Negotiation

John woke up early. He wanted to train himself to become stronger. So, he left the house and started to run around the village to increase his stamina. After that, he found an open space for him to do sit ups, pushups, planks, and squats. Once he was done, he was already tired and breathing heavily.

``Man, I can't believe I'm this bad. I really have been lacking in my exercise. Good thing I'm starting now to improve myself. ``

Next, he wanted to improve his spearman ship. When he was training with Eric, he remembered training with every weapon. Eric noticed that John was better with the spear. So, he told him to train with the spear from now on and he did. He would train with Eric when he had time and became comfortable with the spear. But he stopped practicing because Eric wouldn't have time to practice with him anymore. He would be so busy with his own things that they barely saw each other. The only thing Eric could do is talk to John for a bit before he had to go back and work.

``Thinking about it now, I wish I didn't lack on my training. If Eric saw how pathetic I am in my training, he would have smacked me and lectured me on why it's important to not skip my training. ``

Just remembering his brother made him a bit upset. He knew that he could never see his brother again. He could only look in the past at the times they were together. But he shook it off and remembered why he is training in the first place. And so, he took out his spear and started practicing. He practiced and practiced until he got tired. He stopped and sat on the floor so he could catch his breath.

Ashley woke up. She didn't know why but when she tried to fall back to sleep, she couldn't. She kept turning from side to side, but it was no use. She decided to go outside and walk around the village for a bit. So, she changed, and left the house once she was done. When she was about to walk, she noticed someone doing something. When she looked more closely, she noticed that it was John.

``What is John doing so up in the morning? ``

When she was about to approach him, she noticed that John took out his spear and started to practice with it. Ashley stopped.

``It seems like he is training. It's best not to disturb him. ``

So, she decided to observe John from a distance. After John was finished and began to sit down on the floor, she decided to approach him.

``Hey John. ``

John was startled. When he looked to see who was talking, it turned out to be Ashley.

``Oh Ashley, what are you doing so up in the morning? ``

``I could ask you the same thing. ``

``Well, I wanted to start training myself. So, I thought what better way to train than early in the morning.``

``Oh, no wonder you were training with your spear. ``

``You were watching? `` John said, being surprised.

``Just a bit. I didn't want to disturb you since you looked focused. ``

John was a bit embarrassed. He didn't know that she was watching him since he was too focused on his training.

``Since I already gave you my answer, it's your turn now. What are you doing so up in the morning? ``

``Well, I woke up and couldn't fall back to sleep so I thought I would just walk around the village. ``

``Is that so? ``

``Yup, otherwise, I will still be sleeping. ``

There was a moment of silence. Both Ashley and John didn't know what to say next. He wanted to practice his spearman ship and Ashley wanted to walk around. But since both of them already talked to each other, they both thought it would be rude if they did their own thing. Before things got awkward, John began to speak.

``You said you wanted to walk around the village, right? ``

``Yea. ``

``Then if you don't mind, can I tag along? ``

``But what about your training? ``

John got up and started to stretch.

``It's alright, I could use a little break. ``

``Hmm, alright then. ``

John put his spear away and both of them started to walk.

``So any plans today, Ashley? ``

``Any plans? Not really, just doing what I usually do. ``

``Oh, what do you usually do? ``

``Hmm, I usually help around the village and teach the kids many things. ``

``Oh, like what? ``

``Oh you know, simple education like math and such, survival skills, and telling them stories. ``

``So you're like a teacher. ``

``Basically. ``

``Is there any other teacher like you, or no? ``

``Nope. Just me. ``

John gave her a confused look.

``I know what you're thinking. But honestly, it's just that everyone is so busy with their work that they don't have time to teach them. And I don't mind being the only teacher. I love teaching the kids and leading them to the right path. You have no idea how grateful their parents are for me to teach them. It puts a smile on my face to be able to help out. ``

``I see, I just can't believe that you're the only teacher in this village. What about the other people? Why can't they help you teach them? ``

``Well, I did ask them about that, but they told me that they wouldn't make good teachers. I tried to encourage them, but they still said no. They wanted to either help out with their parents or join the hunting team. ``

``I see, but is teaching that hard? It doesn't sound hard. ``

``Sometimes it's easy, sometimes it's hard. It just depends on the kids. ``

``Depends on the kids? ``

``Yea, sometimes kids don't listen and that causes a problem. But that's just how kids are. You got to have patience with them. ``

``Then I guess that's why people don't want to become teachers huh. ``

``Well…``

She didn't want to admit it, but John was right about what he said.

