"Why do we have to go to the city with you so early?" I ask my father as we're on our way to the city.
I don't know if I should tell my father about the person, that was standing at the entrance to our property last night. I decide to keep it a secret for now.
Father laughed. "I have a surprise for you. You're going to take on a mission for the Guild today."
Shiro's eyes widen. "Really?! We get to do a quest?!"
"Exactly" Father confirmed. "An escort mission. A merchant needs to transport his goods to another city and needs protection."
That surprises me. This is actually a big deal. Normally, the Guild wouldn't just hand out such a mission to anyone.
"Then let's hurry!" Shiro says eagerly.
When we arrive at the Guild, Father goes straight to the counter. The Guild clerk hands him a quest roll.
"Here's your mission." The man explains. "You will escort a merchant to the city of Arvendale. There, he will hand over his goods to a buyer. The merchant is already waiting at the city gates."
Without further delay, we leave the Guild and head towards the city exit.
There, a man with a friendly face is waiting next to a wagon.
When he sees us approaching, a wide smile spreads across his face.
"Ah, you're here!" He calls out happily. "I'm so glad to see you!"
"My name is Auasis" He introduces himself.
"I'm Sota, and this is my big brother Shiro!" I introduce myself and Shiro.
"I've heard a lot about you" He says, looking at me. "Especially you, young man. I've heard of your incredible deeds."
Father raises his hand before Auasis can say more. "We shouldn't waste time. Give us the details of the mission."
Auasis blinks in surprise while Shiro looks skeptical. Father still doesn't want Shiro to know about the demons.
"Of course, of course" He says with a grin. "It's simple. You escort me and my goods safely to Arvendale. The roads are mostly safe, but bandits and wild beasts can never be ruled out."
"Then you should get going!" Father says. "Shiro and Sota, I'm counting on you."
"You're not coming with us?" I ask, surprised.
"No, we can't leave your mother alone" Father replies.
I run to my father and hug him. "I'll miss you!"
Father has tears in his eyes. "Oh, we'll see each other again in two days."
I pull away from him and climb into the cart. "See you soon, Father!" I call out while waving.
Shiro waves too, but says nothing. But I can see how excited he is about this mission.
The road to Arvendale is surprisingly quiet. Shiro, full of energy and excitement, asks Auasis questions nonstop. "What exactly are you transporting?"
"Fine silk fabrics and spices." Auasis replies proudly. "A rich merchant in Arvendale will be buying them. An old buddy of mine."
Time passes quickly. The sun is already low when we finally reach the gate of Arvendale.
"We're here!" Auasis calls out in relief. "The buyer should already be waiting for us."
At the designated meeting point, there's a man of middle age in fine but simple clothing. But my attention is caught by someone else.
Next to him stands a man with a strong presence. He's wearing light, black armor. His posture is relaxed, but I can see the tension in his body. This is no ordinary bodyguard.
As we approach, I notice something. The bodyguard is studying me closely. Too closely.
Auasis jumps down from the wagon and walks up to the buyer. "Edric! Long time no see! I have the goods you wanted."
The buyer responds. "It's really been a while!" His gaze shifts to me and Shiro. "Who are these children?"
I nervously reply. "Nice to meet you. I'm Sota, and this is my older brother Shiro. We've been assigned by the Guild to escort Auasis."
Edric looks at me skeptically. "So young and already on a mission? Aren't you too young?"
Auasis protests. "Don't underestimate them! These are Diago's sons!"
Edric is stunned. "Diago has children?! I never expected that from such a notorious man!"
Suddenly, a sense of shame spreads over Edric. "Oh, excuse my rudeness for not introducing myself. My name is Edric, and this is my bodyguard, Varian."
Varian responds with a serious expression. "Nice to meet you."
Auasis speaks up. "Let's get the goods moved now."
Shiro and I immediately get to work, moving the sacks into the house.
As we're carrying the sacks, I can still feel Varian's gaze on me. Slowly, without breaking eye contact, the man steps closer. I swallow. What does he want from me?
"You're the escorts?" Varian finally asks.
His voice is calm, but I can sense the distrust in it.
"Yes." Shiro answers coolly. "The journey went without incident."
Varian doesn't say anything more, but his eyes remain on me.
After we've carried the sacks into the house, Edric offers us to stay the night. "Stay the night. You'll be rested by tomorrow morning, and you can travel back safely."
We gratefully accept the offer. The journey wasn't particularly exhausting, but my muscles hurt from carrying the goods.
Each of us gets our own room. The room is simple but cozy. A bed, a small table with a lamp, and a wardrobe. That's all I need. I lie down on the bed, pull the blanket over me, and feel the fatigue overwhelm me.
Within minutes, I fall into a deep sleep.
Some time passes, and suddenly, water splashes onto my face.
I snap my eyes open and gasp. My body jerks reflexively, but I can't move.
My mouth is covered by a hand. Not a sound escapes my mouth.
A person leans over me. I feel a blade pressed directly against my throat.
My heart races, and I sweat with fear.
It's Varian.
He kneels on my chest. One hand is holding my head firmly against the pillow, while the other presses the blade to my throat.
I gasp against his hand. Panic rises inside me.
His voice is quiet and cold. "Move, and I'll slit your throat. Make a sound, and you're dead. Focus your mana, and that's it for you."
I freeze. The cold blade presses lightly against my skin, just enough for me to know he's serious.
Varian removes his hand from my mouth. I follow his command, staying completely still and not moving an inch.
"You have something about you that isn't normal." He says. His voice is calm, almost curious, but I can sense the threat in it.
I try to calm myself, but my pulse races uncontrollably.
Varian waits for a moment, then whispers.
"What are you really?"