Chapter 5: A Morning of Departures and Annoyances

  The first light of dawn crept through the wooden shutters, painting the small room in hues of gold. Eryan stretched under his thin blanket, letting out a slow breath. The world outside was already stirring—the rhythmic chopping of wood, the distant calls of hunters preparing for the day, the chatter of early risers heading to their tasks.

  Today would be a busy day.

  ---

  Breakfast and Departures

  By the time Eryan reached the kitchen, the scent of warm bread and sizzling meat filled the air. His mother, Lina, moved gracefully around the hearth, tending to the morning meal while Elia, his little sister, clung to her side, humming a tune.

  His eldest brother, Darin, was already dressed in sturdy traveling clothes, his sword strapped to his waist. Today, he was leaving for the city, where he trained with the military. Their father, Garret, and second brother, Reyn, were also preparing for the day’s hunt.

  “Finally awake, sleepyhead?” Darin smirked as he tore off a piece of bread.

  Eryan yawned exaggeratedly, rubbing his eyes. “I’m still growing. I need more sleep.”

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  Reyn snorted. “More like you’re just lazy.”

  Garret, who was sharpening his hunting knife, gave Eryan a glance. “It’s good to rest, but don’t let it make you weak. A strong body needs discipline.”

  Eryan nodded obediently, though inside, he already understood his own path—one that required patience and secrecy.

  Breakfast was simple—freshly baked bread, smoked meat, and a bowl of warm broth. Darin ate quickly, eager to leave, while Garret and Reyn finished their meal before heading out.

  “I’ll be back in a few weeks,” Darin said as he slung his bag over his shoulder. He ruffled Elia’s hair, ignoring her annoyed protests. “Be good while I’m gone.”

  “You always say that!” Elia pouted.

  Garret gave Darin a firm nod. “Stay out of trouble. Strength means nothing if you don’t survive to use it.”

  Darin grinned. “I’ll be fine, Father.” With a final glance at his family, he stepped out the door, disappearing down the village path toward the city.

  Garret and Reyn followed soon after, joining a group of hunters waiting at the village outskirts. Within moments, the house felt emptier.

  ---

  A Quiet Morning… Or Not

  With the men gone, Lina busied herself with household chores, sweeping the floors and preparing food for later. Elia trailed behind her, asking endless questions about the city, the hunt, and why she wasn’t allowed to go outside alone.

  Their grandfather, Hagar, had already left to visit an old friend—a fellow retired warrior who enjoyed smoking dried herbs and reminiscing about the past.

  Eryan, meanwhile, slipped outside, hoping for some peace. But peace, as always, was short-lived.

  “Eryan!”

  A loud voice shattered the morning calm.

  Before he could react, two figures rushed toward him—two of his little ‘annoying’ friends.

  One was Taron, a mischievous boy with wild hair and a talent for causing trouble. The other was Mira, a girl with sharp eyes and a habit of dragging him into her schemes.

  “There you are! We’ve been looking for you,” Mira said, hands on her hips.

  Eryan sighed. So much for a quiet morning.

  “What do you two want?” he asked, already wary.

  Taron grinned. “We’re going to explore the old mill. Wanna come?”

  Mira added, “Or are you scared?”

  Eryan suppressed a groan. They never stopped. He had spent years acting like an ordinary kid, and in doing so, had unintentionally attracted these two troublemakers.

  “I’m not scared,” he said, feigning reluctance. “But I don’t think my mother would like it.”

  Taron waved him off. “That’s why we don’t tell her!”

  Eryan sighed again. It was going to be a long morning.