Walking down the road, I saw something strange.

A stranger.

A stranger?!

But, there never comes strangers here. Rachels dad said that we’re too far away from any nearby cities or villages. I looked around, seeing that no adults had yet spotted the stranger in our village. So I moved closer, inspecting the strange stranger. Seeing an old man, with strands of grey spread around a lush hair, wearing a long brown cloak that reached down to his knees, looking both tattered and clean. A strange blend. In the middle of the cloak there was a circular painting, painted in deep red and purple. Engulfing an illustration of a silver sword that shone with a golden light and had something that resembled blue blood dripping from it.

The old man was tall and big for his age, but walked with a slight crouch. One hand in a big pocket to the left of his cloak and the other hand holding a sword, using it as a walking stick as he kept his head low and tilted slightly to the side.

Wait.

A sword?

Not believing my eyes, I quickly looked down at his supposed walking stick.

And yes, that’s a sword. And while I stared at it, I felt strangely drawn to it. As if, it wanted me to see it.

It was the length of the old man’s upper body, but no wider than a wrist.

The blade was sheathed in a rusted metal scabbard. A black rounded top with small markings, unreadable by all the rust.

The guard was plain and flat, made entirely of iron with nothing distinguishing it from any other guard. And similar to the scabbard, it was entirely rusted.

The hilt was wrapped in cloth, the only part that seemed reasonably well kept, clean even.

The pommel had a diamond shape, rusted like everything on the blade, but holding an emblem. Something small, round and sparkling.

If I were any closer, I would have seen a small hollowed out hole, containing a round sphere that seemed to hover inside the pommel. A round marble of sorts, painted in green and blue with dots of whites.

Ahem.

So what I’m trying to say, is that this sword, is a very cool sword. It’s just looking very much worse for wear. If I were any better with swords, I would say that it could crumble to dust at any second.

Bobbing my head around in disbelief, I noticed that more people had spotted the stranger. Several adults coming out of their homes to see the commotion.

One of them being Rachel, holding hands with her father, the village head. Finding someone cooler than him would be an impossibility. Rachel told me he was once part of the army that had repelled the Hlutur at the rautt eyðimörk. I’ve even asked him to teach me the ways of the spear, only to be told that I’m “too young” or I’m “not big enough and should not have dreams like that”. Telling me the same things repeatedly. Adults are all the same, telling me what to do or not to do. I won’t be able to handle that nor that.

Blablabla.

Well, poop on you!

I’m strong enough to lift a bow if I wanted to! I could really go out and hunt on my own.

Yeah, I totally could.

Doing a big wave, I got Rachel’s attention, smiling brightly with one of my teeth missing. She waved back, having a smile just like me, the same tooth missing.

Hehe, that was just a week ago. She told me that her tooth hurt, so I pulled my tooth out to make her feel better. Big bro must be strong for those that he must protect! At least Rachel’s dad told me that, even after lecturing me for pulling out a tooth.

Running up to Rachel, we did our usual hug-not-hug greeting, in which we hoover our arms around the other’s body without touching. It’s a lot harder than it sounds. Uncle Max taught us how to do it.

“Hey Rachel!” I yelled out enthusiastic.

“Hey Chris! Have you seen the old guy!?” Rachel responded with the same enthusiasm, pointing at the old man.

“Yeaah, what is he doing here?” I asked, looking up to Rachel’s dad while also pointing at the old man who was using his sword to guide himself further into the village. Tapping it lightly on the ground as he moved, finding and walking over small cracks and holes in the cobbled-road. Rachels dad bent down to our level, letting his arm rest on our shoulders as he looked at us.

“Kids, can you go and play while I talk to this gentleman?” Asking with a bright smile on his face, although it looked more like a scowl, his white teeth peeking out through an open scar on his right cheek. Something that looks hilarious when he puts his tongue through it.

“Okay dad.” Rachel said with a scowl to match, something that usually made him scowl even further. But today he just patted her on the head. Pushing himself up to his feet while his face grew stiff, walking towards the old man.

Hmmmm...

This smells fishy, and I’m not talking about the fish that we usually eat. I’m talking about the fishy that Uncle Max tells us means that something is fishy.

Glancing to the side with a hand on my chin, I saw Rachel seeming to agree with me, as she worryingly stared at her dad’s back, who had made his way to the old man, exchanging some small talk as other adults got closer.

She’s always worried for her dad nowadays, especially since her mom disappeared a few years ago. But don’t worry Rachel. I’m here for you and your dad! I will make it okay.

“Rachel, I have an idea for a game!” I excitedly exclaimed. To which she took her eyes away from her dad and looked at me, saying.

“Which game?” Sounding gloom, but interested.

“A game where we can keep an eye on your dad and find out who that old guy is!” I put my arms on my hips, making sure that I looked confident and smart. Which I totally am.

“What do you mean?” She asked back, not noticing the awesomeness of my plan. Which did not surprise me. I am, after all, sometimes too smart for even myself.

Shaking my head, I put a hand on her shoulder, exclaiming a little too loud.

“I mean, we can play find the spy!” Which made Rachel shrug back, then smile wide as her brain realised what I had just said.

A wonderful game, a game that even the adults can play. It starts with the game leader choosing a spy, then the rest of the players will try to figure out who the spy is. This is the perfect game for this situation. Rachel took me out of my thoughts as she said.

“But, we are only two people ...” Looking down on the ground, kicking away a small pebble. I blew out some air in a snort, then stated.

“No Rachel, that old guy is the spy. We have to figure out that he’s the spy.” She looked up to me, eyes glowing as she met mine, a bright smile crossing her mismatched teeth.

“Ooooh, I get it!”

“Yeah, so we spy on him to see if he’s the spy, then we can make sure that your dad is okay too, right?”

“Yeah, you’re right, Chris. You’re so smart.”

“Hehe, I know right.” I answered, giving her the best “I’m smart” pose I could muster. Holding it for a moment before I changed to my best running stance, giving her a smug smile.

“Last to the big house will be the other one’s side-kick!” I said, jumping off onto a sprint

“Heey that’s cheating!” She yelled after me as she tried to keep up.

But alas little Rachel. I’m far to big and strong and fast and best to be over ru-

Oh my god, when did she get that fast?

I thought as she quickly caught up to me, being just a behind me as I huffed in exertion. Giving it my all to stay in the lead.

----------------------------------------

A minute later, with both of us laying on the ground in the middle of the village next to the big house, and both breathing heavily. I was victorious!

“Yo.. wher... Cheaatn!” Rachel puffed out, glaring daggers at me.

“I.. was jus... using my int... smartssss...” I puffed back, giving her a wide, teasing smile. I am the best after all, so you can’t question me.

A sharp pain shot up my arm.

“Aaaow!”

“It’s your fault... For cheating!” She said after punching me. Making my smile turn to a frown.

I’m gonna get you for this.

I thought, rolling over to my side while grabbing a hold of her hands as I started to wrestle with her.

Something that I always win-

Wait, when did she get so strong? She can almost hold me back! Uuh, I mean, of course she can’t, not completely. I’m too strong and cool and-

Feeling a slap to my cheek, I rolled away from her. Staring wide eyed as I tried to hold back a tear. Seeing her jump up on her feet, looking down on me with a big goofy smile.

You’re gonna pay for that...

I jumped to my feet and ran after her, both my arms outstretched to try and grab her. She giggle-screamed at the top of her lungs while she ran at full speed, running circles around the big house and then bolting off out of the village.

Running through the village, we passed a house once painted red, now coloured in murky brown. A lone man sitting on a cranky rocking chair, holding a cracked mug, chuckling to himself as we sped past him.

Something that I noticed as I let my toung hang out, gaining a louder chuckle in response.

Stupid uncle Max, this is not a game!

----------------------------------------

Sitting on my favorite rock, I absentmindedly let my legs dangle back and forth, hitting the rock with the back of my feet.

“Chris, were we not supposed to play spy?” Rachel asked me, still letting her eyes rest on the village. I thought about her words for a moment, also looking at the village, giving us an awesome view that let us see everything from the village to the forest and even my house in the distance. This place is the best. Me and Rachel often come here to play, talk, or just have a nice view.

Oh yeah, the spy game.

We forgot about the spy game.

...

“Shit” I said. Getting a weird look from Rachel, both eyes wide as she exclaimed loudly.

“We can’t say that, dad will be angry!” Holding her hands over her mouth.

I smiled mischieviously at her reaction, saying.

“But he won’t be angry at me! Nobody can tell me what to do!” She looked at me sideways, first thinking about what I had said, then opening her mouth in awe, letting her hands drop as she responded.

“Woaaw, I’m so jealous. My dad would be super angry if I said that word” I gave her a sideways look. Then scanned around us, searching for any adults. Seeing none.

“Then... Why don’t you say it now?” Her eyes went wide, a big “O” forming on her mouth as she stuttered.

