Evening settled over Redfern Hollow, casting long shadows through the narrow streets and alleys. The golden hues of sunset clung to rooftops as the town stirred in its usual late bustle—vendors calling out the last of their wares, adventurers returning from short quests with dirtied cloaks and satisfied grins, and children running between carts chasing imaginary beasts.
Liam stirred from his bed with a quiet yawn, his afternoon nap concluded. He pushed off the woolen blanket, stood, and crossed the wooden floor to the small window. Its hinges creaked as he opened it slowly. A warm breeze carried the mingled scent of spices, baked bread, and faint woodsmoke into the room.
Leaning forward, he stepped one leg onto the sill, then the other, and settled into a seated position on the ledge. From this height, he could watch the inn's patrons filter in below, see the market across the square, and trace the outline of the town's winding stone paths.
His mind wandered.
The goal was clear—Caelthorn. That city held the teleportation portal to Aetherreach Grand Academy. But getting there wouldn't be as easy as simply walking through a gate.
First, he needed to reach Thornmere Hamlet.
A bustling trade town, Thornmere was known for caravans, merchants, and job seekers. It connected the rural pockets of the kingdom to major neutral trade routes. From Thornmere, travelers with enough coin and clearance could hitch rides to places like Caelthorn.
It was a five-day journey from Redfern Hollow by carriage.
Liam planned to find a merchant caravan leaving the next day. Quiet. Low-profile. A rider who wouldn't attract unwanted attention. For that, he had to wake early and gather information—which caravan, which direction, and whether they were taking passengers.
His fingers tapped against the windowsill.
His plan was simple. Blend in. Travel smart. Don't let anyone know about the skills he held or the bug-like nature of his gifts. The academy would bring enough eyes on him.
A knock broke the silence.
"Knock knock."
He blinked and turned, already recognizing the rhythm.
"Coming," he called out lazily. He slid back inside and crossed the room.
When he opened the door, he wasn't surprised to find Elli standing there.
She was small for her age, barely up to his chest, with a mop of chestnut curls that framed her round face. Her eyes were bright—a kind of constant, unfiltered light that most people lost once they grew up. She wore a simple tunic and apron, a faint dusting of flour on one sleeve.
Liam gave a mock bow. "Anything your order, milady?"
Elli giggled and puffed out her chest. She placed her hands on her hips and lifted her chin like a noble.
"Nothing too urgent, noble knight. Only a dreadful emergency. We've encountered a terrifying emptiness in our diet, and dinner must be served!"
He chuckled and played along. "Then I must not fail. Here—your knight bears a gift for your bravery."
From his inventory, he pulled out four lollipops, presenting them with a kneel and one hand outstretched.
Her eyes widened, and she gasped in delight before accepting the sweets with both hands, pretending to curtsy like a princess.
"You've bought my loyalty, Sir Liam," she said with a grin. "Now I can never leave you. I need your lollipops forever."
That line gave Liam pause.
He froze for a second, then scratched the back of his head with an awkward smile. "Let's not say that too loud, yeah? People might misunderstand. I'd rather not be chased out of town by your mother with a kitchen knife."
Elli tilted her head, confused. He waved it off with a tired smile.
"Let's just go downstairs, milady."
They descended the stairs, and Liam gave a small nod to Merra, who was standing behind the counter wiping down a pitcher. She returned his nod with a glance, then motioned for Elli to carry a plate.
"Dinner's ready. Take this to our guest," she said, handing a tray to her daughter.
Elli carried it carefully and set it at the corner table Liam usually occupied. She placed her own tray beside his and plopped into the seat next to him without waiting for permission.
He raised an eyebrow. "How come you're eating with me tonight?"
She didn't answer right away. Her usual bounce dimmed a little.
"Because you're leaving tomorrow," she said quietly. "And… I won't get to see you for a long time."
Liam glanced down at her small hands, gripping the edge of her tray.
"I wanted to eat with big brother tonight… so big brother will remember me."
Liam's expression softened.
"Well," he said, tapping his spoon thoughtfully, "once I get to the academy and settle in, I'll send you a letter. And maybe I can come back during the holidays. Would that help?"
Her face lit up instantly.
"Really? You'll write to me?"
"Of course," he replied. "Who wouldn't want to write to our cute little Elli?"
She beamed and returned to her food with renewed energy. They ate curry rice with sliced vegetables and two boiled eggs on the side. The stew was rich, the rice perfectly cooked.
As they ate, Elli chattered about her day—how she helped her mother sweep the storage room, how she tried to bake muffins but added salt instead of sugar, how a fat cat stole a fish from a vendor in the square.
Liam listened with half a smile, answering here and there, enjoying the way her stories meandered.
He didn't pat her head this time. Last time he tried, she slapped his hand and said, "Big brother, if you pat my head, I won't grow up."
He chuckled at the memory.
Eventually, the food was half gone. The sun had slipped past the horizon. The market's noise died down, replaced by the hush of lamps being lit and doors being locked.
Halfway through the meal, Merra joined them for a moment to refill their cups. She looked at Liam with a measuring expression.
"You heading off to Thornmere, then?"
Liam nodded. "Looking for a caravan tomorrow."
"I'll ask around," she said. "There's usually a few that pass by. You'll want someone reputable. There are too many shady ones these days."
"Thank you."
She waved him off. "Just make sure you leave in one piece. And don't let those academy types turn you into something sour."
Liam smiled faintly. "I'll try not to."
He and Elli finished the rest of their food in peace. The fire cracked softly in the hearth. Above them, the lanterns flickered gently.
"Good. Take bread with you before you go. Elli, remind me in the morning."
"Got it!" Elli saluted like a soldier.
The real journey hadn't begun yet.
But tonight… it felt like he was already leaving something behind.