As night fell over the tranquil farmgrounds, Sol lugged the cumbersome supplies towards the waiting carriage, its wooden frame standing stoically against the darkness. The air was crisp with the scent of grass and earth, and the occasional rustle of leaves whispered through the night.
Caulot, standing nearby, had pleaded with Rodrigo for an extra day's respite, but his request fell on deaf ears. With a resigned sigh, Rodrigo collected the taxes from Mr. Cedric and made his way back to the carriage, his figure outlined by the soft glow of lantern light.
"Oi, better say your goodbyes to these farmhands," Rodrigo called out gruffly, his voice carrying over the peaceful night air. Sol and Caulot exchanged a nod, silently acknowledging the finality of their departure, before turning towards the group gathered nearby.
As they approached, the farmhands paused in their tasks, their faces illuminated by the flickering lantern light. "Listen, Sol," Cedric began, his voice carrying a hint of remorse as he addressed the black knight. "I'm sorry that this entire debacle happened." He paused, his expression reflecting disappointment at the unexpected turn of events. "My intention was for Sir Rodrigo to recognize your strength, perhaps even take you as a squire."
His words hung heavy in the air, a solemn acknowledgment of the unintended consequences that had unfolded. Despite his initial intentions, Cedric couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for the chaos that had ensued.
Sol chuckled softly, his tone carrying a hint of wry amusement. "Well, your plan did technically work, with a few hiccups, unfortunately." He placed a reassuring hand on Cedric's shoulder, offering a small smile to alleviate the tension that lingered on.
Amidst the somber air, Avondale interjected with a heavy heart, shouldering the weight of guilt. "It's all my fault," she confessed, her voice tinged with regret. "If I hadn't let that knight touch me, this wouldn't have happened."
The weight of Caulot's guilt hung heavy in the air as Avondale offered her apology, her words laced with sincerity and regret. "Caulot, I'm sorry for being scared of your face," she confessed softly, her voice tinged with remorse. "I shouldn't have been. You must have been suffering greatly."
Sol's calm assertion cut through the tension like a knife. "Yes, Avondale, it is your fault," he stated, his tone unwavering despite the shock it elicited from those present. "If you hadn't tried to seduce Rodrigo, Caulot wouldn't have been in danger, but of course, you just had to cause an issue."
Avondale recoiled, her composure faltering as she struggled to process Sol's accusation. Cedric's anger flared in response, his voice rising in defense of Avondale. "And how is this her…" Cedric's protestations fell on deaf ears as Sol's bitterness spilled forth unchecked. "Of course it was her fault, she was clearly trying to manipulate everyone," Sol spat, his words heavy with disdain as he directed his ire towards Avondale, who now wept openly under the weight of his accusation.
Avondale's tears only seemed to confirm Sol's conviction, prompting him to deliver one final barb before turning away in disgust. "Ah, there we go, her crocodile tears," he sneered, his tone dripping with contempt. "I'm leaving before you all decide to blindly defend her."
With that, Sol departed, leaving behind a palpable sense of tension and resentment among the group.
"You bastard, get back here Sol! Apologize to Avondale!" Cedric's voice thundered through the night, his anger palpable in the crisp air. But despite the force of his demand, the black knight remained unmoved, his resolve unyielding to the storm of emotions around him. Sensing the tension escalating, Caulot stepped forward.
Caulot's voice quivered slightly as he spoke, his words carrying a weight of earnest sincerity. "I-I apologize on behalf of Sol," he began, his gaze shifting between Cedric and Avondale. "I know he may seem rude and unapologetic, but I know for certain that he's a good man."
His tone softened, reflecting a genuine belief in Sol's inherent goodness despite his recent behavior. "I don't know what caused him to be like this," Caulot continued, a note of confusion evident in his voice. "But deep down, he would do the right thing."
Cedric's tense expression softened slightly at Caulot's words, a semblance of understanding dawning in his eyes. The tension in the air seemed to ease as Caulot's apology resonated with the group.
Turning to face Avondale, Caulot's voice carried a genuine sense of regret tinged with disappointment. "Miss Avondale, I really appreciated cooking with you," he began, his tone earnest and heartfelt. "I honestly was excited to continue working with all of you, but unfortunately, events have occurred and I can no longer work with you."
Avondale, touched by Caulot's sincerity, wiped away her tears and offered a grateful smile. "Thank you, Caulot, I appreciate it," she replied softly, her voice filled with emotion.
Cedric stepped forward, his paternal warmth evident in his gaze as he addressed Caulot. "It's alright, Son," he said reassuringly, placing three bronze coins in Caulot's palm. "You did well here. Take this. This is your first paycheck. You earned it."
Caulot's eyes sparkled with gratitude as he looked down at the coins, a sense of accomplishment swelling within him. He thanked both Avondale and Cedric before making his way to join Sol.
