The tunnel's dim light dampened Zephyrion's sight, but his memory filled the gaps.
He could recall every detail of these men. Their stances, their grips, even down to their dominant arms.
'Six soldiers.'
Except for the captain, the others looked younger and less seasoned. They were likely new recruits placed under a veteran captain to train.
'They can't handle pressure.'
Zephyrion's eyes grew cold. If blades were drawn, he could kill them.
Even so, it was merely a possibility, one that soon became void when the path eventually opened into a reinforced iron gate.
The captain dismounted, brushed dust from his armor, and knocked in a precise rhythm. A small metal hatch slid open and a pair of sharp, tired eyes peered through.
"Korem?"
The gatekeeper blinked lazily.
"Back already? And why in the world are you using the—"
"Open the gate, Marrow. He's waiting."
The irritation on Marrow's face vanished instantly. He blinked, shut the hatch, and several heavy bolts clicked free as the gate opened, revealing a wide underground antechamber filled with old storage crates and weapon racks.
Zephyrion led his horse through, studying the space in a single sweep.
Dust coated most surfaces… this place wasn't meant for public use.
"Formation!"
As the soldiers gathered before him, the captain nodded.
"Kai, stay back. The rest of you, make sure the building is secure."
"Yes, Captain."
"We'll proceed once it's secure, young lord,"
Zephyrion responded with a faint nod and let his gaze roam.
The chamber smelled of cold stone and old iron. No guards posted. No staff moving through. Only soldiers entering and sealing the gate behind them.
'Another isolated route.'
As the others dispersed to clear the path ahead, the captain pulled Marrow aside, the two whispering in hushed tones.
Only one soldier remained with Zephyrion. Their Healer, Kai.
Zephyrion wandered the room slowly while his eyes drifted over the weapon racks, brushing his arms against it.
Feeling Kai's gaze on his back, Zephyrion suddenly inhaled sharply, eyes widening as he staggered back.
"Y-young lord…! I-is something wrong?"
Kai panicked and hastily scanned around for any threats.
Zephyrion let his gaze flick upward as if tracking something on the ceiling.
"…Please tell me I'm imagining that."
"What… what is it?"
Kai was tense as he followed his line of sight instantly, gripping his weapon.
"…A spider."
"A… spider?"
Kai blinked. Then blinked again, wondering if he had heard wrong.
"Don't tell anyone… but I hate the damned things."
"Huh…?"
Kai could only stare, completely thrown off. A short laugh escaped him, and he slapped a hand over his mouth instantly, mortified as Zephyrion turned to him with a raised brow.
"You find this amusing?"
"N-no, I—I would never—"
Kai shook his head quickly. Men had lost their heads for less. House Calderalth did not tolerate disrespect, not even accidental.
"There's no need for that. I prefer honest reactions."
Seeing Zephyrion smile, Kai's shoulders eased instantly, and he let out a sigh of relief.
"You know… secrets are easier to keep when they're mutual."
Zephyrion's tone was light, but his eyes were serious.
"O-oh?"
"It wouldn't be fair if only I confessed something embarrassing, would it?"
"I—I don't have anything like—"
Zephyrion simply stared. As the seconds stretched, Kai began to look uncomfortable.
"…I—I used to cry during training drills. I hate it when the instructors shout at me."
Kai's ears reddened when Zephyrion chuckled.
"P-please don't tell anyone—"
"Why would I? It's not shameful. You stayed and became a great warrior. That's what counts."
"Young lord…"
Kai's eyes widened slightly, then he smiled and nodded, suddenly standing straighter.
Zephyrion let his gaze drift casually toward the tunnel where the others had gone, then spoke carefully:
"Let me guess. Commander Ragan is still in charge here?"
"Ragan? Oh—no, young lord! Commander Denmar Sara—"
"Kai!"
Kai's face paled instantly at the sight of the captain approaching.
"What are you doing?"
"I—I was just—"
"I was simply asking him how long he's served here. Is there a problem, Captain?"
Zephyrion asked with a frown.
"…No"
Though the captain bowed respectfully, he still fixed his hard stare on Kai.
Not long after, the other soldiers returned.
"The path's clear, Captain."
"Good. I'll lead the way, young lord."
Zephyrion fell in step behind him, flanked by soldiers on both sides. They ascended a narrow set of stairs into a barren hallway.
'The bastion is empty.'
Aside from the soldiers accompanying him, there was no one else in sight. Not even the non-combatants remained.
Their pace quickened, and after climbing multiple flights of stairs, they entered a long hallway with a large door at the end of the corridor.
'The commander's office.'
Zephyrion held back a frown. The captain had cut Kai off earlier, but he had already gathered enough.
'Denmar Sarakhel.'
If it was the same man he remembered from childhood, then matters were far more delicate than he'd expected.
'Rule Six.'
Zephyrion's stride shifted slightly.
"Ah!"
Kai, who had been walking beside him, suddenly tumbled, falling to the ground.
"Kai! What are you doing?"
"I-I'm s-sorry Captain! I don't know what happened…"
"Get up!"
"Y-yes…"
"Here."
As Kai scrambled to stand, he froze as he saw Zephyrion lower himself and offered a hand.
"Y-young l-lord…?"
"Take it."
"A-ah yes…!"
Realizing that he was keeping the heir to Calderalth waiting, he hastily took the hand and rose.
"Careful. The floors here are slippery."
"Y-yes…"
As Kai awkwardly bowed, he turned towards the captain.
"Lead the way, Captain."
"…Yes. This way, young lord."
They reached the door seconds later, the captain knocked once, then pushed it open.
Zephyrion stepped through calmly, his eyes falling on the figure waiting inside, a smile already fixed on the man's face.