Chapter 7: The Vanishing of Zasp

Mr. Roger," Amaris called out to him.

"Oh, Amaris, what are you doing here?" Mr. Roger asked.

"Mrs. Lina asked me to bring this to you," Amaris replied.

"What is it?" Mr. Roger asked.

"She said it's your snack," Amaris answered.

"Oh, is that so? Alright, just put the basket down there, and I'll call Arkin," Mr. Roger said.

"Uhm," Amaris responded with a nod.

After Mr. Roger called Arkin, they ate their snack. Once they finished, they returned to their tasks. By the time they were done, the sun was beginning to set.

"It's getting dark. We should head back," Mr. Roger said to Arkin.

"Yes, sir," Arkin replied.

After that, they packed up their tools and went home.

"We're home!" Arkin shouted.

"Oh, how was your day? You both look exhausted from cutting trees. Take a rest and clean yourselves up because we're about to have dinner," someone said.

After they finished cleaning themselves up, they sat down and began to eat.

The next morning, the sun slowly rose, casting a warm glow over the land.

*Rooster crows*

Arkin was feeding the chickens when a carriage suddenly arrived in front of their house.

"Hello! Is anyone home?" a woman's voice called from outside Mrs. Lina's house.

"Who is that?" Arkin asked.

When he stepped outside, he was shocked to see his cousin, Aethris.

"Aethris? What are you doing here?" Arkin asked.

"I have bad news for you," Aethris replied.

"Oh… I see. Come inside first," Arkin said, leading Aethris inside.

"So, what is it you need to tell me?" Arkin asked.

"It's about your brother Zasp," Aethris said.

"While he was on a mission, they were attacked by an unknown creature. Until now, Zasp is still missing," Aethris explained.

"Huh?" Arkin gasped in shock.

"That's not true. Tell me it's not true!" Arkin said in disbelief.

"As painful as it is to accept… it's the truth," Aethris said, her eyes welling with tears.

After their conversation, Arkin made the decision to join the palace guards to avenge the disappearance of his older brother, Zasp.