Chapter 7

Eldric stirred awake as the soft hum of the city filtered through the thin walls of the shack. The distant chatter of voices, the clatter of wagon wheels, and the occasional bark of a dog formed a soothing symphony that slowly pulled him from his dreams.

He opened his eyes, blinking away the remnants of sleep. Stretching his arms overhead, he winced slightly as his muscles protested, sore from the journey and the events of the previous days. Sitting up, he rubbed his face and looked around the modest room.

The memories of Valifield’s destruction, their escape, and their arrival in Aldcliff all came rushing back, settling heavily on his chest. He sat quietly for a moment, holding his head in his hands.

From across the room, the sound of familiar voices caught his attention. Fiora and June were talking, their conversation punctuated by soft laughter. A faint smile tugged at his lips. The scent of cooking reached his nose, warm and inviting, and his stomach growled in response.

Deciding he might as well join them, Eldric swung his legs over the side of his makeshift bed and stood. Stretching one last time, he made his way toward the sound of their voices.

In the small kitchen area, he found Fiora and June busy at work. Fiora stirred a pot over the fire while June chopped vegetables with practiced precision. The comforting aroma of simmering broth filled the room, wrapping around him like a warm blanket.

“What are you guys making?” Eldric asked through a yawn, peering curiously into the bubbling pot.

“Soup,” Fiora replied, glancing at him with a small smile. “Potatoes, carrots, and onions simmered in chicken broth. It’ll be ready soon.”

“How are you feeling this morning?”

“Pretty good,” Eldric said, his voice brightening. “Are we going into the city today?”

“Yes, we are,” June answered, setting her knife down and turning to face him. She offered him a rare smile. “We’re stopping by the tavern to talk to Jutta’s mom. But first—let’s eat.”

The three of them ladled the soup into bowls and took seats around the small table. Eldric savored each spoonful, the warmth of the broth soothing him in ways he hadn’t realized he needed. As he ate, he watched June and Fiora chat casually, their laughter filling the room with an ease he hadn’t felt since Valifield.

For a moment, he allowed himself to relax. The scene felt strangely domestic, almost like being part of a family again.

They finished their meal and began cleaning up, June and Fiora clearing the table while Eldric carried their bowls to the sink. Just as they were settling into the rhythm of their tasks, a sharp knock sounded at the door, breaking the quiet.

June froze, her hand on a dish. Her brow furrowed slightly as she glanced toward the door. “Eldric, can you get that?” she asked, her voice calm but tinged with curiosity.

“Sure,” Eldric replied, setting down his bowl. He walked to the door, unfastening the heavy latch with a faint creak. Pulling the oak door open, he was greeted by the sight of Jutta, practically vibrating with energy.

“Good morning, Eldric!” she chirped, her bright green eyes sparkling. Without warning, she threw her arms around him, locking him in a tight embrace.

Eldric staggered slightly, his face flushing a deep red. “G-Good morning, Jutta,” he managed, his voice muffled against her shoulder

Fiora glanced over her shoulder at Eldric and Jutta, her expression souring. “Stupid girl,” she muttered under her breath, her voice barely audible over the cheerful chatter.

Jutta, oblivious to Fiora’s annoyance, beamed as she skipped over to the sink where June was finishing the dishes. “Good morning, Fiora! Good morning, June!” she chirped, her voice full of energy. “My mom’s at the tavern waiting for you.”

She turned back to Eldric, her bright green eyes sparkling mischievously. “Hey, when you’re done, how about we play a game?”

Before Eldric could answer, Fiora cut in, her tone sharper than necessary. “Sure. Sounds fun. We can all play.”

“Yay! It’ll be so much fun!” Jutta exclaimed, clapping her hands. “I’ll see you when you get back from the tavern. Bye!” With a cheerful wave, she bounded out the door, her golden hair catching the morning light.

“That girl is so full of energy,” June said with a faint smile, shaking her head.

“She’s full of something,” Fiora muttered, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she dried the last dish.

With the chores complete, the trio began preparing to leave. Eldric walked over to the wall where their weapons were propped, selecting his sword and strapping it securely to his back. He glanced at Fiora and June, who were also gathering their things.

“I’m ready,” he said, stepping toward the door.

Fiora grabbed her sword and followed, her steps brisk. June slung her spear over her back and joined them as they stepped out onto the cobbled street.

Once outside, they were greeted by the sight of Aldcliff’s white stone houses gleaming in the morning sun. The streets were already bustling, filled with merchants setting up their stalls and townsfolk going about their business.

“Follow me,” June said, leading the way toward the town square.

