Before the man could respond, Laville abruptly released him and stormed off in a rage.

  He had scarcely taken a few steps when a familiar face loomed before him, and a shriek burst from his lips, high and porcine.

  “Shall I see you home?” Glenn asked with a smile.

  “Get out of my way, you bastard!” Laville roared.

  “Seems I went too easy on you.”

  Laville fell instantly silent.

  He cast Glenn a vicious glare, then circled warily around him and fled at a run.

  “Hey! Strangers are not allowed beyond this point!” the man within barked.

  “I know,” Glenn replied casually, ambling away without haste.

  In the town’s clothier, Glenn purchased several well-fitted garments and a few tools—hammers, rivets, and the like—then hauled his parcels home upon a handcart.

  The sun had long set by the time he returned, and as he entered Bayek’s darkened streets, swift shadows darted into corners at the edge of his vision. He cast them a curious glance but did not linger.

  He carried his bundles indoors, then lifted an oil lamp and made his way toward the forest beyond the town. He wished to see how the prey he had trapped that morning fared.

  The lamplight swayed with each step, its rusted frame groaning, while his shadow stretched long and wavering across the silent road.

  He had no true need of the lamp—his eyes pierced the night with ease—but the light lent a certain comfort.

  In the forest, the beast slumbering near the traps pricked its ears, lifting its head to sniff the air. At once it knew its master approached. Rising eagerly, it bounded toward the glow.

  “Well then, first tell me—did anything happen while I was gone?” Glenn pushed away the great furry head nuzzling close.

  The creature whined softly, meaning no.

  Glenn nodded, stepping lightly to the traps and raising the lamp.

  The wild boars, once frenzied with panic, now lay fast asleep—alongside the captured elk.

  Sleep well… my future livelihood rests upon you, Glenn thought with a satisfied smile. Then he instructed the beast, “Keep watch. Should anything arise beyond your strength, come to me at once.”

  The creature lifted its head in solemn assent.

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  Glenn patted its neck, turned back with his lamp, and retraced his steps homeward.

  Laville’s family dwelled in a manor near Dood Town. When the young master returned, the servants’ jaws fell agape.

  “Good heavens! What monster has done this to him? How dreadful!”

  “Quick, fetch the mistress! This is grave indeed!”

  Laville had wept all the way from the academy, and upon reaching the manor, his wails grew louder still, echoing across the estate like the squeals of a slaughtered pig.

  In one of the courtyards, three elegantly dressed ladies sat conversing with polished smiles, their words veiled barbs, yet their manner seemingly cordial.

  Their pleasant scene was soon shattered by the boy’s hideous bawling.

  “Heavens! Who weeps so disgracefully? Such a loss of decorum!” Lady Sophia’s brows knit sharply—then her face blanched. “It’s my Laville!”

  Ignoring the inquiries of her companions, she sprang up, gathered her skirts, and rushed toward the sound.

  Turning a corner of the long corridor, she beheld her son staggering forward, flanked by servants. With a cry, she ran to him.

  Laville’s left cheek was grotesquely swollen, bruised purple beneath the red. Blood streaked his nose and mouth, mingling with the tearstains on his face. Lady Sophia’s heart quaked with anguish, her voice trembling.

  “My darling child, tell me—what has happened to you? Who has done this?”

  Laville shrieked hoarsely, “A commoner! He broke into the academy and struck me! He even beat my attendants!”

  “What?! A commoner?!” Sophia’s voice pierced the air, her wrath near to searing her faint. “That insolent wretch must hang! By the honor of the Dechirilla family, I so swear!”

  Turning to a maid, she demanded, “When does the master return?”

  “He… he should be on his way back now, my lady,” the maid stammered.

  “Hurry him! Tell him the young master has been harmed!”

  “Yes, madam.”

  “Berlin departs tomorrow—why has he refused to see me?” murmured Lord Channis within his carriage, clothed in noble finery.

  “Perhaps, my lord,” the butler riding outside answered gently, “Lord Berlin has his reasons. He may wish to avoid discord between you.”

  “You mean he knows why I seek him, and thus keeps his distance?” Channis asked, frowning.

  “I fear so, my lord.”

  Their exchange was cut short as the carriage jolted to a halt.

  “What is the meaning of this?” Channis demanded, displeasure clouding his brow.

  “My lord! The young master has met with calamity! The mistress bids you return at once!” cried a woman’s urgent voice.

  Channis’s face drained of color. “To the manor, Sereil!”

  “At once, my lord!” The butler snapped the reins, and the horses surged into a gallop.

  Half an hour later, with the shrill cry of the steeds, the carriage clattered into the manor’s courtyard. Channis leapt down, cane in hand, striding swiftly.

  “Where is Laville?” he barked.

  “In the drawing room, my lord,” a maid answered.

  Within, Channis found his wife and son. “What has happened?” he demanded at once.

  “Are your eyes blind?” Lady Sophia snapped, pointing to the boy’s disfigured face.

  Only then did Channis see his son’s ruin. With a curse he hurled aside his cane and strode forward. “Who has done this?!”

  “A commoner named Glenn! He must be seized and hanged at once!” Sophia spat with venom.

  “Father, it hurts…” whimpered Laville pitifully.

  “Baber!” Channis roared.

  “I am here,” a knight in armor stepped forth.

  “Go and—” Channis halted mid-command, turning to his son. “Where is this Glenn now?”

  “He said he lives in Bayek Town,” Laville sobbed.

  “Then go to Bayek. Bring him to me in chains!”

  “At once.”

  Baber turned to leave, but Channis’s voice rose sharply, halting him.

  “Wait!”

  The knight looked back in confusion.

  “Laville… you said he lives in Bayek Town?” Channis pressed again.

  Laville nodded, firm in his answer.

  At once hesitation clouded Channis’s face.

  “What is it, Channis? Why this indecision? He is but a commoner! Will you stand idle while our son is disgraced and beaten?” Sophia cried in outrage.

  “Silence!” Channis thundered, his sudden roar striking her dumb.