Time moved on as it always did.
Everyone seemed to settle back into their lives,
as if they had never been away at all.
Christmas eventually arrived.
Cold air filled the streets,
people dressed in their finest—layered not just for beauty, but to keep the winter from reaching their skin.
Alaric came downstairs, humming softly.
He noticed his mother about to leave and quickly rushed toward her.
"Mom—wait!"
She turned back.
"Ah, honey, what is it?"
Alaric glanced at the things she was carrying.
"Where are you going? And what are those?"
She looked at the bag and let out a small laugh.
"Oh, these? I'm heading to the church… bringing some clothes for the children there."
Alaric paused for a moment.
"Wait for me. I'll come with you."
He rushed upstairs, quickly putting on his jacket and boots.
Before leaving, his eyes landed on the blade his father had given him for his fifteenth birthday.
Just in case, he thought.
He grabbed it and hurried back down.
"Let me carry that, Mom."
He took the bag from her.
She watched him quietly… a small, proud smile forming.
After some time on the carriage, they arrived at the church.
It was quiet.
Too quiet.
They stepped inside.
A sister approached them with a warm smile.
"It's nice to see you again, Ashtrin."
They embraced.
"How have you been, Sister Sistine?"
"I've been well," she replied, her gaze shifting to the boy standing behind her.
"Oh… is this your son?"
She stepped forward, offering her hand.
Ashtrin smiled.
"Yes. He just came home from school and wanted to come along."
Sistine's smile softened.
"That's very kind of you."
Ashtrin looked around.
"Where are the children?"
"We've kept them in their rooms," Sistine said gently.
"It's quite cold today."
Ashtrin nodded and glanced at Alaric.
"We brought something for them. Could you call them out?"
After a short while, the children slowly came out.
They wore thin, worn clothes—
not nearly enough for the cold.
Some stood close together,
pushing each other slightly,
nervous in front of unfamiliar faces.
Others bit their fingers quietly.
Ashtrin and Alaric began handing out the clothes.
One by one.
Until—
they ran out.
The last child, the oldest—around twelve—stood there empty-handed.
Ashtrin's expression fell.
"I'm so sorry…"
The girl placed her hands behind her back and forced a small smile.
"It's okay, ma'am. I'm older now… I don't feel the cold much."
She hesitated, then added softly—
"I'm just happy my younger siblings got something."
Alaric stepped forward and knelt in front of her.
Without a word, he removed his jacket and gently placed it over her shoulders.
"Here… take this."
"It might be a little big for now… but you'll grow into it."
He gently brushed her hair back and smiled.
Tears welled up in the girl's eyes.
"But… what about you?"
Alaric shook his head lightly.
"I'm fine. The clothes I'm wearing are warm enough."
"And the carriage is warm too."
He smiled again.
"Don't worry about me. I have plenty at home."
Ashtrin and Sister Sistine exchanged a quiet look—
and smiled.
After some time, they said their goodbyes.
As the carriage began to move, the children waved.
"Thank you so much, Ashtrin ma'am! Brother Alaric!"
Alaric leaned slightly out, waving back.
"I'll come visit again. Take care!"
The carriage slowly rolled away.
Silence filled the space.
Ashtrin glanced at him.
"Are you cold, my son?"
Alaric shook his head.
She leaned closer.
"What's wrong? You look troubled."
Alaric stared down at his hands.
"I don't understand…"
"There are people who have everything…"
"And people who deserve everything…"
"But have nothing."
Ashtrin let out a quiet breath.
"My son… you can care for others. You can help them when you're able."
She gently placed her hand on his head.
"But you don't have to carry the weight of the whole world…"
"Especially when you're still learning how to carry your own."
Alaric remained silent.
Looking out the window—
lost in thought.
Two days later, a carriage arrived at Alaric's house.
Alaric stood at the doorway, casually eating an apple as he watched it approach.
Is Father expecting a guest? he wondered, taking another bite.
The carriage came to a stop.
The door opened—
and Caelin stepped out.
He was accompanied by a knight, carrying a bag, with a spear and sword at his side.
Alaric froze for a moment—
then rushed toward them.
"So you actually came?"
Caelin smiled.
"Of course. We already planned this, didn't we?"
Alaric's eyes lit up, excitement bursting through as he nearly jumped.
Caelin let out a small laugh.
"Welcome. This is my home."
As they walked inside, Alaric signaled a maid.
"Please bring us some tea."
They settled into the sitting room.
Alaric glanced toward the knight.
"So… who's this? He looks like a proper knight."
Caelin followed his gaze.
