In a humble hut, nestled amidst the towering trees, the flickering candle on the worn wooden table cast long, wavering shadows on the walls. The dim light added to the tense atmosphere, revealing the rough-hewn beams and the cracks in the mud-plastered walls. The scent of burning wax mingled with the faint aroma of iron. Outside, voices whispered through the leaves, carrying with them the distant sounds of the village and the occasional hoot of an owl.

The room felt both cozy and claustrophobic, its small size contrasting with the weight of the conversation taking place within its confines. Captain Knight Borin sat across from Dustin, their faces reflecting the gravity of the situation, their expressions illuminated by the dancing flames.

Dustin sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping as he ran a hand through his graying hair. "Who would have sent people to destroy my smithy?" he muttered, more to himself than anyone else.

Captain Knight leaned forward, his brows furrowed with concern. His usually stoic expression softened. "Dustin, I've looked into the matter," he said, his voice low and serious. "It looks like someone with significant power is behind this. It was not possible for mere bandits to even enter here. The guards are always at the village entrance, guarding it diligently because this area is close to the city and many raw materials are transported from here. Yet, we found the guards passed out at the entrance, taken out with precise, single strikes."

Dustin's eyes widened with alarm. "Single strikes? That's... that's not a bandit work."

Captain Knight Borin nodded, his expression grim. "Being your friend, I can tell you this frankly: it could be someone from the castle, or perhaps one of your customers you've upset. You also have to make that sword for the king from dragon scales. The safest place for that will be the castle. I've talked to the king, and he's agreed to provide you protection under the castle's roof."

Dustin leaned back in his chair, the candlelight casting deep shadows on his lined face. He thought for a moment, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "I have to start working on that sword. Besides, the smithy can't be used without significant repairs." He sighed again, feeling the exhaustion from the night's events. "I don't have much choice, do I?"

Captain Knight Borin shook his head. "No, you don't. But you'll be safe at the castle." He paused, then added, "There was no one harmed in the attack, but all the remaining bandits were talking about your 'slave' before we captured them."

Dustin's face hardened. "Borin, I can still tell you, that boy is not a slave. He is working for me as part of a master and disciple relationship."

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The Captain smiled slightly, his demeanor softening for a moment. "It's alright. I talked to the king about that. He was surprised when I told him a human boy was working in your smithy. He agreed that Arin could come along."

Dustin nodded, a small measure of relief washing over him. "Good. Arin has potential. It would be a shame to leave him behind."

The candle flickered, casting brief moments of darkness over their serious expressions. Outside, the night was silent, the village unaware of the gravity of the events unfolding within the small hut. The Captain stood up, placing a reassuring hand on Dustin's shoulder.

"We'll leave at dawn. Get some rest, my friend."

Arin lay on the hard floor of the smithy, lost in thought. The events of the previous night replayed in his mind: the sudden attack, the violent struggle, and the strange surge of power from his necklace. His hand subconsciously touched his neck, feeling the smooth skin where a scar had once been. It was gone.

His thoughts drifted to the knights who had saved him. He remembered the Borin's swift, precise movements, the way he had dispatched the eye-patched bandit with a single, fluid stroke of his sword. The memory was vivid, the sword flew straight to the head of the bandit and one word rang in his mind Amazing.

Arin's eyes followed the imagined movements of the knights, his lips moving unconsciously as he muttered, "I will learn swordsmanship... and I will..." His voice trailed off as sleep claimed him, exhaustion overcoming his thoughts. He was tired today was a long day for Arin.

From an ordinary perspective, a child witnessing such violence might have been terrified. But Arin was no ordinary child. He had lived in the forest among beasts, and if there was one thing he was not afraid of, it was killing.

It was already Dawn, Departure for the Castle

"It was dawn when Dustin stormed into the room, his voice a mix of urgency and frustration. "Arin! Wake up, lad!" he shouted, kicking Arin's legs to rouse him.

Arin groaned and mumbled, a bubble of saliva bursting at the corner of his mouth as he stirred. Rubbing his eyes, his vision slowly cleared, and he saw Dustin standing over him, arms crossed and an impatient scowl on his face.

"Get up, you lazy boy! We have to leave," Dustin barked.

Arin, still half-asleep, looked at Dustin with a questioning face. "Where are we leaving to?"

"The castle," Dustin replied curtly.

Arin's eyes widened in surprise and excitement. He had heard stories about the king and the castle but had never imagined he would see it himself. A flicker of a smile appeared on his face.

Dustin left the room, muttering about the boy's slowness. Arin quickly got up and changed into his clothes: a simple tunic and trousers, sturdy and worn from his work at the smithy, but comfortable. He looked at himself in the small, cracked mirror, his thoughts racing. I'm going to the castle. I wonder what it's like.

Stepping outside, Arin saw the large carriage waiting for them. It was an impressive sight, with sturdy wooden wheels and reinforced panels. Two massive bulls were harnessed to it, their muscles rippling under their thick hides as they snorted and stamped the ground with a low thud.

Dustin stood by the carriage, looking impatient as always. "Hurry up, lad. They will not wait for you."

Arin nodded and climbed into the carriage, his heart pounding with anticipation. The interior was spacious, with benches along the sides and a small compartment for storing their belongings. As the carriage jolted into motion, Arin peered out the window, watching the familiar landscape of the village and the surrounding mountains pass by and the sounds of the wind flowing.

Arin was filled with excitement at the thought of seeing the castle for the first time. He was curious about what awaited them there and he couldn't shake the lingering thoughts about the previous night's events. He glanced at Dustin, who was focused on the road ahead, his face a mask of determination.

As the carriage rolled on, Arin's thoughts returned to the knights and their swords. One day, I will be like them. I'll learn...slowly