“N-no I c-can’t say that!”

“Why not?” I replied quickly, holding a smug smile as I raised an eyebrow.

“Dad would get angry!”

“He’s not here.” I quickly responded. She closed her mouth, expression turning thoughtful as she took a hand to her chin and rubbed it, imitating how her dad would scratch his beard. A few seconds later, the expression turned to a smirk.

“M-maybe I could?”

“Yeah, do it.” I said, my own smug face turning to a wide, toothy, smile.

“S-Sh-...” Hiding behind her hands, she quickly looked around. Then taking a deep breath.

“S... SHIIIT!” She screamed loudly, turning five different shades of red. Holding her hands over her face again as she shyly looked between fingers, searching for any nearby adults.

“HAHAHHAHA! That was amazing Rachel!” I exclaimed giving her my brightest smile. She scanned me in-between fingers, seeing me laugh delightfully. She turned a brighter red at seeing that, but a small smile seeking its way through hidden hands.

A few seconds later, she let them down. Smiling brightly at me, face less red but looking very smug.

“Hehehe, we are so naughty.” She said, scanning around us twice more.

----------------------------------------

Making our way through the cobbled-road, jumping from one big rock to another, we noticed that many people had gathered around the old man. Talking adult stuff that we could not hear from where we were standing. Rachel’s dad seemed to be the one talking the most, leading the old man towards the village big house. The house where all the adults would gather when something big happens, forbidden for us “kids”. Apparently we are too young.

I stuck out my tongue and made a fart-noise at that thought.

“Eeeeew ...” Rachel said, shrugging away from me. But smiling slightly.

“I was just thinking about how boring adults are.”

“Yeah” She said while nodding, looking at the gathering of adults.

I pointed at the big building, looking intently at it, then at Rachel.

“We should continue our spy game on that old guy. He’s probably here to steal our crops.” Rachel dragged her eyes away from the building and looked at me. Both eyes wide and hands reaching for her chest.

“Nooooo ... Do you really think so?” A heavy hand fell on Rachel’s shoulder. Shaking my head with both off my eyes closed. I then stated with the outmost seriousness in my voice.

“Rachel, Rachel, Rachel. It’s obvious, why would he be here otherwise?” Her face went wider, stretching to her limits as shock settled in.

“Bu-but... Dad and the other adults will stop him-“

“No Rachel, they’re adults, they dont think like we do. Only we know this!” Both of my hands where resting on her shoulders now. My eyes locking with hers as I frowned, making sure that I had all of her attention.

“Rachel, only we can stop him.” With a heavy heart, I let my words sink in. Seeing her go from confusion, fear, anger, comprehension then finally settling on a dagger sharp focus. With a hint of glee, hidden behind her small smile-dimples.

“I understand Chris, we are the only ones who can do this. But.. What should we do?” A big smile forming on my face. I let go of her shoulder. Crossing my arms, gently stroking my imaginary beard.

“A great question Rachel, but as you know, I’m a genius. So I have the answer” Saying that, I remained silent. Letting my response simmer, floating in the air, letting Rachel bask in my intellect. She looked up at me with awe as her big bro was using his big brain for something good.

I know, I am admirable.

Feeling like the moment was right, I closed my eyes and started talking. Putting on a slightly darker tone, trying to imitate Rachel’s dad’s voice.

“We will sneak up to one window by the big house. Then we will, very, very sneakily peak our heads in and listen to their conversations.” Ending with a firm nod and a big smile.

Don’t be shy, go on. Tell big bro how smart he is.

But as I opened one eye to get a good look at Rachel. She seemed... perplexed. Looking at me sideways with one brow going further up than the other.

“But.. Chris. Won’t the windows be closed?” She said, making me go stiff.

Poop-testicles, I did not think about that. I can’t let Rachel know that I forgot something ... Think, think! Oh, she’s looking at me. She’s expecting an explanation.

“Uuh.. Uuuuh. we-well you seeeeeeee.... We will... Knock?” I hesitantly stated, keeping one eye open as I gauged her reaction. Seeing a look off sheer confusion.

“Knock?” she asked. Both of her arms hanging on her side. Mouth slightly opened.

“Yeeeeaaa-yeah... YEAH!” I suddenly exclaimed. Jumping up to Rachel and grabbing her loose arms while shaking her. She looked back at me as if I had gone mad.

“Yes Rachel! We will knock on the door! And when they go up to open the door to check who knocked, you will stand there, keeping their attention. While I will open the window!” A masterful plan. A plan I totally did not just come up with on the spot.

“Uuuh Chris ... that sounds- That sounds pretty smart!” She exclaimed, jumping to the rhytm of my shakes. Rubbing off her enthusiasm as we both giggled in glee.

----------------------------------------

A few minutes of giggles and talking about how smart we were passed. We made our way to the big house. I had made myself comfortable by the window, having brought with me two big rocks. Big enough for us to stand on.

All the adults had gone into the big house. The loud chatter from inside confirming it. And the loudest were Rachel’s dad, giving some big speech about...

Magic? It’s hard to hear as the sounds where muffled. But I thought I heard something about runes and empty magic... rocks? That sounds exciting! Now we must hurry so we don’t miss it.

I thought as I stood up to peak into the window, balancing on one of the two big rocks.

“Rachel, go to the door and when I wave, you knock.”

An affirmative nod. Followed by a bead of sweat running down her forehead. Hands fiddling with the bottom of her dress as she walked towards the door. And as she found herself near it, she looked over at me. Seeing a big encouraging smile, waving at her to start. She took a deep breath, eyes almost watering, then she knocked.

#KnockKnockKnock#

Three silent knocks and an embarrassingly long ten seconds passed, no one opening the door, nor seeming to have heard. Making me sigh hard.

Why do adults have to be so bad at everything? They can’t even hear knocks?

I locked eyes with Rachel again, flashing a new smile as I mimicked the action of knocking. But exaggerating how hard I hit to make her understand that she had to hit it harder.

She gulped down a clump of saliva as she looked back to the door. Giving it three new, but equally weak knocks. Hands shivering as they touched the wood.

#KnockKnockKnock#

I facepalmed.

Aaaah! Poop-Adults. How bad can they be. How do they not hear-

But the window quickly interrupted my thoughts as it slowly creaked open. Making me twist my head at breakneck speed to see who was opening it, almost cracking my neck.

My eyes shot open as they met with the old stranger’s face. One giant scar running down from the top of his face, down through his eye, and the other staring down at me. A few more scars covered his face but where like fish in the ocean compared to the one covering his eye. Looking like a valley in his face, gouging out his eye as it continued on down to the top of his lip. I was enthralled by it, staring wide eyed as I could feel my feet quiver in both horror, and awe. Breathing shallowly and quickly.

Eventually the old stranger seemed to notice me, rather strange as he stared directly at me. Flashing me a big, and gentle smile. He reached down with his hand, going along the wall beneath the window until it met my hands.

What intrigued me was how his hands shook lightly as he seemed to search with them. Looking like... When your try to guide yourself in the dark.

Once they reached my hands, his hand continued through the length of my arm, up to my shoulder, then reaching my face. I remained perfectly still during this entire encounter. But once he started poking at my face, I let out a yelp. Jumping down from the rock and taking a step back as I stared widely at him.

As his hand found itself removed from my face, I saw it flutter awkwardly in the air for a moment. Poking at nothing as his head tilted up and to the side, the one good eye fluttering up to the sky as he tried too... I don’t know actually.

A few seconds later, he sighed loudly. Slapping his hand at his face with such force that his hair whipped backwards for a split second, which made me giggly slightly.

His arm quickly shot forwards as the first giggle left my mouth, grabbing a hold of my shirt as he dragged me back towards the window. Sweat immediately starting to pour down my back, shivering as I looked at him with horror, throat closing up as a scream stuck there. My gaze locked on to his one eye, a murky grey, as if looking into the eye of a storm. His eye looking back, but not fully focusing on me.

Then, his smile went from wide, to gentler. Using his other hand to pat me on the head and letting go of my shirt. I blinked a few times, mouth opened, looking at him sideways as I tried to understand what he was doing, shifting awkwardly in place. A second later, he started giggling soundlessly. His smile tugging wide.

This... Is really weird. Who is this guy?

I thought, as he continued to pat me. Then he started poking at my face again, but using his entire hand, gently touching with his palm. Going from nose too eyes, cheeks then ears.

Okay, this is really weird.

A few seconds later, he let go of me. His face turned neutral as he stared me down, making me gulp slightly. Not sure what just happened but still sweating as I stood frozen in place. Then he smooshed his face into an unrecognisable mess. Pouting with a squished mouth and eye almost bulging out its socket.

Making me laugh in surprise and delight.

Hahahaha! What was that! He looks so ugly!

