After Theron and his sister woke up, they found themselves in a fancy room—something neither of them was used to.
As they stirred, a kind-looking man stepped closer.
"Hey, kids… are you hungry at all?"
Almost instantly, Nyra moved behind Theron, gripping his clothes.
Do we even have a choice?
Theron thought.
If I were here alone, I could be difficult… but I'm not.
I have to take care of my sister.
"Sure," Theron said, a hint of mock anger in his voice.
"Anything will do."
A few minutes later, food was brought in.
"This is one of the top dishes in this country," the man said.
Theron couldn't identify what it was, but it looked good.
"By the way," Theron asked, a realization creeping into his eyes,
"What country are we in?"
"Valtherion," the man replied proudly.
"A great empire of knights, mages, and ancient honor."
His tone alone made it clear—he meant every word.
"You kids eat up," the man added.
"I'll be back soon. I need to take you somewhere."
Theron took his first bite.
This is amazing.
Nyra peeked around him, then leaned forward and tried some too.
Not with the same intensity as her brother—but she still enjoyed it.
A while later, once they finished eating, they were given new clothes.
Clothes fit for a journey.
Their destination—
The King's Castle.
When they arrived, the massive doors opened before them.
"Thank you, Aldric," the king said.
Theron stepped forward.
"Mr. King… is there a reason you brought us here?"
The room went silent.
"What? This kid doesn't even know how to address the king?"
The king raised a hand.
"It's fine," he said calmly.
"Just call me Draven."
Theron blinked.
"As for why I called you here," Draven continued,
"I knew your father."
Theron stiffened.
"He protected my children," the king said.
"Not because it was a mission… but because he said—
If it were my kids, I'd want someone to do the same."
Draven's voice hardened with resolve.
"So, you'll be staying here.
In my palace."
Gasps echoed through the hall.
"My king—you can't let commoners stay—"
"That," Draven interrupted,
"Was not a question."
Author's Note:
This is only the second part of the story.
Things will pick up from here.
I need to flesh out the world first—but more is coming.