"He is. But he used to be a hunter as well, so I thought he'd be useful for this trip."
He gestured toward him.
"Go on, introduce yourself."
The knight stepped forward and bowed slightly.
"My name is Samy. It's an honor to be here in the Thandor household."
Alaric stood and returned the gesture.
"I'm Alaric… a friend of Prince Caelin."
They began discussing their plan.
Samy spoke first.
"I suggest we hunt deer. They're relatively harmless… and manageable."
Both Alaric and Caelin nodded.
"We all carry swords," Samy continued,
"but we should also bring spears… and bows, just in case."
He paused, glancing at them.
"Do you both know how to use them?"
Alaric leaned forward, clearly excited.
"I can use both bow and sword. You can leave that to me."
Caelin smiled slightly.
"So when do we leave? And do we hunt during the day or night?"
Samy shook his head lightly.
"Hunting at night is risky. Visibility is poor, and it's dangerous."
He thought for a moment.
"We leave at night, travel, and rest in the forest."
"Then at first light… we track footprints and begin the hunt."
Both of them nodded in agreement.
As they were finalizing their plan, Ashtrin approached them.
"Alaric… who are these people?"
Alaric stood up as he noticed her.
"Oh—this is my friend, and also the prince of our nation, Caelin. And this is Samy, who will be joining us on our hunting trip."
Ashtrin gasped softly and bowed slightly.
"It's an honor to meet you, Prince Caelin."
She turned toward Samy with a warm smile.
"And it's nice to meet you as well."
Caelin raised a hand lightly.
"Please, there's no need for formality. You can treat me as Alaric's friend."
Samy bowed respectfully.
"It's an honor to meet you, Mrs. Ashtrin."
She smiled.
"So… you boys are going hunting?"
Suddenly, a voice came from upstairs.
"Did I hear… hunting?"
Everyone turned.
From the staircase, a man descended.
Samy and Caelin froze slightly—
Kalvein Thandor.
He approached them with a calm, steady presence.
Samy's heartbeat quickened, as if he were standing before a legend.
Then Kalvein broke into a proud laugh.
"Caelin, my boy… you've grown well."
He opened his arms, and Caelin stepped forward into an embrace.
"It's good to see you again, Sir Kalvein," Caelin said, admiration clear in his voice.
Samy quickly bowed, a slight stutter in his voice.
"My name is Samy, sir. I'll be accompanying your son and Prince Caelin on their hunting trip."
Kalvein gestured for him to rise.
"Hunting, you say?"
He stepped closer.
"Where do you plan to take them?"
Samy straightened slightly, answering carefully.
"I was thinking of Haena Forest, sir. We're aiming for deer."
Kalvein nodded, giving his shoulder a firm pat.
"That's a good choice. You seem to know what you're doing."
He began to walk away, then paused.
"And when do you leave?"
Alaric answered,
"We're planning to leave tonight, stay in the forest, and begin the hunt in the morning."
Kalvein gave a small nod.
"Then prepare well."
With that, he left.
Alaric turned to his mother.
"Mom, could you tell the maids we have guests? We'll need more dinner."
"I'll prepare my bow and sword."
Ashtrin nodded, though worry lingered in her eyes.
"Of course… but be careful out there, alright?"
She left shortly after.
At dinner, Kalvein and Caelin spoke of past days—
old stories, shared memories.
Meanwhile, Ashtrin kept reminding Alaric to be careful, again and again.
Before they departed, Kalvein turned to Samy.
"You should leave the armor behind. You're hunting, not marching to war."
"Noise will scare the animals away."
Samy nodded and removed his armor.
Before leaving, Alaric turned to his mother and hugged her.
"I'll be back soon, Mom. Don't worry… I love you."
She held him for a moment longer.
Caelin watched quietly, a small smile on his face.
And then—
they set off.
Morning came quietly.
The sound of birds…
the steady flow of the river…
It woke them early.
After a quick meal, they prepared to move.
Caelin carried his sword.
Samy had both sword and spear on his back.
Alaric held his bow, with his sword at his side.
Samy looked at them.
"Ready?"
Both nodded—serious, a hint of nervousness in their eyes.
Samy led the way, following the river upstream.
"Animals come here to drink," he whispered.
They moved carefully, stepping into cover where they could still see the water.
No one spoke.
Only hand signals.
Only breath.
Then—
a sound.
Behind them.
Digging.
Samy raised his hand.
They split.
Samy in the center.
Caelin to the left.
Alaric to the right.
"If I don't move first—wait for my signal," Samy whispered.
They advanced slowly.
Closer.
