Loden tiptoes silently along the corridor, mindful of his every step. It is still early morning, with the sun yet to rise, as he glances around one more time before peering into Kaiden's room. The moon has already gone down, allowing no light through the windows, making it difficult to see inside. By luck, Loden can just make out Kaiden's figure in the darkness due to the pendant slowly radiating a soft light around Kaiden’s neck. Fortunately, Kaiden remains peacefully asleep, oblivious to Loden's watchful gaze. Seeing Kaiden still deep in slumber, Loden lets out a small sigh of relief, grateful that his careful movements haven't disturbed the sleeping figure. Loden smiles a little as well at his relief upon seeing Kaiden asleep, his chest rising and falling gently with each breath. Loden glances down at the floor and pauses, debating whether to leave a note so that Kaiden doesn't wake up alarmed at his absence but shakes his head at the idea. Silently closing the door behind him, he steps away from Kaiden's room stealthily, mindful of making minimal noise in the quiet and deserted hallway. With a final, fleeting glance around the hall, Loden sets off on his early morning escape, yearning for a break from the monotony of palace life and a chance to reflect on his interactions with Kaiden.

Loden is now sneaking out of the palace through the courtyards, making sure to keep a low profile and not alert anyone of his departure. The early morning light has yet to break through the night sky, casting the Palace in a tranquil, dim atmosphere. As he turns a corner, he is suddenly confronted with a palace servant who is leaning over the railing, struggling to reach a fallen tapestry that lies on the ground just beyond her grasp.

Loden freezes, hoping to have avoided detection. However, as the palace servant locks eyes with him, she immediately steps away from the railing and bows before him.

"Good morning," she says, her voice polite and respectful. "Is there anything you require assistance with today, Celestial Warrior? We are at your service."

Loden calmly shakes his head in response, moving towards the fallen tapestry and picking it up. He then hands it gently to the palace servant, whispering in a low and secretive tone.

"You saw nothing. I was never here," he says cryptically, his voice barely above a whisper, as if entrusting her with a great secret.

The servant gazes at Loden with a puzzled expression, her brow furrowed in confusion. "But you're standing right in front of me," she replies, her voice tinged with bewilderment. "How could you claim to never have been here when you are here now?"

Loden sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose in frustration, his action causing the palace servant to immediately bow her head in apology.

"I'm sorry, Celestial Warrior, if I have offended you," she says, her voice quivering nervously. "Please, forgive me."

Loden shakes his head, the subtlety of his escape plan now in ruins. Deciding that a more direct approach is crucial, he addresses the palace servant calmly.

"You have not offended me, my dear maiden," he says gently, hoping to avoid unnecessary formalities. "I am merely trying to depart from the palace discreetly, unnoticed so I can leave in peace for the day. There is no need for such formalities. So please, no need for you to keep bowing.”

The servant girl quickly rises from her bow and smiles at Loden, her hand momentarily covering her mouth in realization. "Very well, if you wish to leave, please use the servant entrance and exit ahead," she advises, gesturing towards a hidden entryway in the shadows. "It is concealed from view, and you should be able to use it this morning without arousing suspicion. I shall inform the other attendants that you have stepped out, so they won't create a fuss about your absence from your quarters."

Loden gazes in disbelief at the wall, which is partially shrouded in darkness. Initially, he was skeptical, thinking the servant girl was jesting. However, at that moment, two palace servants suddenly emerge from the shadows, hurrying towards the main building. A male and female servant dressed in Palace attire move past them, further confirming the existence of the hidden exit.

"Why isn't this passage guarded?" Loden queries, his primary concern centered around the risk posed to the Emperor, Empress, and Kaiden. "This is a serious vulnerability; the Palace could be compromised if this secret is exposed."

The servant girl calmly shakes her head, her voice carrying a sense of certainty. "The passage is vigilantly guarded on the other side of the wall," she explains. "There are men stationed there, and the servants must state their names to the guard to gain entry. For you to leave, you can easily slip through without any issues. The guards will not stop or question you, as you are a Celestial Warrior."

Loden nods in understanding, appreciating the reassurance provided by the servant girl's explanation. "Thank you," he says, his voice tinged with gratitude. "I shall take my leave now. I appreciate you sharing this information with me."

