[https://img.wattpad.com/story_parts/1316606364/images/17479530311b02eb384327820864.jpg]

Vin and Raia trudge down the cobblestone streets of Sundale, as the evening sky transitioned from orange near the horizon to the deep blue of night, their eyes taking in the sights of tall two and three-story buildings, bright lanterns aflame in shop windows, the sound of laughter spilling from doorways. The town was much larger than the one they had left, but it still had a welcoming, familiar feel to it.

As the darkness began to settle, they spot a well-lit building with a sign depicting a bed. Vin gave Raia a nod and they shuffled towards the entrance. Upon entering through a pair of heavy wooden doors, they were greeted with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The room was dimly lit but filled with chatter and the clinking of glasses. The crowd was a mix of ages and classes, wealthy merchants clinking drinks with common folk while children played around their feet. All eyes briefly turned towards the newcomers before returning to their conversations.

Vin cleared his throat and glanced around the room. "Well, this certainly is a lively place," he said with an amused smile. "A lot of people here it seems; this must be the popular spot in town. Let's go ask for some beds."

The proprietor, a stout man with a balding head and an easy smile, welcomes them with open arms. He says to them that he only had just two beds left, so they were in luck. He can offer them a warm meal and a place to rest their weary heads. Vin and Raia were overjoyed at his offer, and they happily accepted, paying the price he said of a few salders each, the currency of Isilia.

After a delicious meal they happily retire to their lodgings. The next morning, they wake to the sound of birds chirping and the smell of breakfast wafting through the air. They make their way downstairs, where they found the proprietor setting out a sumptuous spread. He smiles warmly at them, and they enjoyed a hearty meal before bidding him farewell.

As they step outside, they notice the sun was shining brighter than ever, and the cobblestone streets of Sundale seemed to have taken on a whole new life. Everywhere they looked, families were laughing and chatting, children were gliding down the streets, and couples were wandering around with each other. As they step into the open air they noticed they had left the rickety old inn behind. In it's place stood a brightly painted, regal looking structure with a sign that read The Bright Moon Inn.

Vin took in the tranquil atmosphere and smiles. "Ah, much better than imperial soldiers causing havoc. Let's take in the moment, but don't forget what we came to do. We must find Kaes before something happens, and doesn't something always happen when I'm around? Any ideas where to start?"

Raia thinks for a moment, "Kaes is a former soldier, right? So he's probably somewhere doing something soldier-like - like being a guard or a mercenary. We should ask around for someone who may know him. I don't see any imperial soldiers around anywhere, so the town probably has their own guard force from within, I'd guess. Let's ask a guard."

Vin and his companion approach a beefy guard standing watch at the city entrance. He was adorned in a midnight blue cloak detailed with the town's crest emblazoned on it.

Vin clears his throat, "Greetings! We're looking for someone called Kaes, is he around here? We were thinking he may be some sort of guard?"

The guard shakes his head and chuckles. "Some sort of guard, eh? He's not my sort, he's the personal sword of the lord who lives in the castle. You'll find him there. Best job in the city if you ask me!" He lets out a wistful sigh.

The castle had a nice outer wall, with wide imposing doors. Guards dressed in the same blue and as the city guards patrolled the wall in pairs. Vin and his companion approached one of the guards standing watch at the castle's entrance, hoping to gain access.

"Hello, travelers," the guard said, "Welcome to the lord's castle. What brings you to center of Sundale?"

Vin speaks up, "We're looking for someone called Kaes, is he here?"

The guard smiles, "Yes," he said, "He's up in the castle. He always likes to be near the lord, to attend to his every need. He's a very important man around here. If you need him, you can likely find him there. If not there, he's probably in his room by that tower over there," He points in the distance to a tower by the castle courtyard. "The lord here always wants to talk to the people, so you need no permission to enter the castle grounds."

Vin and Raia paused outside the grand gates of the castle, taking in the view of its towering walls and giant archway. The sun was beginning to set, casting a soft orange glow across the grounds. The guards lumbered over and opened the door, allowing them entrance. They stepped inside, greeted by a large hall with extravagant decorations and a wide, curving staircase leading up to the council chamber. Vin paused, the memories of his childhood manor flooding back to him. He shook himself out of his reverie and they joined the line of commoners slowly weaving its way up the stairs.

Inside the chamber, they could see the lord speaking with a few people about issues in the town and pledging to resolve them soon. Vin scanned the room for anyone soldier-like that wasn't part of the common guard, but no one else was present.

