Robert runs with all his strength toward Black Fort and reaches there by evening.
As soon as he enters the fort, he heads straight to a blacksmith's shop. Inside, a muscular man in his fifties, with a long thick beard, is busy hammering steel on an anvil.
The moment Robert steps inside, he calls out,
"Uncle Ben!"
The man turns instantly, and a warm smile spreads across his face.
"Robert! How have you been, my boy?"
Robert smiles back. "I'm doing great."
Ben wipes his hands and asks, "What happened? Where's Argon?"
And then, Robert begins to tell him everything—from Argon's kidnapping right before his eyes to the theft of his sword. He tells Ben every single detail.
Ben listens to Robert's story in silence, and when he hears the part about the stolen sword his face goes red with fury.
"What — those bastards stole your blade?" he snaps.
"Yes, Uncle Ben,". Robert replies.
"Those bastards ." Ben grits his teeth. "Don't worry. I'll find them, and I'll make them pay."
Robert shakes his head. "It's not the sword I'm worried about. I know you'll find a way to get it back—what I'm scared for is Argon."
Ben falls quiet, thinking for a moment. Then his expression hardens.
"Hmm… seems like it's time I paid a visit to some old friends."
"Friends?" Robert asks. "Which friends, Uncle Ben?"
"Gather your things. Come with me," Ben says.
They leave the market and walk to a place that feels dangerous the closer they get. The air grows colder, the alleys narrower. Ben leads Robert to a large house that serves as a hidden headquarters. Heavy guards block the gate but step aside when Ben arrives.
Inside, they are brought into a vast chamber. At the far end sits a man with a shock of red hair—older, with the gravitas of someone used to being obeyed. Beside him stands a thirty-year-old man clad in armor: his bodyguard.
The red-haired man's face breaks into a grin when he sees Ben.
"My old friend — long time, eh? Maybe three years. How are you, joshua benthem ?
Ben smiles thinly. "I'm well. And you, Mr Sparrow "
Joshua waves a hand. "Don't call me 'mister.' We're friends—come, sit. Let's talk."
Mr. Sparrow leans back in his chair, a faint smile curling on his lips.
"So, Ben… what brings you here after all this time? And who's this young man with you? He looks sharp."
Ben nods. "This is Robert — someone very dear to me. Like a son."
Mr. Sparrow's eyes narrow with interest. "I see."
Joshua tells him everything — about Argon's kidnapping, the unknown attackers, and the stolen sword.
Mr. Sparrow listens silently, his expression slowly darkening.
"This sounds serious," he says at last. "Strange thing is… I've heard no such reports. And usually, nothing happens in these lands without reaching my ears."
Robert speaks up. "Maybe the news just hasn't reached you yet."
Mr. Sparrow smirks. "Hmm. Interesting. Very well."
He turns to his armored bodyguard and whispers something in his ear. The guard nods and steps back.
Then Sparrow says, "Ben, meet my bodyguard."
Ben glances at him and lets out a small laugh. "Who doesn't know him?"
Sparrow grins. "He'll tell you what to do next."
The armored man steps forward and removes his helmet, revealing a scarred but calm face.
"Hello, Mr. Benthem," he says with a polite nod. "It's good to finally meet you."
He turns to Robert and offers his hand. "And you must be Robert. My name is Alexandro."
Robert's eyes widen in shock. "Wait… Alexandro? The Silent Killer?"
Alexandro smiles faintly. "That's what people call me. Now—come with me.
To be continue...