The north was always colder than anywhere else in Katar. This was especially so in Twickenham Town. The frozen leaves resisted the wind as the darken trees around the castle maintained their rightful pose against the falling snow. The birds had flown south for the winter but small rodents could be seen running across the branches carrying small fruits and nuts within their mouths. They moved back and forth before settling down within a small hole in a tree.

The sun had already set some time ago but there was still light visible within the forest. Dim as it may be, it still offered the rodents enough vision to carry out their gathering efforts. If one followed the source of the light they would see that it came from the castle which these trees hugged at the base. In the topmost room, a few maginite lights hung from the ceiling while small shadows danced on the walls. It was here that an old man could be seen with two others as they carried out conversations only fit for those of their kind.

"You sure that Carmona is dead?" The old man asked as he moved his eyebrows away from his face. His grandniece had promised to cut it the next time she visited from the Inn but since business had developed to this extent she rarely ever showed her face. "Yes, milord. Clovis just delivered the news. It seems that Sergeant Williams has also taken his own life," the man responded. He was one of the few Knights in service to the old man. The rest were usually sell-swords but they couldn't be trusted if the price wasn't right.

"Good," responded the old man with a sinister smile. "I don't know how Charles does it but he is rarely wrong. The human psychology is strange like that I admit. Is there any other news?" The Knight looked towards the man in the black mask. The only information his lord was willing to tell him about the man was that he was an assassin in Service to House Calum. How House Calum and his house were even connected, the Knight didn't know.

"Lord Rhodes, General Dor happened to be there when it happened. I'm sure he has made the connection between you and Lord Anthony's fate. It is only a matter of time before the Recluse are called into action." The masked man remained quiet while Lord Rhodes scuffed. "The 'great general' has no business with House Rhodes. I'm under the protection of the Ravens. There is nothing his little Recluse can do without me knowing."

The masked man remained quiet, the Knight was sure this man was bad news but there was little he could ever say to his lord to warn him of it. Lord Rhodes barely cared to listen to the advice of any of his own peers much less for him, a single Knight under his charge. "Relay this to Calum for me, let them know that their little games with the Recluse will begin soon. I will supply the men for the job, they need not worry." The masked man nodded before removing himself from the room.

The Knight always found it weird that the assassin never bothered to show any respect to his lord. The more shocking bit was that Lord Rhodes never seem to care in the least. It was a strange sight, considering the Lord was a stickler for face. "Ser Knowles, make sure that the next time he addresses me without bowing, you run your blade through his fucking chest." The old man spat on the floor before spinning around to the door. "Yes milord...."

---

The Crystal lake rested between Gontu and Igbal. It took more than a week before Khal finally managed to circle the lake into Igbal. His grandfather, Marcus, had remained quiet along the way after Carmona's death. Even after Sergeant Williams' suicide, he didn't seem receptive to any of Alec's concerns. Khal remained quiet as he guided his horse down the familiar path. He wasn't used to comforting people, much less a harden general like his grandfather. He opted to let the man deal with his own emotions on his own. From what he gathered, his grandfather probably took Carmona's dead especially hard since the man wasn't a warrior like the rest of his men.

A few days after passing Crystal Lake, Marcus rode his horse next to Khal before slowly matching his pace. Khal waited for the man to speak first before saying anything. "I'm sorry you had to see me like that Khal. Carmona was like a brother to me. At the academy, he was the fiercest of all of us. Although he wasn't a fighter, he faced every challenge that came his way like a man. It was him that showed me what true bravery was." Marcus allowed a pause before he continued, "Some called him a failure since he had no heir, life is funny this way. He never married or had any kids but he loved his vassals. He always was like that, more foolish than I in that regard."

Khal looked at the man's smile with tears soaking in his beard. This was another side he hadn't see yet. The gentle and caring nature that was under the tough exterior that was Marcus. Khal appreciated it. "Lord Tommel said failure comes only when you forget your principles. Lord Anthony seems like a man of principles. In my eyes, he could never be a failure." Marcus's eyes lingered on Khal as he finished his words. It was only after several moments that he laughed audibly, "Lord Tommel is a wise man."

Khal was relieved to hear Marcus's mood shift for the better. It was difficult to focus on his training when the mood was so bleak. "So, grandfather, what should I be doing at Elfheim? I don't know anyone there. Is it going to be alright without you th..", Marcus raised his hand to stop Khal from continuing. "You've been thinking about this for quite some time I assume. There is no need to worry. Elfheim is the safest place in Seabo. I expect you to continue training until I return. You're still young so there isn't much else for you to do. There aren't many that I know that would be your equal at this age. However, these are trying times for House Dor. While we are still prosperous, many will wish to see us fall. Many have already started plotting against us in the dark."

Khal didn't quite understand what his grandfather meant. To him, once he could show everyone that even the youths of House Dor were remarkable they would think twice before plotting anything. "What you did in Sydenham Town, although noble, was foolish."

"But grandpa, father's honor was-"

"I didn't say you didn't have a good reason but life isn't black and white like that. From what the report says, Bryce's unit was at a disadvantage trying to protect you. Even your father had to expose himself to save your life." Marcus noticed Khal's head droop as he stared at the road. He knew it was difficult for him to hear but it was about time he scolded him for his foolishness. "I'm not trying to blame you for what happened with your father Khal, but you need to exercise restraint. Someone wouldn't always be there to save you. You need to use your brain as much as you use your fist. Train your mind to see what your fist cannot. Only then will you see all the pieces."