Taking his hands away from his face, he quickly folded them together. I stopped lauging as I focus on his hands, which was grabbing his thumb. His own face turning focused, then slowly shifting to a pained expression, as if something was hurting. Then he silently ripped his thumb off!

Holy moly! What the hell.

He waved his thumbless hand around as he made a giant “O” face. Using his other hand to try to control his flailing thumbless arm, making me laugh even louder. I couldn’t help myself, he just ripped his thumb off! How stupid can someone be?

Letting me laugh for a bit, he magically made his thumb reappear. Making me go wide-eyed as I stared with both my hands on my chin. Then he reached forward, with the now thumb-full hand. Giving me a last but awkward pat, before going back into the big house. Or at least he tried to pat me, the first two pats missed entirely as he slightly hit my shoulder instead. Then he turned around and went inside.

That was...

AWESOME!

He’s a real life mage!

I was right! This guy were super fishy. But in the best kind of way, the tasty fish kind of way. You know, those wrapped in the crunchy stuff. Yummy.

“That was weird,” Rachel said, standing directly behind me. Making me jump with a high-pitched yelp.

Quickly shuffling around to face her while turning a slight hue of red. Clearing my throat, I looked skywards, attempting an explanation.

“Ah, stupid, flying, invisible ghosts. Dont touch me like that! Oh, hi Rachel” At my exclamation, she laughed into her hands, trying to muffle them as she sat down on her knees. Making me go even more red, shamefully looking down at my shoes.

A while later, she stopped giggling. Looking up to me with glowing eyes

“That old guy is funny!” Going back up to her feet while pushing her dress down.

“Hehe, yeaaah. And he’s a mage! And he’s probably a super strong one too. He knew I was outside the window!” I exclaimed happily, the both of us looking at each other with glittering faces, awestruck and happy. Rachel opened her mouth as she hastily said.

“Oh, my god! That is so cool! We have to make him show us more magic” While saying that, she was going up and down on her toes, swinging her arms back and forth.

“Mmmhm, that’s right” I responded, bobbing my head up and down in quick succession, feeling giddy by the prospect.

“But” She said uncertainly, stopping her small tip-toing while looking up to the window “How do we get to him?”

Huh, good question. We can’t reach him now as he’s in the big house. And all the adults will probably still surround him once he comes out.

Hmmmmmm

A few silent seconds passed. Both of us in deep thought as we tried to puzzle out an idea. But eventually, and obviously, I was the one who came up with the genius idea.

“I know! We can tell your dad that our thumbs has disappeared, then he’ll have no choice but to get the old man to help us. And then we’ll hide from the other adults and make him show us!” I said, shooting up my arms into the air in triumph, basking in my smartness. Rachel went up to her toes at that, smile growing big. Then quickly dimming as she said.

“But Chris, how do we make our thumbs disappear?” She said with a raised brow. I slowly shook my head, scratching at my non-existent beard.

“Oh Rachel, we don't make them disappear, we just make them look like they have disappeared” She looked at me with a mix of confusion, and complete surprise. Then, gradually seeming more and more impressed.

“Oohoooh! I see, yeah! That’s so smart!-“ But then she went silent with her mouth open, slowly closing it as she let an arm rest on her chin. Also scratching at her non-existent beard.

“But. Is that not a lie?”

Oh right, Rachel doesn't lie. Hmmm... Aha!

“No, it’s not a lie. Just a little trick, it’s for fun!”

“Oooh okay. Then it’s okay” She responded, but still letting her hand rest on her chin. “But. How do we make them look like they disappeared?”

“Aha, I’ll show you!” I said knowingly, having already planned it out in my head.

Turning around with my back towards Rachel, I let my thumb rest in the middle of my palm. Then I put the rest of my fingers over the thumb and angled the hand so she could not see that it was still attached. Then I turned back, holding out my hand like a trophy. Too which Rachel let out a loud yelp, jumping back and staring wide eyed at my hand while pointing at it.

“CHRIS! YOUR THUMB!” A yell that made me smile wide. Letting my thumb flex out, exposing my little trick. Something that made her sigh in relief, then go wide eye as she started thinking

“How did you do that?”

“Oh, just like this” I said, showing her my little trick, making her facepalm and say.

“Aaaah, but that’s so easy. Chris you’re so smart for figuring it out.”

Hehe, yeah I totally am.

----------------------------------------

We spent the next few minutes practising our thumbless thumb trick. Trying to perfect it so we could fool Rachel’s dad. Something that I really think was unnecessary, but Rachel insisted, saying that her dad is super smart and can see through any of her tricks. Maybe that’s why she never lies? It would explain why she told him we had accidentally broken his old spear that one time. I’ve never been so scared in my life before, and the first time I’ve seen him angry.

Shaking myself from thoughts, I looked at Rachel. Seeing her still struggling with perfecting her thumbless thumb trick.

Something I’ve already mastered, I am the best at everything, after all.

I sighed loudly, trying to grab her attention, but failed, as she were still glued to her hand. I rolled my eyes at that, letting my attention wander. Hearing voices...

Voices?

I looked up and remembered that the window was open. I quickly stepped on the big rock and peaked over the window.

The inside looked like a giant room. Benches littering it with adults sitting on each of them. Those that could not sit where standing, filling the entire room to the brim.

Luckily, there was no one near the window. Except for one person, who just so happened to be the old man.

My face beamed once I saw his back, rusty sword resting on his shoulder. I scanned the room once more, looking for anyone that had spotted me, and to my relief, seeing no one. Although Rachels dad did a double take towards the window. He was standing in the middle of the room and talking loudly, glancing over. But the way he glanced made it look like he was looking at the old man, not me, so I listened in.

“..... Once we’ve established how he’ll pay for himself, we’ll give him a room and food” Rachel’s dad said loudly, looking around the room. Another adult stood up, looking agitated

“There is no way he’ll be able to pay for himself, he’s too old. Just look at him, his clothes are more ragged than my wife’s underwear” A few people shuckled at that. Me included, but mostly because he made me think of poop.

“We’ll find a way. There are always things to do in this village. And do you honestly want to just kick an old man out of our village for not having any money? Where’s your sympathy, Gary?” Rachels dad said, giving him a big smile that made Gary look down in shame. Or maybe fear? Rachels dad has a scary smile... I mean scowl, smile?

Another man joined in, voicing his own opinion as he loudly declared.

“There are already too many mouths to feed thanks to that big fucking Hlutur strolling the woods. Why do we have to do charity work when we are the once in need of charity?” A low murmur of assents where heard among the gathered adults. Me included, but mostly to try and remember that new word, it sounded fun to say.

Fucking.

Rachel’s dad nodded at this, scratching at his full beard as he prepared to speak. Making me lean in closer to hear what he was about to say. Then I felt a tap on my head, making me fall down on my butt as I almost pee’d myself.

Searching for the cultprit, I saw the old man smiling widely. Making me furrow my brows in anger. Then I heard a low laugh from behind me. Glancing back, I saw Rachel giggling happily from the surprise poke.

Stupid Rachel.

“Old man! Dont do that. I am an expert swordsman and I could have easily sliced you in half with just my hands if I wasn't so nice.” I quickly added. Getting a wider smile from the old man in response, making me even angrier.

But Rachel quickly got up besides me, making me forget my earlier anger as she asked.

“Hey old man, do you wanna play with us?”

Wha- Bu-... I leaned in to Rachels ear and whispered.

“What about the plan?”

“The plan?” She asked, tilting her head sideways.

“You know, with the thumbless thumbs. Making your dad make the old guy heal us so we have a reason to play with him."

“Oooooh yeaaah, but can’t we just play with him now?”

Bu-but... The plan, my genius plan. I quietly grumbled as I stared at Rachel, looking down at her feet and up at her face. Repeating the action several times, trying to use my eyes to communicate. But Rachel merely smiled, seemingly not understanding.

Eventually, I gave up.

“Ah, uuh.. Hmmm..... FINE! We’ll go with your idea” I yielded, giving her a heavy-hearted response, feeling my honour sink low in my chest. Something that Rachel seemed to not notice nor care about.

“Yeaassss! Old man, do you wanna play with us?” Looking up to the old man with expectant eyes. He had looked at our little exchange with a bright smile. But at Rachel’s sudden question, he laughed soundlessly. Making an overtly over the top gesture where he let his arm swing around in a big circle before covering his mouth. Pretending that he was quelling a laugh.

Something that made us both giggle. Looking at him with hope in our eyes, or I mean, Rachel did. I was just waiting for his answer. Something that he made us wait for.

Once he stopped laughing, he started scratching the top of his head with his hand. Looking like one of those beasts with arms longer than their entire body. The one I’ve heard is super stupid and throws poop everywhere.

Hahahaha... Poop!

Making me giggle even more. Something he noticed as he made his head tilt my way. But like before, his eye seemed to not really focus on me.