The servant girl shakes her head in dismissal, gathering the tapestry swiftly. As she begins to walk away, she throws one more remark to Loden over her shoulder. "You were never here," she emphasizes. "I merely observed you from a distance, leaving the grounds. Have a splendid day, Loden."

Loden starts to respond, but the servant girl swiftly darts down the hall, leaving him slightly perplexed by her rapid departure. His thoughts then turn introspective as he ponders, "How did she know my name is Loden? I don't recall introducing myself to her."

Loden shrugs off the questions in his mind, proceeding towards the secluded passage hidden behind a veil of foliage. He marvels at its ingenious concealment, blending seamlessly within the wall. "Clever," he mutters under his breath, appreciating the meticulous attempt to conceal the opening.

Loden carefully pushes the foliage aside, cautiously stepping into the tunnel. With each step, his footsteps echo throughout the stone passage, occasionally making ripples in the scattered puddles of water. The darkness envelops him, making it difficult to see anything beyond a few feet in front. As luck would have it, Loden does not encounter any servants in the tunnel until he unexpectedly collides with a door. Startled, he regains his bearings and raps on the door, his knuckles making a hollow sound against the hard surface.

The door swings open promptly, revealing a torch light and a tall figure clad in gleaming armor. The guard's gruff voice questions Loden's presence, stating, "What do we have here? Did you misplace something? It seems a bit early for someone to be returning through the passage." The sound of a suppressed chuckle resonates from the other side of the door.

Loden advances closer to the torchlight, and the guard's reaction is immediate. He hastily retreats and bows deeply, stammering in apology. "Pardon my impoliteness, Celestial Warrior," he hastily explains. "Only palace staff usually pass through here, so your presence caught us off guard."

Loden steps out of the passage and into the open air, his eyes sweeping over the guards. They all instantly bow in respect and submission to his presence, and a flicker of pride and superiority briefly courses through him. Loden, however, swiftly shakes his head, not allowing that feeling to linger. He harbors a dislike for such sensations.

Loden addresses the guards with a firm, clear tone amplified for all to hear. "No harm done," he reassures them. "There's no need for such formalities. Let's not draw unnecessary attention to ourselves. At ease, everyone."

The guards slowly stand at full attention once more, their discipline kicking in naturally. Loden momentarily allows a sly smirk to grace his face, secretly pleased with himself for mirroring Wulfric's authoritative demeanor in his mind. However, he quickly schools his expression, swiftly wiping away the smirk and regaining his composure.

The guard holding the door quickly shuts it, then turns to address Loden. A touch of eagerness laces his voice as he queries, "Warrior, where are you headed today? Do you require an escort of guards to accompany you on your errand?"

Loden responds with a respectful shake of his head, declining the offer. "I'm just taking the day off from my duties to clear my mind," he explains. "You could say I'm indulging in a day of leave. I'll be back later in the day. I'll be fine on my own."

The guard holding the torch interjects, his tone firm and resolute. “We must implore you to take two men for your safety," he insists. "If the captain comes to learn of your departure without a proper escort, we will face severe consequences."

Loden reassures them, his voice filled with confidence. "Wulfric won't mind my absence for the day," he assures them. "I'll speak to him about it upon my return, so no one will be disciplined for my actions." He then changes his stance, adding, "And let's be honest, none of you could keep up with me." With that, Loden abruptly turns and sprints away, quickly gaining pace and effortlessly hopping over rooftops.

Loden keeps his focus forward, not bothering to glance back at the startled guards. He can almost envision their baffled expressions in his mind as they try to process his swift departure. He shakes his head slightly, continuing on his route and leaping across the rooftops, his destination: the city center.

—-

Loden arrives at the city center as the sun ascends, illuminating the city and awakening the day's activities. The streets come alive as the morning hustle begins. Bustle fills the air as crowds form around various stalls, eagerly browsing and purchasing the myriad goods on display. Loden weaves through the market, methodically gathering the items he forgot to purchase during his previous visit with Kaiden. He finds a shop selling new grinding stones for sharpening his weapons and picks up some preserved foods, perfectly suited for travel. He silently concedes to himself that he has grown somewhat weary of the palace food, longing for the taste of more varied and practical fare. Having gotten everything, he needs, Loden is about to leave, but a weapon stall captures his attention.

