The small ranch was in chaos after the previous night. It now housed twenty Aurorian soldiers. Their armor gleamed with the first rays of sunlight.
Ivan was talking with a few knights about the attack, while Samo lay bandaged, Fäste at his side. His eyes were already open, fixed on the sky, reflecting on everything that had happened. But his concentration was broken.
"Hey you, you're finally awake."
It was the knight who had fought Daeva. A new scar now marked his face.
Still immobile, Samo only turned his eyes toward the voice.
"Nice sword you've got. Wanna sell it?" he asked, pointing at Fäste.
Samo frowned, irritated.
"Alright, alright, I'm just kidding."
The knight looked him up and down.
"You're strong, huh? What are you? 23? 24?"
He asked and answered his own questions, confusing the boy for a moment. Samo then replied:
"Fifteen," he said quietly. "I'm fifteen."
The man's eyes widened.
"Fifteen? What the hell does his father feed him?"
"Fifteen, huh?" He rubbed his chin, thoughtful. "You did well against Daeva. Ever thought about becoming a knight?"
Samo's eyes lit up like the morning sky, and he sat up suddenly.
"Whoa, easy there, kid. Your wounds aren't... healed?"
The loosely wrapped bandage fell away, revealing fully healed skin.
"So... can I already volunteer to be a knight?" Samo asked, full of excitement.
The knight shook his head, grounding himself again.
"Yeah... sure. You can start as a squire, if a knight accepts you."
A smile spread across Samo's face.
"By the way," said the knight, "my name is Antony de Montese, leader of the 5th squad of the Order of the Knights of Aurora."
He extended a hand, which Samo quickly shook.
They went on talking about what life as a knight was like. From a distance, Ivan watched in silence, a serious expression on his face.
The knights stayed at the ranch all day, making sure the Demon Lord wouldn't return. By late afternoon, they departed on horses of various colors, all wearing blue cloaks.
"I recommend you relocate for a while," Antony said from his black horse. "We'll keep hunting Daeva, but there's no guarantee he won't come back."
"We'll leave tomorrow. Thank you for everything," Ivan replied.
"We're at your service," Antony said before riding off.
Inside the kitchen, the cold took over the room. A cabinet blocked the door. Father and son sat in silence until—
"Samo..." Ivan called.
"Yes, father?" the boy replied.
"I heard your conversation with that knight."
Samo lowered his head, and Ivan stared at the ceiling for a moment.
"You have my support, if you want to follow that path."
Samo looked up, surprised, tears forming in his eyes.
"What?"
"You're old enough to be a squire. If that's what you want, then go."
"But... father, who will take care of you?"
Ivan smiled.
"Don't worry. I'm not old yet. I'll live in the city for a while. Who knows, maybe I'll even find a lady to keep me company."
Samo's tears gave way to soft laughter.
The next morning, they were ready to leave for the city.
Samo carried Fäste at his waist, along with two bundles. Ivan carried only a small one.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" Ivan asked.
Samo just nodded in reply.
"Alright then, let's go to Kazan. From there, you'll catch a cart to Zielitz."
When they arrived in Kazan, the same guards from the previous visit stood at the gate.
"Stop right there!" one of them said. "Show your documents."
"Ah, the documents..." Ivan mumbled, patting his pockets. "Where did I put my ID?"
He began to sweat. But before the guards could act, Samo extended two copper tags.
"I told you I didn't forget anything."
Ivan gave a forced, relieved smile. After a few questions, the guards let them through.
Soon, they found the cart bound for Zielitz. The coachman was already preparing to depart.
"Excuse me, how much is the trip to Zielitz?" Ivan asked.
"Fifty silver per person," replied the old man, petting the horse.
Ivan paid, coin by coin.
"Hop on. We're about to leave."
Then came the hardest part: the farewell.
"Get on, Samo," said Ivan, giving him a gentle push.
"B-but father..." the boy stammered.
"Enough. You've made your choice, and I've made mine."
Ivan knew that if he showed too much emotion, his son might hesitate.
"Now get on that cart and go live your life."
Confused, Samo climbed aboard.
"All ready, coachman. Let's go," Ivan called out.
"Take care, Samo," he added, turning away.
The morning light spread, heralding the coming of spring.
"Maybe I'll ask Lanús to grab a drink," Ivan thought, walking toward the forge.
The cart rolled off.
Samo, silent, sitting beside two other passengers, departed for Zielitz — as the winds blew south.