A few seconds later, he let his arm fall down and nodded slightly. Making me and Rachel happily jump in place, giving each other high-fives. But quickly shuffle back as he was suddenly standing before us. Both of us looked up at him with a mixture of wonder and terrible confusion.

But... But.. He was just in the window? And now he’s just in front of us. When did he jump out?

I thought, glancing at Rachel as she seemed to think the same. Looking back up at the old man with open mouths, he looked down on us with his unfocused eye and a small smile. Seeming to wait for us to... Do something?

Oh. Oh yeah! We wanted to play with him!

“Rachel, what do you wanna play?” I asked, already knowing what I wanted to play. But as I’m the best big bro, I will be nice and let her choose.

At my question, she looked up to the sky and started thinking. Pouting with closed eyes and crossed arms, looking very focused. The face she usually did when she was thinking hard about something.

Hopefully, we don’t play the frog game. She made me jump into mud, like, three times to catch one slimy frog. It was not fun, especially the part where she laughed at me for falling into the mud.

Eventually, Rachels eyes lit up. Suddenly, exclaiming

“Why don’t we play hide and seek!”

The old man tilted his head at that, imitating how Rachel did it. Or maybe it was just normal for him. I’ve seen him do it a few times now. Then he thought for a second, looking down on us with his unfocused eye. After a few seconds, he shook his head, pointing at his eye and then waving before it. Not reacting at the slightest, making me look at him confused. Rachel had the same reaction.

“Hmmm, okay. So you don’t wanna play hide and seek... Then, do you wanna play tag?” Still holding her hand on her chin, but smiling a bit at her smart choice. Something I had to agree with, as it was a smart choice.

Once again, the old man looked sideways, but a little ways up. Eye glancing around without really focusing anywhere. Eventually, he nodded. Making me and Rachel yell out yes’es in delight!

Then I felt a touch on my shoulder, seeing Rachel smiling while saying.

“TAG! You’re it!” Then running off with a spring in her steps. Giggling with pauses at every bump.

I glanced up at the old man, who looked very focused. I leaned in close and touched his leg, saying.

“Tag. You’re it.”

Then sprinting of myself, giggling like Rachel as I glanced over my shoulder. Seeing the old man staying still for a second, leaning his head to the side like a bird. Then heading off in a rapid sprint. Closing the distance between himself and Rachel in the matter of seconds.

Something that made Rachel eke out a meager yelp as her eyes popped open. Seeing an old man with a rusty sword, sprinting at you in full speed is a pretty terrifying sight. But, as he got closer, Rachel made a sharp turn, and the old man sprinted past, slowing down just in time before he ran headfirst into a wall.

Making me and Rachel stop in place as we looked worriedly at the old man. Who backed up, shok his head a few times, then turning around and tilting his head again. A wide smile covering his dirtied face.

Both of us giggled at that. The old man sprinting in our direction, the both of us letting out loud yelps, running off into two different directions as we screamed in laughing terror.

----------------------------------------

Running behind a tree to hide, breathing heavily, I found myself thinking.

He seems to have a hard time chasing us when we are quiet. Something that Rachel also seems to have noticed.

So we have silently agreed to yell out periodically to make it easier for him to chase us around, or run away from us. Although we do it sparingly, as he’s super fast!

He also seems to have a hard time navigating the village and the forest. Using his sword as a guiding stick and often hitting trees or walls with it. Making him abruptly stop as he tries to find his way around or away.

I even went up to help him navigate once, but he started tickling me in response. So I’m not helping him again, stupid old man.

Looking around the corner, I could see the old man tilt his head to the side. Something I’ve come to recognise as his way to find us easier. I then let out a low yelp, seeing him instantly react to the quiet noise, immediately bolting towards my location.

“Aaaaahaha!” I screamed out once I ran away from cover, both from fear and a little empathy. I don’t want him to hit his head on the tree again.

Further away, I could hear Rachel yelling something. But as I was in mid sprint, I could not fully hear it, just assuming she was doing her periodic yells. But after running to a nearby tree and turning around, I found myself not hunted. Scanning around, I saw the old man standing by the tree that I had hidden behind before, looking towards Rachel. I squinted my eyes to see Rachel, but couldn’t find her.

“The adults are coming out, they seem to look for something” Rachel yelled from behind a tree. Oh, there she was.

I started walking up to the old man. Rachel mimicking my move as she closed the distance. The old man just stayed still as he waited for us. Once we reached him, I asked.

“What did you say, Rachel?”

“The adults are coming, they are looking for something. Or at least it looks like that.”

The adults?...

Hmmmm.

Aha!

“Oh, they are probably looking for the old man,” I said, pointing at him as he calmly looked down on me.

And realising what I had just said, a bead of sweat rolled down my forehead.

Wait, if the adults are looking for him. Then that means they want to talk to him, which means we won’t be able to play anymore. Oh no! We must do something.

I put both of my hands on my face as I started scratching my non-existent beard. Trying to come up with a plan. Rachel noticed this, but not knowing what freaked me out, she asked.

“What are you thinking about?”

“Oh ehm, you see. If the adults come here, then they’ll take the old man. And then we won’t be able to play anymore” Which made Rachel look at me, then to the old man, then back to me with big sad eyes.

“Oh no! We can’t let them take him!” She said, then adding with a big frown. “What can we do?” She looked uncertain and a little sad.

I tried to think, finding it very stressful as the adults were approaching.

Eventually I got a flash of brilliance, impressing even myself with how smart I am.

“I know! We can go to my house and play!” Rachel lit up at that, but quickly went gloomy again, saying.

“But.. Dad won’t let me, you know he doesn’t like it when I go that far from the village” A sad expression on her face, staring down at her feet. I started thinking again, but could not see any other way. So I steeled myself for what I had to say.

“Rachel, sometimes you got to do things that your dad won’t like. Think about it, we are not doing this for ourselves. We are doing this for the old man!” Pointing at him with a steady finger and a firm expression, staring at Rachel. She looked up at me, her face skimming through many expression in just a few seconds. But finally closing on a worried one.

“But... Dad will be angry?” She said unsurely, looking through eyelashes as she held the bottom of her dress, I let out an inaudible sigh as she said this.

“Dont worry Rachel! You can sleep at my place, then tomorrow I can explain everything to your dad. Dont worry, let big bro handle things!” Words sounding confident, I felt confident, and even though Rachel still looked worried, she nodded, looking down on the ground and saying.

“Okay Chris, I’ll trust you,” giving me a small smile that hid behind her long hair. To which I gave her a big smile and a thumbs up.

“Of course Rachel, you can always trust me!” Her smile going wider at that, glancing towards the adults walking towards us, then up to the old man. I leaned in close to the old man and whispered.

“Old man, you wanna play with us at my home?” To which he leaned his head to the side slightly, then nodding while turning to look at me, or rather the tree behind me, while giving us a big gentle smile.

“Great! Just follow me and we’ll be there in no time. And don’t worry, we’ll get you back to the other adults tomorrow. But right now we just wanna have fun, right?” I asked. But before he could give me a response, I continued.

“Yeah, of course you wanna have fun. Oh yeah old man, you have to show us your magic! You know, the thumb magic!” Rachel lit up at that, chirping in with her own thoughts as we started walking.

“Yeah! Old man you have to show us! You just have too! And teach us too, I wanna be a magic. ”

“Rachel, it’s not called “magic” it’s called being a magician. Right old man?” I asked, looking up to the old man. Seeing him laughing soundlessly, holding one big hand over his stomach and the other on the sword while lightly tapping the ground before him.

“Hey! We can totally be magicians! Right Rachel?” I said, glaring at him openly before looking at Rachel. She also gave the old man a glare, saying.

“Yeah, we might not be adults. But we’re super smart! And fast, and strong and... Look look!” She quickly said, jumping off into a sprint. Which took me by surprise as I yelled out after her.

“Rachel! Wait! Do you even know where my house is?” But it was futile, as Rachel was huffing and puffing far too loudly to hear.

Poop-Rachel!

I thought as I sped off, trying to catch up to her. And I could totally do that if she weren’t cheating. She started running before me, how am I supposed to catch up to her if she cheats like that?

Then, in the corner of my eye, I could see the old man running past me. In a dizzying speed as he effortlessly caught up to Rachel in a flash, picking her up to his shoulder and smiling widely.

Rachel let out a surprised yelp, but only for a moment, as it turned to a happy giggle while she started flailing her arms around. Her hair floating behind her as the old man jogged around, making me stop and stare in disbelief.

I was totally not jealous, absolutely not.

And as I continued staring, they both continued jogging around. Rachel laughing hysterically on top while the old man was laughing soundlessly below her. She would sporadically grab a tight hold off his hair when the old man pretended to drop her, but would not react to the tugging. Only smiling wider at her obvious distress.

And I was not jealous...