``Am I wrong? ``

``No, you're right about that. That's another reason why they don't want to become teachers. ``

John couldn't help but chuckle.

``What are you going on about? ``

``I just find it funny that no one wants to become a teacher but you. ``

``So? What's wrong about that. ``

``Nothing's wrong, in fact, it's admirable. You took the job that no one wanted and because of it, every parent appreciates you teaching their kids. And not only that, but I believe the kids look up to you like a role model since you're with them every day. I bet they also appreciate you being their teacher` `he said, giving her a smile.

Ashley started to blush. She didn't expect John to give her a compliment. She felt kind of embarrassed.

``Hey Ashley, you okay, your face is turning red.``

She looked away from John.

``I'm fine. ``

John couldn't help but find this situation funny.

``Guess she's embarrassed. I'll just pretend that I didn't notice so she won't be more embarrassed`` he said, thinking to himself.

They walked some more until they reached the area where John was training.

``Alright, thanks for letting me tag along but it's time for me to go back to my training. ``

``Hold up a sec, let me grab something really quick. ``

She went back to the house and after some time, she came back out.

``Here you go. ``

She threw a wooden spear at John. John catched it but was confused on what's going on. He looked at her and could see that she was holding a wooden sword.

``Are you ready? ``

``Ready? Ready for what? ``

``We're going to have a spar. ``

``A spar?! But isn't that a bit unfair? You're a teacher so-``

``What? Are you saying that I can't fight? ``

``No, I mean is that-``

``Just because I'm a teacher, that doesn't mean I don't know how to fight. ``

``I know but-``

``Or is it because I'm a girl? ``

John didn't know what to say next, so he started to panic. So instead, he just gave up and let her do what she wanted.

``sigh, ` alright then. I will spar with you. ``

``Good, I always wondered how good you are in combat. ``

They both got ready. Ashley charged at John and swung her sword. John blocked it but then Ashley used her other hand to punch John in the stomach that made him step back. She charged at him and swung at his neck. John couldn't react in time. She stopped her sword close to his neck.

``Looks like I won. ``

``I guess so.``

``Wanna go again? ``

``Alright. ``

Ashley went back to her position and got ready. John got ready but this time, John wanted to attack her first. He thrust his spear aiming for her chest, but she dodges to his right. He swung his spear right, but she ducked, managing to dodge his attack. She saw an opening and charged at John. Her sword was across his neck.

``Looks like I win again. ``

``Yea. Your pretty good. ``

``Or you're just bad` Ashley said while giving out a chuckle. ``

``Let's go again, I'm not going to stop until I beat you. ``

``Alright then. ``

Lots of time has passed and before they knew it, the sun started to come out.

``Let's stop for now. ``

John, who was heavily breathing, agreed.

People started to wake up and get ready to work. Lots of kids were approaching Ashley.

``Ashley Ashley, come play with us! ``

``Yea, come play! ``

``Now now, you guys know that I have to teach you guys. I can't be playing all the time. ``

``Aww! Alright`` all the kids said.

``Now, you guys go to the area where we always are. I'll be there in a sec.``

``Ok`` all the kids said.

``Looks like I'll be busy, well, see you later John. ``

``Alright, see you later. Thanks for sparing me. ``

She gave him a smile and left.

John wanted to take a bath since he could feel the sweat all over his body. So, he got up and went to his house. He passed by Daniel who greeted him.

``Hey John, I didn't expect you to be up already. ``

``Yea, I decided to train myself. I can't be slacking off or else I won't be strong. ``

``Haha, isn't that the truth. You're just like me. Training to become strong. ``

``Especially since you're the leader of your hunting team. ``

``That's true. I can't be slacking off or else my team will be doing the same thing. And if that happens, then our team won't be the strongest team in this village. ``

``Oh, I didn't know your team was the strongest. ``

``It is. No one can beat our team. Even though the other team is strong, we're still better than them. ``

He started to laugh.