A man donned in clothing and armor that hinted at his imperial soldier past steps towards Vin and Raia. They look at him and they soon realized, this had to be Kaes, this had to be the personal sword of the lord here, this had to be the man they were searching for.

He stares at them intensely, demanding to know their business. Kaes' eyes seemed to pierce through them, his voice deep and stern. "I'm Kaes, the personal sword of Lord Talan. Who are you two, and what's your business here?" Kaes said.

Raia smiled nervously and spoke before Vin had a chance to answer, "Kaes, nice to meet you. You know Bastian, right?"

Kaes reacted with shock, "Bastian? What do you know about him? Is he all right?"

Before Raia could answer, Vin interjects and thrusts the medallion pieced together in Nearbrook towards Kaes. "Look, Kaes, Bastian is helping me out. I have this pendant here, he said it would be a sign for some people. I feel like you may understand."

Kaes studies the pendant intently as a look of determination crosses his face. "All right then. I know what this medallion means. That's something Bastian gave to soldiers who proved their worth. Guess I've got new orders; if you're trustworthy to Bastian, you're trustworthy to me. Let me take care of things here and I'll meet you outside the city," he said.

[https://img.wattpad.com/cb805cfc676aaa61320699b47fbdde453327338c/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f612d56375a6a472d4756636931513d3d2d313331363630363336342e313734373935306335656462313931343933383239393039333831382e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

Vin and Raia share a triumphant glance as Kaes walks up to the Lord. With a determined set of his jaw, Kaes bows to the Lord and explains he was leaving his service. The Lord's face darkens, but he lets Kaes go with a wave of his hand. The trio trot out of Sundale, their excitement buzzing in the air around them as they set off to find Bastian.

Kaes turns to Vin, his eyes wide with questions, and asked, "So, Vin, what's been going on? What's all this about? I know there are things you probably can't tell me, and believe me I'm no stranger to doing some favors for Bastian, but at least tell me what I need to know if I'm going to help you."

"I guess so," Vin said slowly. "As you probably figured, Bastian has agreed to help me. I don't really know why or how yet. These last few days have been tumultuous, to say the least. From seeing my home destroyed and friends killed, to being chased by imperials- I haven't had a chance to process everything yet. But Bastian and Raia have been a comforting presence throughout it all. My main goal right now is understanding why those imperials are after me, and find out where my father is. I haven't been able to do that yet, but I'm sure that's part of the reason Bastian agreed to help us. He wanted to tell me something before the imperials marched through Nearbrook looking for me."

Kaes thought for a moment before replying. "Well, if you want to find out why they were after you and why your father is missing, then you need to go to the capital city of Dolm. That's where all the important people - and all the secrets - are. It might not be easy to get in, though. I'm sure there will be guards and checkpoints that you'll need to get past." He paused before continuing. "But I suggest we get back to Bastian before doing anything crazy like that. Knowing him, he has some idea of what's going on and some plan up his sleeve."

Vin and Raia trod along the same road they had traveled before, densely populated with merchants, traders, and travelers.

Raia studies Kaes with curiosity and asks him, "Tell me Kaes, what's the story behind your sword? It's impressive looking and has a thin blade that's only sharpened on one side. Imperial soldiers I know of don't usually carry such a weapon around."

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

Kaes grins smugly and yanks the sword from its sheath. He holds it up to the sun, admiring the harsh glint of its blade.

He says, "Years ago when I still served in Bastian's battalion, the Dominion set out to make war against the country of Ordan. We sailed around the south of the country and hit their eastern coast at the port city of Losfeld. Although there was little resistance in the beginning, all that changed when we arrived at the heart of the city and attempted to breach their castle walls. The defense commander was so strategic that he kept us at bay for an entire day. When we eventually broke through, the commander himself came forward to face me, as it was their custom to have a duel before the final battle. As I was the senior in charge of the combat group, I had to fight, of course I gladly accepted. The defense commander was a master swordsman and his sword was unlike any I had seen before. As we fought, my ordinary sword began to falter under the immense pressure of his blows. In a desperate attempt to survive, I summoned every bit of my strength and plunged my sword onto his, and mine shattered."

Raia's eyes were wide with awe, and she asks, "What happened then?"

He slowly raised his head, eyes full of determination as he recalled the events.

