The guards standing by the stronghold bowed down as Julius entered.

  “Sir,” they said.

  He observed the inside of the stronghold. Walking past the barracks, looking at the dark stairway next to it; he saw a guard holding his polearm upright.

  “Hm, different guard this time…”

  Julius approached the guard.

  “Might you be so kind as to answer my question?”

  The guard nodded.

  “Where is king Valens?”

  “And what matters are you supposed to have with the king?”

  “I’m not discussing that with you, where is he?”

  Looking at Julius, he scoffed and shook his head.

  “Council room. He has a meeting, do not interrupt.”

  “Oh, and what is down there?”

  He pointed at the dungeon.

  “It’s the dungeon.”

  “I know, but have you ever been there?”

  The guard sighed.

  “Look, no one has been there, I don’t know what’s down there. I am instructed to guard it, not allowed to enter.”

  Julius scratched his chin.

  “I’ll leave you to it, then.”

  Walking down the hall, he saw a couple soldiers putting on their armor in the barracks.

  At the council room two of Valens’ men were standing at the entrance.

  Trying to walk past them, they put their polearms in front of Julius. He could see men inside sitting at the table in the center. Someone was standing on a slightly raised platform in the back of the room.

  “Are you on the council?”

  “No, but I need to talk to the king.”

  “I’m afraid you must wait for the king outside.”

  “Guards! Let him in!” Valens yelled from the back of the room.

  “Hmpf,” one of them exhaled, pulling their polearms back, clearing the entrance.

  “...”

  He walked inside.

  The room was large, with a rectangular table stretching over the center of the room. And about ten seats around the table.

  Small squared windows on the top of the walls. But too high up to see outside.

  “What the hell is he doing here?”

  “Hey man, something poked you in the eye?” The man laughed.

  “Will you let the man be, what is wrong with you?”

  “Enough! I let him inside, if anyone has a problem with that you may take your leave.”

  “...”

  “Good. Because I wanted to ask you, Julius. You seem like a capable man. I would like you to do a task for me.”

  Julius walked to the table and sat down in between a man with a scar on his lips. And a woman who spoke earlier.

  “I’m listening.”

  “My dear council members here told me that the shepherds reported missing sheep. Additionally, there have been sightings of wolves in the woods nearby.”

  “Wait.”

  “Yes?”

  “These are your council members?”

  “Ah yes, apologies. I may have skipped the introductions…”

  “Well, that most certainly is your typical behaviour, your majesty.”

  “Haha, I shall pretend as if you never said that.”

  “Good… then let me introduce myself first. I am Pacatus, the castellan.”

  “I made the plans for the layout of this damn place, name is Assiduus.”

  Valens smiled at him.

  “I preach about faith, my name is Devota.”

  “Perturbatus.”

  “Oh come on now. I am Avarus, if you want to talk about coins– you know where to find me.”

  “Ah, greedy as always… Nice to meet you, Julius. I am Benigna, responsible for the storage and armory.”

  “...”

  Valens looked at the man sitting next to Julius.

  “Introduce yourself.”

  “Why? You just brought this man in here, who isn’t worthy of being here in the first place.”

  Valens gripped the lectern in front of which he stood.

  “Are you questioning my choices, Superbus?”

  “No, your majesty. But you have lost your focus.”

  “Not another word from you.”

  “If there is nothing more to discuss. I shall take my leave then, king.”

  “You may do so, Superbus.”

  Julius looked at him getting up and walking toward the exit.

  “I am guessing you are the captain?”

  Turning around, he looked at Julius and grinned.

  “Damn right I am. Say, why don’t you come by the barracks later?”

  “When?”

  “Before sundown. Let’s test your worth then.”

  “Superbus, that’s enough–”

  “No, it’s okay. I will come by later.”

  He turned around and walked out.

  After a moment of silence, Pacatus spoke.

  “And you? Will you introduce yourself?”

  Julius sighed.

  “My name is Julius. I am but a traveller.”

  “Superbus is certainly as welcoming as always,” Pacatus added.

  “Well, you must’ve travelled to some wild places, Julius.” Said Avarus.

  “I’m assuming you must’ve been through a lot… considering the cuts on your arms and– the blindfold over your eye,” the lady next to Julius said.

  “May the Lord bless you, Julius.”

  “Great. As I was saying… There have been sightings of wolves in the nearby woods, and the sheep have been decreasing in number.”

  “So, why are the sheep not being guarded well?”

  Valens scoffed.

  “We only have so many soldiers, Julius. Most of them are stationed inside the town. Besides, up until now we had no difficulty whatsoever. But lately…”

  “The wolves realised a pattern, and exploited it to eat the sheep. Is that what you were about to say?”

  “Not just that–” Pacatus added.

