The sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape. Hues of coral and salmon streak the sky, while the scent of blooming wildflowers fills the air. The gentle hum of chirping crickets is a soothing melody in the evening.
As we continue to talk, the old man begins expertly building a small campfire. The flames crackle to life, their glow casting a golden light over our faces. The warmth is a welcome respite from the cooling evening air.
He carefully places the fish on a makeshift skewer. The aroma of sizzling fish fills the air, and my stomach growls in hunger. My mouth waters in anticipation.
Once the fish is cooked to perfection, the old man hands me one, his eyes twinkling with kindness. "Here, boy, have one," he says, his voice gruff but warm.
"Thank you, Gramps," I say, taking a bite. The flavors explode on my tongue—smoky, savory, perfect. "It's delicious!" I exclaim, and the old man lets out a hearty laugh.
"Hahaa, glad you liked it, young boy!" he says, his eyes crinkling like the lines of a well-worn book.
As we sit by the fire, watching the stars begin to twinkle in the night sky, I ask, "You don't look like you're from around here, Gramps. Where do you live?"
The old man's expression turns wistful, and he gazes into the distance. His eyes seem lost in thought, as if the stars themselves are sharing his secrets. "I'm an adventurer, boy," he says. His voice carries a longing, like a sailor yearning for the open sea. "I love to explore, to see the beauty this world has to offer. I've traveled across many states, seen wonders most can only dream of."
I sit up, wide-eyed. "Can you tell me more about your adventures, Gramps?"
The old man smiles, his face softening as he settles into storytelling. "Ah, where do I begin?" he murmurs, lost in memories. "I've spent my life seeking out the world's natural wonders. I've seen the sunrise over the Dragon's Spine mountains, felt the mist from Celestial Falls, and crossed the scorching Golden Desert."
His voice paints vivid pictures in my mind. I feel as though I'm there beside him, experiencing the thrill of discovery.
The campfire crackles, casting flickering shadows on his face. The stars above twinkle like diamonds, and the night air is thick with the scent of flowers and the distant hoot of owls.
"But it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows," he adds, his tone darkening like a storm cloud gathering. "There were dark times too. Times when I had to face the monsters lurking in the shadows."
His voice drops to a whisper, and a chill runs down my spine. I lean in closer, captivated.
"I wonder..." I say softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "It must be fun. This is the first time I've heard of such incredible adventures, Gramps."
The old man's eyes gleam, and he leans in, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper.
"he... he sure" he thinks, his gaze intensifying. "Not just his looks... but his words, too."
A shiver runs through me at the unsettling weight of his gaze. Then, he smiles—a warm, reassuring smile that feels like sunlight after a storm.
"Where do you live, Aries?" he asks, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.
I smile, feeling a sense of pride. "Not far, just near the farms," I reply, gesturing vaguely toward my house.
The old man nods, his gaze drifting toward the horizon. As the sun dips further, the stars start twinkling in the sky, like scattered diamonds. The night air is sweet with blooming flowers and the distant chirping of crickets.
"It's getting late," he says, his voice laced with weariness. "Mind if I stay the night?"
I grin, excitement bubbling up. "Yeah, sure, Gramps!" I exclaim. "It would be a pleasure!"
The old man chuckles, his eyes glinting with amusement. "No, no. The pleasure is all mine," he replies.
We walk through the quiet farms, the crunch of gravel beneath our feet the only sound in the cool night. The sky is dark, stars shining like diamonds, and the air smells of damp earth and growing crops.
The old man's presence feels large beside me. His strides are purposeful, and his gaze seems to take in everything around us. As we approach my home, the darkness of night falls, casting a mysterious spell over the land. The moon's silver glow bathes the fields.
We arrive at the farmhouse, and the old man looks around, his eyes taking in the rustic charm of our home. "So you live here, huh, Aries?" he asks.
I nod, knocking on the door. "Mom, Dad, it's me!" I call out.
The door creaks open, and my mother appears, her face filled with concern. Her eyes narrow, and her voice laced with worry. "Where have you been, Aries? I've been worried sick! It's late, and you're just now coming home?"
I hold my hands up, trying to placate her. "No, Mommy, please, it's fine. I was with Gramps," I say, pointing to the old man.
"Gramps?" My mother looks at him, her expression shifting from annoyance to shock. She takes in his rugged features, wind-swept hair, and piercing eyes. Her mouth falls open, and she stumbles backward.
My father steps into the hallway, concern etched on his face. "What's taking so long? Is Aries home?" he asks, rushing to her side.
His eyes lock onto the old man. A shout of surprise escapes him. "Wait... is that...?"
Confusion grips me. "What's going on? Why are they reacting like this?"
"Why are you stunned like that, Mom? Dad? What's going on?" I ask, my voice filled with concern.
My father's eyes remain fixed on the old man, his gaze intense. He steps forward, movements slow and deliberate.
"Aries, the man standing before you..." he begins, his voice hushed.
Before he can finish, he falters, unable to find the words. His eyes dart back and forth, like he's searching for something to say.
I try to fill the silence. "Oh, this Gramps? He's an awesome adventurer, Dad. He's—"
But my father cuts me off, his voice filled with a mix of surprise and excitement. "This man... is Drake Ironhart, an infamous S-Rank Knight!"
I freeze, my mouth falling open. "An S-Rank Knight?" I stutter. "What?!" My voice barely a whisper.
Drake chuckles, scratching his teal hair with a hint of embarrassment. "No, no. I'm not worth that much praise," he says, his tone humble.
But my parents are already stepping aside, ushering him into the house with smiles. "Please, come in, Mr. Drake," my mother says, voice full of respect.
Father nods, his eyes bright with excitement. "Yes, please. Make yourself at home. We're honored to have you."
Drake's smile crinkles the corners of his eyes, and he steps into the house, filling the room with a quiet authority.
He sits down on the couch, settling into the plush cushions. My sister, Keylith, serves him a steaming cup of tea. "Here, Mr. Drake," she says, eyes wide with excitement.
"Thank you, dear girl," Drake replies, sipping the tea. "It's good."
My parents sit opposite him, faces full of curiosity. "What brings you here, Mr. Drake? And where did you meet Aries?" my father asks.
Drake sets the cup down, his expression turning serious. "Before we start, Aries, can you come here?" he says, voice low.
I walk over, curious. But before I can speak, he strikes me with a swift blow to the neck.
Pain surges through me, and I stumble forward. Drake catches me, his arms steadying me.
My mother gasps, hand flying to her mouth. My father leaps to his feet, anger flashing in his eyes. "Sir Drake! What are you doing?" he demands.
Drake remains calm. "Relax, Mr. Dorian. I mean no harm. I just don't want him to hear this conversation."
Gently, he lays me down on the couch. My head spins, but I struggle to stay conscious.
Dorian's expression turns cautious, and he sits down. "What is it that you wanted to talk about, Mr. Drake?"
Drake's gaze drifts into the distance, a smile playing on his lips. "After all these years... I've finally found someone," he says softly. "An individual with great potential."
My parents exchange a confused glance.
"What are you talking about, Mr. Drake?" my father asks.
Drake's focus sharpens, his eyes locking onto theirs. "I'm asking you both," he pauses, his voice becoming serious. "To let me take Aries under my care. On my journey."