Night of Destiny

Heinrich looked deeply into Conner's eyes, and the tension in the air was palpable. They stood no more than two meters apart, their leather shoes dampened by the street dirt.

/Woof/

A questioning bark from Shadow diverted their attention, and suddenly, both burst into laughter. Only Shadow was left bewildered.

"You should have seen your face; it looked so funny, as if you were being chased by the devil," Conner laughed as he spoke.

"Because it probably is a creature of hell. You know I'll get back at you. Don't you think it's been too long? Since I've known you, we've been playing pranks on each other," said Heinrich.

"It's the last year; soon, I'll set out to serve in the retinue of a great ruler and make my own name in the world," explained Conner.

"As if you'll manage that. I'm more likely to become a knight," Heinrich said, still laughing, patting him lightly on the back. "Come on, I need to get some coal, and then we can train if you're up for it."

-A moment later-

On the marketplace, many different people could be seen. Some wore fine and elegant clothing, while most were rather shabbily dressed, as not everyone could be as rich as the merchants and nobles.

People from different regions gathered here, but they all had only one goal: to conduct their business. From simple board shacks with goods to entire houses towering over the street, there was everything here.

Wandering traders with mule-drawn carts desperately tried to outshout the market criers.

"Fresh fish, just caught!"

"We repair everything, from horseshoes to swords and tools. Anything made of iron, we can fix," shouted an older man leaning next to the door of a smithy.

"Items from near and far! Here with me, you'll find everything you need!"

People crowded through the streets to go about their respective activities. In the background, cunning thieves tried to steal from people, only to sell their goods to the next fence.

In most places, the rumor circulated that the millers were a criminal organization, but this was never believed to be true. Most rumors were spread by jealous individuals wanting to damage the reputation of others.

However, two individuals stood out from the crowd, not only because they had a giant dog with them but also because one of them was in a heated argument with a merchant.

Upon closer inspection, it could be seen that the merchant was a charcoal burner. This was evident from his weather-beaten face, bearing the traces of hard work and many years of experience. The smoke from the charcoal pit had tanned his skin, giving him a distinctive, rustic charm.

His eyes reflected a mixture of wisdom and determination. The charcoal burner had deep furrows on his forehead, evidence of many years of charcoal burning. His gaze was piercing, as if he knew the secrets of the forest from which he sourced his materials.

In worn-out work clothes marked by soot, the charcoal burner embodied the tough lifestyle of his craft. His robust physique attested to the physical exertion that charcoal burning entailed.

The young man facing the charcoal burner was none other than Heinrich, accompanied by Conner. While the former engaged in a heated argument with the charcoal burner, the tension reached its peak.

"How about 30 groschen for 10 coals? Are you trying to rob me? I didn't know thieves had become so fearless. I can give you 15 at best," Conner said with a raised voice.

"Who's robbing whom now?" shouted the merchant in Heinrich's face. "I have to feed my whole family with the proceeds from my work. 26."

"With that price, I'd rather find another merchant. 20, last offer."

Only with difficulty did the merchant agree, as if it pained him to sell his goods for such a price. A slight smile from the charcoal burner, however, revealed that he could expect no pity.

As Heinrich and Conner moved further away, Conner leaned towards Heinrich and whispered something in his ear, causing him to stop.

"..."

"Not really. You want to play a prank on me again? The other merchant would never sold it for 12," said Heinrich hesitantly.

Shortly after, Conner continued laughing and left his friend standing without looking back. A little later, both set up the battleground, a flat area of earth surrounded by a wooden fence.

Some might think it's too simple, but even though it looks that way, it's more than some would wish for, as not everyone had the privilege of having such a place.

Conner recalled stories from his father, where he spoke of practicing in the forest with a stick and later wielding a properly shaped wooden sword after his initial battles.

Without hesitation, they both took wooden swords and jumped over the wooden fence to face each other.

"I see you got beaten by a girl," Conner said, chuckling. "You know, rumors spread here like fire in dry grass." Heinrich blushed at his words, futilely trying to hide his bandaged hand.

"Come on, let's start. We don't want your father to wait too long," Conner said as he raised his sword. "Let's go back to basics today, or another girl might beat you, maybe this time Bianca."

"..."

"I'll get you back for that," Heinrich called with a grin as he charged towards Conner. He tried to stay on the right side of Conner – the side he couldn't cover well with the sword since he held it on the right.

/clash/

Wood met wood, and Heinrich knew he'd be going home with more bruises today.

-Later in the day-

Conner and his father sit in their cozy home, illuminated by warm candlelight. They enjoy their dinner together, consisting of delicious cheese, a sharp knife for cutting, and fresh bread. The father contentedly sips from the alcohol Conner provided, and the mood is relaxed.

Suddenly, the door is violently kicked open, and a Kuman storms into the room, a raised sword threateningly leading the way. The harmonious atmosphere is abruptly shattered by the menacing sound of approaching danger.

Conner's father immediately realizes the danger, seizes the knife, which moments ago was used for cutting cheese, and hurls it with a fluid motion – just as he has probably done hundreds of times before.

/Sizzle/

"Ahhhhh!" The soldier screams in pain as the knife embeds itself in his right shoulder, rendering his arm motionless.

Without giving the pain-stricken man time to call for help, Conner's father charges forward, dragging the soldier down, only to mercilessly beat him like a madman. It only stops when blood forms a pool around them, and the face of the enemy contorts inwards.

Conner is paralyzed by this sight. For the first time, he has witnessed a murder with his own eyes. It was not like the stories his father told him – it was much more brutal and cruel than he could ever have imagined.

His father turns to him, looking at him with pity. "Run to the castle. Sir Radzig and his men will surely gather there. I'll try to save as many as possible. We'll meet there later." Despite his father's command, Conner remains rooted in place.

"Run, you fool! Take Shadow from outside. He'll protect you," his father now shouts louder. The shouting snaps Conner out of his stupor, and he starts running.

Conner's heart pounds in his chest as the piercing screams echo in his ears, fueling his desperate sprint. The flickering candlelight casts eerie shadows on the walls as he navigates through the dimly lit corridors of his home. Each step feels like an eternity as adrenaline courses through his veins, urging him forward. The air is thick with tension, and Conner's mind races with thoughts of the impending danger behind him.

He reaches the door, flinging it open to the cold night outside. The moonlight bathes the surroundings in an otherworldly glow as Conner dashes into the darkness. His loyal companion, Shadow, follows closely, a shadow among shadows. The urgency of his father's command echoes in his mind, urging him to seek refuge in the safety of the castle.

The sound of distant chaos intensifies as Conner races towards the looming silhouette of the castle on the horizon. The ground beneath him is uneven, and his breath forms visible puffs in the chilly air. Fear and determination merge in his eyes as he navigates the unknown path, driven by the hope of reaching the castle walls before the danger catches up.