ushernet Chapter 45 Frightened Knights!
Chapter 45 Frightened Knights!
Kael walked along the trails that would lead him out of the forest and towards the nearest town. The scenery around him changed rapidly, the trees and dense silence of the forest giving way to open fields and a paved road leading to the city. The smell of the city seemed denser, the air charged with a mixture of aromas of food, people and the incessant activity going on.
Finally, as he turned a corner, he spotted the city gates. What immediately caught his eye was the queue forming in front of the gate. Armed knights, with their shining armor and swords at their waists, were on standby, carrying out an identity check for all comers. Security seemed tight, as if the city was protecting itself from something.
"Interesting," Kael muttered to himself, observing the queue of people waiting patiently to go through the inspection. The environment seemed safe and organized, but something about the rigidity of the riders made him feel that he couldn't just walk straight in and expect to be accepted. The watchful eyes of the guards indicated that it wouldn't be easy to fool them, and any false step could cause problems.
He joined the queue, watching from afar as the people in front of him handed over identity papers and went through quick inspections. Some seemed more nervous than others, but everyone followed the knights' orders without question.
Umbra floated next to him, visible only to Kael. "Those guys, huh? Always so stiff and boring. I think you'll need to use your charm to get through." She laughed mischievously, clearly amused by the situation. "Or maybe a little well-told lie? I know how you get around."
Kael shrugged. "I've been through worse, I'm sure a simple inspection will be easy to deal with."
The queue moved forward slowly, and Kael watched the riders examine each individual carefully, checking documents, asking questions. He sensed a slight tension in the air, but showed no nervousness. When it was his turn, one of the riders, a man with hard features and a rigid posture, approached.
"ID card," the knight said in an impersonal tone, his eyes fixed on Kael, as if trying to find out something other than what was written on the card.
"Oh, of course," Kael replied with a carefree smile, remembering what his mother had given him. He opened his backpack and took out the card, handing it to the guard.
The knight took the card leisurely, looking a little bored. He looked through the document and, when he saw Kael's photo, grimaced. He continued reading with disdain, but then his eyes stopped on the surname. "Scarlet..." He muttered, as if he had noticed something strange. He read the name again, his eyes narrowing.
"Scarlet?!" The knight repeated aloud, his eyes now wide with suspicion. He looked at Kael as if he had seen a ghost, then read the name once more, clearly confused. "No... that's wrong..."
Kael shrugged, completely ignoring the scene unfolding around him. "Thanks," he said casually, starting to walk away.
"Yes, sir... You can go... You may go!" The knight almost shouted, rushing to open the gate with trembling hands. "Our pardon! We had no idea who you were!"
Kael passed through the gate, trying not to laugh at the situation. Meanwhile, Umbra floated beside him, laughing softly.
"You act like you're not important, it's kind of funny." Umbra commented, floating next to Kael, still laughing at the knights' overreaction.
Kael shrugged, a wry smile forming on his face. "I've never seen people this desperate..." He looked at the gate he had just passed, a little perplexed by the reaction. "I'm not that important, am I?"
Umbra laughed again, his tone light and amused. "Ah, you really don't get it, do you? Your grandmother is one of the most powerful figures in this world, and you... well, you're her grandson. You may not know it, but your lineage carries an enormous weight. It's not just a question of being important... you're practically a living legend, my dear."
Kael frowned, reflecting on Umbra's words. "I... never thought of it like that. My whole life has been in the forest, learning from my mother and grandmother. I have no idea how these things work outside of that." He looked up at the sky, his expression thoughtful. "All I know is that my grandmother is a strong woman. That much I know. And I'm proud of that."
Umbra smiled, a mischievous expression in her eyes. "And that's what makes it even funnier, Kael. You're so simple and straightforward, as if you don't know the impact you have on the world. If you did, maybe you wouldn't be so carefree."
Kael turned to her, a proud smile appearing on his lips. "Well, I have no intention of changing, so I guess the others had better get used to it. If my grandmother is that powerful, she must know what she's doing by letting me be who I am."
Umbra couldn't help but laugh. "You're right. And that's what makes me like you, Kael. It's not because you're the grandson of a Witch Queen. It's because you ultimately don't care about other people's expectations. And that, my dear, is what makes you really interesting."
"I may be the grandson of a legend, but the only legacy I'm seeking is my own." Kael replied with quiet confidence, his eyes shining with determination.