``Alright then, I'll talk to you later John. I have lots of work to do. ``

John waved goodbye and entered the house. He went to the bathroom and started to undress. He searched the cabinet for a towel for him to use when he was finished but instead, he saw a bunch of crystals. The color of the crystals was blue and that's when he realized that they were water crystals.

``I didn't know they had these. ``

John saw these back at Arthora. He sees merchants selling them all the time. He didn't know what they were at first, so he asked one of them what makes them special. He explained that they were called water crystals and that they were able to absorb water.

``Hot, cold, you name it. And not only that, but it's also able to hold so much that one is enough to fill up a bathtub. ``

John asked how it works and he gave him a demonstration. Interested in them, John bought some. He checked the other one and there were towels for him to use. So, he grabbed one of the crystals and filled up the bathtub. He checked whether the water was hot or cold, and it was cold. He got in and started bathing.

After he was finished, he got out, grabbed a towel, and started to dry himself up. He put back on the clothes that he was wearing and used the empty water crystal to suck back up all the water that was in the tub. He put it in his space ring since he needed to throw out the water once he was outside the village. Finished, he went outside.

Once he was outside, he could see a lot of beast people in the front gate. So, he went to see what was going on. As he got closer, he could hear someone talking. Once he reached the front gate, he could see 9 people on horses. They were wearing armor, and that's when John realized something.

``Soldiers? What are soldiers doing here? Where are they from? `` he said, thinking to himself.

The one that was in front was talking to Daniel.

``What do you mean we have to leave? Who do you guys think you are!?`` Daniel said.

``As I said before, you are in the King's territory. If you don't leave at this moment, don't blame me for what happens next. ``

``Are you threatening us!?``

``No, I'm giving you a warning. Now, are you guys going to leave or are you going to make things more difficult. ``

Then, one of the soldiers started to talk to him.

``Isac, why don't we just kill them all? Why are we wasting time with them? ``

All the people were angry at what he said. And John could see some of the kids being scared of the situation.

``Very well, since you guys don't want to listen, you leave me no choice. ``

He unsheathed his sword, and the rest of the guards did the same.

``You think we will just sit and do nothing! Everybody, get ready! ``

John could see a fight was about to break out. He didn't want to see people that he cared about get killed so he had to act fast.

``WAIT!``

A voice could be heard, and everyone looked to where that voice was coming from. Someone was going through the crowd and once he was out, it turned out to be John.

``John, what are you doing here? You should-`` before Daniel could finish, John interrupted him.

``You said we needed to leave because we were in your King's territory, correct? ``

Surprised to see a human in a beast village, all of the guards were talking amongst themselves except for Isac.

``And you are? `` Isac said.

``My name is John. ``

``John huh, why is someone like you who is a human, at a place like this? ``

``These people helped me when I was in trouble. If it weren't for them, I would've have been dead. ``

``I see. Then if you care about them, tell them they need to leave. ``

John looked at the beast people and could tell they wouldn't leave, no matter what.

``I'm sorry but I can't do that. This is their home. If they leave, where would they go? ``

``That's not my problem. I'm just simply following orders. Now, I will tell you this. ``

John was listening to what he had to say.

``We didn't expect a human to be living in this village. These creatures are known not to like humans very much. ``

All the beast people got angry by him referring to them as creatures.

``So I'll tell you what, we'll let you live if you don't get in our way. We don't want to kill an innocent life. But if you do get in our way, well, don't blame us for what comes next`` he said, giving him the evil look.

No matter what he said, he didn't care. John met people like him before. By the way his armor is, he is either the commander or a knight.

``Then take me to your King? ``

``And why would we do that? ``

``I'm sure we could work something out. ``

``Hmm, and what if I say no? ``

John approached Isac. He got serious now. He wasn't going to let anything happen to the village and the beast people.

``You have no choice. Look around you. Do you think that we won't be able to kill you? ``

``You dare say that in front of me! ``

``I'm just speaking the truth. We have more people and are experienced in combat. Do you really want to get killed? ``

Isac didn't know what to say.

