As the carriage rolled into the familiar streets of Ravennest, Zach peered out of the window, his heart beating slightly faster. The town hadn't changed much in the short time he was gone, yet something about returning home filled him with an odd sense of comfort.
Before the carriage even fully stopped, the doors flung open, and a small figure rushed toward him.
"Big brother!" Mia cried out, her tiny arms flailing as she sprinted toward him. Tears and snot ran down her face as she tackled his waist, hugging him tightly. "You're back! I missed you! I missed you so much!"
Zach chuckled, patting her head gently. "Mia, you're getting me all wet!" He feigned distress, but his hands never stopped ruffling her hair.
Vivian stood nearby, watching the scene with a warm smile. Her eyes shimmered with relief as she saw both Zach and Sebastian unharmed. Zach met her gaze, and for a moment, they simply looked at each other. Then, he took a step forward, spreading his arms wide.
"I'm back," he finally said.
Vivian let out a soft sigh, walking gracefully toward him. She didn't hesitate to pull him into a gentle embrace. "Welcome home, my dear."
Sebastian stood a few steps behind them, nodding subtly at Vivian. She caught his silent reassurance and exhaled as though a weight had lifted from her shoulders. Everything was fine. They had returned safely.
After a few moments, Vivian stepped back, cupping Zach's face lightly. "How was your trip? Did you enjoy your time in Frosthold?"
Zach smirked. "It was... educational."
Vivian raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more to it, but she didn't press further. "We'll talk more about it later. For now, let's get you inside and settled."
Zach nodded and turned to the nearby servants who had lined up neatly, waiting for instructions.
"Take our luggage inside," he instructed, waving a hand toward the carriage. "Make sure to handle everything carefully."
The servants bowed and immediately set to work, unloading their belongings with swift efficiency.
Mia, still clinging to his side, pouted. "You won't leave again soon, right?"
Zach chuckled, ruffling her hair once more. "Not anytime soon, don't worry."
Vivian smiled as she watched her children interact. Finally, her son was home. And with that, the doors to the estate opened, welcoming Zach back into the heart of Ravennest.
After the warm reunion, Zach finally had a moment to rest. The journey back home had been long, and the fatigue weighed heavily on him. Just as he was about to sink into a comfortable chair, Mia came bounding toward him, eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Big brother! Let's play!" she chirped, tugging at his sleeve.
Zach groaned inwardly. "Mia… I just got back. Can't we play later?"
Mia puffed out her cheeks. "You were gone for so long! I missed you!"
Zach rubbed his temples. "I know, I know, but I'm really tired, Mia. How about tomorrow?"
Mia's lower lip trembled. "But... but you always say that! You're always busy!" Her voice wavered, and her big, watery eyes began to glisten. "You don't want to play with me anymore…"
Zach winced. Oh no. Not the tears.
"That's not true!" he quickly defended, waving his hands. "I always want to play with you! It's just that—"
A sniffle. A wobbling lip. Mia rubbed her eyes with her tiny fists. "Then prove it! Play with me, big brother!"
Zach sighed in surrender. "Fine, fine… just one game, okay?"
Mia's face lit up instantly, all traces of sadness gone. "Yay!"
Zach quickly gathered Mia and a few other kids a servant's child or the son of a guard to join in the game.
Snakes & Demons.
The game began, and Zach being Zach couldn't resist making things dramatic.
Mia landed on a demon tile, and Zach immediately jumped up. "Oh no! The demons got you, Mia! You've been cursed!"
Mia shrieked, covering her head. "Nooo! Help me, big brother!"
Zach smirked and took his turn. The moment he stepped onto a demon tile, he staggered backward, clutching his chest. "I... I've been fooled by the demons! Betrayed! Cursed!" He dramatically dropped to his knees. "I must go back! The gods have forsaken me!"
The other kids burst into laughter, some rolling on the floor at Zach's exaggerated movements.
Another kid landed on a demon tile. Zach gasped loudly, pointing. "Another one falls victim to the demon's trickery! You must return to the beginning!"
The game continued, filled with laughter, exaggerated acting, and playful screams. Even the servants who were watching couldn't help but chuckle at Zach's over-the-top antics. Mia, as usual, was having the time of her life.
For now, it was just a simple game, a moment of joy after his travels. But for Zach, it was also a reminder this world was different, and the happiness of those around him was something worth protecting.
Vivian POV
Vivian sat by the window, watching her children with a soft smile. Seeing Zach and Mia play together warmed her heart. How fast they were growing Zach, once a small, fragile boy, was now lively and full of confidence, while Mia remained as cheerful and energetic as ever. It was moments like this that made all her worries seem distant, even if only for a short while.
But peace never lasted long.
As her gaze lingered on them, her smile slowly faded. Her mind drifted back to the problems weighing heavily on her shoulders. The issue with the merchants had been resolved, but the aftermath was still lingering. Whispers of discontent spread among the citizens, rumors growing larger each day accusations of the lord overstepping his power, merchants complaining of unfair treatment, and tensions rising in the marketplace. Even though the truth had been revealed and order restored, fear and suspicion were much harder to erase.
And then there were the bandits.
Reports from the border were becoming increasingly concerning. The bandits had grown bolder, their attacks more frequent. Trade routes were being disrupted, and travelers spoke of rising dangers. It was only a matter of time before these threats reached Ravennest itself.
Vivian let out a deep sigh, rubbing her temple. She hadn't been sleeping well. Every night, these worries crept into her mind, keeping her awake. But she couldn't afford to show weakness. As the lady of Ravennest, she had to remain strong for Vincent, for her children, and for the people who depended on them.
With a deep breath, she straightened her posture, regaining her composure. She would endure. She always had.