"Well, you two sure caused a commotion," Gareth exclaimed, his grip firm on the horse reins as he addressed Rodrigo. The moonlight painted a silvery sheen over the grassy plains, casting long shadows that danced in the night. "Are we heading out yet? We've been waiting for hours at this point!" Gareth's voice carried a note of impatience, echoing across the tranquil landscape.
"Yes, preparations are done. Ready the horses; we are leaving," Rodrigo announced decisively, his voice cutting through the nighttime stillness. With practiced agility, he leaped onto the wooden carriage, taking his place beside Gareth. Sol and Caulot were already seated inside, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of lantern light. As the carriage rumbled to life, they waved goodbye to the farmhands, bidding farewell to the familiar faces of the farmgrounds.
As the carriage rolled along the outskirts of Refugio, Caulot's shack came into view, its silhouette faintly illuminated by the moonlight. Sol glanced at Caulot, his gaze curious. "Say, Caulot, did you forget anything back at the shack?" He inquired, turning to face his companion. Caulot's eyes briefly flickered towards his old home before he shook his head.
"No, there's nothing important back there," he replied quietly, his voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia. In that fleeting moment, memories of his past flickered through his mind, but he quickly pushed them aside, focusing instead on the journey that lay ahead.
"I see," Sol responded thoughtfully, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Well, I suppose we can now start our adventure, although it seems to have begun earlier than expected." He chuckled softly before turning to Rodrigo with a question. "How far are we from Puertomarino?"
Rodrigo glanced backward at the black knight, his gaze briefly lingering on Sol's helmeted visage. "Half a day's journey on horseback," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of weariness from the long day's travels. "We'll probably reach there by morning, I reckon."
"I see, I don't know much about these lands," he began, "but do you mind telling me more about Old Purple and the other Nine Colors?"
Rodrigo frowned, his irritation evident as he regarded the black knight. "Just ask someone around the city," he grumbled dismissively. "I can't be bothered. I'm going to sleep now, and you should too." With a swift motion, Rodrigo placed his helmet over his face, signaling his intent to rest. Gareth, now left to manage the horses alone, cast a sidelong glance at Rodrigo before focusing on his task.
Hours passed, Under the embrace of the moon's soft glow, the grassy plain stretched out endlessly, a vast expanse that seemed to merge seamlessly with the star-strewn sky above. The darkness of night revealed the true essence of the land, casting shadows that danced in the moonlight.
Boulders dotted the landscape like silent sentinels, their weathered surfaces catching the faint shimmer of starlight. Not a single tree broke the horizon, leaving the terrain open and exposed to the elements. Instead, clusters of bushes clung to the earth, their twisted branches reaching out like gnarled fingers in the night. Sol couldn't sleep, his undying nature keeping him awake. So, he found himself lost in thought, his mind wandering aimlessly in the quiet of the night.
It seemed TEL was correct; there were scarcely any trees to be found in South Roble.
Suddenly, the carriage lurched to a halt, jolting Caulot and Rodrigo awake from their slumber. They both sprang to attention, their senses sharpened as they realized something had disrupted their journey.
Gareth's voice broke the stillness of the night, his words carrying a sense of urgency. "Nature calls," he announced, swinging down from the carriage. "I'll be back soon. If any of you need to relieve yourselves, do it now. Once I return, Rodrigo, you take the reins." With that, he disappeared into the darkness.
A groan of annoyance escaped Rodrigo as Gareth departed, disrupting his momentary peace. He shifted uncomfortably, feeling irritated at being roused for what seemed like an unnecessary interruption. Quickly, he closed his eyes again, hoping to reclaim the precious moments of sleep he had lost, eager to maximize his rest before the journey resumed.
Caulot sighed in relief before nudging Sol gently. "I need to do it too," he whispered, his voice barely audible in the quiet of the night. "Do you mind watching over me?"
"Of course," Sol replied softly. They both disembarked, heading toward another bush on the opposite side of Gareth's. Caulot quickly began his natural escapade, while Sol found a rock to block his view from the others, ensuring Caulot's privacy.
Sol's impatience mixed with his reluctance to waste time drove him to summon TEL immediately. "TEL, I require your services right now," he declared, his curiosity tugging at him. Three blue eyes materialized from the rock, reflecting TEL's readiness to assist.
"Yes, master, what do you require?" TEL's voice emanated from the stone, mirroring Sol's urgency."
"What do you know about Old Purple and the Nine Colors? Rather, who is Old Purple exactly?"
TEL emerged from the rock, resuming his usual form before addressing Sol's inquiry. "From what I've gathered from spying on others," he began, his metallic voice tinged with information. "He seems to be a Marquis who received his title decades back for his services to the old king."