  “His majesty would appreciate it if you would go with a squad of his men to check it out. See if you can help them somehow. We have limited numbers, so any extra pair of hands or brains would be of value.”

  “Not an issue. However, I have an offer to propose.”

  “Yes, Julius?”

  “You were taught to read and write, no?”

  “Certainly. What of it?”

  “Then, I will do what you asked of me. In return, you will teach me how to read, deal?”

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  Valens raised his eyebrows.

  “Really? Huh. Why not, Julius. I trust your word, so I accept your offer.”

  Everyone at the table looked at Valens with a surprised look on their faces.

  “Oh what?! I can’t be someone’s mentor?”

  “Your majesty, may I accompany Julius on his wolf-hunt and in return I get a warm meal everyday?” asked Assiduus.

  “You fool, you could’ve asked for coins.” Said Avarus.

  “How about asking for forgiveness and mercy from the Lord?” Devota added.

  “By the gods, you may all leave now. We’ve got nothing left to discuss. Julius, be here tomorrow night. At the courtyard.”

  “...”

  Everyone walked out of the room, one after the other. Except for the lady that sat next to Julius.

  “Julius,” she whispered.

  He looked at her and replied.

  “Benigna, was it?”

  “Oh, so you remember.”

  “It seems that I do.”

  “Well, I wanted to warn you. Superbus only invites strangers to the barracks if he wants to beat them. So be careful, if you do show up there.”

  She smiled at him and walked out of the room.

  Valens remained in the room. Julius got up from his seat and left.

  Walking down the hall, he saw Benigna open the doors to the storage. The sound of the lock clicking echoed through the hall. She entered and closed the door behind her.

  “Assiduus, I must say the town looks good.”

  “Thank you, Pacatus. However, none of this would’ve been possible without the coins from Avarus.”

  Julius paused. Listening to the conversation happening behind the doors.

  Pacatus chuckled.

  “Tell me about the current work you have to do.”

  “Ah. it’s just some old path the king wanted repaired.”

  Julius heard someone stepping behind him.

  “Julius, what are you standing there for?”

  Adjusting his blindfold, he turned around.

  “I was just putting my blindfold back on.”

  “Come with me, Julius.”

  Valens opened the doors to the courtyard, Julius followed behind.

  “Neglecting your duties, gentlemen?”

  Pacatus smiled and Assiduus grinned.

  “Well, I still haven’t gotten my warm meal. Your majesty.”

  Beneath them was grass, in the center of the courtyard was a well. There were wooden benches and various plants and flowers. And a single apple tree next to the well.

  The courtyard had no roof, but was surrounded by high walls. There were only two guards standing in the courtyard. Both with their swords sheathed.

  Valens laughed, walking to the well with Julius.

  “Thirsty?”

  Valens asked as he lowered the bucket tied to the rope.

  “Yes.”

  “Hey you,” he said pointing at one of the guards.

  “Go get me two cups.”

  “Certainly, your majesty.”

  The guard walked away swiftly.

  “Julius, I asked you to come with me because I wanted to tell you something important about the wolf hunt.”

  Deep inside the well, the sound of the bucket hitting the water echoed.

  “What is it?”

  Julius crossed his arms, looking at Valens.

  Valens spoke quietly. A drop of sweat from his face fell to the ground.

  “I don’t know for certain, but there is strong indication that this won't be a typical wolf hunt.”

  “...”

  Valens stepped in closer to Julius after he pulled the bucket back to the surface.

  “One of the men you will be with through the task told me he saw something in the night,” he whispered.

  “What?”

  “It was big, he said it was about the size of a bear. Deep inside the woods…”

  Julius raised his eyebrow, the guard came back and handed two cups to Valens.

  “Your majesty.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Listen, Julius. Keep your one eye wide open. Respectfully–”

  “You bastard,” Julius chuckled.

  “Seriously, Julius. The night hides dark secrets.”

  “Yeah, it does.”

  They drank out of their cups.

  “Well, it’s time for my worth to be tested.”

  Valens scoffed.

  “Yeah, you do that.”

  Before arriving at the barracks, Julius gave the cup to one of the guards in the hall.

  “Take it, it’s on the house.”

  “What has gotten into you, mate?”

  The absence of yelling in the barracks seemed unusual.

  “How come whoever is on the dungeon duty is always bloody asleep?”

  “Sir–”

  “Enough. This is my fault for not disciplining you folks.”

  Superbus sighed deeply.

  “Who’s assigned to the task tomorrow night?”

  “I am.”

  Superbus turned around and looked at him.

  “You?”

  He laughed.

  “I don’t think so, mate.”

  “Ask the king.”

  “No, see… I will determine whether you are worthy to work with my men.”

  Julius took his cape off, and laid it on top of one of the many beds in the room.

