Merek's Ascendance by Andrew Lashway Page B

village, and children could be seen playing with each other in the streets.
    Upon entering, Thorald was greeted by the town guard, who seemed overjoyed at seeing him and incredibly thankful to Merek for finding him. Merek simply smiled and nodded, not knowing how else to react.
    “Transportation will be made available right away, sir,” one of the guards said. He was dressed in the typical purple armor of a guard, and on his back was a shield with the same tiger drawn on it. His face, like all guards, was covered in a metal mask that completely hid his features.
    “That would be welcome,” Thorald said, with a bow of his head.
    Merek and Thorald followed the guards to a nearby stable, where a cart was being readied.
    “I’m sorry, sir, we have no better arrangements at the moment,” the cart driver said when Thorald came into view.
    “This will do just fine,” Thorald said with a smile, “anything at all is most welcome. I’ll see that the fee is paid when we reach the castle.”
    “ Oh no sir, that’s quite unnecessary.”
    “I do believe you have a family to feed?” Thorald said with a stern look.
    “I… yes sir.”
    “Then you will receive your payment, as is your due, when we reach the castle. I would pay you now, but I’m a bit out of sorts, it seems.”
    The driver simply smiled before motioning them both on to the cart. Merek hesitated for a moment. If he got on that cart, there would be no telling what would happen. He might never be able to come back.
    He might not want to.
    “Come on then,” Thorald said, jarring Merek free from his thought, “we didn’t come this far just for you to stay now.”
    Merek nodded, steeling himself. Then he climbed aboard and sat across from Thorald.
    “And we’re off!” the driver yelled, flicking the reins.
     

Chapter 7: Knight of Wentana
     
                  The journey took them several hours, but they passed the time by talking amiably about whatever topic that came to mind. Thorald was very interested in how Merek had survived in the forest on his own, while Merek was interested in the many different lands Thorald had seen. They even quizzed the driver on occasion, and laughed as the older man burst into song.
                  It turned out Thorald was only two years older than Merek, which Merek thought was quite impressive. In turn, Thorald thought it impressive that a seventeen year old had managed to live on his own for so long. Or course, Merek could have been eighteen by now, he didn’t know.
                  Thorald was also incredibly curious about Merek’s past, which Merek was less than enthused to talk about as the hours waned. Thorald wasn’t rude about it, he was more curious for the sake of understanding Merek.
                  “So… what did your mother do all day?”
                  “You know, I never did figure that out. Maybe she just slept. I know she darned clothes – badly – and she occasionally made food, but I’m really not sure. We used to have animals on the farm, but they were either sold or chopped up for food.”
                  “That’s… that’s abhorrent.”
                  Merek was careful not to let on the fact that he had no idea what that word meant, instead looking off into the distance. Luckily for him, something very distracting came into view.
                  Distracting and breathtaking.
                  The castle came into view past a rock covered hill, and in the twilight the castle looked as if it had been painted in flame. White stone shone out from the towers, and the same stone composed the main wall. The wall had to be at least thirty feet tall, with soldiers stationed on the battlements.
                  Then there was the drawbridge.
                  It was a giant wooden gate with drawings of animals and carvings of symbols Merek didn’t recognize adorning