After what seemed like hours, the old man in the rocking chair slowly opened his cloudy eyes. Seeing Velin standing patiently beside him, a gentle smile formed.
"Velin… what brings you here today?"
"Master Miller," Velin said, bowing respectfully, "I've come seeking your guidance."
"Go on," the elder murmured, closing his eyes in thought.
Velin stood quietly, his patience unwavering.
"There are three locations I deem suitable for settlement. The choice is yours," Miller began after a long pause.
Velin leaned forward, pen and paper ready.
"The first lies at the kingdom's northwestern border: the Grimfang Plains. The monsters there are relatively weak, and three of our family's barons hold lands nearby. They could provide you with support."
"The second is the Great Forest of Laian, along the southwestern border, touching both the southern Duchy of Laikots and the Kingdom of Kubay. Dangerous, yes—but brimming with opportunity. Another of our Earls resides in that region; keep that in mind."
"The third is the Northern Newlands, territories seized from the Rock Dwarves three years ago. Settlers are needed, but the land is fraught with danger. The kingdom's legions guard it, mitigating some of the risk, but be aware: counterattacks remain a threat."
Velin meticulously jotted down Miller's words.
"These are the most promising frontiers," the elder concluded, dozing once more. Velin whispered a quiet thanks and departed, leaving the matter to ponder in private.
Before returning to his quarters, Velin collected some white bread from the kitchen and retrieved two vials of slave-mark removal potion from the family mage. By now, the twin boys he had rescued should have regained consciousness.
Approaching the door to his chamber, he sensed something amiss.
Silence. Too still, too tense.
Velin kicked the door sharply, stepping back just in time. The blond youth, crouched for a surprise attack, was sent flying backward, crashing to the floor with a thud. The silver-haired boy, club raised, froze, dumbstruck.
"Heh… green," Velin muttered.
He stepped forward, snatched the club from the silver-haired youth, and tossed him beside his brother. Placing the food on the table, he pulled out a chair, sat down, and studied them calmly.
The blond youth clutched his chest, wincing, then rose, shielding his brother. Defiance flashed in his eyes. "Sir! Spare my brother! I will become your loyal servant!"
Velin's gaze hardened, hand resting on the hilt of his knight's dagger. "And why should I spare him?"
"Because… you value us enough to purchase our freedom," the youth stammered, teeth gritted. "I swear loyalty, or we… we will take our lives."
Velin's eyes narrowed. They mistook him for the one who had bought their freedom—but now was not the time for explanations.
"I demand your allegiance," he said, drawing his dagger so that the sunlight glinted off its blade. "Become my guardian knights… or face death."
The fair-haired youth glanced at the sword, then at his younger brother, reading the fear in his expression. After a tense pause, he knelt, pulling his brother down beside him. "My lord… we wish to serve as your guardian knights."
Velin sheathed his dagger and stood, helping them rise. "As your knight commander, I will train you both to your utmost."
"Thank you, my lord," Orlando breathed. Hibrael echoed, bowing low.
The blond youth flushed crimson at their formal exchange. Velin chuckled, tossing the bread toward them. They seized it eagerly, devouring it.
Once fed, Orlando introduced himself, "My lord… I am Orlando. My brother… Hibrael."
"Forget the formalities of 'humble servant.' As my guardian knights, use your names—or address me as 'sir'."
"Yes, sir!" Orlando replied promptly.
Velin then explained some basic knowledge, slowly earning their trust. As he applied salve to erase the slave brands on their foreheads, the boys' eyes widened. When they looked in the mirror, the marks were gone. Overwhelmed, they sank to their knees, bowing deeply.
Velin helped them to their feet and continued instructing them. The brothers exchanged determined glances; they would follow their master as long as he did not abandon them.
Velin assigned them a room adjacent to his own and planned to initiate their knightly awakening the following day, ensuring they were prepared before he departed Windsor Castle.
Exhausted from the day's exertions, Velin lay in bed, reviewing his notes. The Grimfang Plains, the Great Forest of Laian, and the former Rock Dwarf territories all loomed as potential directions. The next step required careful consideration.
....