As Loden peruses the weapon stall, his eyes scan over the array of blades on display. Finding most of them unspectacular, he's about to disengage until something catches his eye—a unique, nearly hidden blade partially concealed beneath other weapons.

Loden reaches out to carefully move the other blades aside and retrieve the unique weapon with the Astryaln symbol on its pommel. However, the stall keeper promptly intervenes, swiftly stopping Loden before he can move the other swords.

The seller positions his hands in front of the pile, shielding the swords from Loden's access. “Please excuse me," the seller politely apologizes. "I must ask that you refrain from moving the merchandise. It's to ensure your safety and prevent any damage to the blades for other customers." The seller then adds, "If you'd like, I can show you some other swords in excellent condition that are available for purchase."

Loden studies the seller, his gaze lingering on the man's seedy appearance. He then points specifically to the blade hidden under the pile. “I'm interested in that one at the bottom," Loden clarifies. "I'm not interested in the others. How much for this one?"

The seller ponders for a moment, placing his hands together and tapping his chin in thought, clearly contemplating his response. Loden observes the man's behavior, finding it indicative of a shady dealer who might inflate the price unrealistically. He glances over the display, noticing that many of the swords are still available, likely due to the seller's exploitative pricing tactics.

After a moment of contemplation, the seller finally responds, "For that specific blade, it's worth 50 silver coins, and I won't accept any price below that." The man smirks, confidently crossing his arms as he sets his asking price.

Loden is visibly taken aback, exclaiming, "50 silver coins? That's outrageous! Nothing in this market exceeds 10 to 15 silver coins!" He's clearly shocked by the inflated price the seller is attempting to demand.

The seller doubles down on his offer. "It's a 'take it or leave it' situation. 50 silver coins or forget it," he asserts. "Every single sword in my inventory is authentically crafted and reliable in battle. You won't find higher quality weapons anywhere else in the market."

Loden's temper momentarily flares, and he even feels a hint of desire to launch a punch at the seller's face. But as he moves, a hand suddenly lands on his shoulder, instantly freezing him in place.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

"Come on, Grimace," a familiar voice behind Loden chimes in. "We both know that those weapons you're peddling are nothing but fakes. You're treading on thin ice here, scamming people in this city. The Imperial Guard won't take kindly to your thieving ways, and your stall - along with your head - will end up confiscated."

Loden turns to see Grim standing behind him, a sense of relief washing over him at the sight of a familiar face in the city. He smiles warmly. "Grim! It's good to see you," he greets him. "It's been a few days since our last meeting. How have you been?"

Grim pushes Loden gently on the shoulder, a smile on his lips. "I'm doing fine at the moment, though the future is uncertain. We can catch up more later, though," he replies. He then turns his attention to Grimace, Grim's demeanor hardens, his eyes narrowing. “Grimace, do I need to report you myself? Be honest with this man. He's a Celestial Warrior, and thus, you're scamming Astryaln himself," he retorts, a stern edge in his voice.

Grimace's eyes widen in alarm as he realizes the impact of his actions, his face turning pale and perspiring nervously. "Oh no! I didn’t realize," he exclaims, his voice laced with panic. "I don’t want to face Astryaln’s wrath. Please, tell me, what can I do to make amends?" He scurries around the stall, frantically trying to find a way to rectify his mistake.

Grimace moves with surprising grace as he retrieves the blade from beneath the pile, taking care to prevent any falling or sliding of the other swords. He bows his head respectfully and holds the sword out to Loden, pleading, "Oh, great Celestial Warrior, please accept this sword as a gift to honor your dedication and safeguarding of the empire. Accept it as my token of remorse and forgiveness for my ill-mannered behavior."

Loden is taken aback by Grimace's exaggerated reaction, sensing that there might be something he's missing. He momentarily contemplates the situation before shaking his head. "No, please, let me pay you for it," he says. "I have 5 silver coins in my possession and a few bronze ones." He opens his pouch, prepared to offer Grimace payment for the Blade.

