Kael walked into the Vanguard Guild. The big hall was noisy with hunters talking about dungeons and money. He went straight to Laura at the front desk.
"Payment," Kael said quietly. "For the A-Rank dungeon."
Laura smiled. "Yes, Kael! Guild Master William said to give you extra." She handed him a heavy bag. Clink. The sound of coins inside.
Kael peeked inside. Gold coins. More than he expected. His eyes widened. For the first time in weeks, a small, real smile touched his lips. Money. Safety. Food.
"Thank you," he said, his voice a little less rough.
He turned and walked out of the guild into the busy Velmora streets. The sun felt warm. The gold coins felt heavy and good in his pocket. Maybe... things can be okay here.
As he walked past a bakery, the sweet smell of fresh bread filled the air. Suddenly, a memory flashed:
Little Maria tugging his sleeve:"Big brother Kael! We make yummy honey cakes! Come visit!"
Emma's kind smile:"Miller's Rest. Ask anyone in the Weaver's Quarter."
Kael stopped walking. His cheeks felt warm. Blushing? Why? He touched his face, confused. Emma's warm brown eyes filled his thoughts. That strange, warm feeling in his chest came back.
Anis, he thought. *Where is Miller's Rest?*
[Answer: Weaver's Quarter. 12 minutes walk from here. Turn left at the blacksmith.]
Anis's voice was calm in his mind.
Kael took a deep breath. Okay. He followed Anis's directions:
1. Left at the loud CLANG-CLANG of the blacksmith's hammer.
2. Past stalls selling colorful cloth and threads (Weaver's Quarter!).
3. Down a narrow street with washing lines overhead.
He stopped. There it was. A small, worn sign: "Miller's Rest". It was a simple building – part home, part little restaurant. The smell of herbs and baking bread drifted from the open door.
Kael's heart beat faster. Should I knock? Just walk in? He hesitated, suddenly nervous. What if they forgot him? What if Emma thought he was strange?
Suddenly, a blur of pink dashed out the door!
"BIG BROTHER KAEL!" Maria squealed, launching herself at his legs. "You came! You came!"
Emma appeared in the doorway, wiping floury hands on her apron. Her eyes met Kael's. Surprise. Then... a bright, happy smile that made her whole face glow. Her cheeks turned pink again.
"You found us," she said softly.
Kael looked down at Maria hugging him, then up at Emma's smiling face. The gold coins felt heavy in his pocket. The smell of honey cakes drifted out.
For the first time since waking in the cave, Kael Jones felt something he'd almost forgotten:
Hope.
"Maria promised me honey cakes," Kael said, a shy smile finally reaching his eyes. "I couldn't say no."
Emma laughed, the sound warm like sunshine. "Come in then. They're just about ready."
Kael stepped inside Miller's Rest. The door closed behind him, shutting out the noise of the city. For now, he was exactly where he needed to be.
(Chapter 17 Fin)