Closer.
Samy dropped low.
His eyes widened.
A bear.
A wild one.
He immediately signaled retreat.
Caelin moved back and reached him.
"What is it?"
Samy whispered,
"A bear. We can't handle it. We leave—now."
He turned—
and froze.
Alaric was gone.
On the other side—
Alaric moved forward, bow drawn.
He hadn't seen the signal.
Or ignored it.
The sound grew louder.
And then—
he saw it.
A massive bear, digging at the roots of a tree.
Alaric's breath slowed.
His heart raced.
Should I retreat…?
His grip tightened.
He exhaled.
And released.
The arrow struck—
straight into the bear's eye.
A roar exploded through the forest.
The bear thrashed wildly, blood spilling, its vision blurred—
but its rage?
Unmatched.
It charged.
Alaric barely reacted in time, leaping aside as the bear crashed past him.
He drew his sword.
Samy saw everything.
"Stay back!" he shouted to Caelin as he rushed forward.
The bear turned again, roaring, blood covering its face.
It lunged—
Samy tackled Alaric, forcing him aside.
The bear missed.
"Run!" Samy shouted.
"We can't fight this!"
They ran.
The bear chased, roaring behind them.
Branches snapped.
Ground shook.
Then—
the slope.
The bear didn't see it.
It slipped—
and crashed down toward the river below.
Alaric and Samy grabbed onto a tree, barely holding on.
Silence.
Heavy breathing.
Caelin approached carefully.
The bear struggled below… then fled in the opposite direction.
Samy exhaled deeply.
"That was too close…"
Alaric stood still.
Shocked.
Frustrated.
"You okay?" Caelin asked.
Alaric nodded… but his fists tightened.
"We should retreat," Samy said firmly.
"Change camp. Or go home."
Alaric shook his head.
"No… we go after it."
Samy frowned.
"We can't win against a bear with just the three of us."
Alaric's voice tightened.
"We won't know unless we try."
Silence.
Caelin stepped between them.
"Let's think first."
They sat.
Breathing heavily.
After a while, Samy spoke again.
"We try… but on one condition."
"If it turns dangerous—we retreat immediately."
Alaric nodded.
They moved again.
Slower.
Lower.
Tracking the blood.
The forest grew quiet.
Then—
they found it.
The bear stood near a tree, breathing heavily, swiping at flies gathering around its wound.
They positioned themselves carefully.
Alaric raised his bow again.
This time—
he didn't hesitate.
The arrow flew—
striking deep into the bear's throat.
The bear roared—
and charged.
Samy moved first.
Driving his spear into its chest.
Caelin followed—
cutting across its side.
Alaric rushed in—
driving his sword into the wound.
Then pulling back before the bear could strike.
The bear staggered.
Retreated.
Bleeding heavily.
They followed.
Slowly.
Carefully.
Until—
it collapsed.
Still breathing.
Weak.
Alaric's sword was gone—broken in the struggle.
Caelin handed him his own.
Alaric stepped forward.
And ended it.
Silence returned to the forest.
Samy dropped to his knees.
We won… he thought, breathing heavily, sweat running down his face.
Alaric stood there, catching his breath, staring at the fallen bear in front of them.
Caelin watched him quietly.
"This man is not ordinary…" he murmured to himself, a faint smile forming as he glanced at the beast.
After a moment, Alaric snapped back to reality.
He bowed his head.
"Samy… I'm sorry for earlier," he said, guilt clear on his face.
Samy waved it off, still breathing heavily.
"It's alright. I was only thinking about your safety. Your parents trusted me with you… that's all."
He glanced at the bear.
"This is too big for the three of us to carry home."
Alaric nodded, scanning the area.
"Yeah… it'll be troublesome."
Caelin stepped forward, looking around.
"Then we take what we can. Cut it into pieces… and of course, we keep the head."
A small grin appeared on his face.
They followed his plan.
Cutting through the heavy body, they took only what they could carry — the best parts of the meat… and the head.
After a few days of travel, they finally returned.
People stopped to stare.
Some confused. Some shocked.
Children followed behind them, whispering.
As they reached the house, a maid spotted them first.
"Oh— is that a bear—"
Alaric quickly raised his hand.
"Shh… not so loud."
She nodded immediately.
Inside, Kalvein approached them.
Seeing their condition, he spoke calmly,
"Judging by how dirty you are… I assume you brought back a deer."
He walked past Alaric—
Then stopped.
His eyes fell on the head of the bear outside.
Shock. Pride. And concern… all at once.
"How…?" he muttered.
Ashtrin rushed toward Alaric.