``See, you know it and I know it. So why don't you take me to your King. If we were able to work something out, then no one has to get hurt or even killed. ``

Isac looked at John and he could see that not only was he serious, but he was confident on what he was saying

``It doesn't look like he is bluffing`` Isac said, thinking to himself.

He sheathed his sword.

``Very well. ``

John gave him a smile.

``Good. ``

One of the guards spoke to Isac.

``What are you doing, Isac!? We could kill them all if we just-``

``Are you questioning my decision?!``

``No, that's not what-``

Isac unsheathed his sword and pointed his sword on his neck.

``Another word out of you and I will kill you right now. You got that! ``

He nodded and Isac sheathed his sword.

``Good. ``

All the soldiers started to sheath their swords as well.

``So, John, I will take you to his majesty. Just follow us. ``

``Alright, just give me a minute. ``

John approaches Daniel.

``John, what do you think you're doing? ``

``I'm just going to have a talk with the King. ``

``You can't. What if he doesn't listen to what you have to say? ``

``Don't worry, he will, I promise you that. Since you guys helped me, now it's time for me to help you. ``

``I appreciate you for doing that, but this is still too dangerous. Anything could happen once you're in the Kingdom. ``

``Don't worry, I'll go with him``

They looked at who it was, and it was Ashley.

``No! Absolutely not! I'm not letting you go where you could get killed! ``

``Look dad, John need someone to protect him when things go south. ``

``Absolutely not! I will go if that's the case. ``

Ashley started to get a bit frustrated.

John intervened between the two.

``Daniel, I hate to say this, but could Ashley come with me. ``

``Why! Why do you want my daughter to come to a place where it could be dangerous? If you need protection, then I will let one of my hunter's accompany you. ``

``That's true, but I need Ashley because I need her to do something that only she could accomplish.``

``Then it's better if I go then. If Ashley could accomplish it, then I could too. ``

``You can't Daniel. You have to stay here to take care of the people. Look at them, some of them are scared. ``

Daniel looked and he could see that there were some beast people that were scared. He even sees that the children are afraid.

``I'll tell you what Daniel. ``

Daniel was listening.

``If things don't go smoothly, even if I had to risk my life, I will bring your daughter back safely. Nothing's going to happened to her if I'm there by her side. ``

Daniel wasn't expecting John to say that. It caught him by surprise.

``Alright then. Even though I don't agree with this, I'll let Ashley go with you. ``

``Thank you. Alright Ashley, are you ready? ``

``Yup. ``

He walked up to Isac.

``Hope you don't mind me bringing along one person. Hope you understand that I need somebody to protect me. ``

``Very well. Follow me. ``

Ashley and John waved goodbye to everyone and left. Daniel could see them walk off until he could no longer see them.

As they were following behind Isac and everyone else, Ashley started to talk to John.

``Thank for convincing my dad to let me come with you. But I have to say, why did you want me to come out of everyone else. ``

``Hmm, It's because you're skilled in combat. ``

``That's it? ``

``And also, I feel more comfortable for you to tag along with me than anyone else. ``

Ashley started to giggle at what John said. John felt kind of embarrassed saying it though. Ashley noticed that John was a bit embarrassed about what he said.

``Don't be embarrassed, I just asked because I was curious. But what did you mean when you said to my dad that I could only accomplish it? ``

``I-I kind of lied to him about that. ``

Ashley was surprised and disappointed at the same time.

``Aww, and here I thought you needed me for something important. ``

``I mean I still need you in case things don't go well. ``

``I guess. I was excited for nothing. ``

``Yea sorry about that. But hey, at least you were able to come. ``

``That's true. ``

He smiled at her.

After walking for so long, they finally arrived at the Kingdoms' front gates. Eric and his group walked towards the gate. The guards, who were guarding the font gate, started to salute.

