'Boco's Castle... how in the seven seas did that sprout up here?' Alice mused, her gaze fixed on the imposing black structure looming beyond the northern gate.
"Anywhere," she muttered, a hint of steel in her voice.
Drawing her trusty dagger, she stepped through the gate. "Lord Draven entrusted the villagers to my care. And by the abyss, that's precisely what I intend to do."
"Hey... why does my little killer rabbit reek of so much killing intent?"
A familiar voice drawled.
"Huh?" Alice halted mid-stride, her eyes widening as she took in the approaching figures: Draven, Alexandra, and three grim-faced guards.
"Lord Draven?" she questioned, a mixture of surprise and relief coloring her tone.
Draven closed the distance swiftly, his hand snaking around her waist to pull her close. "So, what do you think of our new digs?!" he asked, a devilish smirk playing on his lips.
Alice stared at him for a beat, then her gaze drifted to the formidable black castle. "We're... staying there?" she asked, a note of mild astonishment in her voice.
Draven nodded, then gestured towards Alexandra. "They ran into a bit of trouble, but it's all sorted now."
Alice nodded in understanding, gently disentangling herself from Draven's embrace to approach Alexandra. "Are you alright, Alexandra?" she asked, her concern evident.
Alexandra's gaze flickered towards Draven before settling on Alice. "Yes... all thanks to Draven."
Alice nodded in reply, her eyes then falling to the severed head clutched in Alexandra's hand. "This?"
"This is the head of Boco's leader... We don't know his name, but he styled himself 'General of the Invaders'," Alexandra explained, her voice flat.
"A general..." Alice murmured, a shadow of worry instantly clouding her features. "This isn't good."
"What was that?" Alexandra asked, having missed her quiet words.
"Oh... it's nothing! You've been through so much, come on now... let's go inside," Alice said, forcing a brighter tone.
"Go inside?" Alexandra glanced at the guards, who were engaged in a hushed conversation with Draven, and sighed softly. "Let's go back to the village," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Alice nodded, looping her arm around Alexandra's shoulders, and steered her back towards the gate, leaving Draven and the three guards behind.
"Head Guard Mike... what exactly are you proposing?" Draven asked, his eyebrow arching in curiosity.
"Lord Draven... this is a humble village, and our numbers of strong warriors are few. Therefore, we were hoping... could you consider becoming our guardian?" Mike asked, his tone earnest.
"Guardian? Titles with responsibility aren't exactly my cup of tea," Draven replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"No, no, that's not quite it," Mike quickly interjected. "We understand Lord Draven values his... time. What we're suggesting is simply that you accept the title. Your duties would primarily involve protecting our village and participating in crucial decision-making... that's all."
'Hmm... this one's sharper than he looks. If I agree, I'll be morally obligated to stick around. Well, I am free at the moment, might as well play along.' Draven thought, a faint sigh escaping his lips.
"Alright... but is John aware of this arrangement?" he asked.
"We discussed it before you so generously provided the special potion," Mike answered with a respectful nod.
"Understood then," Draven conceded. "When are you planning the funeral?" he inquired.
"Considering everything... we're aiming for this evening."
Draven nodded, then turned and began walking away from the castle gate, heading towards the village. "Come on then, let's get everything prepared!" he called over his shoulder.
"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Guardian!" Mike exclaimed, a wide smile spreading across his face. He turned to the two other guards. "From this moment forward, you will address him as Lord Draven! He is now the Guardian of our village. Is that clear?!"
The two guards nodded their heads in unison, their expressions serious.
"Now, go and spread the word. The entire village must know of this."
The two nodded and hurried off, following in Draven's wake.
____
In less than an hour, Draven's name echoed throughout the village, hailed as their first guardian. A wave of relief and gratitude washed over the villagers.
SQUEAK!
The door creaked open, and Alice entered the small dwelling. Her gaze swept across the room, settling on Draven and Atticus, who were engrossed in a game of chess in the sitting room.
"Where's Alexandra?" she asked, walking towards them.
"Sister's inside," Atticus replied, his brow furrowed in concentration as he moved a chess piece.
"Yeah... she wants to be alone for a bit," Draven added, his eyes lingering on the closed door leading to Alexandra's room.
"Oh," Alice said softly, stopping in front of the two and sinking onto a nearby couch, her attention now fixed on the chessboard.
'Hmm... Master is leaving his king wide open, but little Atticus doesn't seem to notice,' she mused with a small smile. 'Looks like young Atticus still has much to learn in this game of strategy.'
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
The three heads turned towards the sound.
"Let me get it." Alice offered, rising from the couch.
She walked to the door and pulled it open, her eyes widening in surprise at the sight before her. Every single woman who had been rescued from Boco stood on her doorstep.
Their hands were laden with gifts – baskets overflowing with foodstuffs, bundles of fragrant herbs, vials of shimmering potions, and other precious items.
"Hmm..." Alice was momentarily speechless.
Seeing Alice, the women exchanged nervous glances, a residual fear lingering in their eyes. After all, she was the one who had led most of them to Boco in the first place.
"Is Lord Draven, and Miss Alexandra within?" the elf at the forefront asked, her features suggesting she was the eldest among them.
"Yes," Alice replied simply, turning her head to the two males, who were now staring at the doorway with curiosity. "Lord Draven... they're here for you," she called out, stepping aside.
"Really?" Draven stood up, walked towards the door, and stopped before the assembled ladies. The moment their eyes met his, they brightened with an almost palpable relief and admiration.
"Lord Draven! My family and I are eternally indebted to you for saving me. Please accept these ten health potions and some provisions as a token of our gratitude," the elf said with a warm smile, extending a woven basket towards him.