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Khal knew his grandfather was right. He just didn't need another reason to blame himself for why neither of his parents was around. The rest of the ride was quiet again. Marcus continued to ride together with Khal down the dirt road. "I'm sorry for what I've done. I understand better now," Khal finally said. Marcus was relieved that the boy didn't hate him for it. "Good, then I expect to hear good reports in the future." Marcus did his signature laugh before he rode ahead to meet with Alec.

After another few days of nothing more than the boring road, Marcus finally commanded his army to head north towards the Wall. Khal was left with just a few soldiers and Captain Alec to continue towards Elfheim. It didn't take long before Khal began seeing more people on the road. There were farmlands and small villages along the way towards the city. Khal could see that the majority of the villagers giving him strange looks as he continued onwards.

Unlike Gontu, the people of Igbal seemed more uptight and fidgety. Khal could understand why considering they were usually the ones most affected by the skirmishes happening directly north of them. Majority of the commoners who desired to make a name for themselves or to gather a few coins had elected to spend their time fighting at the wall. It goes without saying that most of them never returned.

Elfheim City was a misnomer in Igbal. It encompassed two small towns and a large city circling a large castle in the center. There was a giant wall constructed between each city and town with only two entrances. Khal could see many guards on the wall patrolling as he entered the gates of the small town. He realized that the gates needed five men to push it open fully. Just how thick is this anyway? Khal stared in shock as he noticed the anti-siege weaponry plastered on the walls. This is more than a town, it's a fortress! It was the only area in Igbal where House Dor reigned supreme.

Elfheim was considered the first city ever constructed in Katar. It was originally built as a fort for warriors and their families to live while they weathered the attacks from the Gusto onslaught so many years ago. Now, it was home to the martial family of Dor, where almost every area of power was held by those of Dor blood. Lately, Marcus's younger brother held most of the power since Marcus was always at the northern wall. Surprisingly there was never a power struggle between the two since Marcus never much cared for power. This caused his brother to be very grateful and partial to him. He was the sole reason their family was considered the strongest in the north. Without him to shelter the younger generation, there was no way for them to contend against Calum.

The two towns on the peripheral of the castle were called Rodstick and Marshwood while the city was Elbrach. The three branch families of House Dor each ruled one of these while Castle Dor was where the main family lived.

Khal entered Marshwood from his understanding of the layout of the area. From everything he learned on his way towards Elfheim, House Dor was loved by many. Besides upholding honor and fairness, their martial prowess was considered second to none. Calum might have quantity but the quality of their Knights was only at the most basic level in the north. The first sound Khal heard as he entered the town was cheers. Cheers from commoners on either side of the road stunned Khal. He wasn't expecting to be received like this. It was certainly more surprising that the crowd seem to know his name. How did that happen? he wondered. It wasn't often that he saw this. Even at Sydenham town, only a handful of people knew who he was.

"Khal, from here on out you're expected to act like the noble you are. I'm sure Lord Tommel taught you as much. Please consider this in everything you do. You're representing the entirety of House Dor now." Captain Alec patted Khal on the shoulder. Noticing how flustered that statement made Khal, Alec continued, "But no pressure."

The minute he entered Marshwood, Khal could feel the brilliance and the authority House Dor represented. The commoners stared at him and whispered among themselves. He wasn't sure what they were saying but he wasn't used to so much attention. It made him think twice as hard before he did anything. It was an uncomfortable feeling that made him want to cover his face and ride away. That would look poorly on his image as well as his first impression so he stifled the thought. He just had to deal with it like everything else that he'd manage to deal with at his age.

"Well met Captain Alec!" A skinny man saluted to Alec as he approached on his horse. "Baron Dercillus Dor has requested your presence." Alec just nodded to the man as they continued down the road. Khal knew that this was a parade in his favor but none of the men that approached Alec bothered to speak with him. He didn't mind since it would only have been a simple greeting but he was starting to think that maybe they just weren't sure who exactly he was since he looked so big for his age already.

Khal felt like it took way longer than needed for the parade to end. It wasn't until he paraded through the major roads of Marshwood that he was free to head to Dercillus Mansion. It was already late at night when he rode along the pathway to the mansion. His inner thighs were especially sore and his arms came in second. Now, it was only Alec and himself riding ahead. It was too late to tell how the building looked but he knew that it was huge.

When they entered the mansion, a few servants waited behind a tall, middle-aged gentleman. "Brother, it is good to see you return safely!" Alec and the gentleman shared a hug before Alec pushed Khal forward. "Dercillus, this is Nicole's boy Khal. Khal meet your cousin Dercillus!" Alec smiled proudly as he showed Khal the man. Khal bowed respectfully before saying, "It is a pleasure to meet you cousin!" Dercillus stared at the boy before turning to Alec, "Nicole's boy is well manners Alec, nothing like the likes of us hahaha!"

Khal nearly stumbled at the words. This man seemed more like Marcus. "Right you are Cillus, it's Tommel's fault for allowing this to happen. Come Khal, we have much to teach you yet," Alec chimed with a smile on his face. "You both must be famished! Come, let the maids fix you both a plate," Dercillus suggested quickly as he let the duo to the dining room. Khal followed behind cautiously as he inspected the mansion. There were too many halls and rooms for him to remember where exactly he was and he knew it would take some time to get used to. "Khal, this way!" Alec said as he smiled and signaled to Khal.

For the first time in his life, Khal felt the love of family. Although his father always showed him love, this feeling was far different. He felt like he finally belonged somewhere, and it warmed his heart. Yes, this must be what mother had, he thought to himself. Between Alec and Dercillus, Khal enjoyed the teasing and funny stories the brothers shared with him. They had continued until midnight before Khal finally ushered off to bed. Tomorrow would be the day he met the rest of his family in Rodstick and Elbrach. He couldn't wait.