Wind travels gently through the streets, between hurried steps on cobbled roads. Pale violet paints the sky, cutting through vivid orange.

  Lanterns hang from ropes, lit for the evening.

  Hinozu stands with his back to the shop, a large shoulder basket on his back. Small, plated wooden boxes are placed carefully before he turns around, taking a wicker basket.

  Unable to carry it, he switches it to his left arm.

  Then, he tugs on his linen shirt with his free hand, adjusting his waistcoat after. The piece of clothing brushes his knee-length breeches, wool stockings covering beneath.

  A white apron pairs with a broad felt hat of the same color.

  Helma fixes her gaze on him, a glint of pride coursing through her eyes.

  [Now you really look like an assistant.]

  A ghost of a smile appears on her face.

  [You’ve been really helpful in these few days.]

  [Thank you. Honestly, it’s been easier with someone to offer a hand.]

  Before long, she turns Hinozu around, shoving him forward.

  [Go, now.]

  The young man walks through the streets, evading curious glances and crowded passages. Paper in hand, he repeatedly glances at the sloppily drawn map, guiding himself.

  Reaching the center of the city, he arrives at the open area, stretching further than the eye can see. Imposing towers circle the main structure.

  Tall enough to touch the clouds, the six wings wrapped around it seem to vibrate.

  Hinozu’s gaze sets on the palaces spread chaotically throughout, the lush gardens of some threatening to eat the intricate entrances of others.

  Carriages travel in and out of each, pulled by horses in striking attire.

  The boy walks towards a h?tel particulier, standing in front of the opulent gate. Metal rods twist and bend to large pearl-like ornaments, and cloth banners draped over each end of the supporting pillars.

  They depict a horse biting a shield, its hooves stepping between a coiled sword. A sun appears on the top, painting the background yellow.

  Just as he tears his eyes off the banners, armored guards open the gate, guiding him inside the gardens.

  Rattling flowers chase the dusk. Leaves on smooth, white trees glow the same color as the sky.

  The mansion itself resembles a birdcage in shape, with pillars sprouting from the ground to curve to the top.

  Walking through the path, he ends up in front of the metallic door. The guards behind him turn around, leaving for the gate.

  The door creaks open, and two maids come out.

  One of them parts her lips as if to speak, interrupted by a hand pushing her aside. A tall, scrawny man appears, dressed in colorful, layered clothing. He adjusts his cuffs, as if waiting for something.

  [Good evening, young man.]

  Hinozu stays silent. A maid takes the basket off his back, carrying it inside. The other takes another from his hands, checking for a mark before disappearing into the building.

  [Thank you for your delivery. May the Zenith’s Divine accompany you.]

  The man waits for an answer, combing his gray hair neatly. His dark brown eyes search Hinozu’s, growing irritated. He chuckles uncomfortably, lowering his gaze.

  [Young men these days have quite a lack of faith.]

  [Especially you, it seems, with that expression.]

  Hinozu blinks, confused.

  [Wrathful animal.]

  He leaves, closing the door with a loud thud. The boy stays still, wondering.

  Cold pricks his nape.

  [Turn around slowly.]

  Hinozu complies, turning carefully to a sword pointed dangerously close to his pupil. He sees his reflection on the metal tip. A fierce gaze meets his own, jaw muscles moving raggedly.

  [You look like a madman, boy. Fix that face for your sake.]

  His face visibly relaxes, fixing his eyes on the sword. His fingers travel to the back of his neck, blood-smeared as they travel in front.

  The guard lowers his sword, stepping aside.

  [You’re free to go. Next time you deliver, please keep reason.]

  Exhaling, Hinozu drags his feet towards the exit, closely followed by the guard.

  [You need to understand your place in the world.]

  Hinozu stops abruptly, gazing ahead with pursed lips.

  [Why—]

  He turns around, striking a fist on the knight’s helmet. The guard steps back, shocked, as he raises his sword once more.

  Hinozu sinks to the ground, clutching his hand in pain. A kick hits his stomach.

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  [Do you really believe there are no consequences to this?]

  [Hey.]