``Welcome back Knight Eric. ``

Eric gave out smirk for the greetings, and they all walked inside. John and Ashley followed and both of them could see the guards giving a look. But it wasn't towards John, it was towards Ashley. Once they saw she was a beast person, they started to talk among themselves. Ashley and John ignored it and continued to follow Eric. John could see many things. From shops to inns. Everything that you would expect from a Kingdom. John kept on observing and could see that they had an adventurer's guild. He could see commoners, guards patrolling, and other beast people that he hasn't seen yet. But what caught his eyes was the slaves. He saw a noble man having 2 slaves that were carrying his stuff. Another was helping load up a cart. But as they continued to follow Eric, he saw a slave drop all of the stuff on to the ground. The noble man was angry and started to yell at her. And after that, he started to kick her for her mistake. He looked at Ashley and he could see her clenching her hands into a fist. After seeing enough of the kicking, Ashley was about to intervene but was stopped by John. John shook his head no at Ashley. They walked bypass them and John could see Ashley troubled by not doing anything for the slave. John began to think.

``None of them intervene to stop him. Everyone, including the beast people, were just watching or walking pass by. Was it because she wasn't one of their own kind? Or is it something else? I noticed that some wanted to stop him but were too afraid to do it. Something definitely is going on in this Kingdom, but what? The more I think about it, the more questions I have. ``

Trying to find an answer, John decided it was best to set it aside for now.

``I worry about it later, right now, I should focus on what to say to the King. Hopefully I'm able to convince him. ``

After some time, they arrived in front of the King's palace.

``You guys wait here while I'll report to the King`` Eric said.

``Alright`` John said.

He went in and closed the door behind him. After some time, Eric came back.

``The King would like to see you now. ``

John and Ashley went in, and Eric told the guards to go back to their post. As they were inside, they could see the King sitting in his chair. As they were close enough, Eric went next to the King and started to speak.

``All kneel before the King. ``

Ashley and John did not kneel.

Eric was furious and put his hand on the grip of his sword.

``You dare disrespect his majesty in front of me! ``

Before he could unsheathe his sword, the King signaled him to stop by using his hand.

``But your Majesty. ``

``It's alright Eric. They're our guests. How could we treat them like this when it's their first time here? ``

``Very well. I apologize for my earlier behavior. ``

The King got up and started to approach them.

``John, correct? ``

``Yea, and you are? ``

``My name is Arthur. King Arthur. ``

He stopped approaching them as soon as he was close enough to them.

``I hear that you wanted to talk to me about the village, correct? ``

``That's right. ``

``Before we get started, do you know who Isac is? ``

``Nope, never heard of him. But I assume he is either a knight or a commander based on how he is dressed. ``

``Hmm, and despite you knowing that you weren't afraid to face up to him, interesting. ``

John didn't say anything.

``Oh, and about the village, there's nothing more to say. ``

``What? We haven't even talked about it yet. ``

``My words are final. If you guys aren't willing to leave, then you don't want to know what will happen next. ``

Ashley started to speak up.

``This is not fair! We came all the way here to come to some sort of agreement, but yet, you don't want to hear us out! ``

``Oh, you must be the beast person Isac mentioned. ``

He looked at John.

``You should control your slave, John. It's not good for a slave to speak when she isn't ordered too. ``

Ashley was furious.

``What did you say! ``

John motioned her to stop.

``Calm down Ashley. We came here for a reason, not to start problems. ``

Ashley started to calm down a bit but was still angry.

``Ashley huh? That's a pretty name. Are you willing to let me have her? I'll pay you handsomely. ``

``First of all, she is not a slave, and second, we still haven't talk about the village. ``

``Oh, I thought she was your slave, my mistake. If she was, with a body like that, she would've been sold for a lot of gold coins. Such a waste. ``

Ashley started to get angrier. But it wasn't her that was getting angry, John was as well.

But in order to not cause trouble, they holded it in.

``Now, as for the village, as I said before, there's nothing to talk about. ``

John started to think what he should say next that would make him listen. But his thinking was interrupted when the King started to speak to him.

``John, I want to make an offer to you. ``

John looked at him.

``I like your guts. Not only did you stand up to Isac, but you're also not scared of me. Many would have spoken to me all nicely since they were scared of offending me, but not you. I could tell you the difference. You speak to me casually despite you knowing that I'm the King in this Kingdom. I need people like you. So, here's my offer. If you work for me, not only will I give you the title of knight, but I will also give you special privileges that even Isac doesn't have. What do you say? Do you accept it? ``

John was surprised by what he said. He looked at Isac and he too was surprised. He looked at Ashley but instead, she looked worried. Like something was troubling her.

