Chapter 6: The Arrival of Darius

The warm afternoon air was beginning to cool as the sun sank lower, casting long shadows across the fields. The farm remained peaceful, but I was always alert to even the subtlest changes. I was drawing water from the well when I heard the sound of a horse approaching. The steady rhythm of its hooves wasn’t hurried, which gave me a sense of relief.

I turned to see Darius riding toward the farm. He had decided to leave for the border yesterday, and it seemed he was already back. His imposing figure and ever-serious face stood out against the golden backdrop of the setting sun. He rode with a quiet confidence, like someone who had seen far more than he would ever share. In the distance, Clara and Lucas ran eagerly toward him, their laughter echoing across the fields. Seeing my children so happy at the sight of Darius brought a smile to my face.

“Darius! Darius!” they shouted in unison, their small hands outstretched as they ran to greet their adoptive “uncle,” as they affectionately called him.

He dismounted his horse with a grace that seemed unusual for someone of his size, kneeling down to scoop both children into a strong embrace.

“How are my little adventurers?” he asked, his deep voice always soft when speaking to the children.

“We found a mouse!” Clara exclaimed proudly, holding up a fistful of grass where, clearly, no mouse remained.

“And we planted carrots with Dad,” Lucas added, his usual boyish enthusiasm shining through.

“I see you’ve been very busy,” Darius replied with a smile before standing and walking over to me. We shook hands—firm, yet relaxed.

“It’s good to see you, my friend,” I said, returning his smile.

“Likewise,” he replied, his gaze drifting over the field, thoughtful. “This place always reminds me of what’s worth protecting.”

The sun had nearly set behind the hills when we headed toward the cabin. Elena had prepared a simple yet delicious meal, and the smell of freshly baked bread filled the air as we sat around the table. Clara and Lucas’s laughter lightened the conversation, while Darius remained observant, his face relaxed yet ever-watchful. I knew there was more to his visit, but it wasn’t the time to bring it up.

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“Darius, will you stay with us tonight?” Elena asked as she served the meal.

“If you don’t mind, yes. I’d like to leave for town early tomorrow,” he answered, polite but distant, as was his way.

“Of course, you’re always welcome here,” I said, and Elena nodded with a warm smile.

After dinner, as the children got ready for bed, we stepped outside. The night sky was already blanketed with stars. We sat on the porch in comfortable silence, enjoying the cool night air. Over the years, we’d learned to appreciate each other’s company without the need for constant conversation.

“How are things at the border?” I finally asked, breaking the quiet. I didn’t want to tread on sensitive topics, but it was inevitable that the conversation would turn to what Darius dealt with during his travels.

“Calm, for now,” he said with measured ease, though I noticed a subtle tension in his voice that made me frown.

“For now?” I pressed.

Darius was quiet for a moment, his eyes fixed on the stars above.

“Nothing that should concern you here,” he said finally, his tone meant to reassure me, though I wasn’t fully convinced.

I knew he wouldn’t say more for the night. Darius wasn’t one to discuss problems until they became unavoidable. It was part of his nature—a man who carried much but rarely shared the weight.

“The children adore you, you know,” I said, steering the conversation toward lighter ground.

“They’re good kids. I envy you for the peace you’ve found here, Hasar. I truly do,” his voice softened as he glanced toward the house, where the children’s laughter was fading as they drifted to sleep.

“This is a good place to raise a family,” I replied. “But I know you’re searching for something too, even if it’s not as simple as this.”

Darius didn’t answer immediately, but his silence was enough to tell me there was something deeper in his heart, something he likely wouldn’t share that night. I didn’t press him. I knew that when the time was right, he would open up.

Eventually, we rose from the porch and went inside. Elena had already prepared a place for him in the small guest room. Darius gave me a grateful nod before retreating for the night.

I stayed outside a little longer, gazing up at the starry sky, an uneasiness settling over me that I couldn’t shake. Though the day had been calm and Darius’s presence was always reassuring, there had been something in his eyes tonight that told me these peaceful days wouldn’t last forever.