The journey back to the capital was unlike any of Colin's memories. Not because of the route—that remained the same, with its well-tended roads flanked by open fields and patches of dense forest. The difference lay in the atmosphere within the wagon.
The sky was tinged with gold and orange, bathing the landscape in the soft glow of the day's end. A cool breeze blew through the trees, and the rustling of leaves mixed with the steady rhythm of the horses' hooves. A peaceful sound. A stark contrast to the last few days, when every sound or shadow meant a fight for life.
Now, everything seemed... serene.
Brighid and Safira were asleep. Brighid rested her head on Colin's right shoulder; Safira, on his left. Their faces were relaxed, their breathing light and rhythmic. The exhaustion of the past few days was taking its toll, and there, lulled by the motion of the wagon, they finally gave in to rest.
Colin looked at them. A strange, comforting sensation settled in his chest, something warm and deep, a feeling long forgotten. Family.
He had never allowed himself the luxury of thinking about something like that. Deep down, it had always been just him against the world. But for the last few days, Brighid and Safira had been by his side. Fighting. Bleeding. Surviving together. Although he was reluctant to admit it, he needed them as much as they needed him.
Maybe old Lukasyl is right.
Colin smiled to himself but said nothing. He just closed his eyes for a moment, enjoying the rare moment of peace. The first light of morning bathed the city just as the wagon crossed the capital's gates. Soft shades of gold and pink spread through the streets, reflected on the slate roofs and stone towers.
Brighid and Safira woke up, stretching slowly, blinking against the rising light.
But the moment of calm dissipated when they noticed the soldiers at the city entrance.
The guards focused on the wagon, their expressions shifting from boredom to curiosity. Some exchanged discreet glances, as if they recognized the three travelers.
Colin showed no concern. Reins firm in his hands, he drove the wagon without haste, ignoring the stares. If they knew... let them know. There was nothing they could do now.
He headed straight for the market square, where a certain merchant was already starting his day.
The man was busy inspecting some bales of merchandise when he looked up and saw Colin jump down from the wagon.
"Colin!" he exclaimed, surprised. "Welcome back, my friend." His eyes scanned the wagon and the stuffed chests on the back seat. "By the looks of it, the venture was a success."
Colin gave a half-smile. "I have some things for you."
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The merchant evaluated the items, lifting one artifact or another to inspect it under the light. His expression wavered between admiration and disbelief.
"This is better than I imagined." He began storing the artifacts in a chest. "People are talking about you in the city. The boy who brought back the head of a Bakurak."
Colin raised an eyebrow. "And... the boy who messed with the nobles," the merchant completed, casting a warning glance. "You shouldn't get involved with Loafe's guild, kid."
Colin just shrugged while helping to pack the artifacts. "They messed with me first. And it's not like I'm afraid of this Loafe or his lackeys. I can take care of myself. And so can they."
The merchant let out a heavy sigh. "I don't doubt that." He hesitated before continuing: "By the way... a little earlier, a small garrison arrived without weapons and missing part of their armor..." The merchant's eyes shone with mischief. "They said they were robbed by a large group of mercenaries."
He cast a glance at the full chests. "Where did you get all these weapons, Colin?"
The young man just smiled, looking away as if the question didn't matter. "Just got lucky."
The merchant snorted. "Right... right..."
He disappeared into the back of the shop, returning shortly after with three bulging bags of coins.
"Here they are. For what you brought, it's worth every coin." He handed the bags to Colin, who weighed them in his hand with a satisfied smile. "And I'll be in the stands watching you and your companions tomorrow. I hope you pass the test."
Colin stowed the coins and shot him a confident look. "You're going to see my face around here a lot."
The merchant laughed. "Hehe! I hope so."
Colin climbed back onto the wagon, taking the reins. Brighid and Safira were already settled, waiting. The city was buzzing with anticipation. The selection test would take place in just one day. And they were ready.