"Are you alright, son?"
She checked him anxiously.
Alaric scratched his head awkwardly.
"We thought it was a deer… but it turned out to be a bear."
Kalvein's expression hardened.
"You should have retreated. Why fight something like that?"
His voice grew firm.
"A creature like that shows no mercy. Even if you beg."
Samy immediately dropped to his knees.
"I'm sorry, sir. This was my responsibility—"
Alaric stepped in quickly.
"No. It was me."
He clenched his fists.
"Samy tried to stop us. I insisted… I wanted to prove myself."
Kalvein took a deep breath, then placed a hand on Samy's shoulder.
"You did well."
Then he turned to Alaric.
His voice was steady… but heavy.
"You risked your friends' lives… thinking only of yourself."
A pause.
"Do you understand what could have happened?"
Alaric dropped to his knees.
"I'm sorry…"
Ashtrin stepped forward, holding his shoulder gently.
"You don't have to prove anything to us."
Her voice softened.
"We're proud of you… but your safety matters more than anything."
She pulled him into an embrace.
Alaric's eyes filled with tears.
"I'm sorry…"
Kalvein stood quietly for a moment.
Then his tone softened.
"As long as you understand your mistake… that's enough."
He turned slightly.
"Prepare tea for our guests."
Then added,
"And a bath for Alaric."
Samy and Caelin insisted that, since Alaric was the one who delivered the final blow, he should keep the bear's head.
Alaric hesitated.
The weight of it didn't feel like pride… but guilt.
If anything, his carelessness had nearly cost them everything.
They argued for nearly an hour.
In the end, they settled it.
Alaric would keep the head.
After a while, Samy and Caelin took their leave.
At the gate, they parted ways—
Caelin carrying the meat back to where it would be stored.
Caelin stepped inside.
A maid greeted him, and not long after, his mother approached—her expression tight with worry.
"Where have you been? You were gone all night… and today as well. Your father is upset."
Caelin said nothing at first.
He quietly removed his jacket and handed it to the maid.
"Prepare dinner. I'll come down soon."
Then he turned to his mother.
"I went hunting… with Alaric. The one I mentioned before. Do you remember?"
Her eyes widened.
"Hunting? Did you take guards or knights with you?"
He paused.
"…Of course I did."
A lie, softened by a smile.
He went on, excitement slipping into his voice as he told her about the hunt—how they had gone for deer, and instead faced a bear… and brought it down.
"I'll go wash up," he said, excusing himself.
After some time, he returned for dinner.
His father was already waiting.
Caelin slowed his steps as he descended the stairs, a quiet tension settling in his chest.
The King's gaze found him immediately.
"I heard you went hunting."
Caelin stopped.
"Yes. I went with guards… and Alaric."
As he walked past, his father's voice followed—firm, unmoving.
"Do not spend too much time with friends. You are the future heir to the throne. You do not have the luxury for such things."
Caelin's jaw tightened.
He bit down on his words… but they came anyway.
"Then what's the point of the throne… if I can't even do what I like?"
Silence snapped.
His father turned, stepping toward him.
"What did you say? Do you think inheriting the throne is a child's game?"
Caelin looked down, fists clenched.
"I don't think it's a game… but it feels like a cage."
The King's expression hardened.
"A cage? You think freedom means the absence of responsibility?"
"No," Caelin lifted his head, meeting his father's eyes,
"but what's the point of a life where you sit on a golden throne for people who don't even know you… and slowly lose everything you love?"
The sound came before the pain.
A sharp slap.
His mother rushed between them.
"Please, he's still young—he doesn't understand."
She turned to Caelin, urgency in her voice.
"Apologize. Caelin, say you're sorry."
But Caelin stood still.
His cheek burned, his eyes filled… yet he said nothing.
The King turned away, anger still heavy in his voice.
"You are fortunate we have no other heir. If we did, you would not stand where you are now."
He paused.
"And yet you call it a cage instead of a blessing. Learn to be grateful."
He left without another word.
His wife followed, trying to calm the storm he carried with him.
At night, Caelin sat alone in his room, his mind refusing to rest.
His thoughts drifted back to Alaric—
the warmth of his home,
the way he was welcomed without hesitation.
Then… his own house.
The difference lingered longer than it should have.
He bit his lip, trying to hold himself together.
It didn't work.
Slowly, he leaned back and stared at the ceiling.
"I'm tired…" he whispered.
This time, he didn't fight it.
The tears came quietly,
falling one after another—
like something he had been holding in for far too long.
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If you enjoyed this chapter, the next one will be waiting.