The roads to the capital were far more open than the ones previously traveled. Vineyards became significantly more abundant. Fields covered the land, many worked by sickly men who’s necks bore collars.

Slavery exists in this world? Gross.

I never considered myself a very moral person, but even I have standards.

Though the thought of owning a beautiful cat girl slave has crossed my mind.

I’m sorry, please forgive me Jesus, and free me from my lust.

Anyway, the journey continued without a hitch as we continued towards the capital. There were some patches of woods on the journey though. And the group stopped in the woods for a short break.

Brennos tended to the horses, Marcus entered the forest to try and hunt an animal, and Claudia took the opportunity to educate Julius on the plants of the forest.

Cassius, with his freedom from surveillance, wandered into the woods. Ah nono this is bad, come on Claudia or Brennos you have to keep your eyes on him. I of course followed along out of necessity.

After 20 or so minutes of wandering, he finally realized he was lost. God kids are stupid. There were trees and shrubbery blocking vision from every direction. The more he spun around the more he confused his sense of direction. The trees were so high up the sun was completely blocked out, though light still spilled between the leaves.

He cried. It makes sense that he would of course, after all what child wouldn’t? But anxiety filled my chest when I heard this. If a predatorial animal heard this it could be disastrous.

Leaves ruffled behind us. I flinched and turned around alongside Cassius. There a fair-skinned, pointed-ear, individual with long green hair emerged from the bushes.

They wore boots, and bearskin pelt, leather chest armor, and a green cloak with a golden bear embroidered on it, with a diadem on their head and sword at the waist.

“Are you lost boy?” they asked.

Soon 5 men followed suit. They were tough-looking, muscular, covered in scars, and wore the same outfit as the first person. two carried bows, one carried a wand, one carried a sword, and the last carried a spear.

This scene would normally strike fear into the heart of a boy, but the first one had a comforting aura and spoke with kindness to Cassius.

“I lost my mother and father and can’t find them,” the words stumbled out of his mouth in between sniffs and cries.

“Come with me, I’ll help find your family.” They took the hand of Cassius. “My name is Theophanous, but you can call me Theo. I am the crown prince of the United Elven Kingdom. What is your name?”

“Cassius Scipio, my father is Marcus Scipio. Ice to meet you.”

The prince chuckled at this “Ice to meet you too Cassius. What are you doing in these woods?”

“I walked off the road and lost mother and father.”

“I see, we will help you of course… You check the northern road, and you check the southern road.” He directed the men.

“Do you live in the woods?”

“No, I live far, far away from here.”

“Are you lost?"

“No, I’m on a journey.”

“What for?”

“I’m trying to become worthy of the crown, I want to learn what a true king is. Though I don’t expect you to understand this.”

“Hmmmm… I don’t!”

“hahaha how cute.”

Cassius stayed by a pond alongside the prince while the two men search the road for the family. The two talked about a variety of things. Then, the prince pulled a dagger out of his bag. It was a beautiful silver, with gems, and smooth white wood sheath. The handle was white leather as well. Essentially, this was the most beautiful dagger I’d ever seen.

“My blacksmith made this for me, but I have no use for it. Therefore I would like to give this to you my young friend, if we meet again, show it to me so the we may remember these good times.”

“Thank you! It’s so pretty!”

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

“It certainly is.”

Really Mr.Prince? Giving a dagger to an infant? Do you have no sense of danger? Well, I have to admit it is pretty.

“Are you an elf?”

“Yes I am, you must be quite smart if you can tell.”

“What’s an elf?”

“We are descendants of the same first man as you come from, however, we were blessed by the god of fertility to live slow lives among the forest creatures.”

“We weren’t?’

“No, you were blessed by the goddess of fire, to live short passionate lives, opposite of us.”

“Why?”

“We can not understand the gods young Cassius, only make the most of what they have gifted us.”

“Hmm, I kinda get it.”

I see the look on your face ‘Young Cassius’ you don’t get it at all. Who do you think you are fooling?

After some rustling in the bushes, three men emerged. One of the eleven warriors, Marcus, and Brennos all arrived at the same time. After some words of complaint towards Cassius for wandering off on his own, Marcus has a conversation with the prince.

It seemed to be just words of gratitude and the like, but some important things were probably thrown in there. I was out of hearing range though.

Cassius was tired and got a piggyback ride from his father on the way back to the group. This was when he noticed his father shaking. Once he felt it, I noticed it too. We wouldn’t come to understand until we got back to the group.

“That was the order of the bear was it not?”

“Yeah, it was. It seems they were merely on an escort mission.”

“If one thing went wrong, we could have been killed.”

“You’re right.”

It would seem that Cassius’ new friends are quite dangerous individuals. This is every parent’s nightmare. Don’t join a gang Cassius! You have so much potential!