Eventually, they both stopped to look at me. The old man tilting his head, and Rachel saying

“Chris you gotta try this! It’s awesome!” To which I frowned, crossing my arms as I glared at her and the old man.

“No, I don’t wanna, it’s childish and I’m not a child” Making Rachel lean back, shocked at my words. Cringing at myself, realising how mean I was.

“I-I’m not a child!” Rachel said loudly, but quivering. Sounding very unsure of herself. A tug at my heart, I continued glaring at her. But my frown started disappearing.

“No, you’re a child and I’m big bro. I don’t do childish games like that.” I said, but immidietly felt regreat.

What am I saying? I mean, it’s super childish. But Rachel isn’t a child; She’s awesome.

Rachels smile had disappeared, instead turning to a sad expression. Looking down at the old man’s hair while desperately holding back tears.

My glare disappeared, turning to a worried one. I stared wide eyed at Rachel as I wrecked my brain around what I should say.

Why did I say that? I’m so stupid, now Rachels sad, I don’t wanna make Rachel sad, I hate making Rachel sad.

Shit! I’m such a- Woaaaaaaaa!

Something picked me up, making me yell out in terror as my heart almost bolted out of my chest. But it quickly changed to one of slight fear as I realised I wasn’t getting eaten. Then forming into a delighted laugh, as I was far above the ground.

Scanning around, I realised that I was on the right shoulder of the old man, who held me with a big arm. His hand holding onto his sword. Looking slightly up, I could see Rachel look at me with slightly red eyes, smiling with her tiny little smile-dimples.

Then the old man started running, two giggling children on his shoulders. Making the wind splash around us as we held our arms high in the air, feeling the thrill and rush that came with flying through the forest.

Occasionally, we would have to shout out a warning as he ran dangerously fast towards a tree, which later turned to us guiding the way by shouting.

And like he did with Rachel before, he would abruptly stop in certain intervals. Making both of us grab tightly at his hair, and from where we sat, we couldn’t really see his face. But I think when both of us tugged at it, he would flinch, making both of us laugh in response.

A few minutes of this later, Rachel looked at me and said

“Who’s childish now?” Making me blush bright red, staring down at the old man’s sword by his side.

“Ahem... This is not childish” I whispered quietly, then quickly looking up and forwards.

“Onwards, great steed! We will fight our way to my home, once we are there we must defeat those that dared to occupy our house! Now go my great steed, we have a fort to conquer!” I shouted with great bravur, puffing out my chest as I pointed my hand forward.

“He’s not your great steed, he’s “our” great steed” Rachel pointed out, pushing out her own chest as she imitated my action. I only huffed at her response, adding.

“No, you see, my great steed is holding me with his sword hand. Which means I’m the more important rider” Making Rachel stare at me with great displeasure, rebuking with.

“Nuhuuuu, he picked me up first. Which totally means that I’m more important” Smiling smugly towards me, raising one eyebrow as it looked like she thought “try to fight that argument”. Making me smile, oh Rachel, you know I’m the smartest.

“Pffff, my great steed is only responding when I’m tugging at his hair, when you where alone he did not react” I tried to sit higher on his shoulder, making myself taller in the process, trying to get bigger than Rachel. Something that she noticed as she imitated my action, both of us going taller and taller as we tried to get higher than the other. While doing that, Rachel said.

“Nuhu, I was totaly only holding back. If I had wanted to, I could make him go wherever I want-“ But before she could finish, the old man abruptly stopped. Making both of us almost fall face first as we had loosened our foothold around his shoulder. But his strong arms held us tight as we quickly orientated ourselves.

“What are you doing stupid steed?! We did not tell you to sto-“ I said, jabbing a finger forwards. But as I glanced down to the old man, I saw him tilt his head with a very firm expression. Looking out into the forest with furrowed brows and a small frown. Something that Rachel also seemed to notice as she worriedly asked him.

“What’s wrong?”

Taking him away from his thoughts, looking to Rachel and me in quick succession. Then shaking his head and smiling reassuringly, squeezing our legs as he started walking again.

I still felt worried by his sudden stop, but he quickly threw away such thoughts as he once again started running, making me and Rachel laugh in delight.

----------------------------------------

After walking for a while, we came to a clearing that held a very familiar sight. Opening up into a big circle, lacking any trees, containing a big house within this wide circle. My eyes glowed as I saw it, pointing at it and exclaiming.

“My house!” Eyes darting down to the old man, then up to Rachel. Seeing a small smile that looked more worried than happy. Making me pause for a second as I felt surprised by her reaction.

Why is she sad? But before I could think more on it, the old man brought us down to the ground.

“What do you guys wanna do first?” Rachel asked as she touched the ground, holding the bottom of her dress with both of her hands. The earlier sad smile gone from her face, switched to one of genuine curiosity, but standing a little stiff while staring at the house. The old man looked towards me, sitting down on his knees.

“Uuuh.. Why don’t we go inside and I’ll show the old man my house?” I asked, getting a small nod from the old man and a big smile from Rachel.

“Yeah good idea! Oh, you have to show him your spear!” Rachel excitedly said, making me go wide eyed, quickly flailing my arms in front of Rachel and yelling.

“Rachel!” Making her tilt her head in confusion. Then eyes almost popping out of their sockets as she put both of her hands on her mouth, saying with a muffled voice.

“I’m sorry Chris! I didn’t mean to say that.” I glared slightly at Rachel, then we both glanced to the old man, gauging his reaction. But we were both relieved as he seemed confused, one brow raised.

Phew, he did not hear Rac-

But then his face glowed as if he understood, thrusting his arm forwards in a gesture that looked exactly like when you thrust a spear. Making me gasp in horror, something that made him soundlessly laugh while trying to pat my shoulder, missing the first two tries.

“Dont do that! The adults can’t know that I have a spear; they’ll be super angry! Promise you won’t tell?” I spoke in rapid fire, trying to get my thoughts out before he could run back and tell them.

But my fears were for naught, as the old man continued patting my shoulder, then taking his other hand and closing his mouth with it. Something that made me thrilled.

I was so worried he would snitch on me!

“Thanks old man! You’re the best!” Rachel said as she jumped on him, giving him a tight hug, making him put one hand on the ground to support his unbalanced sitting posture. And as he found his balance, he used his other hand to pat Rachel on the head, then slowly reached his arm towards me, showing a place for me to hug.

Nope, I won’t hug you. That would be childish and sill-

Quick like lightning, the old man shot his arm forwards and grabbed my arm, pulling me close and forcefully hugging me. Bringing me and Rachel close as the three of us did a big group hug.

I glared at him as we all hugged, being met with a big smug smile. Something that made Rachel giggle as she burrowed her head deep into the old man's chest.

Stupid old man, I don’t like hugs. They are silly. I told myself, looking down on the ground as I hid my smile.

----------------------------------------

“This is my house! Isn’t it big” I said, flashing a toothy smile to Rachel and the old man. Letting my arms swing out wide as I spun around.

We were standing inside my big hallway, built with massive oak frames lined up on either side of two walls, holding up the big house. With rooms placed in between the oak frames and a stairway at the far end. Long enough for me to run at full speed without touching the furthest wall, something that me and Rachel has tested many times.

I turned away from Rachel and the old man, arms still in the air as I said

“This is my big hallway. The third room to the right is my room; the first room is the kitchen, and the others are my playrooms. I’ve filled them with different stuff that I don’t remember what they are. I can show you them later if you want” I said in quick succession, turning back to look at them both. Rachel nodded, but as she already knew all this she started to walk past me.

The old man also nodded, but kept his attention to me, looking at me with his one unfocused eye.

My eyes drifted to his damaged eye, looking at his scar with wide eyes. Letting my arms fall down, I asked.

“Old guy, why is your eye so cool? What happened?” I tilted my head as he tilted his head, smiling slightly as his unfocused eye started gazing upwards. A few seconds passed before he spread his arms out as if he was about to claw at me, opening his mouth into a big soundless growl as he slowly walked towards me, making himself as big as possible. I looked up at him with big eyes, jumping backwards as I yelped in delighted fear, giggling.

“Hahaha, aaah! A monster! You look just like dad-”

My smile faded. Old man stopped his imitated monster as he tilted his head. A second passed as I looked down on the ground, thinking back on other times.

Dad used to do that, yeah... Didn’t he?

A hand ruffled my hair. I looked up with wet eyes, seeing a bright smile and closed eyes. I stared at his big smile as my moist eyes pushed dangerously. Then he ruffled my hair more, making me angry.

“Hey stop! You’re ruining my hair” To which he soundlessly laughed, ruffling my hair even more as I desperately fought his strong hands.

Stupid old man, I need help with this.

“Rachel! Help, a big monster is attacking me!” I yelled out, making Rachel turn around as she tried to see the big monster. And as she saw the old man, she giggled quietly and ran up to us. Jumping up on the old man’s back and pretended to stab him.

