A silent night occasionally broken by snores of these soldiers.
I was focused on the bonfire infront.
"It's beautiful, yet scary... How is everyone doing at home?" Talking to myself or the fire?
I wouldn't know the answer. 'William, if you are in this world too, I'll find you no matter what.'
The noise around me vanished. The moonlight dimming, white hues growing shadows everywhere, with red spark roaring with power.
Droplets are starting to fall gently on the ground.
As one hit me, I finally realized it was raining.
Looking up at the clouds and the rain.
'It's just like that day, Will. I was smoking under the awning, and you showed up soaked to the bone, not even caring about yourself. You made me pick up every cigarette butt I tossed. You stayed and helped me with my work even when you were already done. Even doing tomorrow's work just so we could be free when my sister arrives... I'm sorry William... I'm sorry! I was selfish, I was scared!, But even still you visited me every day, every moment, just so I wouldn't feel lonely. I'm sorry. If I just... IF I HAD JUST!... been brave enough to ask for your help. We could've lived old enough enjoying life before us. Maybe we both will get separated after marriage or something like that. But... even if you're not in this world, I will cherish the memories. I will cherish the friendship you gave me.'
"For a young man to cry like that, your life was indeed painful right?"
Looking down I saw the Paladin not with his armor his chest bare naked. His eyes hold warmth as he emphasizes the pain.
"Umm..mm I'm sorry for showing you such a side." I wiped my tears and snout with my clothes which were drenched from the rain.
'Have I been standing here unknowingly for so long?"
"Hahahaha... Why are you sorry? I was sceptical of you at first, but now seeing the real you underneath your mask, I understand you more." He looks around to see if anyone is awake
"In my time, I've seen countless faces—masks of little, fake emotions. But you... the raw grief you showed just now was more genuine than any prayer I've heard from a Grand Saint. Hahahaha." He laughs aloud again.
"I will tell you a truth. I was born a prince... and I was born blind. Yet, I have always been able to see what others feel, the colors of their emotions, clear as day. That's why I became a Paladin. Not because I wasn't fit to be a prince but because everyone around me would be fake if I did."
He patted my shoulder not rough like someone would expect from a veteran soldier but slow yet weak almost comfortable.
"Taking down a Gravelback alone. It makes you perfect for the role of Paladin."
He looked me squarely in the eye. "I believe, had we met in my prime, you might have bested me. But if you choose this path, you will become a beacon, a true light to save the people."
Hearing his offer a dejected smile was slowly rising. "Thank you for this kind gesture but I have to sternly deny such an offer."
"Very well since we're going on a long journey together can you tell me where your destination is?"
"I want to meet someone in Grandmuck."
He strokes his chin in worry. "Grandmuck... And a friend? Are they slave?"
"I'm scared that's the case."
"Very well then." He leaves me standing as he goes back to his tent.
Looking up the clouds the red sparks roar here and there.
'Lightning is red in this world.'
I extended my hand towards the clouds. 'Oh yeah... I lost my right arm.'
Yet somehow I felt it, my mind told me I stretched my hand towards the clouds.
Thanks to the cold breeze, steam is coming out of my mouth. 'This would have been a perfect time to smoke.'
'To think I would have such mundane thoughts. Yet I feel empty.'
I stayed there till the storm ended.
The morning sunlight wasn't warm but rather peaceful.
Giving me a genuine smile which I forgot even existed.
The mercenaries woke up in unison, and started to move in an organized way.
Paladin waking up, looked around the terrain slowly watching me with his eyebrows twitching.
"Who was supposed to watch the night?" A command which the soldiers stopped their movement.
And started to stand in line infront of the paladin.
'It is wrong to call them a bunch of mercenaries with this kind of movement.'
The soldiers pointed at me without a second thought.
The paladin sigh. "I mean who was meant to watch the night with him?"
One soldier walking out of formation stood before the paladin.
"I was originally supposed to be on night guard duty!"
Looking pleased the paladin pointed at me.
"That guy was on watch to protect us, even standing during a storm last night!, Offer him gratitude and change his clothes can't you see he is soaked to the bones!?"
The soldier immediately went away. A few seconds later he brought me dry new clothes.
"Thank you?" I was puzzled by this interaction.
The soldiers smiled and bowed his head. "No, thank you! For protecting us even during the storm."
With that the soldier left towards the paladin.
"Since we will be moving soon, everyone continue!"
The soldiers in unity. "Yes sir!"
The soldiers continued their movement again.
I quickly changed and got ready to move also.
One of the soldiers seeing me try to dry my clothes helped me.
It would still take a few hours till they are fully dried but it was a massive help.
"Can you come here?" Looking around it was the voice of the Saintess.
Arriving infront of her. "Yes?"
She gives a letter. "The paladin is busy to give you this."