Journey Back to the Citadel

Rudeus led the way as we walked toward the front gate of the town, where a Stage station was conveniently located. The tension in the air was palpable, a reminder of the recent harrowing events that unfolded earlier.

As we approached the Stage station, he came to a stop before a notice sign, his eyes scanning the information displayed. "Milady, we're currently in a town called Widin," he began, his voice carrying a patient tone as he tried to simplify the situation for Eris. "Our home, Roa, is two towns away from here."

Eris furrowed her brows, her gaze shifting between us and the notice sign. "I can't read any of these."

Rudeus let out a light sigh, his patience seemingly unyielding. "Learning to read has its merits, milady. Situations like these would be much easier if you could read signs."

I interjected, hoping to provide additional support. "And it's not just about reading signs. Having the ability to read opens up a world of knowledge and communication."

Eris's expression wavered between confusion and reluctance. "Why are you both so fixated on reading?"

Rudeus's tone softened as he explained, "It's not about fixation, milady. Education empowers us to navigate the world more effectively. Imagine how much smoother things would be if you didn't have to rely on others to read things for you."

I added my voice to the conversation. "And it's not just reading. Learning how to count is equally important, milady."

Eris furrowed her brows, seeking clarification. "How so?"

Rudeus stepped in to elaborate, "For instance, consider paying for stagecoaches. Knowing how to count the money required can be crucial, especially to avoid falling prey to scammers."

Hearing that, it seems to strike a nerve with Eris, and her expression shifted to one of concern. "Scammers? You mean people who try to trick you?"

I nodded, hoping to provide a clear explanation. "Yes, precisely. Knowing how to count money and understand the value of things helps protect you from dishonest individuals."

Eris's reluctance was evident, but I could sense a hint of determination in her eyes. She may not have fully embraced the idea of learning these skills, but there was a willingness to try.

"I still don't see why it's such a big deal, but fine," she conceded, a mix of annoyance and curiosity in her tone. "Teach me, then."

Rudeus and I exchanged a quick glance, encouraged by Eris's willingness to learn. We seized the opportunity to teach her about counting while we were in the midst of actually paying for the stagecoach that would take us to the next town.

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We boarded the stagecoach, departing from our current location and journeying toward the next town. With a considerable distance to cover, it seemed like an opportune time for Rudeus to propose a plan.

"It's going to be a long ride to the last town," he began, his tone thoughtful. "Maybe we should consider staying here for a while."

As the wheels of the stagecoach rumbled beneath us, the idea of a temporary stop sounded appealing. I nodded in agreement, acknowledging the practicality of his suggestion.

"An inn would be a good option," I added, envisioning a warm place to rest and recuperate.

Eris's gaze flickered between us, her curiosity piqued. "An inn? You mean like where travelers stay?"

Rudeus nodded, explaining further, "Yes, exactly. Inns provide a temporary place to rest. It would be wise to find a good inn for the night."

Her expression shifted, a mixture of uncertainty and interest in her eyes. "I suppose that makes sense. Lead the way, then."

Upon arriving at the next town, Rudeus guided us to the nearest inn. Stepping inside, he talks with the innkeeper, arranging for a room to accommodate the three of us.

Entering the room that we had rented, the quality of the accommodations was rather modest. The beds were constructed from straw and the blankets were coarse furs, a reminder that we were far from the luxuries of home.

As night fell and we prepared to rest, I could sense Eris's unease with the unfamiliar sleeping arrangements. Her noble upbringing contrasted sharply with the humble setting of the inn.

To make sure she's feeling okay, I decided to converse with her, "Milady, is everything alright?"

"What do you think? I can hardly rest on this excuse for a bed," she complains, her tone is mixed with annoyance and dissatisfaction.

Sensing her discontent, I attempted to offer reassurance. "I understand that this is quite different from what you're accustomed to, but it's only for a short while. Once we're back on our original path, we'll have more comfortable accommodation."

Eris's demeanor softened, annoyance giving way to a hint of comprehension. "I suppose you have a point. Adjusting to this isn't exactly pleasant."

I offered a gentle smile, empathizing with her challenge. "Change can be demanding, but it's also an opportunity to see things from a different angle. Tomorrow, we'll continue our journey, and soon enough, we'll be back in more familiar surroundings."

By the end of our conversation, a reluctant smile tugged at her lips. As we settled in for the night, the atmosphere in the room was tinged with a sense of camaraderie amidst the unfamiliar setting.

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The next morning, we left the inn and once again boarded a stagecoach to continue our journey towards the final town before reaching the citadel. As we settled into the carriage, a question had been nagging at me, and it was time to address it.

I turned to Rudeus, my curiosity getting the best of me. "Brother, I've been wondering, where did you get the money to pay for the stagecoach and the inn?"

He looked at me, a hint of surprise crossing his face. From his pocket, he retrieved a small bag. "I meant to mention this earlier. After Fracta rescued us, they handed me this bag of Asuran silver coins."

