The tavern was filled with noise.
Laughter, shouting, clashing mugs, and the heavy smell of alcohol mixed in the air. Kael sat alone near the wall, eating quietly. His hood was pulled low, hiding most of his face.
He listened.
"…those bandits on the east road were beaten badly."
"They said it was just one kid."
"No way. Three grown men?"
Kael continued eating as if he heard nothing.
He had spent the small coins he took on a simple meal. It wasn't much, but it was warm. That was enough.
A chair suddenly moved.
Someone sat across from him.
"You're the one they're talking about, aren't you?" a deep voice said.
Kael looked up.
The man had rough features, short dark hair, and hands covered in scars. A fighter. Not a soldier. Not a bandit.
"Am I?" Kael asked calmly.
The man smiled slightly. "You don't look scared enough to be ordinary."
Kael finished his food and stood. "Then you should stop watching people."
He walked toward the exit.
The man followed.
Outside, the cold air was sharp. The noise of the tavern faded behind them.
"My name's Ryn," the man said. "I used to fight in underground rings. I know how strong people move."
Kael stopped.
Ryn continued, "You're not trained. But you don't fight like a beginner. You fight like someone who learned through pain."
Kael turned around slowly.
"What do you want?" he asked.
Ryn looked him straight in the eyes. "To know where you're going."
"I'm walking forward," Kael replied.
"That's not an answer."
Kael was silent for a moment.
"I'm building something," he said finally. "A place where people aren't forced to kneel."
Ryn blinked.
"Big words for someone with nothing."
"Big things start from nothing."
Ryn laughed quietly.
"I've served people with money. People with power. They all wanted loyalty, but none of them deserved it."
He stepped forward and knelt on one knee.
"So I'll try something different."
Kael frowned slightly. "Get up."
"Not yet," Ryn said. "I'm not swearing to a king. I'm choosing a man."
Kael stared at him.
"…You can walk away whenever you want," Kael said. "I won't stop you."
Ryn smiled. "That's exactly why I'm staying."
Kael looked at the road ahead.
For the first time since leaving the castle, he was no longer alone.
And that made all the difference.
(To be continued)