William appears first. "That's handled."
"What was handled?" I ask.
"Nothing. I'm not just the tracer for you after all." William waves it off. But that's enough information to know it had to do with Jessica. She's at the castle.
"Whenever you need to handle things, give warning and leave."
"I did. I know what I'm doing. It's my job. I won't skip out on either of you unless you're safe. I'd be taking you with me then." William says. "Where's Vincent?"
"Pacing." Lyrie is focused on whittling. I know she is also on guard. Her weapon is available. She's quick to switch. "You'll be going on a walk once he returns."
"A walk?" William looks at me. "Where?"
"To bring Ergra back to her home." Lyrie says without issue. "Vincent is double checking things first. Prince is going with you."
"That's good. I cannot leave Thomas without reason." William stands before me on guard almost. "Fearing things?"
I half expect Lyrie to answer, but she doesn't. I look to Ergra. The goblin doesn't seem to mind. "Remember before you left me?"
"As kids?"
"Yeah."
"How could I not?"
I think of those times. I had a friend who was actually using my mage trainer to train magic. William was being used to show off spells and explain the how to. It gave me better understanding and a lot of annoyance. I kept thinking if I was two years older, I would be at the same point. But it was never my age blocking me from magic. It was the curse blocking me. Will I have access at some point? It'll open at twenty. They'll burn my magic out if I can't handle it. I know that now.
After dealing with the earth spell with the goblins... Passing out afterwards... It was too much for me. I get the meaning to the block. William was always capable of control because he only has one class to work on. I have too many. I have conflict inside me even.
"Why the thoughts?"
"Ergra is only twelve, so I'm just remembering things."
William turns to the goblin. Ergra grins. "You're only twelve?"
"Yup. My birthday is in winter. After harvest ends, I'll be part of the celebrators." Must be a goblin tradition. Humans mark off their day and celebrate specifically. Or if they don't know their exact birthday, they pick a day close to it. Goblins celebrate by seasons? "His Highness said I'll be limited until I turn fifteen."
"That's minimum age for adulthood. Do goblins pick thirteen as the cut off?"
"No. Fifteen." Ergra sighs. "I can train within the family, but I cannot move about. Like Sorcerer lives separate, right? I am not allowed to travel there alone. It is too far. It would be called unsafe." Ergra glances at Lyrie. "So I accept being escorted back. I should've brought others with me, but I didn't want to take anyone from their duties. I did give warning. And I have permission." Ergra jumps up fear present. "Promise. I didn't just run away."
William smirks at me. I have 'just run away' before. "We know. Why did you come?"
"Sorcerer wanted someone who understood Common as well as handle warhogs. I was the best choice. I may not be as skilled as a master, but I understand well enough. And I speak Common. The rest... You'd need a translator. They never took the time to learn."
"Probably know more warhog grunts than our language." William drops next to the goblin. Ergra slowly sits down too nodding. "We'll protect you on the walk back. Is it far?"
"No." Ergra freezes looking to me. "I mean... It's not that close. Are you sure His Highness can handle a long walk? It won't take too long, but the sun will noticeably move within the time."
William grins catching my eyes. "I think Thomas will be fine. He likes to walk."
I want to complain about the comment. I know what William refers to. My escapes have been mostly through walking. "Want me to call my flyer?"
"I can just bring it to you." William holds up a hand. "But you are only qualified for solo flight, right?"
"Duo as long as the person is smaller than me." Which Ergra very much classifies as. All goblins are smaller than me after all.
"We're not traveling by air. If needed, there are better choices." William eyes me. "I can extend my magic to bring Ergra home. But it's safer to walk."
"Safer?"
"Yes." William looks to Ergra. "You're used to Al teleporting in and out of your home, though, aren't you?" The goblin nods. "So I probably would be fine doing so. If push comes to shove, I'll do that. Can I have your hand?"
"For?"
"Mana signature." William smiles holding his hand out. Ergra doesn't fuss over it. William needs skin to skin contact to handle teleporting them easier. He has a mastery of teleportation, but there are limits even within that. One day I will match to his magic.
One day...
"I'm back." Vincent says.
"Welcome back, Captain." Lyrie uses the title as a joke. I've noticed that.
I say, "I think he would suit general better, don't you?" The knights here focus on me. "No?"
"It's not a joke if the prince makes such a comment." Vincent rubs his head. "Lyrie see what you started?" Lyrie apologizes. "Whether or not I qualify as a general does not mean I am looking." He eyes me. "No comments from someone who doesn't grasp what it means to be a knight."
"Sorry." I duck my head.
"Alright. Let's get this goblin safely back home." Vincent motions us to stand. He turns back to Lyrie. "Once we reach the goblin encampment, William will teleport us back. It'll be the best option. Will you be fine for a while?"
"Of course." Lyrie offers a thumbs up. "Have fun."
"Yeah... Fun..." Vincent sighs. "Follow my directions carefully." He starts walking in lead position. He doesn't offer directions. I can assume right now it's follow him closely, but... Should I expect actual directions?
"Don't think too much, Thomas. We're just taking a walk." William grins at me.