Mocking the boys!!!

After speaking with the headmaster for few more minutes, the took their leave.

All six of the boys along with Lilly went around the academy once, recalling some of their fond memories and some of the embarrassing moments they had encounterd during their time at the academy. And after that they left for their home.

Next day, all six went to meet Alan's master and the Swordsmith Steve. Steve hugged Alan and was as energetic as ever. He was quite impressed by his growth. When they entered the shop, Lucy, the girl behind the counter was stunned when she laid her eyes upon Alan. She was still gawking with opened mouth even after they went inside Steves room.

After talking for a couple of hours Alan revealed their wishes to study at the university in the Capital City in a couple of years. Steve was beaming with joy like a proud father.

Steve handed over a thick envolop to Alan and requested him to hand it over to his master Remus whenever he gets a chance. Alan happily accepted it and stored it inside his storage ring.

They bade farewell and want back home.

"Rose, Lilly, is everything ready? We will be leaving at the sunrise and will be meeting the merchant's group near the city gate." Andrew informed his daughters.

Both noded, and everyone had their dinner happily that night.

The boys got up earlier than usual, performed their training and were ready by sunrise. Once everyone arrived, two carriages, one carrying George and Marry and one carrying Andrew, Elena and Rose were seen along with Six majestic war horses and a white Mayer on which Lilly was riding.

The merchant's wagons along with some guards were seen approaching the gate when they arrived. The guards were skeptical to see six teens and a girl wearing leather vests, wearing a sword on her waist.

The lead guard looked at them and said, " Kids now a days think that, they can be adventurers if they carry a sword. I hope they won'tcut their own hands and legs while carrying it."

All the guards and even the merchant's laughed at his comment. The boy's ignored their comments and stood their casually. Lilly was seething at this, but looking at the nonchalant attitude of her brothers and held her tongue.

One fat middle aged merchant shook George's hand and asked, " Master George you were supposed to bring 18 guards, that was our deal."

George reassured him smiling, "don't worry master Adam, these lads are more than enough. They are all adventurers."

Hearing this the guards burst into laughter, "Kids are becoming adventurers these days!!?? I think the standards of the Adventurer's guild is in the gutter now." One of the guards commented.

"Don't talk if you don't know about the guild." Lilly glared and said angryly. Dave standing next to her put his hand on her shoulder in a calming gesture.

Adam went to his wagon still skeptical and they started moving again.

"Little girl come, join our group atleast we will save you if any wild beast attacks." At these words from the guard incharge, all other guards started laughing.

"One more word about my sister and your head will not be on your shoulders." Dave said, glaring. The guards wanted to retort but the pressure they felt from the six boys shut them up sending, shivers running down their spine.

Lilly felt touched by their brother's protective gesture. The night in the forest passed by without any incident.

The next morning Heathrow's cart took the lead along with the boys. The guards started to mock the youths again but kept their tongue, slipping to the topic of their sisters or their family.

By the afternoon Alan who was in the lead raised his hand indicating everyone to stop. The guards started to grumble and curse the boys for interrupting their progress.

"Whats the matter Al?" Ben who was next to Alan asked." I think there is somekind of clash happening between two big groups around a mile ahead of us."

All the boys became alert. But the merchant guards started laughing at the strange tale woven by the boy.

"Boy, if you are so afraid to be infront in this forest, then stay behind us. Don't paint any imaginary pictures here." The head of the guard said even the merchant's started to curse the boys for their cowardice.

But Alan didn't say anything for their stupidity. "What do you think Al? Shall we take a look?" Williams asked.

"Lets follow our group for now, once they face the other group they will come to know about it." Alan said and everyone started following the caravans again.