Chapter 9: Errands
Noelle wakes early, the first light of dawn barely touching the horizon. He quietly slips out of bed, careful not to disturb the steady rhythm of Thorne's breathing. The room is dim, but Noelle's eyes have adjusted to the low light. On the table beside his bed, he counts out five gold coins, the last of their savings. It's not much, but it should be enough for what he needs.
His hands tremble slightly as he picks up a thick black metal collar made of sturdy metal. He had never worn one in his village, where alphas were rare, but here, even in this small town, the risk was too great. The collar is cold and heavy, a reminder of the dangers that lurk beyond their little home. As a final precaution, he wraps a faded scarf around his face, leaving only his eyes exposed. The memory of that lecherous merchant from three years ago is still fresh in his mind, a scar he refuses to reopen.
Noelle glances back at Thorne, lying motionless on the bed, his chest rising and falling with each breath. Noelle's gaze softens as he watches him sleep. The sound of Thorne's breathing is a small comfort, a sign that he's still here, still alive. He places a glass of water on the table within easy reach for when Thorne wakes.
With a final look at the lightening sky, Noelle gathers his things—a blunt dagger, the coins, and his resolve—and heads out the door. The journey down the hill is rough; the path overrun with weeds and loose stones. It takes him nearly twenty minutes to reach the bottom, and he knows the walk to town will take at least another hour. Every step feels like a small battle, but he pushes forward, determined to get what they need and return before the sun sets.
As he trudges down the overgrown road, the morning mist clings to him like a shroud.
The town of Bischel lay nestled among rolling hills and dense forests, five hours by carriage east of the kingdom's capital. Modest in appearance, with worn cobblestones and weathered buildings, the town buzzed with life. Merchants shouted their wares, the scent of freshly baked bread mingled with the tang of smoke from blacksmiths' forges, and townsfolk bustled about, busy with their day. Noelle walked through the streets, his eyes scanning for a particular group—the children. They knew every corner, every secret of the town. It didn't take long before he spotted a cluster of them playing near an old oak tree.
Lowering himself to their eye level, Noelle approached with a friendly smile. His presence was met with wary stares, especially from a little girl who stepped forward, placing herself protectively between him and the others. Her fierce determination was almost amusing, considering her small size.
"What do you want?" she demanded, her voice sharp and filled with suspicion. She eyed him carefully, clearly ready to bolt or fight if needed.
"I can scream really loud, and my brother is Big Ben, the hunter. I wouldn't try anything if I were you," she declared, puffing out her chest in a display of defiance. Noelle had to stifle a chuckle—she was tiny, but her spirit was immense.
The mention of Big Ben piqued Noelle's interest. That was precisely who he needed. A local guide(guard) who could help him navigate the town without getting scammed or worse. Reaching into his pocket, Noelle produced a copper coin, holding it up for the girl to see. The hostility in her eyes disappeared in an instant, replaced by eager curiosity. When she reached for the coin, Noelle pulled it back teasingly, watching as she pouted before quickly agreeing to his request.
"How about you and Big Ben go on an adventure with me?" he suggested. After a brief hesitation, the girl nodded, her suspicion forgotten.