Chapter 105: A New Path

Roy swung the heavy axe over his head and down hard on the foot-thick log. Earlier that day a neighbor's spooked steed had run across his farm and into one of their fences. Timothy and his sisters were out rounding up the birds that had gotten loose while Katreena had returned the beast to their neighbors and stayed to help tend to its injuries.

"Greetings Commander," a deep voice said from behind him.

Startled, Roy raised the axe in a defensive posture and quickly turned to see who called him by that forgotten name. A tall man in a hood and cloak stood just a couple paces from him. Not many would have the dexterity to sneak up on Roy; that concerned him more than anything else.

"Do I know you?" Roy asked.

The man stepped forward and pulled off his hood. Roy put down the axe as he recognized King Aradorn at once, despite the regal man being dressed in simple clothing.

"Your Highness," Roy said respectfully.