“I am stabbing you! I’m killing you, you stupid monster! I am saving you Chris!” She triumphantly stated, repeating her stabbing motion as the old man slowly got to his feet, a pained expression forming on his face as he reached for her.

I quickly wiped my eyes as I jumped forwards, doing my own pretend stabbing, aiming at his chest as I screamed.

“I’m using my gold sword to stab you in the chest! You are dying right now!” Making the old man stumble backwards, then forward, then backwards again. Repeating it as me and Rachel continued to stab him from both sides.

And eventually, he dramatically stumbled around, then slowly fell face first onto the ground. Making me and Rachel cry out victorious as we jumped around.

“YEAH YEAH WE KILLED HIM! We got the monster! We are the best! We can do anything together!” We yelled in delight. Rachel was giggling in between shouts of triumph.

A few seconds passed, with me still jumping around in glee until I noticed that Rachel had gone silent, standing beside the dead monster. I stopped jumping and went up to her.

“What are you doing?” I said as I followed her gaze, looking down on the big stupid monster. Then Rachel whispered.

“Did we kill him?” Making my throat instantly, close up. A lump of fear seeping its way up.

No way!

I thought, glancing at Rachel with bloodshot eyes. Seeing a copy of my expression in hers. We both gulped and bent forward.

“What should we do?” Rachel whispered into the air, still leaning forward towards the old man. I felt helpless. Yeah, what should we do? But I couldn’t just say that, no. I’m big bro! I have to fix this.

“Hello?” I asked loudly to the old man.

No response.

I started poking him with a finger. Still no response.

I leaned in even closer- AAAAH.

The old man jumped up from his apparent death and grabbed the two of us, screaming loudly as we flailed our arms around for dear life.

After some futile struggling, both of us started verbally assaulting the old man instead.

“You can’t do that! That’s so mean” Making the old man smile wide as he held us in a big bear hug. Which I tried to wiggle out of, but as I glanced over at Rachel, I could see her reciprocate the hug. Sighing in defeat I let the hug happen.

A long hug later, and a small punch to the old man’s shoulder, I started running to my room as I yelled over my shoulder. “I’ll get some stuff. You guys should go to the kitchen and wait!” Glancing back at them before quickly resuming my run forwards.

Okay, what should we play. What should we play? Hmmm, should we just play one game or more? No, we should play more than one, yeah. Okay, let’s grab that, aaand that... Ooooh and that would be fun.

Rummaging through my debris-filled room. I found It hard to find stuff, especially when everything was thrown around everywhere. And as I searched, I overheard some talking outside, or rather, I heard Rachel talk.

“No, don’t go there. That’s where his parent’s room is, we don’t go there.” She said in a hushed voice, but not quiet enough. I paused my searching, thoughts swirling around. Staring down at my two hands that held a big hard pillow.

And the seconds passed.

----------------------------------------

“I got the stuff!” I yelled out as I walked into the kitchen, holding two large bags with stuff filled too the brim. Rachel and the old man looked at me simultaneously, Rachel smiling and the old man raising one eyebrow, but also smiling. Rachel jumped from the chair she was sitting on and walked towards me.

“What are we gonna play first?” She said while glancing down at the two bags by my side, still smiling, but not quiet reaching her eyes. Making me look at her sideways, before shaking my head and responding.

“Uh, I was thinking we should play the cup game,” I said while pulling out three cups. Something I knew Rachel loved, something that showed on her face as her smile reached her eyes. Then she turned sideways and looked at the old man.

“Do you know how to play?” Asking with expressive enthusiasm and getting even more excited as the old man shook his head.

“Then I’ll tell you! First, you put down the cups like this,” She said, taking the cups from my hands and placing them loudly down on the kitchen table. “Then, you take a few steps back, and then you hit the cups with a ball. Chris, where’s the balls?” She said, looking around before focusing on me.

“Here” I said while giving her three coins, trying to keep my composure as I feelt the tug of a smile trying to breach my perfect composure. Rachel looked down on the coins with a weird face, stating.

“That’s coins”

“Yeah” I said while holding back a smile. Rachels confusion turned to a glare as she looked at me. Saying with clear irritation in her voice.

“You know I hate playing with coins” The tugging off my smile got harder and harder to resist. I said with a flat mouth, staring intently at Rachel.

“I couldn’t find the balls so I just took some coins instead” Her glare got deeper, staring me down with a big frown. Which made the tug impossible to resist, as a dumb smile spread on my face. Making Rachel stomp her foot down.

“Stupid Chris! You’re just angry that I’m better than you!” My smile turned smug as I responded

“If you’re better than me, why don’t you prove it?”

“Uuurg! I hate it when you use your smartness like that... Fine, we play with the stupid coins” A sentence that made me fist-bump the air in triumph. She’s great at the cup game, but she’s terrible at throwing coins, something I plan on using this time.

Turning my attention to the old man, I held out a coin for him to take and one to Rachel, who still frowned at me, giving her a bright smile in return.

But as the old man reached for the coin, he suddenly stopped mid-motion. Going deathly still as his face whipped around and tilted to the side, staring intently at a random wall to the side. Something that made me and Rachel look at each other with clear confusion on our faces. And as the second passed, I spoke up.

“What are you doing?” Making the old man move again as he looked back to me, shaking his head and pointing at his ear. Which I didn’t understand, but he didn’t seem to notice as he took the coin from my hand and backed up.

“Okay.. Erm. Oh yeah! I’ll go first so you’ll see how to do it. First, you put the ring on your thumb, then youuuuuu flick it!” I said as I flung the coin through the air, hitting the side of my cup. I silently cursed at the miss, but turned to the old man and looked at him expectant.

“Your turn” To which he nodded silently, turning his focus to the coin and then up to the cup. As he flicked his thumb, the coin flew effortlessly through the air and perfectly hit the inside of the cup. Making me and Rachel open our mouths, dumbfounded. The old man looked sheepishly down on us, shrugging his shoulder at our silent reactions, but a small smile creeping up on his face. I quickly shook my head, staring at the cup while crossing my arms.

“That was my cup, so that’s my point”

“Heeey! No, that was totally the old man’s point” Rachel responded, crossing her own arms as she walked up to me.

“Nuuh, it’s obviously my cup. Therefore, it's my point”

And from there, a long fight broke out. Me arguing that it was my point, and Rachel that it was not. The old man standing to the side, leaning on a wall as he wore a peaceful expression on his face.

Wearing something I would not really call a smile, but something very close. As if he was remembering something nice. An old memory from a long time ago. Caressing the dirtied cloth that was wrapped arund the swords handle. His unfocused eye seemingly gaining focus as he stared out into nothingness, looking. Content.

Or he was just looking down on us. Which is my guess. Stupid old man.

----------------------------------------

The shine from the windows had dimmed, glowing a hot and dark orange instead of the shiny and shimmering gold. Rachel was getting more and more agitated as the time went on. I had a guess too why, but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to ask. But after finishing the cup game and starting our pillow fortresses, she didn’t seem that invested in her fortress. Which made me super sad as she was always the one that builds these awesome fortresses.

Hmmmm... I should ask the old man for advice.

I thought to myself as I looked at the old man, seeing his silly fortress.

Yeah, it’s not even structurally stable, nor big. How does he think he could fit inside that tiny- Oh, it fell over... Pffff, no. Don’t laugh, that’s mean.

“Hehe. Ahem, old man. Can you come with me for a bit?” The old man took his eyes away from his ruined fortress and looked at me with one sad eye. A second later he shook himself from thought and nodded to me, slowly rising to his feet.

“Rachell, we’ll be back in a bit, we’re just gonna talk man stuff” I said while grabbing the old mans hand, Rachel didn’t look up as she absentmindedly nodded, giving us the clear to leave.

As we got into the kitchen, far enough away so that Rachel wouldn’t hear us, I spoke up.

“Old man, it’s like this. Rachel is sad, and I don’t know why. I think it has something to do with her dad, but I’m not sure... Do you think I should ask why she’s sad?” A hushed tone, but speaking with a rush, as I didn’t wanna leave Rachel alone. The old man looked down on me with a thoughtful expression, then lightly grasping the air until it met resistance with my head. Patting it as he nodded.

“Will you be there when I ask?” Looking up at him, meeting a smile on his face as he nodded again. Making me breathe out in relief. Walking back to the living room with my hand firmly grasped around the old mans hand.

“Rachel, can I ask you something?” I asked as we made our way inside. Rachel looked up from her previous thoughtful expression and answered.

“Yeah”

“Okay, ehm. Why are you sad?” I asked awkwardly, feeling a little silly.

She gave me a weird look, as if she was about to tell me that everything was alright. But seeing my firm expression she seemed to hesitate, then saying.

“It doesn’t matter” Looking back down on her hands as she moved another pillow into place. I felt a flair of heat reaching my cheeks, brows furrowing down as I stared at Rachels back, loudly declaring.

