Kald slowly unwrapped the bundle. Upon seeing what was inside, he paused.
It was a hand—pale and burnt at the wrist, with the middle and pinky finger missing.
Kald hated himself for the first thought that crossed his mind:How beautiful it was.
He quickly wrapped it again and stood, turning to Dan.
"Lord Kald?" Dan muttered. His face was still wet with tears.
"Call me the Ferry," Kald said plainly.
"B-but your injuries, I—" Dan cut himself off.
Kald gave a soft smile. "Please."
Dan remained silent, his gaze remained fixated on Kald and immediately he knew he'd never forget that sight.
"Understood, Lord Kald."He stood and began walking down the hill.
"Come get me when it's here. I'm going to stay a little while longer." Kald said.
Dan hesitated, then nodded and made his way down the rest of the hill.
Once he was gone, Kald sank to his knees.
He gripped the bundle tightly. He couldn't begin to describe what he felt—because he felt nothing. He was numb. Atleast with Dalan and Lea he'd been able to cry but not this time, not Erina...
Time didn't seem to pass. He didn't wish this was a dream anymore. All he wished… was that the demon had killed him instead of her.
No. Not the demon. Him.
Why did he swing? Why had he killed her? Why?
"Lord Kald."
Dan's voice came from behind. Kald looked up and slowly rose.
"You're… already back?" he asked.
"Lord Kald, it's been over two hours."
Kald paused, then let out a weak laugh.
"Oh sorry."
Dan looked at him with a sorrowful expression. "The boat is here. Are you sure you're okay to leave?"
Kald took a deep breath and nodded."Yes. I had a week's worth of rest, now there are things I must attend to."
"I understand," Dan said. "I've had your things delivered to the boat so no need to worry about that."
Kald nodded and looked back one last time at Dalan and Lea's gravestones. He cringed… but then his gaze softened and gave them a quiet smile. He filled his legs with force and leapt away.
Dan watched until he disappeared into town.
By the time Kald reached the docks, a crowd had already gathered around the arriving boat.
Using force he leapt over them, landing directly in the boat—not for show like he would've before, but to save time and avoid people. A very un-Kald thing to do.
Pedro gave him a solemn nod. He didn't ask questions. He already had a grasp on the situation.
Without a word, he started the engine. It sputtered, then pulled away from the docks. The islanders cheered for Kald, trying to lift his spirits—but none of it reached him. Everything was a blur. A messy, hollow blur.
****
Dan returned home to find his father still at the table, jogging scattered papers into neat stacks.
"He's gone, Father."
The mayor nodded then glanced upwards. "May the gods bless that boy… I wish him luck."
Dan nodded, then sat across from his father. He thought back to Kald's last smile, just one more time, before helping with the papers.
****
The entire boat ride was silent.
Kald said nothing and neither did Pedro. The only sounds were the waves hitting the hull and the occasionally whistle of the wind blowing past. Kald held the bundle the whole time.
Pedro tried not to think about what was inside.
After about an hour, they reached Zar. Kald stood and turned to Pedro.
"Thanks for the ride." He smiled faintly and handed over five silver coins.
Pedro stared at the amount, stunned, but said nothing. "Thank you kindly…"
Kald nodded and hopped off.
He walked past the pasta restaurant they'd eaten at earlier and quickly turned away. Only then did he realize how hungry he was. He ignored it and kept walking.
At the Guild, the inn was quiet—just a few adventurers and a party or two eating together. A few of them pointed out Kald, most recognized him nowadays.
Kald approached the front desk. The receptionist bowed her head. Her face was somber, she likely knew.
Without a word, she handed him a large pouch of coins. Kald nodded once and left.
At the stables, he took Coin and insisted they keep the other horses. The stable tried to refuse, but before they could argue any further Kald was already trotting off.
He packed the bundle carefully into his bag, then whipped the reins. Coin accelerated, faster and faster, until the city gates came into view.
With a nod from the guards, he rode out, leaving Zar...
He had one last place to go.
(And thus, Kald's adventure continues...)