The road felt different with someone walking beside him.
Kael noticed it immediately.
Ryn followed a half step behind, not crowding him, not questioning his pace. He simply walked, eyes sharp, always watching the surroundings.
"You don't ask many questions," Ryn said after a while.
"I don't like wasting words," Kael replied.
Ryn chuckled. "Good. Most leaders talk too much."
Kael didn't answer. The word leader still felt strange to him.
They walked through fields and low hills until the distant sound of shouting reached their ears.
Ryn stopped. "Trouble."
They moved toward the noise and soon found a small group of villagers gathered around a burning wagon. Three armored men stood nearby, weapons drawn.
"Tax collectors," Ryn muttered. "But the kingdom stopped collecting from this area months ago."
One of the villagers, an old man, was on his knees, begging. "We've already paid! Please—"
The armored man kicked him to the ground.
Kael's eyes darkened.
"Looks like soldiers," Ryn said. "But they're acting like bandits."
Kael stepped forward.
Ryn's hand twitched. "Hey, don't be reckless—"
"I won't," Kael replied.
They approached calmly.
"Let him go," Kael said.
The soldiers turned, surprised by the calm voice of a young boy.
"Who are you?" one sneered.
"Someone who doesn't like bullies."
The man laughed and raised his sword.
Kael moved.
Ryn felt it instantly—the shift in the air, the surge of Kael's presence. It wasn't loud, but it was sharp.
The first soldier swung. Kael stepped inside the attack and struck the man's wrist. The sword dropped.
Ryn jumped in, punching another soldier in the ribs. "Guess we're doing this!"
The third soldier tried to run, but Kael caught him, slamming him to the ground.
The fight ended quickly.
The villagers stared.
"You're… you're not with the kingdom," one whispered.
Kael shook his head. "No. But I won't let anyone use its name to hurt you."
Ryn looked at him, eyes thoughtful.
"So that's your path," he said quietly. "Protecting people without demanding anything back."
Kael glanced at the villagers, who bowed deeply in gratitude.
"Loyalty that's forced is worthless," Kael said. "If anyone stands with me, it will be because they choose to."
Ryn smiled.
"I chose right," he muttered.
And as they continued down the road, two became the beginning of something far greater.
(To be continued)