Chapter 4

While riding at high speed, Joseph thought so many things, "Where is that elf from?" "Why is there so much hate between races?" Either way, his thoughts disappeared when he was getting to his house. After arriving, he left his horse and entered his home, there was no light, Joseph closed the door silently and walked to his room.

Being in his bed, he took the white feather that Sohee gave him, he smiled and saved it under his pillow before sleeping. The next morning, he woke and went to the living room only to see his parents reading a card with concern.

— What's goin' on? — Joseph asked rubbing his eyes.

— Son, yer father has to go. — Any said while Matthew ran to his room

— What? W-Why? — he asked a little mad.

— Ya see, this card arrived to your father wanting him and all the knights to be in their places.

— But he just came! — exclaimed.

— I know, but it's his duty.

— Sorry, champ. — Matthew said exiting his room wearing his armor. — That's the call of duty, but I promise I'll come back. — then Matthew ran out of his house, grabbed the horse and abandoned the town.

Joseph and his mother continued their daily labors, seven days, four weeks, a month, but there was no signal of Matthew. But, one morning, someone knocked the door, they ran towards the door with hope, they opened it and saw a woman in armor grabbing a sword and shield with respect. They both recognized the gears.

— No… Raquel, please tell this isn't true — Any said while her voice was cracking down in tears.

— I'm so sorry. — Raquel said with sadness, then she gave them the shield and sword. — Your husband was one of the best soldiers under my command… and a hero.

Any and Joseph broke from the inside, tears falling like waterfalls, Any even fall to the ground while crying. Raquel turned around, mounted her horse, and abandoned the place, leaving a piece of her soul doing so.

They cried for days, even though his body never was found, they made him a grave in a hill near the town. They both went and leave flowers in regret.

Two years have been since that day, Any and Joseph, now seventeenth, where harvesting the last part of their harvest, they charged it, and delivered in the usual place. Joseph took his part of the money, took a notebook, and after writing he smiled.

— What's the matter, hon'? — Any asked. — Its been a while since I saw ya smile.

— Finally, I have enough money to become a knight. — he said with fulfillment in his voice.

— I'm so happy for ya, babe. — she said with slight sadness.

— What's the matter, ma?

— It's just… I'm happy you can follow yer dreams, but… — tears were falling by her cheeks. — I don't wanna lose you like your father. — there was a long silenced gap, not even a bird dared to sing.

— Don't worry, it's the best for both of us, once Imma knight, I'll give ya money for that sickness you have. — he said while draining her tears. — I'll come back whenever I can.

— I hope so, baby.

While they were trotting slowly through the prairie, Joseph turned his eyes up to the forest where he found Sohee. His mother noticed his interested look.

— Is somethin' buggin' ya, Josh? — asked his mother. — Ya always look the forest whenever we pass thru this place. Tell what's wrong.

— Okay, ma. — he answered after a sigh. — The night papa came and sent me to the market for you to… ya know. The thing is that near the tree line, I was ambushed by wolves…

— Wolves!? — exclaimed in surprise.

— Yeah, wolves, they scared the horse to that forest, I fell down the saddle, I thought that was my end, but then a hooded figure appeared from nowhere and saved me. — his mother heard the story with interest and fascination. — It turned out that the figure was nothing more than a gal, an elf specifically.

— An elf!? — said out loud, almost screaming, but she covered her mouth. — Here?

— Yup, an elf. — he said quietly. — after saving me, she guided me out of the forest and in exchange I gave'er one golden coin… but she also gave me this. — he said while taking the white feather from his tunic, it was in perfect condition.

— Our ol' tradition of give and receive still hangs… — Any said looking at the feather with a smile.

— You, never told me about that tradition. — he said while saving the feather.

— That's because, it's only done when you receive somethin' from someone you are attracted to. — she answered smiling.

— Say what? — he asked confused.

— In our home, when two elves felt attracted to other, they give each other an eternal gift that stands for their eternal love. — she proceeded to show her left hand, it had a ring that looked like it was made out of tangled branches. — When your father knew about this, he gave me this ring… even though we were younglins' I never go out without it.

— Well, I ain't got no hope that she still has that coin. — he said unmotivated. — Those things have so much value, almost doubles the silver coins.

— Still, you have that feather, ain'tcha? — added she while giving him an insistent look. He just kept looking at the road reflexively.

— Tomorrow in the mornin', I'll head to the citadel. — he added changing topics.

— I can't believe that is that expensive to get in the knight army. — she said keeping with him. — I mean. More than two thousand silver coins!?

— Actually, only making me a citizen costs that much, recruiting is free. The economy is just that bad.

— And you could've got in there earlier if it wasn't for my illness… — she started to cough, Joseph looked at her.

— Don't blame yourself for that, it's my duty to keep you safe. I'll always protect ya.

They kept their way back to Henna Town, after leaving their things and horses, they entered in their home.

Joseph only walked some steps when he saw his father's sword and shield hanging in the wall, they kept their activities until night time. Next morning, Joseph woke early in the morning, took some things and exited his room, he saw his mother with tears in her eyes.

— It's time… — Joseph said.

— I know… — Any said sobbing. — I just don't want it to be now…

— Don't need worry, ma — he said compassionately giving her a big hug. —, I'm gonna be fine, you just have to keep calm, I've asked some of our neighbors for help in the fields when the season begins.

— Thanks, sweetie. — she said giving him a smooth kiss in his cheek.

Joseph went out, took his horse and started his trip to the citadel. Tears fell down his face after crossing the welcoming sign of the town.