The freedom was extracted from me, long ago. I am a man of nothing, just a human being played as a pawn, King said it to Trail.
Trail: But why are you telling me this? What will really happen? ...
King: I don't know about it, but there was one thing for sure: humans' greediness and their lies will always lead to destruction ... I have also become greedy ...
Trail: Then just quit it. What will they do to you? They will kill me ... King said ...
King: Even though I have done bad, I don't want myself to be killed by them. So I thought about it, Trail, he said to him. Can you end my life? ...
The room fell silent. King and Trail stared at each other. I may not do that, but I guess in the near future, when the time is right, I will surely kill you ... but for that day, you have to live ... King breathed a small sigh of relief. At least I will die by a man of pure wisdom.
In the present time, Trail remembered this conversation. He was sitting inside his room, a cigarette in his hand, its smoke curling lazily into the air.
Looks like I wasn't able to give him a pure death, but was it really my fate? Whatever. The King is dead, the wingman is ruined, so we don't really have to care, and I am no longer the commander.
Luxorious: Pretty frustrating, is it? Luxorious stood by the wall.
Trail: No. I am just dreaming, dreaming of a moment.
Luxorious: Really? His eyes glared sharply. So what is your next step, Trail?.
Trail: I really don't know, but I guess it's time we meet with that boy ... what was his name? Aron, was it.
Luxorious: Why do you want to meet him?.
The room was surrounded by nothing, just items used only by Trail.
Trail: I just want to see him. Listen, Luxorious, this sounds a bit late, but I want that boy to join us.
Luxorious: Join you? You aren't even the commander now, and you want to let that boy join you.
Trail: It's time, Luxorious. We cannot just sit here and wait for help to come again. I will try to reclaim my position.
,,,,,,,,,,
A little fog drifted through the streets,common in early mornings but rare in summer. Aron was hammering swords, shaping them sleek and thin, then plunging them into the hot furnace until they glowed golden-red. Finally, he plunged them into water, the hiss sharp in the air. Sweat drenched him, his hair clinging to his face like he had just stepped out of a bath. Every breath felt heavy, each movement demanding effort.
Balrad entered. The door opened, and he walked toward the swords, inspecting them.
Perfect. The shape, the balance ... just a slight imperfection along the edge, but not every blade. This one was flawless, that one too ...
Balrad: You are doing very well, Aron. I have met no one who started creating swords in just months. But this should be your last, okay? You can polish them and complete them tomorrow.
Aron nodded, relief washing over him. Balrad had liked his work. He closed the furnace door, exhaled deeply, then inhaled slowly. He grabbed a cloth and wiped his neck, his face, then the hair sticking to his forehead..
The voice. What he was talking about. It felt like a message, a signal meant to guide, but only if one truly understood. Misinterpret it, and it would burn you.
The horizon. I remember. A place across the sea, filled with grass and trees. Just follow the horizon, and if your heart is pure enough, the winds will take you there.
Always felt like a fairy tale. A world with no humans must be heaven: bound by no cruelty, only purity, warm sunlight, and a blue sea. Dad used to talk about it, but I knew he knew it didn't exist.
Aron thought deeply. If only from the start, we had found it, we would be different from everyone else. But no, humans are flawed. He thought of Balrad, of wood, of the master. I think, from the start, Carlos would surely have found it.
He stood, closed the door, splashed water over his head, wiped it clean, and stepped outside for a walk through the village. Dawn was breaking, the fog finally lifting.
Reach a place. Find a place where no humans exist. Only a vagabond could truly explore such a world, with a heart full of meaning and admiration.
He sat, gazing at the billions of stars scattered across the sky. I was born in this world for a reason. What reason, Aron? Was it to protect? Or is it to be a man driven by revenge.
The Blade chose me to protect my kind. There is a reason, Aron!
Balrad watched him. Son, I have cooked food. Let's eat. Come on. You must be starving, said Balrad.
Everything flushed from Aron's mind. He stood, heading inside.
Balrad and Aron started eating. The table was overflowing.
Balrad: The profit is really going up, son. I have never sold weapons like this in my life. I prepared this feast so we can enjoy it. Now start.
They ate in silence. The room was quiet, not uncomfortable, but heavy with understanding.
Aron: Balrad, I want to ask you about your son.
Balrad froze for a moment, then answered. Sai. He was a good son. He helped me for many years, but he was grown now. He knew blacksmithing well. He wanted to see the world. He wanted to learn swordsmanship. I could not say no, even though I was worried. I didn't want to ruin his dream as a father. So I let him go.
Aron: I am really sorry for your loss. Losing someone dear is always painful ...
Balrad: It is. Let's forget it for now and enjoy this feast.
Balrad stared at Aron eating. But still, it isn't as deep as it is for you, Aron ...