``It's tempting, could we go outside for a bit. I need a little time to think about it. ``

``Of course, but remember, this is a one-time offer so make sure you chose carefully. ``

Both Ashley and John walked out the door.

``Your majesty, I don't agree with this. How could you give such an offer to someone you don't know or have barely met?``

``Listen Eric, he is someone that has lots of guts and isn't afraid of anybody. Imagine if we have him. There could be many possibilities popping up. `` he said and started to smile.

Isac, who did not agree with his majesty's decision, knew that he couldn't change his mind.

``Very well, if what you said is true, then I won't say anything anymore. ``

``Good, as you should. ``

When John and Ashley walked out the door, she started to talk.

``I think you should do it. ``

``Huh? Do what? ``

``You should take the offer. It's better for you. ``

``What are you going on about Ashley? Why would I accept his offer? ``

``You should do it John. We tried our best, but it looks like we weren't able to convince him. But you don't have to suffer with the rest of us. If you accept it, you're able to live a good life. ``

John was troubled about what she was saying to him. But then Ashley gave him a smile.

``At least we tried huh. So go, accept the deal and don't worry about us. We'll find a new spot to live. ``

As she said that, John guessed that the reason she looked troubled was because she didn't want him to suffer the same thing as them. Coming to that conclusion, John couldn't help but laugh at her.

``Why are you laughing, this is serious! ``

``I'm laughing about what you said. Your worried about me that you would go so far as to tell me to accept the deal just so I could live a good life? ``

``Ain't it better though. At least-``

``Look Ashley, just because something it's good for me, I'm not going to turn my back on everyone else. That just isn't me. ``

Ashley didn't say anything.

``And besides, I made a promise and I intend to keep it. ``

He walked up towards her and put his hands on her shoulders.

``So don't worry too much alright. ``

Ashley looked at him.

``Alright then. Sorry for what I said earlier. ``

John took his hands off her shoulder.

``It's alright. I know you were just worried. Now, you ready to head back inside. ``

``Do you have a plan? ``

John smiled.

``Of course. ``

They both headed back inside.

``Ah, so have you decided? ``

``Yes, and I decided to reject your offer. ``

Eric was angry.

``What, you dare refuse-``

``Enough Eric. May I ask the reason why? ``

``I already have a place to call my home. And the people there treat me well. So, I don't intend to leave them just because of some offer you made. ``

``Hmph. Very well. It's such a shame really. You could've had everything, but you just let it go. `sigh`. ``

``Now, let's talk about the village. That's the reason we came here. ``

``As I already said before, I-``

``Yea yea I know. Your decision is final. Then how about a deal between us. ``

``A deal you say huh.``

``Yes. It's a deal which you can't refuse. ``

``Oh. Then do tell. ``

``Why don't you sell that piece of land to us. ``

``Sell it. Hmm, I could sell it to you, the question is, can you even afford it?``

``Name your price and we'll see. ``

He started to think.

``Very well. If you could bring me 10 royal coins, I will let you have it.``

Ashley started to yell at him.

``10 royal coins! Do you know how much that is! We can't pay that much! ``

``Whether or not you don't agree, this is my price. ``

Ashley was angry.

The King noticed Ashley getting angry and could also see John not saying anything.

``See, I told you that you can't afford it. Now-``

He was interrupted by John.

``Who said I can't afford it? ``

``Oh? You have 10 royal coins with you right now? It's not nice to lie to me if you don't. ``

John took out one of his poches and began to take out 10 royal coins.

``Here it is. ``

``Oh, who knew you had a space ring with you. Very interesting. Isac, check whether he does have the coins. ``

Isac nodded and walked towards John.

John gave him the coins and he confirmed that the coins were indeed royal coins.

``Now that he has confirmed the coins, that means that the area where the village is now belongs to us. ``

Arthur was kind of angry that he got defeated. He didn't expect John to have that much money on him. John could tell that he was troubled by this. He didn't know what he was going to do next, so he was on high alert just in case something happened.

