--- Mary

"Ever heard about the siege of Eyndal? It's not that famous around here, but since you came from the Free Kingdoms..."

"No, I haven't. The village where I lived was so remote that we barely got news of the outside, and during my time as a mercenary... I didn't have the time to study history," said Roric. "What does this siege have to do with us?"

"How about the name Barden? Does it ring any bell?"

The boy shook his head. Mary took a long breath and another sip of terrible wine, then went on.

"Eyndal is an ancient fortress," she explained. "Remember the Merchant Cities, on the eastern coast, at least? Well, around half a century ago, they weren't called like that. The Old Crown had fallen not long before, and those lands either belonged to Orinna or a bunch of self-proclaimed kings. One of them, Horatius, had built a fairly big nation."

"And that place belonged to him?" asked the boy, ordering a second cup of beverage for himself.

"Exactly. Eyndal changed hands many times, but was always considered a valuable strategic asset. Everyone wanted it. Thus, because of his sudden rise in power, Horatius' rivals didn't lose the chance. They formed an alliance against him and another war broke out."

I'm surprised Roric didn't know about this. I thought this story was commonplace in the Free Kingdoms, but... With all the wars those lands had to face-

"Mary. Are you still here?"

"Oh, sorry. I... I got lost for a moment. Where were we?"

"King Horatius, fighting against a coalition. Or at least, it's how I guess the story continued."

"Yeah. The King lost most of his battles in the following months but Eyndal was still under his control, so he just retreated there. The fortress was besieged for nearly a year before it eventually fell."

The young warrior tapped on the edge of the table, like he was reflecting.

"I still don't get it," he commented, "Why are you telling me this? I mean, it's nice to know, but... A one-year long siege. What's the point? How does it help me to find a master?"

"It's because it brings us to Barden," said the Mage. "The man I mentioned earlier."

"Let me rephrase. Why should I search for this Barden?" asked Roric, who seemed even more on his toes. "Come on, Mary... Tell me already!"

Oh... It's probably taking longer than he wanted. I was just trying to show that I had done my research, but I talk too much when I'm nervous... Why am I nervous, in the first place?

"Ah... Alright, alright." She tried to fix the situation. "I'll tell you about him."

"Finally..."

Roric gave her a glare, for an instant, then he changed his attitude with a sigh.

"Sorry," he whispered. "It's just... These last days haven't been easy. Don't let my attitude bother you."

"Do you need some rest? We can continue later if you-"

"No. Go ahead, please. I'll listen."

Among all the warriors who had sworn their loyalty to Horatius, Barden was definitely the strongest. The details of his life until to the point when he met the King were completely unknown, but once he displayed his skill the man was basically hired on the spot.

Just a few years later Barden was already known as Flash of Steel, the best swordsman those lands had ever seen. He rose through the ranks swiftly, becoming the leader of the royal guards, the most loyal of Horatius' servants, the only people who would have never betrayed him. For Barden, every order from his king was the law, and even with the war raging and taking a turn for the worse he didn't think about surrender even once. That was the kind of man he was.

About the time when they retreated to Eyndal, the chronicles got a little hazy. Some historians said the fortress had been conquered through repeated attacks, others that the defenders had been starved out. Yet, there were also those who believed in much darker tales. Tales of a conspiracy inside Horatius' court, one that led to an eventual treason. However, no matter how those events were supposed to have occurred, Barden was the only known survivor. His king's country was divided between the members of the alliance and that amazing swordsman...

"Yeah, what about him?" said Roric, who was listening intently. "He doesn't seem like someone the enemy would have spared lightly."

"Except that they did," replied Mary. "We don't know why but Barden was well-respected, even by his opponents. The circumstances were never made public, but he became a famous weapon master, someone any nobleman in the Free Kingdoms would seek when he wanted a prestigious instructor for his heir."

"So, His Highness thinks that man could help me as well. It... It's kind of a long shot, if you ask me. Rickhart is so strong that-"

"But you are an Elemental, Roric!" the girl stepped in. "King Sebastian will surely ask the Circle for protection against the necromencer, but if us Mages didn't hear him moving... And trust me, we have plenty of ways to do so, he will also need a warrior who can compete with this new enemy. Someone like you."

"With the entire Kingdom ready to address me as a monster?" wondered the boy. "After what happened in Norburg..."

"You were the only one who had the strength to act, back then! It was sudden, but I'm certain there are some who would thank you."

"Is it enough to... No, this isn't the problem. How can we know if I'll be able to stop him again?"

"I have no answer, sadly. Let's start with finding that man, then we'll see."

***

--- Roric

"So," said Mary, "It's time for our main issue."

I knew it couldn't be so simple.

"Go ahead."

"Barden traveled to Cassidia a bunch of times, but for the most part he resided in a small town near Orinna."

Roric huffed. "Why do I get the feeling that this isn't the case anymore?"

"Well... In truth, around two years ago he disappeared."

"Great. Now we are looking for a dead old man."

"No, I didn't mean that!" exclaimed the young Mage. "His Highness has contacts in the North, but they all say Barden moved away. He isn't a young man, it's true, but his decision came a bit too suddenly."