“Yes it does! I’m your big bro. I’m here for you! You can tell me anything. Right old man?” I yelled out, but by the end I felt awkward again, turning to the old man for help. And smiled as I saw him nod sagely. Looking back to Rachel, I could see her look at me with big eyes that looked to be near tears. Making me take a step back from the surprising expression.

“Can I really?” She asked meekly, holding the bottom of her dress as she rocked side to side. And urge welled up inside me, making me take three big steps forward, stopping when I got within arms reach off Rachel and placing both of my hands on her shoulder, looking at her surprised face.

“I’m your big bro! Of course you can!” A loud declaration that made her breath in shallowly, barely holding back her tears.

“It-it-s my dad. I-I’m worried that he’s gonna b-be mad” She said between sudden intakes of air, holding back her tears, but barely. I nodded while she talked, still holding her shoulders but listening closely. As she finished speaking, I started thinking, bringing a hand to my chin as I started scratching it. Then an idea struck, making me feel like the genius that I was.

“Rachel, don’t worry, I’ll tell your dad it was my idea that you came here” Giving her a big thumbs up. She wiped the tears from her face while I spoke, then smiled slightly, but still she looked uncertain. Then she took a deep breath, saying with a little more air in her lungs.

“Bu-but.. He will be mad that I didn’t tell hi-him I was here earlier” A valid statement, something that made me scratch my chin again. I looked upwards with my tilted head. Squinting my eyes as I searched for a solution. Then my eyes lit up with realisation.

“I got it! I’ll just go tell him right now!” Rachels face going wide at that, quickly saying.

“You can’t do that! It’s so late an-and we’re so far away from the rest of the village an-and... The monster will get you. And then me” Sounding a little frightened and hesitant, looking down at her dress that she was playing with. I smiled at her, squeezing my hands around her shoulders as I firmly declared.

“Dont worry about me, I’ll bring the old man. Right?” Looking behind me as I waited for his response, seeing him nodding without hesitation. Bringing my attention back to Rachel, I continued.

“And the house is protected. You know that nothing get’s into this house without my permission” These last words seemed to have put her mind at ease, giving me a small, yet resolute smile. Looking at me with her wet eyes.

“That.. Can you do that for me?” Her voice cracking at the last part. I smiled even wider.

“Of course Rachel, I’m your big bro! You can always trust me-“ But before I could finish, Rachel moved in close as she hugged me, taking the breath out of me as she whispered “Thank you”.

Making me uncomfortable, but a little happy.

Hehe, I’m surprised that she thought I wouldn’t do it. Of course I’d do it, it’s for you Rachel, I’d do anything for you!

But I can’t say that out loud, of course, that would be embarrassing. Rachel’s dad said once that actions speak louder than words.

A few seconds later, I pushed her away, stating.

“Okay, I’ll be back in no time! I’ll just make the old man carry me so we can rush there and back.” I said, grabbing the old man’s hand and walking out of the kitchen. Rachel waved us goodbye as she wiped at her still wet eyes, not saying anything but waving quickly. As we went outside the kitchen, I stopped for a second as I let go of the old man, turning back and peaking around the corner into the kitchen, I started waving wildly, yelling.

“And don’t touch my cookies!” Making Rachel giggle as she looked around to search, hands moving down from her wet eyes.

Hehe, I don’t have any cookies, let’s see how long she’ll search before she gets angry.

With a satisfied nod, I turned back to the old man with my arms reaching up to him. He didn’t seem to notice me raising my arms, standing still with his head tilted. I quickly said.

“You’re my steed, I will ride you into town” Still holding my arms up, waiting for him to pick me up.

He looked down on me with an amused smile, shaking his head as he quickly pulled me up and put me on his shoulders.

“Woohoo! Let’s go great steed, forward to glor-Aaaaaah!” I yelled out as the old man awkwardly shuffled his way through the small door, stepping outside where he quickly jumped off into a fast jog. Making me laugh in delight, I mean, making me triumphantly cry out as we made our way past the forces of dark.

----------------------------------------

Scanning around, I swung my imaginary blade, searching the darkness. Slaying enemies left and right as I continued to stare into the darkness of the forest. Feeling the darkness stare back at me, making me stop my swinging as I swallowed down a clump of saliva. But as I looked down, I could see the back of the old man’s head, then further down, his rusty sword by his side, poking at the ground as he moved forwards. Making the clump less heavy and breathing more even. Yeah, nothing can harm us, we are the steed and the knight. Together we can defeat anything! There is nothing in this world that ca-

“Watch out!” I screamed, pulling at his hair as we barreled straight towards a tree. Which made the old man stop dead in his track and made me almost fly forwards, but his strong arm held me firmly in place as we swayed in place. As the second passed, I breathed out a sigh of relief.

“Phew, that was close, you almost hit that tree” Giving him a light smack on the head, getting a shrug in response.

This old man is weird. I mean, we’ve been playing all day so were friends, but he’s still so weird. But he’s also super funny. He’s making Rachel happy, and he’s so fast and strong and cool and and... Yeah, I like the old man. I wonder if he’ll stay? I would like him to stay. Maybe he could stay with me? Oooh yeah, that would be awesome! Then Rachel could come every day and the three of us could always play. Hehe, I’m so smart.

I glanced down at the old man, but stopped as my gaze floated over to the sword. Tilting my head as I raised an eyebrow.

“Old man, where did you get that sword?” Making him look up on me with his unfocused eye and raising an eyebrow. Then lifting his sword over his hip while touching it with his other hand.

His expression turned thin, no smile, no frown. A thoughtful expression that didn’t really tell me anything. But for a split second, maybe even less, I thought I could see some sadness. Then he smiled and shrugged his shoulders. Making me pout in response.

“Boring answer. Hey, why are you in this village? Where do you come from? Rachels dad told me once that we are far away from the rest of civilization. Are you escaping something? Ar-mmmf” A strong hand placed on my mouth stopped me from talking. Scanning the culprit, I could see him shake his head in amusement.

I tried to muffle some words out, then tried to push his hand away. All failures. So I relied on a failsafe plan, licking his hand. Tasting rather salty and... irony.

He started silently laugh, one hand on my mouth and the other on his sword, pushing against his stomach as he started leaning forwards, still jogging.

Huh, he’s ticklish? I asked myself, continuing my licking as the old man silently laughed, bending forwards further and further. And eventually stopping while letting go off me. I jumped off and fell down on my feet, turning around I quickly sprung to action. The old man was down on his knees with his back open for attack, I jumped at it, clinging on as I started tickling, first at his neck, then beneath his arms. Making him laugh harder and harder, rolling around in silent torture.

I started giggling as we fought; him holding at the different places I tickled, and me searching for new places to tickle. A fight that took several minutes but one that I was winning. Take that you big old man! I’m your master and you’re my steed, fall beneath my power-

Then he suddenly stopped, eye going wide as he shot up to his feet, pushing me back on my bum as I let out a hurtful “oof”.

“Aow that hurt-“ But my words stuck in my throat as I looked at the old man. His head twisted to look in the direction of my house. One hand grabbing the sword until the knuckles turned white, the other closing into a tight fist. His eye finally gaining focus as he stared down the dark forest, seeming as if he was staring at something. Then he quickly picked me up and started running.

And ran he did, flying through the underbrush as if he was floating. Dodging trees that we had previously jogged past, moving at speeds that made it hard to even see where we were, or going.

Then he stopped, dropping me down as he firmly patted my head while pointing at the ground. Then jumping off and sprinting away, leaving me alone in the forest.

What the hell? What was that, why did he do that?

I felt uneasy, looking around with a jitter. I scanned the dark forest, feeling small. Sweat forming on the palm of my hands and beneath my armpits, I held my shirt, looking around the dark surroundings, stopping once I noticed a familiar tree, a tree that was very close to my house.

Yes, yes! Home, I’ll be safe there.

My brain reached for that familiarity, a thought that wasn’t this scary darkness, something that I could focus on. The old man’s action feeling all too serious to be anything good. I needed to get to safety, yeah. I’m not safe; I’ll only be safe at home. There I can get dads spear, then I’ll be safe. Home is safe; I’ll be safe there. I have to hurry, I’m not safe here, only at home.

I walked, but looking around, the lump in my chest got heavier, the need to get out more urgent. I started running, panting heavily as I twisted my head from side to side. I was getting closer. I was almost home. Yes! I’m almost there. I’ll be safe. I will survive!

The boy reached the clearing where his house stood. A big little house, built by his parents when they were young. A house this boy calls home. A place filled with many memories, both good and bad.

The boy would rush up behind a little tree, staring into the clearing, seeing his house crushed and destroyed. Nothing left but debris and destruction. The poor boy stood in shock as he saw the state of his beloved home.

The rusty nail above his bed, the small hole above his door, the spear marks from his personal training. All gone.