"Received? What did he do to receive the title of purple?" Sol's curiosity piqued further, his mind swirling with questions about the prestigious honor. He knew that special individuals could receive the title of the nine colors if they demonstrated exceptional talent or gifts, but priests were typically barred from such distinctions.
"Do you remember when I told you how the current Queen lacks total control over the south? Well, that's not entirely true," TEL began, his metallic voice resonating with knowledge. "There has been one Marquis who has helped maintain national cohesion throughout Roble. That is Marquis Octavio Delacruz. During his youth, he assembled his fellow noblemen and created a system of honor and virtue. He persuaded the southern nobles to aid in the defense of the great wall and developed necessary infrastructure up north."
Sol's perplexity echoed through the night air. "Why would he do that? He could've easily just kept to himself and only cared about south Roble."
TEL's response resonated with insight. "I suspect it's because he yearns for a true united Roble," the metallic voice intoned. "He cares little for his own personal wealth, and because of his sacrifices, he was granted the title purple by the previous king, for helping maintain control over the south."
"That is indeed very interesting," Sol remarked, musing over the newfound knowledge. "However, I still find it strange that someone like Rodrigo would serve under him. He definitely lacks virtue," he chuckled before turning his attention back to TEL.
"One last question," Sol continued, his curiosity unabated. "What's Puertomarino like exactly? What should I expect there?"
TEL responded, his metallic form shifting slightly. "Puertomarino is a coastal city, controlled by House Delacruz, headed by Old Purple himself. The city serves as his home base. You may be expected to meet with his knight's order, and from what I've gathered, there might be a duel required for you to join them."
Sol examined his blade holster, feeling the weight of the vile blade nestled within. "A duel, eh?" he mused aloud. "I might be able to handle that." With a decisive nod, he turned his attention back to TEL. "In any case, you should leave soon."
"Farewell, master," TEL's metallic form dissolved into the ground, leaving behind only the serene scenery. Sol retraced his steps back to the carriage, where Caulot had already finished attending to his needs. Together, they returned to the waiting carriage, ready to continue their journey.
Rodrigo this time was wide awake with Gareth now resting. Caulot silently nodded to Rodrigo, indicating that they were done and ready to head out, with that the carriage moved onwards to Puertomarino.
As the first light of dawn began to cast its soft glow upon the rugged mountainous terrain, the travelers found themselves awake and alert. From their vantage point on the outskirts, they beheld the sprawling city of Puertomarino nestled below the mountain peak. Rodrigo's earlier assertion proved true; they had indeed reached their destination by early morning. The city's buildings and streets were just beginning to emerge from the shadows, hinting at the bustling activity that lay ahead. With a sense of anticipation, the group prepared to descend into the heart of Puertomarino and embark on the next chapter of their journey.
As Caulot and his companions entered the outskirts of the city, a palpable change in the air greeted them. Gone was the tranquility of the countryside, replaced instead by an energetic buzz that seemed to permeate the very atmosphere. The scent of sea salt mingled with the aroma of freshly baked goods from nearby bakeries, creating a tantalizing mixture that hung in the air.
The outskirts were alive with bustling activity, with people hurrying to and fro, merchants setting up their stalls, and the sound of horses' hooves echoing against the cobblestone streets. Buildings of various shapes and sizes lined the thoroughfares, their facades painted in vibrant hues that added to the lively ambiance of the area.
Caulot's eyes widened in amazement as he took in the sights before him, his excitement evident in the broad smile that graced his face. It was a scene unlike any he had ever witnessed, a stark contrast to the quiet simplicity of his life in the wooden shack.
As the carriage came to a stop, Rodrigo wasted no time in disembarking, his authoritative voice cutting through the din of activity as he shouted instructions to his companions.
"I hope you two enjoyed your sleep," Rodrigo quipped, his voice tinged with sarcasm as he pointed towards Caulot and Sol seated in the carriage. "Now fetch me some breakfast!" With a casual toss, he hurled a bag towards Sol, who deftly caught it before examining its contents. Inside, several silver coins glinted in the morning light.
"Make sure to bring some for me," Gareth muttered, his voice muffled as he lay on the front side wood of the carriage, clearly not keen on leaving his comfortable spot. Obliging Gareth's request, Caulot and Sol made their way into town, entering the bustling marketplace where vendors hawking their wares and buyers bustled about, eager to strike a good deal. Amidst the lively scene, Sol couldn't help but comment on the vibrant atmosphere surrounding them.
"Wow, Caulot, look at this place," Sol exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder as they navigated the bustling streets of Puertomarino. "This is a proper city unlike Refugio."
Caulot faced Sol, his helmet concealing his excited expression. "This is my first time being outside of my village," he admitted, marveling at the sights around him. "Is it like this in nearly every city, Sol?"