"So, I have to go there, find him and see if he's willing to teach me. Yeah, it's definitely a long shot."

The boy clenched his fists. King Sebastian's plan didn't make a lot of sense, at a first glance, but it was probably the only way he could ever hope to beat Rickhart one-on-one. The necromancer was so skilled that Roric couldn't afford to face him again. Not at that level.

Where do I even start? Orinna is a wide land, and what if Barden has left or is already dead? Still, I can't think of anything else at this moment. In order to show the King that I'm trustworthy... Or rather, to show Elise that I'm trustworthy, my priority is to find that man as fast as I can.

"Rickhart could have planned an attack. While I'm away, he could simply walk into the palace and-"

"That's one more reason to make haste, Roric," replied Mary. "Don't worry about security. Cassidia isn't Norburg. The Circle is there. The royal palace is surrounded by arcane wards that can tell us immediately if an intruder's coming. Moreover, I don't think our enemy would make the same mistake twice. And trust me, even if you were there... Rickhart would probably kill you on sight, now that he knows who you are."

"Yeah... You are right," admitted the young warrior.

I always find it interesting how this girl switches her facade. Sometimes I feel like she's about to die from the embarrassment, like she can't handle her emotions well, only to change into the most collected, prepared person I've ever met. There's definitely a part I'm missing.

"You know, I've been meaning to ask," he said. "What's the real reason why you came all the way here? You told me you wanted to meet up before I left, but there's-"

"No reason in particular!"

"See, you are clearly hiding something. Why? You can tell me."

The apprentice Mage looked at him dubiously.

"Don't take it too badly, but... I thought being near an Elemental would be interesting, for my studies," replied Mary, lowering her head. "I... I didn't come here only for that, of course! We are friends! Friends, right?"

The boy erupted into laughter. Now it was all clear to him. Her uncontainable curiosity was starting to amuse him.

"Don't worry, I know what you mean. When I was imprisoned you said we are both outcasts, in a way or the other. You have your people in the Circle, but it only takes a glance to tell that you feel lonely most of the time."

"Does... Does it really show?" asked the girl, blushing. "I'm not used to meet new people, so..."

"Just be yourself, it's fine."

With those words, Roric stood up and walked to the door. He stopped there, waiting for Mary to follow him outside. His friend still seemed a bit flustered, but from her determined expression he could tell that at least he had managed to cheer her up.

I'd better leave as soon as I can, Orinna is a long way from here.

"Roric," said Mary, "Thanks for what you just said."

"Don't mention it. Now, I should get going."

She handed out a folded piece of paper. "There's stables on that way. Show this to the owner, and he'll give you a horse. His Majesty already paid for it."

"You are a lifesaver," answered the young warrior, with a smile. "I didn't like the idea of walking all those miles."

"I'd like to come with you, but I have to hurry back. My duty is to the Circle."

"I understand."

The two walked for a bit together, until they arrived in the outskirts of Bluber.

"So... We won't see each other for a bit, huh?"

For some reason, Mary sounds different than usual. Did she want to... Say something in particular?

Roric let her go on, just to be sure.

"You could have turned your back to Cassidia whenever you wanted, especially against an enemy like that. Why did you decide to fight? Just because of what happened in the past between the two of you?" asked the Mage.

"It's part of the reason, definitely."

"And the Princess is the other part, isn't it?"

"Yes," the boy agreed. "She's not an easy person, but I care for her. I've been feeling responsible for her well-being since that time I saved her in that village. Even if she is angry with me now, I want to redeem myself to her eyes."

"Do... Do you love her?"

A sudden question, coming from someone who was usually way more rational than that. The young warrior turned towards her, making a surprised face.

"Ah... Sorry! It wasn't a proper thing to say. It's your business, after all..."

But that's a good question. Am I doing all this just for Elise, I wonder? Is it because... I love her? Lately, I've been asking myself the same riddle. She doesn't seem to care much about me, in our everyday life, but every time we meet I can't shake away the feeling that there's something we both want to say... And won't say.

"I'm not sure about it," Roric just replied. "Like I mentioned earlier... She is more concerned about the people of this kingdom than me."

"But what do you think about her? You must... You must think she's special, at least. Or else, you wouldn't have gambled your life just to protect her in Norburg."

The young warrior faced the other way, gazing at the road ahead. He decided he would reflect about it on his way to Orinna.

"Thanks for asking. I'll try to find an answer before I return."

"What? It's the only thing you have to say?"

All Roric did was replying with a laugh.

"Pretty much. This is a problem for another day," he exclaimed. "I'll focus on Barden for the time being. Sorry if I didn't satisfy your curiosity."

"Geez... Have it your way, then. Be safe on the road."

Mary began walking away, heading to the tavern where she had left her things. Before she could leave, however, the boy raised the volume of his voice.

"If you see her and she's in the mood to listen, tell her I'm not gone forever!" he yelled. "I'll find that man, and learn from him. I won't leave her and her Kingdom to Rickhart. That's a promise!"

This time, it was the young Mage who turned in his direction. She waited for a couple of seconds, then let out a big laugh.

"A promise it is! See... See you soon."