  There were a few soldiers present, who stepped aside. Julius and Superbus stood opposite of each other. Staring in each other's face.

  “Paulus, go get me my sword.”

  “No, that won’t be necessary.”

  Taking off the scabbard containing his sword, he threw it next to the cape.

  “Oh what’s that? Shall we not test steel?”

  “I am willing to be tested. I fear that with the sword it would end too quickly, however.”

  Superbus laughed, his men laughed along.

  “You are mad… I am bigger and have more muscle than you, do you expect to win?”

  “Let’s just get this over with. I don’t find this amusing at all.”

  “Are you implying I am boring you?”

  Superbus scowled, eyes narrowed and staring at Julius.

  “Should I go easy on you, not to embarrass you in front of your men?”

  Superbus raised his hands up, in a fighting stance.

  “You will be picking up your teeth from the ground when I’m done with you.”

  Julius tied his blindfold tightly. He put his hands up in a fighting stance, the two rushed at each other.

  “Get him, Captain!”

  “Spill his BLOOD!”

  Superbus stopped at a certain distance, just outside of Julius’s reach and threw lead hand punches at him. Targeting his head.

  Julius parried them, stepped in and punched him in the gut. Making him take a step back.

  He grabbed Julius’s head and threw a knee at his stomach.

  Julius escaped his grip and grabbed his arm. Pulling it and placing a foot behind his, sweeping Superbus to the ground.

  “Captain!”

  “How… How could this happen?”

  Julius backed off, catching his breath.

  “You heard them, get up captain. Or do you already admit defeat?”

  “Argh!”

  Getting up, he grinned.

  “I’ll take the one eye you have left.”

  Again, Superbus stood outside of Julius’s reach. This time, landing a punch to the face.

  Julius stepped in to close the distance, however he got pushed back with a front kick. Followed by a haymaker that hit Julius on the chin.

  His blindfold slightly loosened, he spat blood from his mouth.

  “Nice one, sir!”

  “Not enough, hit him again!”

  “This is taking longer than it should…”

  Julius rushed in, not letting Superbus keep his distance.

  He caught the front kick and pulled Superbus’s leg, landing an overhand on his lips at the same time.

  Superbus fell down to the ground, the scar on his lips started bleeding.

  “Who is this bloody bastard?!”

  “Get him!”

  “Grab this fool!”

  Julius stopped. Two of them grabbed his arms, one wrapped his own arm around Julius’s neck. And one held his legs.

  His blindfold came off, while Superbus was standing up and wiping the blood off his face.

  Looking at Julius’s revealed right eye, he gasped.

  “Let him go.”

  “But sir!”

  “Do it.”

  They let him go, stepping away from them.

  “Your eye…”

  “...”

  “You fought Dominic, didn’t you?”

  After a moment of silence, Julius responded.

  “Yes.”

  Superbus laughed.

  “You could’ve just said it was you, fool!”

  “What is this madness,” one of the men said quietly.

  He bent down and handed Julius’s blindfold to him.

  “You’ve proved your worth. Your eye itself… proved it for you.”

  Julius glanced at the blindfold in his hand. A drop of sweat, mixed with blood, fell on it. Inhaling sharply, he tied it back around his head.

  “You know Dominic?”

  “Of course, Julius. I heard him talk about a brawl, where he got an eye injury. And that he stabbed the other guy’s eye back.”

  While listening to him, Julius put his cape on and strapped his sword back on the hip.

  “He said that man got what he deserved.”

  “Maybe. But he didn’t.”

  Before Julius left the room, Superbus told him.

  “Julius, if you do anything to him… It would be a big mistake.”

  Without responding, he left the room.

  In the hall there was a guard running down the hall toward the dungeon, with a polearm in his hands.

  “In a hurry?” Julius asked him

  “Out of my way!”

  He walked out of the stronghold, the night had already fallen. The town outside was dimly lit by candles inside people’s homes.

  The only place with no light was the old man’s house, where Julius went.

  “What are you doing here, traveller?”

  “I was wondering if I could spend the night here.”

  Julius stood behind the old man.

  “What is your purpose?”

  “... What?”

  The old man looked down to the ground.

  “What is your name, young one?”

  “Julius.”

  “Julius, have you faith in God?”

  “No. I do not believe in such a thing.”

  “What if I was to tell you that God chose you?”

  “I’d say you’re lying.”

  The old man remained silent for a moment, the wind from outside entered the house through the cracks.

  “You would be right.”

  “...”

  “You may sleep in the room behind you. Where there is some hay.”

  “Thank you.”

  Walking into the dark room, in the corner he saw hay scattered on the ground. Visible due to the moonlight shining through the window above.

  Putting his sword next to him, he laid down on the hay.

  “What is my purpose, huh?”

  He whispered to himself, before falling asleep.