A slight huff or release of breath comes from behind Loden, and Grimace straightens his back, shaking his head firmly. "No, kind Warrior, there's no need for payment," he assures Loden. "I don't have any use for it, so please, take it as a gift." Grimace stands firm in his refusal to accept any payment, pushing the blade toward Loden.

Grim moves to Loden's side, taking the sword from Grimace's hands. He looks at the man and says, "Thank you, Grimace. I expect to see authentic items on your table the next time we visit the market. Understood?" Grim's dominant presence and words leave no room for misinterpretation.

Grimace quickly nods in agreement, beads of sweat still dribbling down his face. "Yes, absolutely," he assures. Hurriedly, he adds, "I'll be on my way to procure new items now." With that, he turns and sprints away from the stall, leaving his swords and weapons displayed on the table and wall behind.

Loden watches as Grimace dashes away, a chuckle escaping Grim's lips. Then, he feels Grim's hand pat him on the back with his free hand, and asks curiously, "So what's so special about this sword anyway?". Loden shifts his gaze to the blade in question, contemplating its unique features.

As Loden's finger indicates the sword, he points out a few key details. First, he points to the sword's pommel, which displays the crest of Astryaln. Then, he gestures to the engravings on the hilt, which depict wolf motifs. He explains, "Look closely at the engravings. They are unmistakable signs of Astryaln himself."

Grim leans in and studies the sword more closely, his head nodding in acknowledgment. "I see," he repeats. He then looks up at Loden and poses a question. "So, what plans do you have for this sword now?"

Loden reaches out and takes the sword gently from Grim’s hands, securing it to his belt. He is grateful that it came with a sheath as well. Nodding in satisfaction, he explains his intentions. "I plan to give this sword to Kaiden and teach him some fighting techniques to better protect himself. I want to make up for..." Loden's voice trails off, and he pauses in thought.

Grim observes Loden closely, his expression thoughtful before he shakes his head and suggests, "How about we talk over a few drinks? Like last time." He gives Loden's shoulder a gentle push, indicating his suggestion.

Loden agrees with Grim's proposal but pauses as Grim prepares to leave. His voice tinged with concern, Loden asks, "What about the stall? Won't people steal things if no one is watching over it?"

Grim shakes his head, dismissing Loden's concern. "Nah, don't worry about it. No one will steal anything from Grimace's stall. All his stuff is already broken to begin with. It'd be a miracle if someone took everything and dumped it, honestly. But that's expecting too much from people." Grim grins warmly, slinging an arm around Loden's shoulders and guides him forward. "Let's go grab a drink, my friend."

Loden complies without resistance, not protesting or resisting against Grim’s guidance. Allowing him to maneuver and steer Loden away from the stall and the market, the sounds of the busy street gradually fading behind them.

Grim eventually ceases pushing Loden once they are a safe distance away from the swarming market. Loden keeps pace and follows Grim’s lead, recognizing the route back to the tavern where they first met. Familiar landmarks and sights guide their way, bringing back memories of their previous encounter there. Walking side by side in silence, Loden struggles to find the right words to say, an unfamiliar feeling when he's usually more outspoken. Various topics and ideas run through his mind, but before he can decide, Grim suddenly breaks the silence.

Grim casts a sidelong glance at Loden and ventures, "Let me guess, you had a disagreement with your young charge, didn't you? I could sense something was troubling you." He maintains a calm but serious tone. "Last time we spoke, you couldn't seem to stop talking until he made an appearance."

Loden averts his gaze and shakes his head, admitting, "Is it that obvious?" He lets out a sigh, a hint of weariness in his voice.

Grim responds with a calm but direct tone. "For the most part, yes, you were significantly more energized and talkative before. Now, you seem subdued and quiet. I’m curious, if you don’t mind sharing, what exactly happened?” They turn a corner, and the tavern comes into view, a few buildings down the street.

Loden glances at the tavern and suggests, "How about we get some drinks and food first, then we can talk?" His stomach betrays him with a slight growl, adding emphasis to his suggestion.