Unbeknownst to Caulot, Sol had experienced cities far grander, with skyscrapers towering into the sky and populations rivaling entire countries. However, he still found charm in Puertomarino. To him, it felt alive, vibrant with its bustling streets and lively atmosphere. With a chuckle, he responded to Caulot, "If you think Puertomarino is the best you'll see, you are deeply mistaken." His words carried a hint of amusement, knowing that there were even more awe-inspiring cities waiting to be discovered beyond their current horizon.
While Sol couldn't see Caulot's face he could sense his war smile hidden beneath his helm, "I wonder what they look like!" he exclaimed, excitement evident within his voice. The duo had been wandering around the city bazaar, trying to find somewhere to get food, before Sol spotted something.
At first he thought it was an apparition, but it was a woman with reddish hair, walking down a busy pathway across from the duo, someone that made Sol remember something truly disturbing, the time when he lost nearly everything.
"Caulot, take this pouch, I'll be back soon," Sol instructed hastily, thrusting a small pouch into Caulot's hands before disappearing into the bustling crowd.
"Wait, Sol! I don't even know where to go!" Caulot cried out, his voice echoing in the bustling street. But Sol had already departed, leaving Caulot stranded amidst the throngs of people.
Caught off guard by Sol's sudden departure and change in demeanor, Caulot felt a pang of concern prickling at the edges of his mind. Something seemed amiss, a shift in the air that he couldn't quite put his finger on. Ignoring the hustle and bustle around him, Caulot made a split-second decision. I should stalk Sol, he thought to himself, the urgency in his mind matching the unease in his heart. I feel like something's wrong. With determined steps, Caulot set off in the direction Sol had vanished.
With that, he retraced his friend's path, hoping to catch up, but to no avail; he had been hopelessly lost. Before trying to make his way back to where Sol left him, he accidentally stumbled into someone, causing him to drop his pouch.
"I-I'm so sorry. I didn't—" Caulot stuttered, facing the two women he had stumbled upon and looking them in the eye through his visor.
"Be careful next time, Sir Knight," she said playfully, while picking up his pouch and placing it in his palm.
Caulot was stunned, his gaze fixed on the green-eyed woman before him, a sense of awe washing over him. Before he could gather his thoughts, the woman beside her chided Caulot, "Well, Sir Knight? What do you have to say to someone who did a nice thing for you?"
"Um, thank you, miss?" Caulot stammered, feeling a flush of embarrassment creeping into his cheeks beneath his helmet.
"Now, Adelina, I'm sure he didn't mean any harm. If he were a pickpocket, I would have noticed. He's probably just lost," the woman said reassuringly, her voice gentle and understanding.
"If you say so Veela," Adelina acquiesced, her tone softening as she relented. With the tension diffused, Caulot felt more at ease to continue his conversation with the two women.
"My name is Caulot, and I was looking for my friend," Caulot introduced himself, his voice muffled slightly by his helmet. "He and I split off. We were originally looking for food but we couldn't find any shops."
Adelina and Veela glanced at each other before giggling. "You do know that this entire block is dedicated to bakeries and foodstuffs, right? It says it on the signs there," Veela said, pointing to the signs above them.
Caulot blushed. "T-thank you," he stammered, slightly bowing down to hide both his embarrassment and to express gratitude for wasting Veela and Adelina's time.
Veela giggled before reassuring him, "It's alright, not everyone is able to read, and that's fine." She glanced quickly at Adelina before continuing, "In any case, I hope you find your friend. We have to be leaving now. Goodbye, Caulot." With that, the two women respectfully departed, leaving Caulot to ponder their encounter. He couldn't help but feel drawn to Veela; she reminded him of how Sol was when they first met.
She's a bit like Sol, hopefully she doesn't hate men.
With that, Caulot made his way to the store Veela had pointed out. As he entered, the baker welcomed him, her eyebrows lifting in curiosity at the sight of the young boy wearing a helmet. "How may we help you?" she inquired politely as Caulot perused the array of available pastries.
"I need breakfast for four people. How much would that cost? And what would I get?" Caulot inquired, his voice muffled slightly by the helmet.
She quickly brought out a small apple pie with honey, adorned with nuts, alongside several slices of almond cake. "This should satisfy four people. Would you like anything else?" the baker offered kindly.
Caulot drooled while looking at the pastries before calming himself and asking, "How much will that all cost?"
Quickly replying to her customer's question, the baker said, "That would be three copper coins." She brushed aside her hair as Caulot looked at his purse. Rodrigo had given them five silver coins, and quickly he placed one silver forward onto the cashier's table.
Taking the silver coin, she placed ten copper coins before happily commenting, "Have a good day!" She arranged the pastries in a paper bag and pushed it forward towards Caulot.
Caulot took the bag of pastries and stepped out of the store, onto the bustling city square. He looked around, his gaze drawn to the crowds of Puertomarino.
Now to find Sol.