``I didn't expect you to have that much money on you. If I had known, I wouldn't have sold it to you in the first place. ``

``You already have your money, now, that area belongs to us now. ``

``Very well. I'll keep my promise. You may leave now. We won't disturb you any longer. ``

``You think I`m stupid. ``

``Why would I think that? I already said that it belongs to you guys didn't I``

``Then if it belongs to us, we need some sort of signed document to show others that it belongs to us. You didn't think I wouldn't know about that huh. ``

He was surprised that John caught on what he was planning.

``I bet you were going to take my money and pretend that you never sold that area to me in the first place, right? ``

``You catch on quick. Isac, get me the papers so I can make it official. ``

``Very well. ``

Isac left and came back with the papers. Arthur started to sign it and gave it to John.

``There. Now it's official. You don't have to worry about anything anymore. ``

John took it and put it in his space ring.

``Then since were done, we'll be heading out. ``

As soon as John turned around, Arthur asked him a question.

``Before you go, I'm curious about something. ``

John looked at him and started to listen to what he was curious about.

``Your eyes, why are they different colors? I never seen someone with eyes like yours before. ``

John didn't say anything. Arthur could tell he didn't want to answer his question.

``Very well, then let me ask you this, the ring, where did you get it? ``

``Why do you ask? ``

``Because I know that those types of rings aren't sold in any market. They are custom made, which tells me that you're either a noble, or from a royal family. Am I correct? ``

John stood quiet for some time until he gave an answer.

``Your wrong, I'm not a noble or a royal. I just happen to get this ring as a gift. ``

``Oh, and from who? ``

John didn't answer the question, instead, he told him something else.

``I'll be leaving now. ``

The King noticed John was trying to avoid his questions. So, he let John go and left it at that.

``Very well. ``

Ashley, who was there, noticed that John acted differently when Arthur was asking his questions. She didn't know why he was troubled by it. But then again, when she thought about it, everyone in the village didn't know too much about John.

``Does he have something to hide? `` she said thinking to herself.

When John was leaving, Ashley followed but not until Arthur said something to her first.

``You should be wary of him. He is someone that has something to hide from everyone, including you. ``

After hearing this, Ashley left.

``Your majesty, why didn't you order me to kill them? ``

``Because Eric, we don't know who he is or where he's from. Did you see his ring? I noticed that I've seen that ring from somewhere, but I don't know where? So just to be safe, I let them go. ``

``I see, as expected from his majesty, you are smart. What are you going to do know? ``

``I'm going to do some research on that ring. If I'm able to figure out where I saw that ring, then we're able to get an answer on where John is from. ``

``Very well, since you're going to be in your room son, I'll bring you a meal and something to drink for you. ``

``Thank you. ``

As they were walking towards the front gate, Ashley had a feeling that something was troubling John.

``Are you alright John, you seem quiet. ``

``Huh, oh, sorry. I guess I was spacing out for a bit``

``Are his questions bothering you? ``

``No, I was just thinking about something else. ``

Ashley couldn't tell whether or not he was lying. She wanted to ask about something, but she decided it was best to ask him later since it seemed like he didn't want to talk. It was her first time to see John that way. She didn't know what to say to make him a bit better. John could see that the way he is acting is bothering Ashley. For her sake, he decided to act like his usual self and started to talk with Ashley. Ashley was a bit surprised for John to talk all of a sudden. She couldn't help but feel like John is doing it for her to not worry about him. But she went along with it. They started to talk while heading back to the village. But during their conversation, Ashley started to think to herself.

``John, if it's true that you have something to hide, then what is it that you're not able to tell me? And what Arthur said about you being a noble or royal, are you really who you say you are? ``

These thoughts kept troubling her.

Right when they arrived in front of the gate of the village, Ashley started to call someone to open the front gate. The gate began to open, and they were greeted by Daniel's father.

``Thank God you guys are safe. So how did it go, did you manage to convince him? ``

Everyone was eager to know the answer.

John took the paper out of his ring and gave it to Daniel. Daniel took a look at it but didn't know what it was.