"I was a good soldier, and I knew I had to do my duty. My sword hung in pieces so I dropped it. I clenched my fists and lunged towards him with a fury, catching him off guard, and punched him in the face, pushing him to the ground. He laid there for a moment before getting back up, dazed. I was about to resume the fight, but he stopped me. I'll never forget what he said to me, 'My sword may have broken yours, but it is not stronger than your courage'. He took his sword and plunged it into the ground, and kneeled in surrender. Our forces were superior in numbers anyway, but I was glad no more lives needed be lost. He gave me his sword that day, and I keep it as both a weapon and a reminder of the cost of victory and how we can determine our lives and the path we choose."

The group trudge onward, the weight of the future heavy on their shoulders. Kaes stops and turns to Vin, his gaze thoughtful but resolute.

"Vin," he said, "I don't have a right to tell you what to do with your life, and I don't even know what path yours will take. But I do know that whatever you choose to do, there will be consequences. And no one else can decide for you - it's your choice, and yours alone." Kaes paused for a moment before continuing. "So please think carefully about what path you choose."

Raia speaks up, "Speaking of the future, I'm actually wondering where Bastian will be at? He can't expect us to march back into Nearbrook with those imperial soldiers sniffing around, right? It won't be long until we reach that forest surrounding Nearbrook, I'd hate to be that close."

Raia's voice is swallowed by the distant cries of pain that echo through the air. The trio quickly break into a sprint, the intensity in the air palpable. As they reach the yelling, they see merchants being attacked by six bandits, their shadows stretching over them. Raia notches an arrow and takes aim while Vin runs forward to join Kaes who's sword is already unsheathed, a fierce fury in his eyes.

Kaes clashes his sword with one of the bandits, who sneers maliciously at him, "What do you think you can do? You're just inviting more pain and suffering for yourself and your little rats, and that sword of yours will fetch us a hefty price."

Vin takes quick action and pounces on the bandit, kicking him in the back of the head with such force that he collapses onto the ground unconscious. Vin spins around in horror only to find a bandit charging with two sharp daggers in his wicked hands, ready to stab a helpless merchant. Vin and Kaes won't reach him in time and Raia's arrow flies by, missing its mark. Time seems to slow as they watch the tragedy unfold.

But just then, a miracle appears from the corner of their eye: a short, twirling dagger impales the bandit in mid-charge, and before their eyes a man appears from behind a tree with a curved blade and rushes at another bandit. Kaes quickly catches on and disarms another, pushing him to the ground in one swift motion. Vin follows with an attack of his own, gripping a bandit in an iron chokehold. The remaining two bandits realize they won't win and flee from the scene.

The trio stands in shock, their eyes spying the savior of the merchants. The man calmly sheaths his blade and nods as a greeting, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"Thank you for your help," Kaes says.

"It's the least I can do for those just trying to live their lives in peace," the man replies.

The man walks in front in front of the merchants, who are trembling in fear.

"You are safe and sound now," he tells them, his voice gentle as a spring breeze.

The trio watch in awe as he speaks with a voice of power and compassion, with what seemed like an intelligence that knew much about people, seeing into their hearts.

Raia speaks up, "What's your name?"

[https://img.wattpad.com/4abb9c93e51fd811cfd02ebd4e3b84897f057792/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f44734e4b6a54365a696b336773413d3d2d313331363630363336342e313734373935313738643863613863323834323431333531363537352e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

"I don't really go by a name anymore. You can just call me Crow," he says. The man turns with a smile, "You all fought well, and your aim was true with that arrow, but never misjudge the enemy, don't fool yourself into thinking you can predict someone's moves. He saw that arrow out of the corner of his eye and adjusted his footing. Bandits are always fighting, often for their lives, so make sure you know your target."

Kaes and Raia exchange looks, both impressed by the man's wisdom and skill.

Vin breaks the silence, "What brings you here, Crow? Do you always travel, or are you on a mission?"

He nods and gruffly states, "I'm on a mission that brought me to Sundale and I'm traveling to my next objective. You'd best be careful if you're still headed that way. Imperial soldiers will be all you encounter."

Sternly, he gives a curt bow and slips into the shadows of the forest. The trio looks on, perplexed. His words suggest he knows that the imperials are not the greatest threat they will face, yet he speaks nothing of any further warnings - almost like he knows they'll soon learn what it is they dread.

