The morning sun cast its pale light over Kaelholm, the once-bustling hub now quieter, its usual energy dampened by the weight of unease. The group walked along the winding dirt road leading toward the city, their steps accompanied by the occasional rustle of leaves and chirping of distant birds. It had been three weeks since Ronan had joined them, and the dynamic within the group had subtly shifted, each member finding their rhythm in the delicate balance of cooperation and individuality.
Alexander carried his sword at his side, his gaze scanning the horizon with a mix of curiosity and wariness. Ronan trudged alongside him, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp. Gabriel and Sorin walked at the rear, their expressions unreadable, while Jordan kept to the front, his calm demeanor masking his ever-watchful nature.
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The gates of Kaelholm loomed ahead, their iron edges catching the morning light. As the group entered, the subtle tension in the air became palpable. People moved hurriedly, their faces etched with worry. Vendors shouted half-heartedly, and children played quietly, their usual boisterous laughter absent.
Alexander frowned, his hand instinctively resting on the hilt of his sword. “It’s quieter than I remember.”
Jordan nodded, his dark eyes scanning the area. “Something’s wrong.”
Gabriel’s green eyes flicked toward a nearby notice board, where several posters had been hastily pinned. Without a word, he approached, the others following close behind.
“Another theft,” Gabriel murmured, his voice low. He gestured toward a crude sketch of a young boy pinned alongside a list of stolen items. “Looks like the thief’s a kid.”
Ronan crossed his arms, his expression neutral. “Not exactly newsworthy.”
“It is if people are desperate enough to notice,” Sorin replied, his tone sharp. “Something’s driving them to the edge.”
Alexander scanned the board, his brow furrowing. “There’s been a string of these. Petty thefts, minor break-ins… It doesn’t add up.”
Before anyone could respond, a commotion erupted nearby. A young boy, no older than thirteen or fourteen, darted out from an alleyway, clutching a small sack of bread. Behind him, a burly vendor bellowed in anger, pointing a thick finger in his direction. “Thief! Stop him!”
The boy ran, his face pale with fear, his dark hair plastered to his forehead with sweat. He weaved through the crowd, his small frame making him difficult to catch. But before he could disappear, Alexander moved, his training kicking in instinctively.
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Alexander stepped into the boy’s path, his movements swift but measured. “Hey—stop!” he called, his voice firm but not unkind.
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The boy skidded to a halt, his chest heaving as he clutched the sack tighter. His eyes darted around, wide and desperate, as though searching for an escape.
“Relax,” Alexander said, lowering his sword to avoid scaring him. “No one’s going to hurt you.”
The vendor, red-faced and breathing heavily, caught up moments later. “That little rat’s been stealing from me for weeks!” he spat, his meaty hand reaching for the boy.
Alexander raised a hand, stopping him. “Let’s not make this worse. How much does he owe you?”
The vendor blinked, momentarily thrown off. “What?”
“The bread,” Alexander clarified. “How much does it cost?”
The vendor hesitated, then grumbled. “Two silver.”
Alexander reached into his pouch and handed over the coins without another word. The vendor snatched them up, muttering curses as he stomped back toward his stall.
The boy looked up at Alexander, his eyes wide with a mix of gratitude and disbelief. “Why did you do that?”
Alexander crouched slightly to meet his gaze. “You seemed like you needed help. What’s your name?”
The boy hesitated before replying. “Kade.”
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The group reconvened near a quieter part of the market, away from prying eyes. Kade sat on a crate, his small frame hunched as he recounted his story.
“I didn’t mean to steal,” he began, his voice trembling. “I… I just didn’t have a choice. My parents—” He paused, swallowing hard. “They’re gone. And the people I was staying with—they’re not kind. They made me do things… bad things.”
Alexander’s jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides. “You shouldn’t have to go through that.”
Gabriel, leaning against a nearby wall, raised an eyebrow. “And what’s your plan now? Keep stealing until someone catches you?”
Kade looked down, shame coloring his cheeks. “I don’t know. I just… I needed to eat.”
Ronan, who had been silent until now, spoke up. “And the people who made you do ‘bad things’? Where are they?”
Kade’s eyes darted nervously. “They… they’re here. They’re part of a gang. They’ll come after me if they find out I ran.”
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Alexander turned to Gabriel, his expression resolute. “We can’t just leave him.”
Gabriel’s green eyes narrowed. “And why not? He’s not our problem.”
“He’s a kid,” Alexander shot back. “He’s scared and alone. You’d just walk away?”
Gabriel sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Look, I get it. But if we take him in, we’re taking on his problems too. You ready for that?”
Ronan crossed his arms, his magenta hair catching the light. “It’s not like we don’t have enough problems already.”
Alexander’s gaze didn’t waver. “If we don’t help him, who will?”
Sorin chuckled, his tone light but pointed. “You’ve got a habit of collecting strays, don’t you?”
Gabriel shot Sorin a glare but said nothing. Finally, he exhaled sharply and turned to Kade. “Fine. But you’re eating from their share,” he said, gesturing to Alexander and Ronan.
Kade blinked, confusion and relief warring on his face. “Wait—you’re taking me with you?”
“Don’t thank me,” Gabriel said flatly. “Thank the bleeding hearts over here.”
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As the group made their way back to the farm, Kade walked quietly beside Alexander, his steps tentative but hopeful. Sorin smirked as he watched them, leaning closer to Gabriel.
“You know,” Sorin said with a grin, “this feels familiar. Remind you of anyone?”
Gabriel rolled his eyes. “Don’t start.”
Sorin’s grin widened. “I’m just saying, first Alexander, then Ronan, now Kade. You’ve got a type.”
Gabriel groaned, rubbing his temples. “This is why I don’t do nice things.”
The group’s laughter carried on the wind as they disappeared into the distance, the newest member of their ragtag team finding his place among them.