Chapter 3: A save haven
Lehran and Sebastian gathered their resolve, their minds set on the task that lay ahead. They had made a promise to the forgotten children of Bale Village, and now it was time to seek Sir Robert's support and secure a better future for them.
As they made their way through the opulent corridors of the manor, their footsteps echoed against the grand walls. Lehran couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and nervousness. This was his chance to make a plea for the children's welfare, to convince Sir Robert of the importance of their cause.
They reached a set of ornate double doors guarded by two stoic sentries. Sebastian, the head butler and trusted aide of Sir Robert, approached them with an air of authority. The guards recognized him immediately and straightened their posture, showing respect to the esteemed Sebastian.
One of the guards addressed Sebastian, his voice filled with deference. "Ah, Master Sebastian, it is an honor to see you. How may we assist you today?"
Sebastian acknowledged the guards with a nod, his voice calm and composed. "I request an audience with Sir Robert on urgent matters of great importance. We must discuss a pressing issue that requires his attention."
The other guard glanced at Lehran, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "And who is this with you, Master Sebastian?"
Sebastian turned to Lehran, introducing him with pride. "This is Lehran, a young man of great potential. He has come to seek Sir Robert's guidance and support in aiding a group of orphaned children in desperate need."
The guards exchanged a puzzled glance before one of them spoke up, his voice tinged with confusion. "Lehran, you say? We were not aware that Sir Robert had offered you work. Are you certain?"
Lehran's heart sank for a moment, realizing that the guards were not aware of his previous encounter with Sir Robert. He looked towards Sebastian, silently hoping for his intervention.
Sebastian, ever the diplomat, stepped forward, his voice firm yet persuasive. "Gentlemen, there seems to be a misunderstanding. Lehran has recently crossed paths with Sir Robert, and his commitment to helping these children aligns with Sir Robert's ideals. I assure you, he is here with my full endorsement."
The guards exchanged another glance, uncertainty flickering across their faces. They knew better than to question Sebastian's judgment, but they still sought confirmation from the man himself.
Just as the guards were about to voice their concerns to Lehran and Sebastian, the study doors swung open, and Sir Robert, dressed in his distinguished attire, emerged from within.
"What is the matter, gentlemen?" Sir Robert's commanding voice echoed through the corridor.
The guards quickly straightened their posture, a mix of respect and slight unease evident in their expressions. One of the guards stepped forward, his voice respectful but inquisitive. "Sir, Master Sebastian has arrived with a young man named Lehran, who claims to have been offered work by you. We sought your confirmation before granting them passage."
Sir Robert's gaze shifted between Lehran and Sebastian, his eyes studying their demeanor. He nodded, a hint of recognition crossing his features. "Indeed, I did offer Lehran an opportunity. His presence here is warranted. Allow them entry."
The guards, now assured of Sir Robert's acknowledgement, stepped aside and motioned for Lehran and Sebastian to proceed.
Lehran's heart skipped a beat as he walked past the guards and into Sir Robert's study. The weight of the guards' skepticism still lingered, but he held onto the hope that his purpose would shine through in his conversation with Sir Robert.
Inside the study, Sir Robert sat behind his imposing desk, his gaze fixed upon Lehran and Sebastian. The air was heavy with anticipation as Lehran prepared to make his plea for the children's welfare.
Sebastian stepped forward, his voice filled with reverence. "Sir, Lehran has discovered a group of orphaned children in dire need of assistance. He seeks your support in providing them a safe haven, an opportunity for a brighter future."
Lehran stood beside Sebastian, his eyes locked with Sir Robert's. "Sir, these children are forced to live as thieves and beggars. They have no one to turn to, no place to call home. I implore you to consider offering them sanctuary within your manor, a chance to receive an education and become productive members of society."
Sir Robert listened attentively, his expression a mix of contemplation and empathy. He leaned back in his chair, his voice measured yet compassionate. "You bring forth a noble cause, Lehran. The plight of these children cannot be ignored. However, taking them in is not a decision to be made lightly."
Lehran's heart raced, his hopes hanging on Sir Robert's next words. He braced himself, prepared to defend the cause with unwavering determination.
Sir Robert's gaze softened, and he met Lehran's eyes with a resolute nod. "I understand the urgency and importance of your request. Let us discuss the details further and find a way to provide these children with the support they need."
Relief flooded through Lehran's veins as he realized that Sir Robert was willing to consider his plea. A renewed sense of hope and determination filled him, knowing that their journey was just beginning and that they had found an ally in their noble cause.
After a quite some time of silence Sir Robert leaned forward, his eyes filled with determination. "Lehran, for now, I offer you and the orphaned children shelter within the manor. We shall provide a safe haven for them until I have pondered the best course of action to take. Sebastian, please see to it that the necessary arrangements are made."
Sebastian nodded and swiftly left the room to summon a maid who could attend to the needs of the children. Sir Robert's words brought a glimmer of hope to Lehran's heart. It was a temporary respite, but it was a step forward, a sign that their cause had found a compassionate ear.
Lehran expressed his gratitude, his voice tinged with relief. "Thank you, Sir Robert. Your generosity and consideration mean a great deal to us. We are eternally grateful for your willingness to offer these children a safe place to rest."
Sir Robert offered a reassuring smile. "It is the least we can do, given the circumstances. Rest assured, Lehran, I will not turn a blind eye to the plight of these innocent souls. We shall reconvene tomorrow to discuss the path forward. For now, take solace in the fact that they are in good hands."
Lehran bowed respectfully, his heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you once again, Sir Robert. We shall eagerly await further instructions."
With that, Lehran exited the study, his mind filled with a mix of hope and anticipation. As he made his way through the corridors, he couldn't help but feel a sense of cautious optimism for the future of the orphaned children. The manor, with its grandeur and comfort, offered a stark contrast to the harsh realities they had known.
Lehran's steps quickened as he approached the maid, who had arrived to guide the children to their temporary abode. He relayed Sir Robert's instructions to her, emphasizing the importance of providing the children with care and compassion.
The maid nodded understandingly, her gentle smile reassuring Lehran. "Do not worry, young man. The children will be well taken care of. We shall ensure their comfort and safety during their stay."
Lehran exhaled a sigh of relief, a glimmer of hope shining in his eyes. "Thank you for your kindness. These children have endured much hardship, and it warms my heart to know that they will be looked after."
As the maid led the way, Lehran followed, his steps now lighter with a newfound sense of purpose. The journey was far from over, but with Sir Robert's support and the refuge of the manor, they had taken a significant step forward in their quest to change the lives of the forgotten children.
--------------------------
Lehran's Status:
Level: 1
Experience Points: 0/100
Health Points: 100/100
Mana Points: 0/0
Attributes:
Strength: 12
Vitality: 10
Agility: 13
Intelligence: 10
Willpower: 10
Luck: 15