Throughout the ride, Northern's eyes remained closed. Even with all the talkings from Alex, he never opened his eyes for once until they seemed to have left that particular town where the Silvers lived.
It was approaching dawn when they entered another town entirely.
"Where are you taking me to?" He asked, finally opening his eyes. He looked around, there were lesser houses around.
"Master, we have left your birth town and have entered a new one. This town is less livelier than the other town but we can manage it for now. We will find a place to stay for today then tomorrow, we will leave the City, into a different one," Alex replied.
"Okay," Northern replied and Alex nodded and continued.
The next ride took like an hour or so before finally stopping in front of an Inn.
"We are here, Master," Alex said and came down from rhe carriage. He wanted to help Northern but the latter waved his hand.
"In public, don't call me Master," he said and made his way towards the Inn's entrance.
"O— Yes, Master," Alex mumbled, scratching his head. He quickly joined Northern and the two of them went in.
The Inn smelled faintly of woodsmoke and herbs. Its walls were aged but sturdy, and the faint creak of the floorboards underfoot spoke of years of footsteps before theirs. The woman at the counter beamed, wiping her hands on her apron as she addressed them.
"Welcome, young man, and you, boy. What should I offer the both of you?"
Northern's sharp gaze swept over the room before he answered. "Food."
"Yes, food. The best food you have here. And some water too," Alex added quickly, puffing his chest out as if to show he was handling things.
The woman gave a polite nod, turning to leave, but Alex leaned slightly toward Northern and whispered, "Master, should we—"
Northern's eyes narrowed at him immediately. A glare, sharp and cold, cut across Alex's words.
Alex stiffened, swallowing hard. He straightened and laughed nervously, scratching the back of his neck. "I mean… should we take something light or heavy? Since it's still morning, after all."
The corner of Northern's mouth twitched faintly—almost as if he wanted to sigh but chose silence instead.
The woman soon returned, setting down two bowls of steaming porridge, a plate of fresh bread, and a small jug of water. "Here you go. It's simple, but it will fill your stomachs."
Northern gave a small nod. Alex, however, grinned widely. "Thank you, ma'am!"
The two of them sat at a wooden table near the far end of the room. The porridge steamed gently, and for a moment, silence filled the space between them as they began eating. Northern ate slowly, with measured movements, while Alex devoured his portion with unrestrained hunger.
"Mm—Master, this tastes—"
Another glare.
Alex's spoon froze midair, porridge dripping back into the bowl. He cleared his throat quickly. "Ah—Northern, this tastes… amazing. Yes, that's what I meant." He forced a smile, though sweat dotted his forehead.
Northern said nothing, only continued eating in silence.
After a while, Alex finished his food, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He stood and walked back toward the woman at the counter. "We'd like a room. Just one. The boy—uh, my… friend here will need a place to rest."
The woman tilted her head. "And what about you?"
"I'll… manage elsewhere," Alex said quickly. "But he needs the room. Please."
She nodded and disappeared into a small back room before returning with a brass key. "Second floor, the third door on your right. It's clean. Your friend can rest well there."
Alex bowed clumsily, thanking her, then returned to Northern's side. He placed the key on the table. "The room's ready for you."
Northern didn't look up. "Fine."
Moments later, the two of them climbed the stairs. The hallway upstairs was dim, with only a few lanterns burning. Alex unlocked the door, stepping aside to let Northern in first.
The room was plain—one bed, a wooden chest, a small table with a candle, and a single chair. The curtains were drawn, letting in faint streaks of light from the rising sun.
Northern walked in, glanced around, then sat quietly on the edge of the bed.
Alex rubbed his hands together awkwardly. "Rest here for a while. I'll go out and get a few things… clothes, medicine, maybe some money too. We'll need them."
Northern raised an eyebrow but didn't object. Instead, he leaned back slightly, closing his eyes. "Don't take too long."
Alex nodded eagerly, almost relieved to have an excuse to leave. "I won't!"
He hurried out of the room, his footsteps fading down the hallway until silence remained.
Northern sat in the quiet, the muffled sounds of the Inn below faintly reaching him. His mind drifted briefly back to the Silver household—the cold glare of his father, the false concern of his mother, Finn's laughter. His fists tightened for a moment before he released them, letting the silence of the Inn settle over him.
Hours later, the door creaked open again. Alex stumbled in, his arms filled with a bulging bag. His face was flushed from effort, but he grinned proudly as he dropped it onto the floor.
"See, I told you I'd be quick! Look what I got, Master—uh, I mean, Northern."
He began pulling items out one by one. "Clothes, so you don't have to wear the same thing every day. Ointment and medicine for your wounds. And…" He reached deep into the bag and pulled out a bundle of notes, tied neatly with a string. "Money. Enough to carry us for days."
Northern finally opened his eyes, his gaze flickering over the items. He didn't speak, but a faint acknowledgment flashed in his expression.
Alex grinned wider, puffing out his chest. "See? I'm reliable."
Northern leaned forward, resting his chin on one hand as he stared at the boy. His lips curled into the faintest of smirks. He leaned back on the bed, his eyes fixed briefly on Alex and the pile of items he had brought. Then, after a moment of silence, he spoke.
"Leave."
Alex blinked, his grin faltering. "Huh? But I just came back—"
"I want to rest," Northern cut him off, his voice calm but firm. "Go. I don't need you here."
Alex's shoulders slumped, and he scratched his head with a sheepish laugh. "Ah… alright, alright. Rest well. I'll just… be outside."
Northern turned his face away, already closing his eyes. He did not hear the faint sigh Alex let out before leaving the room quietly.
Sleep came quickly, heavy and deep, and when Northern finally stirred, a faint ray of sunlight was already cutting through the curtains. It was noon.
He sat up slowly, stretching, then rose and crossed the room. A small basin of water had been left for washing. He stripped off his old clothes, bathed, and then pulled on a fresh set from the bundle Alex had brought. The fabric was plain but clean, soft against his skin.
When he finally opened the door, he found Alex standing right outside, stiff as a soldier, arms folded.
Northern paused. "What are you doing?"
Alex straightened immediately, his eyes alert. "Guarding."
"Guarding?"
"Yes," Alex said with absolute seriousness. "You were asleep. Someone had to make sure no one disturbed you. So I stood here."
Northern gave him a long look. For a moment, it seemed he would say nothing, but then he turned and began walking down the hall. "Come. It's time we leave."
Alex brightened instantly and hurried after him. "Yes!"
They returned downstairs to the main hall of the Inn. Alex spoke quickly to the woman at the counter, ordering food packed neatly for their journey. Within minutes, a small bundle of bread, dried meat, and a flask of warm water was handed over.
Alex carried it carefully as they stepped out into the bright afternoon.
To Northern's surprise, another carriage was waiting outside—not the old one they had ridden before, but a better one. Its wheels were sturdier, its frame polished, the horses healthier and well-fed.
He glanced at Alex.
Alex grinned. "I arranged it. Thought you deserved better than rattling around in that old box."
Northern said nothing, only climbed into the carriage. He leaned back on the cushioned seat and then looked at Alex, who was still standing outside. "Get in."
But Alex shook his head.
"I can't."