Arriving Home

Before James and Loraine entered the banquette again, they agreed to meet the south gate before dawn. With that they would get a head start in case people would start searching for them.

Leaving the balcony with Loraine, James made his way back to the three knights. Making up an excuse, James left the banquette. He had to make his way to his homestead before he could leave the city with Loraine. There were still things that had to be prepared. This included rations for on the road as well as a proper wagon to carry Loraine in. there was still so much that he had to actually prepare. James' only hope was that his family would actually be helpful concerning this action.

At the castle exit, the couple parted, to hopefully meet again before dusk. After which they would never be parted again.

Making his way to the district where middle nobility were located, James felt that time was currently his biggest obstacle. This journey what normally would only take around 10 minutes felt as if it was taking hours.

Arriving at a medium sized building, James ones again saw how run down it looked. The status of his family was apparent. Standing in front of the gates, an old guard stopped him, "Who goes the… Young master? Is that really you?" Not being able to hide his surprise, the guard was shocked to see James. Opening up the gates the guard said, "Welcome back young master! Please come in. I am sure that your father will be happy to see you again."

Smiling to the guard James walked towards the mansion porch. Opening up the door, James did not know if he should announce his arrival. Deciding not to, he made his way to his room.

Before being able to reach his room, he heard a voice call from his back, "James? Is that really you?" It was an older female voice. Looking back he saw his mother standing there looking at him.

"Hello mother. I would love to chat, but have not much time. I will leave soon again." James replied.

Confused about what she heard she followed James asking questions, "What do you mean? You just arrived. Where will you go now? When will you return?"

"No time to explain." James said as he entered his room. Walking to a chest where he put most of his savings, he opened it up. Before digging in, he looked back. However he did not see his mother there again. Not minding this, he pulled out a small purse. In here, he had his saving until now. Adding the coin he received for his service, he would have around 200 gold. Not sure if this would suffice, he had no choice but to go with it.

"Are you not even going to say hello? And you are leaving again… what happened?" a sturdy yet old voice called out to James. Looking back he saw his father standing at the door, his arms crossed looking over at James.

Repeating his answer James said, "I really have no time to explain, I have to go again."

Not pleased with this, his father said once more, "What is the rush…? At least give a summary of your explanation."

James had no other choice, he stood up and looked at his father's eyes before saying with determination, "I will leave the city, no, flee the city with Loraine."