They resume their journey after their short encounter with Crow, taking on his words of caution and watching their step. With the newfound excitement and energy that envelops them, they head out further down the road in search of Bastian. They stay alert and take every precaution necessary, but the long road ahead only suggests more adventure to come.

Raia speaks up, "The imperials will be sure to come after us if we reach anywhere near Nearbrook, right?"

Vin replies, "Right, and I'm sure they are going to be on high alert for a while after the ordeal we had there. But, I'm sure we could handle a few of them if it comes to it."

Kaes responds, "Don't underestimate them. The imperial soldiers are trained to fight in formation as long as they can. They can overwhelm us if we let our guard down. Never get into a situation by yourself. I happen to have the luxury of knowing the imperial formations and combat style as having been a soldier myself, but even I could get in over my head if there is a swarm of them."

In the distance, along a long and winding road, they spot Bastian plodding towards them. They hasten their steps to reach him, anxiety in their hearts at the thought of seeing him safe and sound.

Bastian, a stony expression etched on his face, nods at them in greeting, "Kaes, glad to see you and your little trophy sword intact. Vin, Raia, I am pleased that you accomplished your mission quickly, but we must now make haste to Thran's Fortress in the Kingdom of Athra. Even though you must be exhausted from all the traveling, we should be able to reach it by nightfall. But first, Vin, come with me for a moment."

Vin furrows his brows in confusion but then he recalls the unfinished conversation he and Bastian shared in Nearbrook about something that happened ten years ago. With a heavy heart he strides up to Bastian to hear what he has to say.

Bastian's eyes bore into Vin with such intensity that he was almost too afraid to respond.

Bastian spoke up, "Vin, you must understand that what I'm about to tell you has the potential to spread like wildfire, that's likely why the imperials were so adamant about getting you - your father was a nobleman in the imperial court, wasn't he? I discovered old military documents dated a decade past detailing a siege of a manor house many miles west of Nearbrook, complete with two escapees, a man and a young lad. I can't seem to find out why they were made nobles in the first place, as they were of appointment rather than blood, but orders came suddenly to burn this noble family's manor to the ground and capture the father and son. Apparently, someone divulged information to the family allowing two individuals to escape, named Cirris Lathar and Vin Lather, before they could be apprehended. Even if the names were not listed in the documents, I am sure enough that it was you."

Vin's face drains of all its color. His mouth flaps soundlessly, trying to shape the words, but his mind is spinning too fast and he can't seem to grasp what is happening.

Bastian cuts in before Vin can form a sentence, his voice cold and heavy with accusation: "Vin, what did your father do that was so heinous it outraged the King enough to put his royal seal on this document and take you both down?"

Vin's heart thundered in his chest as he looked into Bastian's eyes and steeled himself to answer. He knew that whatever he was about to say could put him in more danger, but he also knew he could trust Bastian, and that at some point he'd probably find out anyway.

"My father had something of immense value to the Eldenhigher Dominion and he kept it close. He collected strange and peculiar crystals of all types and sizes, filling his study with them, and the energy in the room was palpable. I'm certain it was what he was researching - something powerful enough to break up empires or aid rebels in their struggle against tyranny and oppression. My father knew this ruler was wicked and planned to take his research and escape with me to another kingdom. The night before we were due to leave, my father's friend dropped by in a hurry, imparting an urgent warning..."

Vin's words tumbled out quickly as his dread swelled. He remembered it all so clearly, like a cold hand around his heart. "The very next day, my father said we were leaving immediately, with no goodbyes and no belongings."

Vin's eyes widened with terror as he remembered the hasty retreat from the manor, the clank of imperial soldiers' armor and the ghoulish screams of manor servants being slaughtered or dragged away.

Bastian's voice became icy as he spoke, "Vin, there is something you must know about the king that no one else has been informed of. He is not the rightful heir to the throne. The previous king was a kind man who raised an orphaned boy to take over his kingdom when his own bloodline heir was lost and he neared death. But when power changed hands so too did everything else in the dominion. No one expected how cruel and ruthless the new ruler would be. It's likely he became aware of your father's research and his plan to flee, and being the tyrant he is, decided to take preemptive action to keep you both within imperial soil, even if that meant imprisoning you."

Vin stood there, overwhelmed with a mix of emotions. He was thankful to have escaped, but now more than ever he felt a desperate need to locate his father. He thought about the research he had been doing and the strange crystals he had collected. It all seemed so confusing and out of reach.

He turned to Bastian and said, voice trembling, "Help me find him."