The revelation caught my attention, and I eyed the bag with curiosity. Asuran coins were widely recognized and accepted in our region, known for their reliability and value.

"So, Fracta provided us with the coins we needed for travel and accommodations?" I asked, seeking confirmation.

Rudeus nodded, his expression thoughtful. "It seems that way. Considering the urgency of the situation, I didn't question it at the time."

"It's quite coincidental that they anticipated our expenses and provided for them," I remarked, my mind working through the implications.

"Interestingly, I just counted the coins this morning. They appear to be precisely enough for our journey back to Roa, with no surplus," Rudeus added, a hint of surprise in his voice.

The calculated precision of the coins struck me as intriguing. It was as if Fracta had meticulously accounted for our needs, further deepening the mystery surrounding their actions.

As the stagecoach rattled along the road, I couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to Fracta's involvement than met the eye.

The mysteries surrounding this masked figure seemed to intertwine with the larger web of events we had become entangled in.

Upon arriving at the last town, the three of us wasted no time and promptly boarded the final stagecoach, ready to make our way towards the citadel.

During the journey, Eris and I engaged in a conversation, sharing stories and anecdotes to pass the time. It was a small respite from the weight of recent events, a chance to find some levity amidst the uncertainty lay ahead.

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The carriage glided through the citadel's towering gates, and as we disembarked at the central stage station, a sense of anticipation filled the air. Our long journey was nearing its end, and the citadel's imposing castle loomed before us.

Walking the final stretch of road toward the castle, the city's bustling activity gradually gave way to a serene atmosphere. The night had cast a quiet blanket over the citadel, and lampposts scattered gentle light across the cobblestone paths.

Amidst the peaceful ambiance, I couldn't help but steal a moment to observe my companions.

Rudeus, the devoted brother who had tirelessly led us back to the citadel, and Eris, the resilient friend who had faced challenges with remarkable courage.

I could also see the weariness in Eris's eyes and the disheveled state of her hair, signs of the trials we had overcome.

In an attempt to ease her fatigue, I initiated a conversation. "How are you holding up, milady? We're almost home."

Eris offered a tired yet genuine smile, her weariness evident. "Honestly, I'm exhausted, but knowing that we're almost back makes it all worthwhile."

Rudeus joined in, his voice carrying a blend of relief and determination. "We've come a long way, and I'm relieved we've finally arrived."

As we advanced through the citadel, my attention was drawn to a figure in the distance. Clad in the attire of a castle servant, the butler's presence seemed out of place. He stood still, as though waiting for us, and an uneasy feeling settled over me.

"Look, someone from the castle is here to welcome us," Rudeus exclaimed, his relief evident as he began to approach the butler.

However, a sense of caution prompted me to halt him in his tracks, my hand gently restraining him. "Hold on, brother. Something doesn't feel right."

Rudeus paused, his eagerness tempered by my words. Eris, too, seemed to sense the unease that hung in the air, her gaze fixed on the butler standing ahead.

The butler's behavior struck me as peculiar. Rather than displaying recognition or warmth upon our return, he exuded an air of detachment, his expression enigmatic.

Sensing the tension, I subtly adjusted my grip on my sword's hilt, readying myself for any potential situation. The atmosphere crackled with uncertainty, and the figure of the butler seemed to harbor secrets that were waiting to be unraveled.

Reacting on instinct, I unsheathed my sword and swiftly moved to shield Eris, who I pulled closer to me. My blade met an unexpected resistance as it clashed with the weapon of a hooded figure that had suddenly emerged from the shadows, aiming to strike.

*CLANG*

The sound of metal striking metal shattered the night's silence.

"Well, well, aren't you quite quick for a little runt," the hooded figure remarked with an eerie amusement, their eyes glinting malevolently.

As our blades remained locked in a fierce standoff, it became evident that this was no ordinary opponent. The unsettling smile on their face and the dangerous aura they exuded made it clear that we were facing a formidable challenge.

With urgency, I pushed the hooded assailant back, positioning myself between them and Eris, who I pulled protectively behind me.

Then, I gestured to Rudeus to lead her away from here. "Brother, take Eris and go! Now!"

But before they could react, more hooded figures emerged from the shadows, effectively surrounding us and cutting off our avenues of escape. Sinister laughter echoed through the night as they wielded their weapons with menacing intent.

Trapped and outnumbered, we found ourselves facing an unexpected and dangerous threat, with no obvious means of escape.

"Who are you people? And what do you want?!"

Eris's voice rang out, a mix of alarm and defiance as she stood her ground beside me, arms folded and stance unwavering.

The hooded figures remained ominously silent, their presence heavy with a sense of foreboding. Their movements indicated a level of skill and coordination that marked them as more than mere common thugs.

Their apparent leader, the hooded figure with the malicious grin, stepped forward. "We're the Laughing Coffin, my dear. And we've been contracted by our employer for a very specific task — to eliminate her," they declared, pointing a menacing machete directly at me.

As tension hung heavily in the air, I braced myself for the impending clash, knowing that my own life was hanging by a thread.