  The guard grabs Hinozu’s jaw, clenching tightly around the bone as he twists his neck towards him. The other guard glances at them from the gate, paying little to no mind.

  [Listen to me. Do you even understand how harsh a punishment you could receive, attacking a knight in his master’s domain?]

  [Listen, alright? Just listen. Calm down, walk out of here. Don’t come back without your master next time. Everything will be alright.]

  [Understood?]

  Hinozu stays silent, baring his teeth before throwing a pebble at the knight’s helmet. The guard sighs, standing up.

  His foot slams against Hinozu’s skull, driving him to the ground.

  Unconscious.

  ——

  A sharp pain wakes him up, tied hands traveling to clutch his head.

  In the middle of the road, he gets up, squinting his eyes to see towards the dim light of the lanterns.

  No sound can be heard, except the running of the occasional mouse.

  Stepping forward, the land shifts. Cobblestone roads turn into dirt, a wide expanse of leafless, twisting trees as a canopy between the ground and sky.

  A grave rests in front, made of simple, gray stone. The ones around it show intricate details and extravagant materials, written in unrecognizable calligraphy.

  A name engraves into the unadorned one.

  Hinozu’s eyes widen before he stumbles back, falling to the ground. A soft sob escapes him.

  Rope unties from his hands, wrapping around his neck. He desperately tugs, trying to escape, to no avail.

  With sudden rage, he crawls to the tombstone, pounding repeatedly.

  Skin scrapes against stone, grinding his hand down the bone. And when hands aren’t enough, he slams his skull on the rough surface, screaming from desperation and pain alike.

  His eyes seem to snap open again, as if a reptile with two lids.

  His back lies on a mattress, gaze pointing to wood.

  Sitting abruptly, he sees himself in the garret. The tiniest sliver of light creeps inside, coupled with the familiar cold just before dawn.

  Slowly, he stands, patting his clothes.

  A black shirt with gray trousers, simple clothes from somewhere else.

  Somewhere truly unreachable.

  He descends the stairs carefully, pressing his hand on the cold wall for support. The ovens are still dark, waiting.

  A weird smell akin to ash makes his stomach turn, driving him to pinch his nose.

  Inside an oven, a burnt pie is placed, shiny black in color.

  He decides to ignore it, leaving the workplace for the main shop. He exits the counter, walking towards the door. The bell rings softly as he opens it.

  Just as he steps outside, footsteps are heard. Still grabbing the handle of the door, he turns.

  [So, you’re… going to visit him, after all?]

  Hinozu stays silent, watching as Helma’s hands travel to the doorframe.

  [When… when will you be back?]

  [Mr. Wreigh told me what happened yesterday between you and one of his guards.]

  [He’s requested some items to compensate and…]

  Her gaze looks for Hinozu’s eyes, growing nervous.

  [To be honest, it’s a lot of work.]

  She smiles softly, slightly embarrassed.

  [I’ll need your help.]

  [Come back soon, alright?]

  A sudden gust of wind makes Hinozu shiver. With an unblinking stare, he parts his lips.

  [Of course.]

  Turning his back to the shop, he takes a single step before stopping.

  [I don’t really know where north is.]

  [Take the road to your left. Then, straight ahead.]

  Without any more words, he follows the road, stepping on the poorly made road.

  The sky grays, with clouds grouping.

  The lanterns have run out, swaying as they wait to be replaced.

  Metal chimes in the distance.

  He travels across the city, quickening his pace to warm himself against the increasing cold.

  A single, thin raindrop falls on his face.

  A black cat runs in front, a tiny bird in its mouth.

  Crossing a stone arch, a large gate can be seen far away, between the towering walls.

  Hinozu continues walking tirelessly for half an hour before the gate closes in. Gigantic in stature, the main walls block most of the sky. Ahead, a group of three waits patiently, their horses wandering around.

  A sitting figure stands up as Hinozu approaches, shielded from increasing droplets.

  [Thought you’d be busy at the bakery.]

  The man nods in greeting. Dressed in all black with a brown cloak on top.

  Alice smiles, light armor clinking softly as she waves.