As they approached, the square was just as lively as it had been the day before. Stalls brimmed with goods, their bright fabrics and wares drawing curious onlookers. The sound of bartering and laughter filled the air.

Eldric’s attention was caught by the clang of metal. He stopped abruptly, his gaze drawn to a blacksmith working outside his forge. The man stood over a roaring fire, pulling a piece of red-hot metal from the flames and placing it on the anvil. Eldric watched, fascinated, as the blacksmith folded the glowing metal onto itself, then hammered it repeatedly into a flattened state.

“I want to have a sword made for me someday,” Eldric murmured, the thought forming unbidden in his mind.

Fiora, noticing his distraction, sighed and walked back to him. “Let’s go,” she said, grabbing his hand and dragging him away.

The group continued through the square, the number of stalls thinning as they reached its edge. June led them onto a quieter side street, where larger shops lined both sides of the road. Ornate window displays showcased fine goods, from elegant garments to glistening jewels.

They followed the street until they arrived at one particular shop. The building stood out with its lively patio packed with small, cramped tables. A cheerful hum of voices buzzed in the air as people mingled, moving from table to table, catching up on news and gossip.

Ignoring the bustling crowd outside, June led Eldric and Fiora through the shop’s large open doorway. The interior was even rowdier, filled with laughter and conversation that echoed off the wooden beams above.

Behind the counter stood a woman with striking features, her beauty reminiscent of Jutta’s. Her bright blue eyes sparkled with warmth as she greeted them.

“Hi, June. What can I do for you?” the woman asked, her voice smooth and confident.

“Can we have a moment of your time, Marcy?” June replied, her tone steady but firm.

Marcy raised an eyebrow but nodded. “Sure, follow me.”

She led them through the bustling tavern to a private room at the back. The noise from the main area faded as Marcy shut the door behind them, sealing them in a quiet, dimly lit space. A single table and a few chairs occupied the room, the faint smell of polished wood lingering in the air.

“Let me get straight to the point,” June began, her voice edged with urgency. “When you tipped me off about Valifield, you never told me who organized the raid. Do you have any more information?”

Fiora’s head snapped toward June, her eyes wide with shock. “Wait, you were coming to try—”

June held up a hand, cutting her off. The gesture was enough to silence Fiora, though her confusion remained.

Marcy’s gaze flicked between Fiora and June before settling on the latter. “Yes, I do. Please, have a seat,” she said, gesturing to the lone table.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

They each pulled out a chair and sat down. Marcy leaned forward, her elbows resting on the table as she began to speak.

“The bandits who attacked Valifield weren’t acting on their own,” she said, her tone low and deliberate. “They were mercenaries, hired for a specific task. Their instructions were simple—go to Valifield, kill everyone, and search for something.”

“What were they looking for?” June asked, her expression unreadable.

“A flower,” Marcy replied. “A mystical one that glows blue in the night.”

“The Lunaflare,” Fiora whispered, her voice barely audible.

Marcy nodded, her expression grave. “Yes, that’s the name I overheard. It’s said to have incredible healing abilities, but…” She hesitated, her fingers drumming against the table. “From what I gathered, they weren’t after it for healing. They believed it could be used for something far more sinister. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make out the specifics, but they were convinced it held the key to extraordinary power.”

Marcy’s gaze turned toward Eldric and Fiora, a flicker of curiosity in her eyes. “But it seems they didn’t quite succeed in killing everyone in the village, did they?”

June cleared her throat, a subtle nudge for Marcy to continue.

Marcy straightened in her chair, her expression hardening. “When the mercenaries returned, they were furious. They complained about failing to locate the flower and being forced to retreat because of resistance from one of the villagers.”

June’s posture stiffened, but her face remained impassive.

“A man who, from what I overheard, was skilled in the Aetherguard style of sword fighting,” Marcy added, her voice laced with intrigue.

Eldric’s breath caught. His ears perked up at the mention of Aetherguard, a style his father had only begun to teach him.

“I’m assuming they were talking about your brother,” Marcy continued, turning her attention to June.

Eldric’s eyes darted between Marcy and June, then back to June. Her black hair, her piercing blue eyes—it all made sense now.

“You…you’re my aunt?” Eldric stammered, his voice cracking under the weight of the realization.

June gave a curt nod, her expression hardening as she turned her attention back to Marcy. Beside her, Fiora reached over and took Eldric’s hand, her grip firm and steady, as if trying to anchor him to the moment.

