Chapter 13

Kylian was just getting to leave the hut when he heard a light knock on the door. It wasn't 'Hodor, he would have just barged in.

Kylian walked up to the door and opened it cautiously, the tip of a knife peeking out of his sleeve. It never did anyone harm to be a bit cautious.

"Kia." Kylian spoke sliding the knife back up his sleeve. "Is everything all right ?" he was surprised to see Kia holding a dull-looking breastplate.

"Yes, I heard you were leaving already." she outstretched her hand giving Kylian the plate "You can have this."

Kylian inspected the plate carefully, on the outside it looked just a normal breastplate used by foot soldiers. But what got Kylain's interest was the material, it was light, thin, and sturdy at the same time. He has not seen such a material used for armor or in case anywhere.

"I hope it is not old. It belonged to my Great Grandfather." Kia spoke hesitantly, he thought Kylian was not satisfied with the dull-looking plate.

"No, it's in good shape." Kylian was genuinely amazed by it.

"If I may ask ? Where did your Grandfather got it from ?" Kylian asked his attention still on the armor piece.

"I don't know much, I think he found it while mining. It's all I know, is something wrong with it ?"

"The material of this plate is extraordinary." he spoke excitedly, for a warrior a good armor was as important as a limb "I don't think I have ever seen something like this. You sure I can have it ?" even though Kylian wanted the plate, but he did not wanted to rob Kia of her heirloom.

"Yes, yes.." she replied "I have no use for it."

"Thank you" Kylian thanked her.

Kia was really thankful for Kylian's help, he had saved the whole village, for her Kylian was a hero and she was more than happy to help him.

After giving Kylian a bow, she left with a wide smile on her face.

Kylian wanted to try the durability of the plate, so instantly he kept the plate on the ground and with his blade struck the plate with a heavy blow.

Not a scratch.

He then brushed his hands over the plate to check for any damage, the plate was as smooth as new.

He wanted to test it further, Kylian took his stance, and this time he showered the plate with heavy blows one after another.

Five minutes later Kylian was left out of breath, his blade had gone dull by the continuous striking. What remained unchanged was the plate, still he could not feel a single scratch on it.

Without wasting a single second he quickly put it on under his shirt, the plate felt even lighter than he had expected. Then he tried different stances and there was not even a slight obstruction. Kylain often had to touch his chest to check if there was even armor at all.

He still could not think of anyone who could forge such a material and with what ?

He was so occupied with the plate that he had forgotten about 'Hodor. He quickly took whatever things he had and walked out.

By now the pathway of the village was crowded with belongings of the villagers, everyone seemed too busy to even notice him. Kylian had to snake his way through the belonging and the excited children.

When Kylian reached 'Hodor's hut he was amazed to see Ben standing outside the hut along with 'Hodor, what even amazed him further was his smiling face.

"I thought he said ten minutes. What about you 'Hodor ?" Benn spoke aloud as he saw Kylian making his way to them.

"....Ten minutes....he say....."

"I was busy testing something." Kylian replied "What is in that bag ?" he asked as he spotted 'Hodor carrying a jute bag behind his back.

"Our Giant friend 'Hodor here is loved by the villagers, they gave him a lot of everything." Benn spoke excitedly.

Kylian looked from Benn to 'Hodor astounded, uncertain why was Benn acting so cheerful all of a sudden. Just half an hour earlier he was having a mental breakdown.

"What ? Ask them yourself." Benn spoke "The kids even find him cute." he further added with a chuckle.

Kylian couldn't hold his curiosity any further "What happened to you all of a sudden? " he asked.

"I don't know. But I feel better than before. Like I can think clearly, feel a lot happier." he then turned to the giant and spoke, " 'Hodor what was that green potion you gave me earlier ?"

Kylian turned his head to look at the giant questioningly " 'Hodor ?"

" .... Just some portion...." 'Hodor shrugged his shoulder. ".....Look he great.....no harm...."

"Should have given me that earlier. I feel really energetic." Benn spoke stretching himself.

Kylian pulled 'Hodor to a side "What was that portion you gave him?"

'Hodor looked at Kylian and after a good long pause spoke- "....Yhorm's own drink..."

"What is that? How did you even get it ?" Kylian asked suspiciously, he had never heard of something like that.

"....I took it.....from Yhorm's temple.....Borkun mountain...." 'Hodor spoke with a sheepish smile. He was getting better day by day at expressions.

"You stole it. Didn't you " Kylain asked narrowing his eyes.

'Hodor simply nodded avoiding Kylain's eyes.

"How long will he stay like that ?"

" .....It decreases in.....hours....but not go away.....I think....He fine....just brave...."

"Just brave huh" Kylian glanced back at Benn who was by now doing sit-ups. "It better decreases 'Hodor. I have to hunt a fire mage. If he does not get better in a few days we will leave him. Okay " Kylian spoke with a stern voice, patience clearly running out. The last thing he wanted was to see his plans getting foiled because of Benn.

'Hodor nodded, "...Gets better....."

Kylian took a long breath and walked up to Benn followed by 'Hodor

"Guys let's get going. We have an assassin guild to infiltrate. I want to test some new moves I just learned." Benn excitedly spoke, punching out in thin air.

Kylian gave 'Hodor a daggering side glance.

After greeting the villagers and 'Odor and 'Dicor one last time, the three of them left for Mattidis city.