Grim nods in agreement, and the two make their way toward the tavern in silence. Upon entering, they find the tavern relatively deserted, save for a few scattered patrons at some occupied tables. Grim confidently navigates his way to a more secluded corner table, and with a motion of his hand, signals the bar maiden to attend. Loden closely follows, settling into the bench seat, taking a moment to scan the surroundings.

A young barmaid saunters over to their table, a smile on her face and a mischievous glimmer in her eyes upon seeing Loden and Grim. In a friendly tone, she asks, "What would you like today, gentlemen?"

Loden feels perplexed, noticing the lack of a menu, specials, or signs indicating the available options. He turns his gaze to Grim, silently questioning his options.

Grim addresses the barmaid confidently, "We'll take two drinks, but skip the ale for now. For food, a plate of mixed meats and some bread sounds good. And yes, you do have that meat stew in stock, right?"

The young barmaid chuckles, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Of course, the meat stew is our specialty," she assures. "I'll get your drinks and stew ready. The tray of meats and bread will take a moment." She gives them a nod and then turns, strolling away to fulfill their order.

Grim's gaze drifts over Loden, taking in his appearance. He comments, "You're looking good since the last time I saw you. I didn't anticipate that plan backfiring like it did. But somehow, it still worked out in the end."

Loden dwells on the memories of recent events, and a surge of anger courses through him. He slams his fist down on the table, his glare fixed on Grim. "Your plan almost got Kaiden killed!" he exclaims, his voice tinged with fury. "Wulfric damn near killed him because of you! We were fortunate that he managed to recover from that wound!"

Grim quickly raises his hands in a gesture of submission, urging Loden to calm down. "Okay, okay. I apologize," he says, his tone sincere. "It didn't go as I had planned. I witnessed the incident, and it still creates quite a stir in the market, even now."

Loden takes a moment to compose himself, trying to regulate his breathing and temper his emotions. Gradually, the intensity of his anger begins to subside, and he feels as if some of the pent-up tension and steam are being released from his body.

Grim continues speaking, having observed that Loden has regained his composure. "My men and I extend our apologies for what happened to Kaiden," he says sincerely. "We never meant for him to get hurt. Trust me, Loden. I don’t derive any pleasure from harming children, and Kaiden, being so young, still falls under that category in my eyes."

Loden nods in acknowledgment, appreciating the genuine remorse in Grim’s words. However, he then shakes his head and asks, "Why did you hesitate to intervene or cause a distraction to allow us to escape? What exactly happened?"

Grim lowers his gaze, his expression filled with embarrassment and shame. "We were discovered," he admits. "The Silver Shield spotted my men before they could act, and they fled in fear for their lives. We were cowardly and didn’t come to your aid. I knew if I joined the fray, I would almost certainly meet my end. But you, on the other hand, possess greater skill, and you’re favored by Astryaln himself. I understand that you hold a better chance of surviving than I ever would."

Loden nods in understanding, having witnessed Wulfric's prowess firsthand and having heard tales of his fearsome reputation. He can empathize with the level of fear that Wulfric's presence and abilities would instill in others.

The young barmaid suddenly materializes, carrying a tray laden with wooden flagons and bowls, skillfully balancing it on her shoulder. Her smile returns as she arrives at the table. "Here are your drinks, and the stews," she says cheerily.

The barmaid carefully sets down a bowl in front of each of them, along with a wooden flagon filled with what appears to be water. Loden casts a glance at the bowl before him, stirring the contents with the spoon. Within the bowl, he sees a mixture of vegetables, meat, and a brown liquid. Despite the unappetizing appearance, the aroma emanating from the bowl is quite enticing.

The barmaid, with a coy smile, whispers discreetly to Grim, "I made sure to add an extra scoop of stew in your bowl, Grim, since I know you enjoy it so much." With a swift motion, she quickly walks away, leaving Grim with a bowl that looks particularly generous with the soup.

Loden’s eyes follow the departure of the barmaid and casts a glance at Grim. "Looks like you've got an admirer," he remarks, a small chuckle escaping his lips. Loden then proceeds to scoop a spoonful of the stew into his mouth, and in response, he hears Grim murmur quietly, "It doesn't hurt to have an admirer every now and then."

