Stuck in my Game World.

10. Let the trail begin.

As they proceeded back to the main village where they would divert to the path that led out of the city towards the fortress of Warcton, they came across a young lady who was coming up to the hill and was heading for the woods which was behind the house of Zachary.

As they headed towards the direction of the house without the knowledge that she was heading for the woods behind it to get some dry wood for cooking. They all stopped and followed her towards the house again making her curious and anxious since she did not know why the king had seen her and followed her towards the direction which he was already coming from. Despite her curiosity, she did not have the courage to ask king Luca Cole why he was following her. All she believed was that at some point, he would have to state the reason why he was following her.

Neither king Luca nor his men asked the woman any question, they followed her till they came to the back of the house and she proceeded into the forest to pick up the fire woods she had gone that way in search of. It was at the point when she was about to enter the woods that they came to the idea of what she was going that way in search of.

Yet to be sure because it could be possible that she was going to find someone inside the woods and that person could be the people they had come for, so king Luca stopped her by asking. "Is there someone you are going to look for inside the woods? My men could assist you if you want."

"That is very nice of you, your majesty, but I'm only going to fetch firewood and it is totally safe in the woods. Once again thank you for your concern."

The king wanted to ask her another question whether she knew if the inhabitants of the house was around but then they heard some movements coming from inside the building so he held back his words and at this point both he and his men were quite confident that there were people inside the house so they did not bother the woman again as she went into the forest to continue with her business.

Turning around they saw Harris who had come to confirm whether what he was thinking was right because he had heard voices from behind their house and it seemed he heard the voice of king Luca Cole amongst the voices he heard. 

They had all been inside the house after they returned from finding Eric Claus that morning. The previous day was very stressful so they were observing some rest to recover their strength. That was why the environment was so quiet and it seemed as though no one was at home.

Immediately Harris confirmed that his instincts were right and it was king Luca Cole who was around their environment, he bowed before, "Your majesty."

"Rise," the King said to him, and he stood to his feet, looking at him and with his escort as he waited for the next words since he was to speak only when expected. So Luca continued, "Where is your father and Eric Claus?"

"They are home, my lord."

The response made the king happy as he would not pass through more stress to get to them, "I have come all the way here to see them. So if you wouldn't mind, call them out, tell them I want to see them."

Before he would finish with his sentence, Zachary and Eric came out of the house to salute the king. They had also known about people being in their environment and that Harris was going to find out who they were. So when they overheard him greet the king, they knew that it was truly the king as Harris had thought and it was without a doubt to them that he had come to see them.

"Your majesty," they also greeted him together as they came out to join Harris.

Then Zach continued, "What brings the King of Palind down to Hillcrest only because of one man?"

Luca had to correct an impression, "For emphasis sake, I came down for the sake of two men. You and Eric Claus. I heard the news about the dragon's attack and was afraid that it had taken both of you with it. But I am overwhelmed with joy that you are still alive, strong and healthy."

"Thank you, your majesty, for your concern. It is really an honor to be held with a high esteem by the king of Palind." Zach said since that was all he could say. Thus he was expecting King Luca to return to his castle with an eased mind since they were alive.

But he said, continuing the conversation, "We are both aware that the reason for the dragon's early return is not ordinary, so I bid you to come with me to Raychester castle where you will have all the security you need until Eric Claus has completed his training and is ready to fulfill his destiny."

Zach had known about this from the moment the King asked him to look after Eric and teach him the ways of the warriors. And returning to the castle was the last thing he did not want to do. So he said, "Your majesty, I have fulfilled the assignment assigned to me. Now I can attest to you that Eric Claus can defend himself with a weapon, so I am of the opinion that you take him to Raychester castle where he can continue his training under some other teachers to improve his fight skills and techniques. As for me, I am not ready to return to the castle or to join the fight again until my boy is old enough to defend himself."

Of all that Zachery said, King Luca found it difficult to believe one thing, which was the claim that Eric can now handle a weapon and was able to defend himself in time of trouble. "Are you sure of what you are saying? Are you sure Eric has mastered a weapon?"

"At least to a level that he might not need my teaching anymore."

Still not satisfied with this, the king said, "To prove your claim, I will have Eric Claus challenge two of my men, and if he can defeat them, then I will take your word for it."

Having so much confidence in the level of skill which Eric had acquired, he said, "You can make it three or four if you wish."

So King Luca Cole was satisfied with this and he said. "Accepted. Let the trail begin!"