“Yes,” June began, her voice measured, though a faint tremor betrayed the emotions beneath the surface. “My brother fought well. He even managed to save these two here. But…” Her voice faltered for a moment before she regained her composure. “He never truly mastered Aetherguard. In the end, it wasn’t enough. I arrived just in time to see a strange woman slash him across the chest.”

Her words hung heavy in the air, the weight of the memory etched in every syllable.

“She killed him,” June finished, her voice trailing off into a silence that felt too loud.

Marcy’s sharp features softened slightly. “I’m sorry to hear that,” she said gently.

June cleared her throat, brushing off the sentiment with a sharp shake of her head. “It doesn’t matter right now,” she said firmly, though her clenched fists told a different story. “His killer wore a brown hood and leather armor that fanned out like a skirt at the waist. She carried a bow and a small sword. I think she had brown hair, but I couldn’t get a good look at her. She was injured, pretty badly, and fled as I approached.”

Marcy chuckled softly, leaning back in her chair. “That’s a vague description,” she said, her tone laced with dry humor. “But based on the mercenaries I’ve seen pass through here, I’d wager you’re talking about Ashley. She’s their leader. The group she commands is massive—thousands strong.”

Fiora leaned forward, her voice laced with urgency. “Who hired them?”

Marcy shrugged, her expression unreadable. “No idea,” she admitted. “Only Ashley would know who the employer was. If you want answers, you’ll have to find her and ask yourself.”

June nodded slowly, her gaze distant as she processed the information. Finally, she began to stand, gesturing for Eldric and Fiora to follow. “Well, there you have it. Shall we?”

Halfway out of her seat, she paused, a new thought crossing her mind. She turned back to Marcy, her expression sharp. “One last thing,” she said, her voice tinged with suspicion. “There were two cloaked women at Valifield. One in black, the other in white. They looked like wizards. Do you have any idea who they might be?”

Marcy’s lips pressed into a thin line, and she shook her head. “Those two have been lingering in the shadows for years,” she said, her tone grave. “They’re on some sort of mission, but I couldn’t tell you what. If I were you, I’d stay as far away from them as possible. Do not take this warning lightly.”

June’s jaw tightened, but she nodded. “Thank you for your time,” she said briskly. “Come on, kids.”

She ushered Eldric and Fiora toward the door, but as she reached for the handle, Marcy’s hand shot out and gripped her arm, stopping her in her tracks.

“If that boy is Alaric’s son,” Marcy said in a low, firm voice, her eyes boring into June’s, “then you already have an idea of what those two want.”

June froze, her body tense. She turned back to Marcy, her voice barely above a whisper. “I do,” she admitted. “But I still don’t know who they really are. If I did, maybe I’d have a clearer picture of what’s going on.”

Marcy’s grip loosened, and she stepped back, her expression unreadable. “Be careful,” she said simply.

The trio stepped back into the bright daylight, the noise of the bustling town square surrounding them. Eldric’s head swirled with questions, his thoughts racing. He stole a glance at June, who appeared lost in her own contemplations, her expression unreadable.

Just as he was about to ask her about his father, a cheerful voice interrupted his thoughts.

“Come on, you two. Let’s go play!” Jutta’s voice rang out as she seemingly materialized from nowhere, grabbing Eldric’s arm with an eager smile.

June turned to face them, her focus shifting to the exuberant girl. “Go on and play,” she said with a nod. “We’ll talk later. I have some errands to run. Be home by three for an early dinner.” Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel and walked off, her spear tapping lightly against her back as she disappeared into the crowd.

“Tag, you’re it!” Jutta exclaimed, prodding Fiora’s shoulder before darting away.

Fiora’s lips curved into a forced smile as she took a deep breath. “I’m going to get you! Come on, Eldric, let’s go!”

Eldric smiled despite himself, the tension of the morning temporarily forgotten as he took off after them.

Jutta wove effortlessly through the town square, her nimble frame slipping through the crowded streets as if she were part of the chaos. Fiora followed, her movements less graceful as she pushed past shoppers and dodged carts. Her chance came when two burly men carrying a large dead boar on a plank stepped in front of Jutta, cutting her off.

With a triumphant grin, Fiora closed the gap and tapped Jutta’s arm. “Now you’re it!” she declared before sprinting off, her braid bouncing behind her.

Jutta quickly recovered, a determined glint in her eye as she pursued Fiora. The chase led them to the outskirts of town, where a field of tall grass stretched out near the imposing city wall.

Glancing over her shoulder, Jutta spotted Eldric trailing behind. She smirked and crouched down, disappearing into the grass like a predator stalking its prey.