Cassius was greeted with a warm hug by Claudia and a scolding from Julius upon his return. The family then departed and continued the journey as they had previously. Except now Cassius wore a silver dagger at his waist, on him, it looked like a sword.

After 5 more days had passed since that incident. They arrived in the capital. Apparently one of the previous kings gifted him an estate in the capital for his exploits during the war. After settling down in the estate, a great number of visitors arrived at the estate to greet him, these were important people too.

When leaving the estate, a group of people would join and escort him to where he was going. This seems to be a tradition in this culture. Meeting people, exchanging greetings, and introducing Cassius to those who helped Marcus throughout the years 3 days passed.

On the fifth day there, Marcus was scheduled to meet with the king of the nation. He took a great deal of care for his appearance, relaxed himself, and left with confidence in his step.

This king was often the point of conversation, he is named Gaius Rex Cleon the Third. Also known as “Slave King Cleon”. Slave King seems like an oxymoron to me, but there is probably some story behind that. Regardless, this is one of the most important people alive, and Marcus is going to meet him for the first time.

When he returned late at night he looked distressed. I had seen him with many negative expressions on his face before, but this was the most severe.

“Darling, was it that bad?”

“Not necessarily… but I can’t help worrying for the future.”

We went to sleep not long after he got back, though I don’t imagine he got much sleep.

The next day was scheduled to be a tour of the city with just family. We departed at dawn when the sun first peaked above the wall in the distance. The brick road beneath was hardly traveled. The sky an orangish-red.

The first spot we visited was an upscale tavern for breakfast. The plate contained bread, soup, bacon, eggs, and fruit. The drink given was milk. The atmosphere was impressive too, it was quite enough to give peace, but chatter was welcome.

After exiting they went to the forum. Marcus was just there, but the rest of the family wasn’t. The senate house was a beautiful relic of time. Constructed of marble, the inside had intricate art carved into the walls just below the ceiling.

Across the street was a temple to God. The main religion in this country is monotheistic unlike most of the ancient religions in my world. Marcus has the entire family pray except Claudia, but she gets on her knees to make it look like she is.

She doesn’t believe in God apparently. Well, I don’t either. I never really paid much attention to religion, so my supposed atheism is more just me being ambiguous. I don’t really know whether I should believe in God or not. I read a lot of philosophers in college and their arguments linger in my mind. But honestly, thinking about it just causes problems. I don’t mind religion, in my opinion, religion helps keep women pure and more attractive. Though Claudia is disrupting that theory.

The temple was just as, if not more beautiful than the senate house with religious artwork that rivals that of my old world. Seeing it in person makes it more spectacular. The rows of benches are illuminated by the light spilling through the glass ceiling. Carpet is laid down at one’s feet, softening the impact on your feet, giving the sensation you are floating in the air alongside God.

After the temple, they went shopping in the market. While they each had one goal, Marcus had something in mind. He called 11-year-old Julius to walk alongside him while Claudia and Cassius followed. They walked until they arrived at a shop that was a worn-down building of wood and stone on the outside, but an impressively maintained interior, though it looked old.

When they arrived, a bell rang and a man with a short man walked out. He had the height and width of a kid, an elderly-looking face, and big feet with no shoes on. Is he a… halfling?

“Well, if it isn’t the young Marcus, and who are these fine people?”

“This is my wife Claudia, and sons named Julius and Cassius.”

“Well, the young lad grew up huh? No matter, what brings you here?”

“A sword, specifically a spatha. It is meant for Julius here.”

Marcus nudged his firstborn forward, wood flooring creaking beneath him. The small old man piercing him with his gaze.

“Come with me boy, the name is Horace Mosswhistle. I’ll make you a sword that’ll have demons fleeing in terror. Come in back with me and I’ll get some information from ya.”

Marcus watches the two left to the back with emotions in his eyes. I couldn’t tell what, but this seemed to be a more important event than I figured.

After a bit of time passed the halfling returned with a blade, handing it to Marcus.

“I made a few minor tweaks but had a perfect one on hand. It’s one of my best works. It will serve you well boy.”

“How much do I owe you?”

“Hah! Like I’d ever charge my savior for something like this. It’s on the house.”

“You’re a good man, Horace, thank you. I’ll see you again.”

We left and found ourselves back at the estate. Marcus took Julius to the garden behind the estate. Still, within hearing range, I listened in on their conversation.

“Julius, when I’m not around you are the man of the house. Your duty is to protect your loved ones. That includes your mother, Cassius, and anyone else you hold dear. I trust you, my son, make me proud. From today on, you are a warrior of the Scipio house.”

Really? He is 11 years old? Telling him he’s a warrior and giving him a blade?

“Thank you, father. I will fight with honor and dignity!”

“That’s my boy.”

Marcus smiled a prideful, yet lonely smile.

…

The two-week journey home passed uneventfully.