and soon cover them. After another moment of silence, everyone says their final words before returning home. Uzel has trouble finding his way, and Hinnia helps him with this.

"Uzel, Hinnia," I call out. "Can I speak with you?" They turn their heads and look at me.

"Sure, what is it?" Uzel responds.

"I know after leaving the cave, it's been difficult to navigate the world."

"Yeah, the cave and probably adrenaline; my focus on my senses was much stronger. Out in the open, it gets confusing to know which way to go, east or west."

"I have been trying to help him move as best as possible," Hinnia speaks.

"Of course. You may use our training grounds if you would like a place to adjust. Just ask Carlo, and he will help you in learning how to adjust. He's surprisingly good at blind fighting but probably loses to your enhanced hearing and smell."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. Think about it."

"Will do. Thank you."

"No worries. Just take your time." Hinnia nods to me before taking him into the Guild Hall.

"I see you haven't stopped worrying about them." Nana approaches from behind.

"Of course."

"I overheard your talk with your friend. Are you sure you want to do this?"

"I need to get stronger so something like this can be prevented. As capable as I am, there are far stronger people and creatures. I could spend a decade of my life training and learning and that wouldn't be enough to take on the world's strongest warriors. I know that. So, I need to get stronger as much as I can before I encounter one on opposing sides."

"You got that fire I saw when we went into that nest. That fire is dangerous."

"Will you help me or not?"

"I can't refuse a promising adventurer such as yourself. Besides, you remind me of someone I knew. I guess I might be projecting that person onto you, but you are very similar."

"Who was he?"

"Just a kid that I failed to protect. Just let that be all you know. But I'll help you regardless."

"I appreciate it."

"Take the night off. We can discuss things later."

"Sure."

What a long day it was. Exhausted mentally, I motion for Celia and Mei to follow me.

"I am sorry I haven't been a good lord to serve under."

"Don't say that!" Celia shouts. "You've been a kind person to everyone."

"That's not what I meant." Celia listens, and so does Mei. "I've been leaving a lot of things to the both of you. Mei, I know you have a lot of things you can do to aid me in any way. Same to you, Celia." I open the door to the mansion and enter inside.

"Whatever it is, we will follow your wishes," Mei speaks with a soft tone.

"I'll be upfront. I am joining the Guild and being a part of Gales's party."

"What?! Why would you join him?" A possessive side of Celia exposes itself within her. Her eyes flare up a vibrant red to show her anger.

"Let me speak," I explain the whole situation to them. Telling the reason and plan for it. Celia tries her best not to react, yet she bites at her fingers listening. Mei remains calm and composed as usual. "Celia, don't feel upset."

"I'm not..."

"Please understand, I understand my duties. I talked with everyone else about it."

"Would you like us to do something while you venture forth with them?" Mei speaks up.

"Look after Carlo and everyone else when I am not here. I'll be around when time permits. But I want to be stronger for everyone." Celia places her hand on my shoulder and eases a little.

"Just don't die. I was worried we lost you last time."

"I figured. But I will come back alive."

"You better."

"Celia, your passion for the young Master is showing." Mei teases her.

"Eek! I umm!"

"Stop making it obvious. I just wanted to lighten the mood. It is time for all of us to rest."

"Right..."

After saying our final words, we returned to our respective rooms and prepared for the nightly sleep. Celia held onto me for a few moments before leaving. I yawned before getting into bed after changing my clothes. I take a large breath and rub the pain in my arm before sleep overtakes me...