Eldric, his eyes fixed on Fiora’s path, suddenly stopped, scanning the area. “Where did Jutta—”

He was cut off mid-sentence as Jutta sprang from the grass, tackling him to the ground with surprising force.

Pinning him beneath her, Jutta leaned in close, her voice a playful whisper in his ear. “Tag. You’re it,” she said with a mischievous smile.

Before Eldric could respond, she jumped up and darted away, leaving him lying on the ground, flustered. His cheeks burned red as he scrambled to his feet, glancing toward Fiora, who stood a few feet away.

Her face was unreadable, her voice flat. “What just happened?” she asked.

Eldric brushed himself off, quickly recovering. “I’m it,” he declared, slapping her arm before taking off into the field. “Now you’re it!”

Fiora narrowed her eyes, watching him disappear into the tall grass. She muttered something under her breath before following.

Eldric trotted along the uneven ground, his laughter fading as something snagged his foot. He stumbled forward, landing awkwardly. Looking down, he found Jutta lying hidden in the grass, her bright green eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Shh,” she whispered, placing a finger to her lips. “We have to be quiet, or she’ll find us.”

Her voice softened as she leaned in closer, her breath brushing against Eldric’s lips. The moment hung in the air, tension building—until a blur of motion shattered it.

Fiora burst through the grass, her expression fierce as she tackled Jutta, pinning her to the ground.

“Ouch!” Jutta cried out, her tone shifting from playful to angry.

“You’re it,” Fiora growled, her voice dripping with venom as she glared down at her. For a brief moment, something dark flickered in her eyes—a glimmer of hate that made Eldric’s stomach churn.

Fiora began to rise, but Jutta wasn’t finished. With a swift motion, she grabbed Fiora’s arm and yanked her back down. Fiora hit the ground hard, the impact forcing the air from her lungs.

Before Fiora could react, Jutta twisted her arm behind her back, pinning her with an iron grip. A faint popping sound echoed through the field as Fiora winced in pain.

“Jutta, stop!” Eldric shouted, frozen in place as he watched the scene unfold.

Jutta glared down at Fiora, her face uncharacteristically serious. “You lose,” she said coldly before releasing her.

Fiora rolled onto her back, cradling her injured arm as she stared up at Jutta, her expression a mix of pain and disbelief. The clock tower in the distance chimed three times, breaking the tension.

“We should head back,” Fiora said quietly, her voice void of its usual strength. She pushed herself to her feet, brushing dirt from her trousers with her good hand. Pain radiated through her shoulder, and she rubbed it absently, her movements stiff.

Eldric hesitated, glancing between the two girls. “Yeah, let’s go,” he said finally, his voice subdued.

The three of them walked back toward town in silence, the earlier playfulness long forgotten.

“This was fun,” Jutta said, her tone as cheery as ever. She skipped over to Eldric, a playful sparkle in her bright green eyes. Without warning, she jumped up and kissed him on the cheek.

Eldric froze, his face turning a deep shade of red.

Jutta cast a sidelong glance at Fiora, her expression shifting to one of smug satisfaction. Fiora’s glare was sharp enough to cut steel, but Jutta seemed to revel in the tension. Turning her attention back to Eldric, she gave him a wide grin. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said, waving as she headed back toward the city.

Eldric remained rooted to the spot, his hand slowly moving to his cheek where Jutta had kissed him. His mind raced as he tried to process what had just happened. “Uh, well… I guess we should head back,” he stammered, still flustered.

“Yes, we should. Let’s go,” Fiora replied sharply. She grabbed Eldric’s hand, tugging him toward the house. As she glared in the direction Jutta had disappeared, her muttering grew audible. “God, I hate that girl.”

Twenty minutes later, the two of them walked through the front door, their faces flushed and drenched in sweat.

“You two look like you had fun,” June said, glancing up from where she was stirring a pot over the fire pit.

They both nodded, too tired to offer much of a response.

“You should wash up. Dinner will be ready when you get back,” she said, her tone warm but matter-of-fact.

“Okay,” Fiora replied, already heading toward the bathhouse with Eldric trailing behind.

By the time they returned, freshly washed and slightly rejuvenated, the smell of roasted vegetables and seasoned meat filled the air. Plates were already set on the small table, and June gestured for them to sit.

The meal passed in relative silence, the clinking of utensils and the crackle of the fire the only sounds in the room. The weight of the day’s revelations hung heavy in the air.

Once they’d finished, the three of them gathered around the fire pit. June took a deep breath, her expression shifting to something more serious.

“All right,” she began, her voice steady. “Let’s start with the fact that I’m your aunt, Eldric.”