The King's Guard

Chapter 2

Kael walked out of the wine shop. The night was cool, and the village was quiet. Trees moved in the wind, and an owl made a sound in the distance. Moonlight lit the cobblestone streets, making shadows.

His house was close, a small one-story building near the village edge. He passed gardens and workshops. The air smelled like pine and dirt. Kael felt nervous about talking to his dad but knew he had to do it.

He stopped at his front door and took a breath. The door creaked as he opened it. Inside, the house was warm. A fire burned in the fireplace, and there was a faint smell of pipe smoke.

His dad sat in a chair by the fire, reading a newspaper. He had gray hair and broad shoulders. The firelight made his face look tired. He didn’t look up right away, focused on the paper.

Kael walked across the room. The floor creaked under his shoes. He stood by his dad, watching him read. His dad had blue eyes, like Kael’s.

His dad looked up and put the newspaper down. “You’re late,” he said.

Kael swallowed. “I need to talk about the choosing ceremony tomorrow,” he said.

His dad’s face got serious. “What about it?” he asked.

“I want to join the Shadow Corps,” Kael said. “I know you don’t like it, but it’s my choice. I’m asking for your support.”

Kael waited. The fire crackled in the background. His dad’s face stayed serious, and he looked at Kael for a long time. The room felt quiet. Kael hoped his dad would understand.

His dad leaned back in his chair and sighed. He looked at the fire. When he spoke, his voice was low. “Your mom cared about you a lot,” he said. “She always wanted to keep you safe. When you were a baby, you liked to explore. One time, you went toward the fire. She grabbed you before you got hurt. She held you close. You were important to her.”

Kael listened quietly. His chest felt tight. He didn’t remember much about his mom, but his dad’s words made him feel closer to her.

“I know I’ve been strict,” his dad said. “I didn’t want to stop your dreams. I wanted to keep you safe, like your mom would have. I’ve seen what happens to people who go into danger. They get hurt, and the people they leave behind are sad.”

His dad’s words were heavy. Kael saw the worry on his dad’s face. He knew his dad was scared of losing him.

“But you’re right,” his dad said after a pause. “You’re not a kid anymore. You can make your own choices. I can’t keep you from doing what you want. Your mom would want you to be happy. I don’t agree with this, and I’m worried, but I won’t stop you.”

Kael felt happy. His dad looked at him with a mix of sadness and pride. “If this is what you want, you have my permission,” his dad said. “Just be careful. Remember the people who care about you.”

Kael felt glad. He stepped forward and hugged his dad. “Thank you, Dad,” he said. “I’ll make you proud. I’ll make Mom proud too.”

His dad hugged him back. His arms were strong. “I know you will,” he said. “Be careful.”

They stood by the fire for a moment. Kael felt ready for tomorrow. His dad looked at him. “Get some rest,” he said. “Tomorrow’s a big day.”

Kael nodded. “Goodnight, Dad,” he said. He felt better than he had in a long time.

His dad watched him go. “Goodnight, Kael,” he said.

Kael walked to his room. He lay on his bed and looked at the ceiling. He felt excited. He thought about the Shadow Corps. He pictured himself guarding the royal family. Tomorrow was the start of his dream.

The village outside was still. The moonlight came through Kael’s window, lighting the room. He thought about the ceremony. He imagined standing with other people who wanted to join the Shadow Corps. He wondered what it would be like to train with them. He thought about wearing their dark robes and carrying weapons. It made him feel ready.

Kael closed his eyes. He thought about his mom. He didn’t remember much, but he knew she’d want him to be happy. He thought about his dad’s words. His dad was worried, but he trusted Kael. That made Kael feel strong.

He thought about the wine shop earlier. Stopping the robbers made him feel capable. He knew he could handle tough situations. The Shadow Corps would be harder, but he was ready to try. He wanted to prove himself.

Kael lay still, thinking about the future. The ceremony was a chance to start something new. He didn’t know what would happen, but he was eager to find out. He thought about the royal family. He wondered what they were like. He imagined guarding them from danger. It felt important.

The room was quiet. The fire in the other room had died down. Kael felt calm. He knew his dad supported him now. That made him feel better. He thought about Fred, too. Fred would take him to the city. Kael trusted Fred to help him.

He thought about the village. It was small and familiar. He liked it, but he wanted more. The Shadow Corps was a way to see the world. He wanted to learn new things and meet new people. He felt ready for a change.

Kael turned over on his bed. The mattress creaked. He looked at the ceiling again. He thought about the ceremony one more time. He imagined standing in front of people, saying he wanted to join. He pictured himself being chosen. It made him smile.

He closed his eyes again. He felt tired but excited. Tomorrow was important. He needed to rest. He thought about his mom again. He wanted to make her proud. He thought about his dad’s hug. It made him feel supported.

Kael took a deep breath. He let his thoughts slow down. He knew he was ready for the ceremony. He felt sure of himself. He wanted to sleep now. Tomorrow would be a long day.

He lay in the dark, listening to the quiet. The village was silent outside. He thought about the Shadow Corps one last time. He imagined being part of them. It felt right. He closed his eyes and tried to sleep. Tomorrow, his journey would begin, and he was ready.