``What's this? ``

``That Daniel, is the document that the King sighed, meaning, that this area now belongs to you guys now. ``

Everyone was surprised and happy at the same time.

``I-I can't believe it. You manage to convince him. ``

``Just like I promised. Now you guys don't have to move now. This is officially your home now. ``

Everybody started to tear up. But it wasn't sadness. No. it was tears of joy that John saw. Daniel hugged John and thanked him.

``Thank you John. You have no idea how grateful we are. ``

``Yea, your welcome, but do you think you could let me go now, this is kind of embarrassing being hugged in front of everyone. ``

Daniel stopped hugging him. And Ashley started to chuckle at John's embarrassment.

``Everyone started to come up to John and thank him for what he did.

``It's fine everyone. No need to thank me. I just did what I had to do. ``

Everyone smiled and started to cheer at the fact that they didn't have to move. Seeing them like this all happy, John, Daniel, and Ashley all smiled. Iris and Kevin approached John and started to hug his arms.

``I'm glad you made it back safely`` Iris said.

``Yea, we were really worried,'' Keivn said.

``Sorry to make you guys worried. ``

They smiled at him, and Iris asked if he could play with them.

``Alright but later. ``

They looked happy to see that he agreed to play with them. All they had to do was wait.

``Um… can you guys let go of me now? ``

They both shook their heads no.

John didn't know what to do. It kind of was awkward for him that they were not letting go of his arms.

``Seems like they are attached to you too much huh`` Melisa said.

``Yea, looks like they don't want to let me go now. ``

``Iris, Kevin, can you guys let go of his arms? ``

They both shook their heads no.

``Why? ``

``Because we want to be with John at all times`` Iris said.

``Yea`` Keivn said.

After Ashley was finished talking to her dad, she saw John in a sticky situation so she decided to help him out.

``John, I need to talk to you for a bit, do you mind coming with me. ``

``Alright. Iris, Kevin, I need to talk with Ashley for a bit, do you mind letting me go. ``

They both said no. Then John had an idea.

``What about this? If you let me go and let me talk to Ashley, I will play with you guys when I'm done. Deal? ``

They were both excited.

``Deal! `` both of them said.

They let go of his arms and went with their mother. Everyone started to go inside the village. John walked up towards Ashley to see what she wanted to talk about.

``What's up. ``

``Oh nothing, I just said that to help you out a bit. ``

``Oh, then thank you. I didn't know what to do. ``

``Hmm, now that I think about it, I do have something to ask you. ``

``Oh, what is it? ``

``If you don't mind, do you think tomorrow, you could come and help me teach the children. ``

``You want me to help you teach? ``

``Yea, will you, do it? ``

``I don't know, I've never taughd children before. Let alone, I'm not a teacher myself. ``

``True, but you are good with kids. ``

``I guess so. ``

``Then you don't have to worry. You will do great. So, will you come? ``

``Alright then, if you say I could do it, then it doesn't hurt to give it a shot. ``

``Great, can't wait. ``

Once they were inside, everyone started to celebrate for them not to have to move to a new place. They celebrated till it was night. Before things ended, they all wanted John to sing for them again and John agreed. They wanted him to sing a different song and he did. He sang the same song that he did for Brandon and Ela. And as always, they all enjoyed it. Once everything was over, they all helped clean up before going home. John said bye to everyone and went home with Ashley and Daniel. Daniel went to his room first. Ashley was about to do the same when John stopped her to ask her something.

``Hey Ashley, I don't know if you know, but do you happen to know where my necklace is. It was inside the pockets of my old clothes.

``Oh yea, I forgot to give it to you, give me a sec.``

She went to her room and came back with the necklace.

``Here you go. ``

John grabbed the necklace from her.

``Thank you. ``

``What type of necklace is it? I never seen something quite like it. ``

``I don't know, I remember my brother calling it an elven necklace. ```

``Well, whatever it is, it sure is pretty. ``

``Yea. ``

``Anyways, I'm going to go to sleep. See you tomorrow, John. ``

``Good night. ``

Ashley went into her room. John put away the necklace and went inside his room as well. He laid in his bed and began to fall asleep.