5 days later
Kald patted Coin lightly. "Sorry that I pushed you so hard, buddy. We're almost there."
The horse let out a huff as it continued down the road. On each side, golden fields of wheat stretched out beneath the vibrant blue sky. The temperature was near perfect. Off in the distance, Kald could see it — the town of Oinlin. A decent-sized town in Torren, close to the border with Cara.
For the past five days, Kald had done everything to reach it as soon as possible, for this wasn't just any town. It was Erina's hometown, he had to break the news.
A week later and Kald still felt hollow. He'd started to wonder why he was doing this at all. If they were all gone... what was the point? Why even bring the news? Why do anything?
But he shook his head. No. He had to. He had to.
After a few more minutes of riding, Kald reached the front gate.
The young guard at the post eyed him, clearly suspicious of the sword on Kald's hip.
"My name is..." Kald paused. "My name is Kald."
The guard's eyes narrowed — then widened. "You're him!? W-what... back here alone—" He caught himself. "No..."
His arms slumped to his side. Kald gave a silent nod and entered.
The village was more or less as he remembered. Quaint. Neat. He'd even call it pretty.
Kald carefully rode through the streets. Many stared at him — some even recognized him. Still, he continued forward. As he reached an incline in the stone road, he saw it ahead: a massive white mansion sitting atop the hill.
As he climbed, fewer people followed and instead began to whisper amoung themselves.
"Ah... he has business with the Maroses.""Better keep our distance.""Where's Lady Erina?"
Hearing her name, Kald cringed. It made him want to turn back then and there — but he couldn't.
Finally, he reached the estate gate and waited. The guard looked over, Kald recognized him.
"Ah, if it isn't the loverboy," the man said with a mocking grin. "What you doin' here?"
Kald took a deep breath. "I have to speak with Erina's parents."
The guard scoffed. If Kald remembered right, his name was Aron.
"Hah! Erina's parents, huh? What, you asking for their blessing?"
Kald's grip tightened on the reins.
"Aron."
Aron blinked, surprised that Kald remembered his name.
"I don't have time for games. Let me through." His voice was firm, sharp, he was no longer asking.
Aron flinched, catching sight of Kald's eyes they were dark and empty, like deep caves.
"W-Where's Lady Erina?" Aron asked, his tone suddenly nervous as he finally realized something was wrong.
Kald said nothing.
And Aron hurriedly opened the gate.
Kald dismounted Coin and left him with Aron, then walked up to the mansion's front door.
He gave it a knock and waited.
Finally, someone answered. Another familiar face, the maid. He was pretty sure her name was Anaya.
She cringed when she saw him, and went to shut the door but he caught it.
She pushed back, trying to close it. "Tch. Why did Aron even let you in? You—"
"Anaya!" Kald barked.
She flinched.
He took a deep breath calming himself. "It's... about Erina."
Anaya froze. Her expression was the same as Aron's.
"What about Lady Erina? I—I'll deliver the message so—"
"You can't," Kald said, cutting her off. "It has to be me."
Anaya backed away, she trembled as spoke and her voice now hollow. "Follow me."
He did just that and as he walked, he adjusted the pack slung over his shoulder.
Anaya led him down a long hallway before finally reaching two large white doors. She told Kald to wait a moment then stepped inside. Shortly later she returned.
"They're... in there." Her voice was stiff and numb.
Kald gave a small nod.
And stepped toward the door.
(And thus, Kald's adventure continues…)