Chapter 11

The hooded figure stood hidden among the trees, holding his breath as he watched everything unfold. His sharp eyes had tracked every move in the fight, but even he had struggled to follow Shaun's last strike. it all happened so quickly that the hooded man had to remind himself to breathe.

"What… just happened?" he whispered, barely loud enough to hear. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword, but he didn't draw it. There was no need. Shaun had ended the fight with such skill and precision that even he, an experienced warrior, was amazed.

The way Shaun had assessed the situation, identified the leader as the greatest threat, and neutralized him without so much as breaking a sweat—it was the mark of someone far beyond his years. And yet, Aldric had sent *him* to protect Shaun, as if the boy were some helpless novice in need of a guardian.

"Why?" the hooded figure whispered, his brow furrowing in confusion. "Why would Aldric send me to watch over someone who clearly doesn't need it? Is this some kind of test? Or does he know something I don't?"

As Shaun disappeared into the forest, the hooded figure hesitated. His orders were clear: stay close to Shaun, ensure his safety, and intervene only if absolutely necessary. But Shaun had just proven that he was more than capable of handling himself. Did he even need a shadow?

With a sigh, he pulled his hood lower and slipped into the shadows, quietly following Shaun from a safe distance.

The forest was filled with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant bird calls. Shaun moved quietly through the trees, his steps light and careful. He had been traveling for hours, and the sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows on the ground. He paused, glancing around as if he felt someone—or something—nearby.

A short distance away, hidden behind a large tree, the hooded figure watched Shaun closely. He had been following him for days, always staying out of sight. But as he shifted slightly for a better view, a small squirrel jumped onto a low branch nearby, its tiny eyes locked onto him.

The squirrel tilted its head and let out a soft chitter. The hooded figure froze, holding his breath. "Go away," he whispered, waving his hand. But instead of leaving, the squirrel hopped closer, its fluffy tail twitching with curiosity.

Shaun stopped walking. He tilted his head, listening. The forest had suddenly gone quiet—except for the faint sound of chittering. And… was that someone whispering? He turned slowly, scanning the trees.

Meanwhile, the hooded figure was now in a full blown standoff with the squirrel. It had climbed onto his shoulder and was nibbling at the edge of his hood. "Seriously, go away!" he whispered harshly, trying to shoo it off without making too much noise. But the squirrel refused to leave, chittering even louder, as if scolding him.

Shaun took a few steps toward the sound, his hand resting casually on the hilt of his sword. "You know," he called out, his voice calm but laced with amusement, "if you're going to stalk someone, you might want to avoid making friends with the local wildlife."

The hooded figure's heart pounded as Shaun's voice broke the silence. No way, he thought, panic rushing through him. There's no way he could have—

Without thinking, he turned, ready to run. But before he could take a step, he froze.

Shaun was already there.

He stood just inches away, his sword pressed against the hooded figure's neck. His face was calm, almost bored, as if this was just another routine moment for him. The cold steel pressed against his skin, a clear warning not to move.

"Going somewhere?" Shaun asked casually, though there was a sharpness in his voice that sent a chill down the hooded figure's spine.

Swallowing hard, the hooded figure slowly raised his hands. "Uh… no?" he said, his voice cracking. "Just… stretching my legs?"

Shaun raised an eyebrow. "Stretching your legs. Right. While following me through the forest. For hours."

The hooded figure winced. "Okay, when you say it like that, it sounds bad."

Shaun didn't move his sword. "It is bad. Who are you, and why are you following me?"

The hooded figure hesitated, his mind racing. He could try to lie, but something about Shaun's sharp gaze told him that would be a bad idea. With a sigh, he gave in.

"Aldric sent me. He thought you might need… protection."

Shaun studied him for a moment, his blade still in place. Then, to the hooded figure's surprise, he lowered it and stepped back. "My father, huh?" Shaun said, his tone softening slightly.

The hooded figure groaned, pulling his hood back to reveal a slightly exasperated expression.

Shaun raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching into a faint smile. "New friend?" he asked, nodding toward the squirrel.

The squirrel chittered again, as if agreeing with Shaun. It hopped down from the hooded figure's shoulder and scampered over to Shaun, climbing up his arm to perch on his shoulder instead. Shaun chuckled, scratching the squirrel behind its ears. "Seems like it likes me better," he said, his tone teasing.

The hooded figure let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair as he looked at the squirrel now sitting comfortably on Shaun's shoulder. "Alright, fine," he said, sounding both tired and relieved. "My name's Laelar. I… well, I was meant to be your shadow."

Shaun smirked, giving the squirrel one last scratch before it hopped off his shoulder and disappeared into the trees. "Laelar, huh? Well, Laelar, if you're going to follow me, you might as well stop skulking in the bushes. I don't bite."

Laelar raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "Could've fooled me," he muttered, rubbing his neck where Shaun's blade had been moments ago. "You've got a funny way of welcoming people."

Shaun chuckled, his tone lightening. "Relax, Laelar. If my father sent you, that means he trusts you. And if he trusts you, then I don't mind the company. Besides," he added, glancing at Laelar with a faint smile, "it's been a while since I've had someone to talk to who isn't a squirrel."

Laelar glanced at him, his expression softening. "You're really okay with this? Me tagging along, I mean. I know I wasn't exactly invited."

Shaun shrugged, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. "Like I said, I don't mind the company. And if my father thinks I need someone watching my back, then maybe there's a reason for it. Even if I don't see it yet."

Laelar nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Well, for what it's worth, I'll try not to slow you down. And if you ever need backup, I've got your back. Even if you don't technically need it."

Shaun glanced at him, his smile genuine this time. "Thanks, Laelar. I'll keep that in mind."

Laelar glanced at Shaun, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Wait, hold on," he said, stopping in his tracks. "Back there, you said it's been a while since you've had someone to talk to who isn't a squirrel. What did you mean by that?"

Shaun paused, turning to face Laelar with a faint smirk. "Exactly what I said. That squirrel? He's my friend. He's been following me for a while now."

Laelar's eyes widened, his mouth dropping open. "Whaaaatttttt??? Are you serious? That squirrel?"