Loden swiftly swallows the spoonful of stew and nods, savoring the delightful taste. As he contemplates, a thought takes shape in his mind: perhaps he should bring a serving of stew to Kaiden, or even bring Kaiden here to enjoy the meal personally. Grim and Loden eat at a leisurely pace, each finishing the bowl at their own pace. Grim takes his final spoonful, before clearing his throat to speak.

Grim addresses Loden with a hint of genuine concern and curiosity, "Back to the initial question, I'm curious to know what exactly is going on. What were you two arguing about that led you to venture out into the city instead of remaining by your charge?"

Loden briefly massages his forehead, placing his hand on the tabletop. He hesitates for a moment before finally speaking, his words weighted with difficulty. "There were words spoken, words that should have remained unsaid, and the situation has since become rather complicated between us. It's now difficult to be in each other's presence."

Grim raises an eyebrow skeptically in response to Loden's words and demeanor. He appears somewhat unconvinced, questioning the validity of Loden's explanation. "Is that the extent of it? And is that the entire truth of the matter?", he queries with an air of mild doubt.

Loden responds with a conflicted gesture, initially nodding his head in affirmation but then shaking it in negation. He understands that the entire truth is not fully disclosed. However, bound by a vow of silence given by the Empress, he remains unable to share the complete information with Grim at this moment.

Loden's tone becomes sincere and candid as he responds, "You're right, there's more to it. It's difficult to put into words but let me try to explain it as closely to the truth as I can without breaking my vow. There are certain confidential details that I'm not at liberty to disclose to anyone, given that I've been sworn to secrecy until the appropriate time. It weighs heavily on me, especially considering Kaiden, and my frustration grows knowing I can't share the information with him."

Grim nods, carefully absorbing Loden's explanation, signaling his continued attention. "Please, continue," he prompts, urging Loden to elaborate further.

Loden’s tone becomes tinged with remorse as he continues, “I’ve been trying to keep to myself, putting distance between us so I don’t accidentally disclose anything. Both Kaiden and Wulfric were aware of my changed behavior and confronted me.” His hands ball into fists as he clenches them tightly. “The words I said to Kaiden… I hurt him, I know I did. I never intended to do it, but I don’t know how to fix it and restore our friendship to how it was before we arrived at the palace and I was burdened with this dreadful secret.”

Grim nods in understanding, recognizing the immense weight that Loden is currently carrying on his shoulders. "That's a substantial burden to carry alone," he says, considering his words carefully. He then continues, "To mend your friendship, a sword will not erase the hurt. However, could you tell me precisely what you said during the altercation? Did you resort to physical confrontations or threats towards either of them?"

Loden vigorously shakes his head in denial, insisting, "No, I would never threaten or harm Kaiden. I did attempt to strike Wulfric, but Kaiden intervened and prevented me from doing so." He pauses, momentarily faltering in his speech to regain his composure before continuing, "It's difficult for me to utter the precise words that were exchanged between us."

Grim addresses Loden with patience and politeness, encouraging him to continue, "We have time, take as much as you need. Please go on and share with me the specifics of what occurred during the altercation."

As the young barmaid approaches them carrying a tray filled with food, Loden glances over and notices her. "Gentlemen, here's your food," she chirps cheerfully, setting the tray down. "Please don’t hesitate to ask for anything else while you're enjoying your meal."

Grimm and Loden respond in unison, nodding appreciatively to the barmaid. "Thank you," they say in synchrony as the young maid moves away to attend to the newly arrived group of patrons in the establishment.

Loden gazes down at his plate, marveling at the delectable array of food before him. On one side, there is an assortment of meats, cut and prepared in varying sizes and qualities, the enticing aromas filling his nostrils. On the opposite side of the plate, a freshly baked loaf of bread has been sliced and left to rest, still warm to the touch. The sight and scent of the meal tempt the stomach.

Grim impales a piece of meat on his fork and raises it to his lips. He takes a moment to savor the taste before exclaiming, "The owner is an old friend, and he really knows his way around the kitchen. His meat stew is always impeccable and the selection of meat is top-notch. As always, it’s absolutely delicious."

Loden nods in agreement as he picks up his utensils and begins to dig into his meal, grateful for the momentary reprieve. The pair savors their food in tranquil silence, focusing on the culinary delights before them.