  Alfie wraps a rope tightly around a stick, paying no attention to anything else.

  [I, uh, how are you doing? I mean, baking… is a tedious task.]

  [Fine. Learned some things.]

  [I see. So, we’re here. Departing soon.]

  [I can see that.]

  The man nods, turning around. He whistles, calling his horse. His hands travel to grip the reins.

  Hinozu fixes his hair quickly, shaking droplets off.

  [Hey, Kanell.]

  The man turns, tilting his head.

  [I’m coming, too.]

  [What?]

  Kanell exhales sharply, shocked.

  [You got a problem with that?]

  He stays frozen, his mind running a thousand miles per second.

  [Of course we—]

  [Of course we do.]

  Alice stands, stepping forward. Kanell places a hand on her shoulder, though she slaps it off before approaching the boy.

  [You’re trying to tell us, with a straight face, that you’re worthy?]

  [Strong?]

  [Useful?]

  [It seems you’ve forgotten the state you were in when Kanell found you.]

  Hinozu clenches his teeth, avoiding her gaze.

  [You’re pathetic. I highly doubt your value.]

  [Go back to the bakery.]

  [You will be useful there.]

  Hinozu: [I won’t.]

  The boy raises his gaze, trying to meet hers convincingly.

  [Handling flour and sugar isn’t enough for me.]

  [Talking about what’s for you and what isn’t. You were pretty much dead not a week ago.]

  [So what? I’ve decided. Doesn’t that mean I—]

  [You’ll be even worse of a liability. At least earlier, you stayed at one spot, staring into the void and mourning to yourself silently.]

  [Your pride will only end up killing you.]

  Hinozu clenches his fist, eyes filled with rage. Alice frowns slightly, wrapping a hand on her sword.

  [Go on.]

  [There’s not much you’ll do.]

  [You’re weak. Impulsive. Foolish.]

  [Not only are you a failure, but a pitiful animal.]

  [Accept that, and be grateful you’ll work at the bakery. Nothing more, nothing less.]

  Alice turns around to step away. Kanell rides his horse, both remorse and relief coursing through his eyes. Alfie finally stands, approaching his mount.

  [You brought me here.]

  [Didn’t you?]

  Soaked locks sting Hinozu’s eyes. He runs a hand through his hair, shivering slightly from the cold under the rain.

  [You should be responsible. Instead of throwing me into a random—]

  [Because you’re safe here.]

  Kanell raises his voice, staring at the young man. Alfie begins to leave, riding his horse through the rain.

  [You don’t know what it takes to do this. The sacrifices I’ve made. You want to become a monster, huh?!]

  [For what? Think, Hinochu!]

  [Would you give up a peaceful life to be chased every day? To kill for no reason other than a pointless mission? To sacrifice everything you have?]

  [Even if you’re ready for that, you’ll need to be strong. You’ll be hunted. Killed. And at the end, if you're lucky, you’ll be buried. Without anyone remembering or respecting you.]

  [Not even yourself.]

  [You understand?!]

  The man’s expression turns hostile, brows furrowing deeply. Veering his horse, he trots away, leaving the group behind. Alice scoffs, retrieving a pouch.

  She throws it on the ground in front of Hinozu. The item soaks in a few seconds, resting around the pattering rain.

  [Are you sure it’ll turn out?]

  The girl ponders the boy’s question.

  [There’s no way to—]

  Hinozu: [Kanell’s weak.]

  [He can’t fight. I know.]

  [He’ll throw his sword away first chance he gets.]

  [He’s sensitive. Thinks too much.]

  [Fears too much.]

  [He’ll cower and run away.]

  Alice listens, though her mind wanders elsewhere.

  [I know. So what? I’ll just have to kill him. Though that would be difficult.]

  Hinozu exhales slowly.

  [He won’t run if I’m there.]

  [He wouldn’t leave the person he saved.]

  [You’ll take me with you. And I…]

  [I’ll make sure Kanell’s mind and focus stay in place.]

  Turning silent, he waits for Alice’s response. She smiles, patting the horse’s back.

  [You do have a use, after all.]