Then the boy saw something.

The boy was not looking at the house anymore.

The old man was standing in front of this inferno of destruction, holding his sword in a firm grip. The other drawing the scabbard slowly, revealing a trickle of rust and old metal, dripping down on the ground. Slowly, a blade emerged, missing its top half. A small chunk fell off as the scabbard slid off.

The boy was not looking at the old man.

The source of the destruction, the cause of countless deaths and suffering.

A troll.

But unlike other trolls, this troll was far too big, towering five meters up with arms two thirds of its entire height. Two glowing and glittering eyes, illuminated by the sparse moonlight, painted in an eery gray. A scholar would say that this wasn’t a troll, for a normal troll would be smaller, twice the size of this troll, being a dark blue rather than the dark grey that this troll was. Claws would be the size of daggers, not swords and their legs would be human proportion, not big logs. If the scholar would have seen this troll, he would first tell everyone nearby to run for their life. Then, once in safety, he would explain that this troll has been corrupted by a Hlutur. Getting stronger, faster, and more intelligent.

A monster told by mothers to bring their children to bed, a story told by leaders to scare their subjects to survitude or history taught by the Verndari Heimsins and their former glory in battle.

The boy was not looking at the troll.

From the wreckage that was the boys home, there lay a single figure. Small and petite, a dress covering her small frame, painted in dark red, a colour that the dress did not posses before.

A picturesque scene, laying down with her arms spread out like a small little angel. One eye looking towards the boy. Unfocused.

The other missing, gone with the rest of her head, down the gullet of the insatiable troll.

The boy was staring behind his little tree, unmoving and unthinking. The boy could be punched and he would not notice. No, the boy was staring at his friend. His once friend, now gone. Gone to be replaced by a meat doll that stared into his soul.

The old man had noticed the poor little boy, a deep burning hatred boiling too surface. And like a beacon of hope, the old man stood his ground, positioning himself in between the troll and the little boy, sword drawn and ready.

The troll noticed the peculiar man, standing with his broken sword and a warrior’s stance.

A pitiful creature, one of many. The troll thought, lifting its heavy foot, a loud crunching of rock and wood echoing out as it balanced on its leg.

The troll thought of how much tastier this new human would be, how much bigger it looked, if it should eat its head or it legs first.

Then its foot touched the ground, dirt and grass pushed aside as the behemoth sunk deeply into the ground, playing with its thoughts as it started leaning forwards. One arm touching the ground, then another, supporting its massive weight as it lumbered forward, slowly.

The old man stood still, taking small, shallow breaths as he stared at the behemoth, head tilting further and further up as it came closer. Slowly, he bent down, gently placing the scabbard to the side and gently standing up. Closing both his hands on the sword. Twisting them, feeling the old, yet familiar and comforting cloth beneath, a treasured memento. He took one step back and turned the other foot to the side for better stability. Taking a deep breath, and a slow breath out. He stayed still, tilting his head slightly to the side as he stared at it.

The lumbering giant got closer and closer. Thinking about things like the clouds in the sky, or the taste of the little human. Drifting from one subject to the other while moving forwards. Arm, arm then foot, foot, repeating as it closed the distance, sinking into the ground with every step.

The boy was watching, eyes having moved from his former friend to the giant that has caused centuries of horrors, a walking disaster. The boy watched as the troll strolled through his home like a human walking through a spider’s web. And as it got closer to the old man, his tiny little heart beat fast, faster than it should have a right to do, hurting him more than any physical thing. But he remained still, staring, staying silent, hiding behind his little tree.

Soon enough, the troll was within arm’s reach of the old man. Stopping as it pondered its decisions, should it crush him? Should it squish him? Should it bite him? Single-minded thoughts formed by a single-minded creature, one who did not have, nor desired, the capacity to think rationally. It merely wanted food, and food was plenty in this world.

The boy stared at it, sweat pouring, legs shaking, nails drawing blood. Hair covering his view, but not enough as he could see everything. The beating of his heart continued, harder, faster, and worse.

A tiny little boy, standing behind a tiny little tree. Watching an old man holding a rusty little blade against a giant mountain of a monster.

Then a tiny little song echoed out, bringing the boy, and the monster to the present, thoughts gone as their worlds became song. Both staring at the old man who had his mouth open, letting out a melodious little tune.

Oh little sapling boy, wanting to grow oh so high, high too the sky

Seeking great heights, up to the grown tree, where his spirit was free.

Little boy, I see you, I feel you

How far you have come, such things you’ve seen and overcome

Oh little boy,

My little acorn, my little seed

The world is large and cruel, no place for saplings such as you

Oh little sapling boy

Oh I wish I hadn’t

Oh I wish

It was the tree.

The old man sang the song in a low whisper, but sounding louder than the wind that brushed past the boy’s ears. Louder than the distant birds, louder than the beating of his heart. And the boy stared at the old man, feeling like his eyes were broken as the old man’s sword started glowing. A bright golden light that danced through the dark night, illuminating it as if day had dawned.

The troll took a lumbering step back, blinded by the bright light, a light that felt pleasant to the boy. And once the troll blinked the dots away, it saw a shining silver sword were naught but air was, encrypted with runes all over, covering every nook and cranny, from the tip down to the hilt. A sword of old, of terrors spoken through the ranks of the Hlutur. Feared and respected in the same sentence. But this troll was neither smart enough nor caring enough to think of such old tales. The troll merely shook his head as he took a towering step forward. The last he would ever take.

The old man took his own step forward, then another, finding himself beneath the behemoth before the giant could even blink. Then the old man swung his sword, singing its way through the air with no resistance, meeting the leg of the troll, continuing its travel through it as if it was no harder than the air that it had sliced before.

The troll screamed out in pain, tilting forward by the missing leg, blue blood gushing out of the stump, flowing like a river. The troll pushed its arms out to stabilise its fall. But the old man would have none of that, moving fast once more as he sprinted to the other leg, swinging the sword just as effortlessly as before, cleanly cutting the other leg, slicing it just as easily, like slicing running water. Leaving the troll with two stumps and an immeasurable pain.

It lashed out, instincts taking over as it, for the first time in its long life, feared for itself. And maybe through dumb luck or sheer instincts, the trolls wild swings connected, hitting the old man as he had moved to block. Something that left the ring finger, all the way through too the middle of the troll's arm cut cleanly in half, the sword moving through the arm as if it was a warm knife through butter. But the two cloven halves of the troll’s hand still hit the old man as he flew backwards into a tumble.

The troll looked down on its cloven arm, blue blood gushing forwards as it stared. Then it slowly looked up to the old man’s prone body, eyes blinking as it moved its eyes to the sword, blue blood clinging to its silver surface, as if it was drinking it, as if the sword desired blood. Then the old man coughed, red blood dripping from bloody teeth, and a shaky hand pushing him upwards, up to his feet.

The troll’s eyes widened, breath going ragged as it started to scream, a first for this massive creature. It turned around with its mangled body, using its only good hand to drag itself away, looking away from the man, the human, the monster.

But only seconds after, the scream was cut short, its head falling from its massive body. Blue blood flowing out like a waterfall as it coloured the grass below. The old man standing on the back of the troll, looking down on it with his sword in hand, not a speck of blue blood on his tattered cloak. After a deep breath he jumped down, moving away from the dead troll as he picked up his scabbard and swung the blade once, then wiping it off on his cloak, which remained clean and untainted.

He then brought the sword up to his face, bringing the cloth that was wrapped around the handle. Closing his eyes as he brought the cloth to his forehead, placing it gently there as he thought back, back on other times. But only for a moment, quickly opening his eyes.

The old man spun around, tilting his head as his eye stared at the spot that the boy was standing at, eye going unfocused once more. He took a step, then another, feeling unnaturaly heavy. Limping his way forward, holding one hand on the side of his chest.

And once he was by the boys tree, he tilted his head down, the boy ignoring him as he stared off at the distant body of the troll. The boy’s eyes lingered on it, but would slowly, ever so slowly, move away from it, away to his friend, his best friend... His Rachel.

Then he felt a hand on his head, body going stiff as he stared up, seeing the old man with a sad smile. His heart stopped beating, his eyes stopped seeing and a new scream filled the forest. The boy sunk down on his knees as he made himself small, pushing himself into the ground, seeking shelter.

The old man sat down beside him, hand slowly caressing the boys head while his other hand teared off a big piece of his cloak, little by little as the boy screamed beside him.

And a little while later, the scream turned to a wailing, and the wailing turned to a sobbing, and the sobbing to silence.

And as silence emerged, the forest deathly still.

The old man closed in, moving his big arms around the tiny little boy, wrapping him in the torn cloak. Sheltering the boy in his big body.

And there they sat, the little boy staring into the big comforting darkness of the old man’s cloak. And the old man stared into the deep darkness of his own body.

The silence was deafening.