Turning her gaze back to her children, she allowed herself to enjoy this fleeting moment of peace, treasuring the sight of their happiness, even as the weight of responsibility loomed over her like a shadow.
As Vivian sat in her table while looking at her children, lost in thought about the growing concerns in Ravennest, she noticed Sebastian passing by. Without hesitation, she called out to him.
"Sebastian, I need you to call Rendon for me. I want to meet them in my office this afternoon."
Sebastian gave a slight bow. "Understood, my lady. Shall I assume this is about the recent unrest?"
Vivian nodded, letting out a soft sigh. "Yes… among other things. How did everything go in Frosthold? Were there any issues?"
Sebastian smirked slightly. "There were, but if I were to tell you all of them, it would take an entire day."
Vivian shook her head with a tired smile. "That bad, huh? All the more reason for this meeting. I need you, Rendon in the same room. You'll be updated on what's been happening here, and Rendon will need to hear about the situation in Frosthold."
Sebastian gave a respectful nod. "I'll see to it immediately."
Just as he turned to leave, Vivian suddenly remembered something. "Oh, Sebastian—before you go, bring Hadrian to me personally. I need to speak with him before the meeting."
Sebastian raised an eyebrow but didn't question her request. "As you wish, my lady." With that, he disappeared down the hallway, leaving Vivian to prepare for what was to come.
That afternoon, Hadrian, Sebastian, and Rendon gathered in Vivian's office. The air was tense, a quiet weight pressing down on the room as they prepared to discuss the rising unrest in Ravennest. Vivian sat at the head of the table, her expression composed but the slight furrow of her brow betrayed her concerns.
"Thank you all for coming," she began, her voice calm yet firm. "I won't waste time. The unrest in town is slowly suffocating the people. Even though the merchant issue has been settled, the rumors and dissatisfaction are still growing. If we leave it unchecked, it will turn into something more dangerous."
Sebastian gave a slight nod, understanding the gravity of the situation. Hadrian, on the other hand, sighed as he leaned back slightly. "If only Lord Vincent were here, this problem wouldn't even exist."
Vivian's fingers tightened slightly around the armrest of her chair. She knew Hadrian was right. Vincent had a way of commanding the people's trust. His presence alone was often enough to silence doubts. But he wasn't here, and it was up to them to maintain order.
"That's precisely why we must act," she said firmly. "Hadrian, you were called here because you have strong ties to the merchants and common folk. You understand how they think better than any of us. I want your insight on this matter."
Hadrian exhaled sharply before rubbing his temples. "The problem isn't just about the arrests or the regulations. It's about perception. The people don't fear the law—they fear injustice. There are those who whisper that the lord's family is abusing its power, and while most know it's not true, the doubt is spreading. The merchants are whispering among themselves, and the citizens follow their lead."
Rendon crossed his arms. "Are you suggesting we let them speak freely? If we don't stop the rumors now, they will only worsen."
Hadrian shook his head. "I'm saying we need to change the narrative. Right now, we are letting these rumors run unchecked. If we show the people that their safety and well-being are still our priority, those doubts will fade. We must prove through actions, not just words, that we are not their enemies."
Vivian nodded slowly. "Then we need a plan. Hadrian, I want you to think of ways we can reassure the people. Whether through community efforts, trade incentives, or public addresses find a way to change their perception."
She then turned to Rendon. "As for you, increase patrols but instruct the guards to act with patience. Any excessive force will only prove our enemies right. We are not tyrants, and we must show that."
Sebastian listened quietly before finally speaking. "And what of the bandits at the border? The reports are becoming more frequent. If they take advantage of the unrest, we will have more than just rumors to deal with."
Vivian let out a tired breath. "We will deal with them soon. One problem at a time."
The room fell silent for a moment. They all knew that if Vincent were here, the people wouldn't be so quick to question their rule. But he wasn't, and the burden fell on them.
Vivian straightened her posture. "We don't have the luxury of waiting for Vincent to return. We will handle this ourselves. Now, let's begin."
The meeting between Vivian, Hadrian, Sebastian, and Rendon was in full swing when a knock at the door interrupted their discussion. A servant entered, carefully carrying a sealed envelope.
"A letter from Lord Vincent has arrived from the capital," the servant announced, presenting it to Vivian with a respectful bow.
Vivian took the letter with a mixture of relief and anxiety. As she broke the seal, she quickly noticed there were three letters in total one addressed to her, one to Rendon, and one to Sebastian.
She silently handed them to their respective recipients but did not open her own. The others followed suit, pocketing their letters to read later in private. The atmosphere in the room remained tense, as the content of these letters would not change the pressing issues they were currently discussing.
Hadrian exhaled and stood up. "I'll take my leave first. There are still matters I need to handle regarding the merchants."
Vivian gave a small nod. "Go on, Hadrian. We will reconvene later if necessary."
With that, Hadrian exited the room, leaving only the three of them.
Sebastian crossed his arms and glanced at Vivian and Rendon. "Now then, regarding Frosthold. The situation there escalated beyond what we initially expected. If something similar were to happen in Ravennest, we need to be prepared."
Vivian's expression hardened. "Go on."
Sebastian continued, his tone serious. "There is attack on an orphanage and it is not a random act of cruelty it was organized. The criminals had specific targets and moved in a way that suggests backing from a greater force. If they can do that in Frosthold, there's no telling when they might set their sights here."
Rendon clenched his fist. "So you're saying we should assume Ravennest could be next?"
Sebastian nodded. "It's better to assume that than to be caught unprepared. We should tighten security and investigate any unusual activity immediately."
Vivian's grip on her letter tightened. the burdens of protecting Ravennest remained firmly on her shoulders. She had to act now before trouble found its way to their doorstep.