Beautiful Hedge

The next day. The morning sun was bright, but Lian and Mira barely noticed it as they walked quickly through the streets. Their destination was clear: the Strom family villa, where Kael had been taken. Lian carried a small satchel of supplies, while Mira’s hands were tucked nervously into her sleeves.

“I don’t know if this plan of yours is really solid,” Mira said, her voice quiet but pointed. “I mean… charging in, shouting ‘Kael, now you’re safe!’ and picking her up over your shoulder like some heroic fantasy… it doesn’t seem exactly foolproof.”

Lian frowned, chewing his lip. “Well… it’s not perfect, I admit. But what else can we do? We can’t exactly… politely ask her family if she can come back with us.”

Mira sighed. “I know, I know. I just… it feels reckless. And she’s not a small kid we can scoop up without consequences. She’s strong and stubborn. She’s probably thinking of all sorts of ways to wriggle out of your heroic carry.”

He rolled his eyes. “Oh, come on, I’ve carried worse. Remember that goblin thief we dragged out of the guild cellar? That was way heavier than Kael.”

Mira gave him a skeptical look. “That was one goblin. Kael is a human, Lian. A very strong, very angry human.”

They walked in silence for a few minutes, the villa’s massive silhouette gradually rising over the horizon. Marble columns glimmered in the sunlight, and the manicured gardens stretched as far as the eye could see. Lian muttered under his breath, “Yeah, this is definitely a place where they do not tolerate random intruders.”

“Which is why your plan needs a little more… finesse,” Mira said. “Not yelling at the top of your lungs and causing chaos.”

Lian waved a hand dismissively. “Finesse is for other people. We have speed, surprise, and your very impressive orb. That counts for something.”

Mira rolled her eyes, muttering, “Impressive doesn’t always mean safe.”

As they approached the main garden, a large hedge offered some cover. They crouched behind it, trying to assess the villa from their hidden vantage point. Lian’s heart was racing, but he tried to maintain a calm exterior.

Then, suddenly, a familiar figure appeared, walking leisurely along the garden path. Aldren, the stern yet oddly courteous butler, was smiling as he waved.

“Good morning,” he called in a voice that was too cheerful to be natural.

Lian and Mira froze, their mouths half-open.

“Oh—uh—we were just… admiring this beautiful hedge,” Lian stammered, pointing vaguely at the greenery around them. “Yes, the craftsmanship… quite remarkable.”

Mira added, “Yes, we… um… we were studying the architecture of nature, very closely. Just passing by, really.”

Aldren chuckled, the sound warm but knowing. “I see. Well, I’m glad Kael has friends who care about her so much. That is comforting.”

Lian and Mira exchanged a quick, surprised glance. “Friends?” Mira whispered, her voice tinged with awe.

“Indeed,” Aldren said, stepping closer, his tone becoming more serious. “And I owe you both an explanation. There are things you should know, to understand why Kael left and why she is where she is now.”

Lian’s jaw tightened. “Finally, some clarity.”

Aldren took a deep breath. “Kael’s family is… influential. Extremely influential. When she refused to comply with the arrangement her mother expected—marrying the man chosen for her—they had to make sure she understood the consequences. They sent me to persuade her. Unfortunately, persuasion required threats she could not ignore. Your friend made a difficult choice, not because she wanted to, but to protect those she cares about—including you, Lian, and Mira.”

Lian blinked, absorbing this. “So… all this time, Kael was trying to protect us? By leaving? And not telling us?”

“Yes,” Aldren said gently. “She feared that resisting would put you in danger. Her mother’s influence could extend to the guild, and she did not want either of you to suffer consequences for her decisions.”

Lian’s fists clenched at his sides. “I can’t believe she didn’t confide in us. She trusts us, but not enough to tell us what was happening?” His voice was sharp, tinged with frustration and hurt.

Mira bit her lip, her gaze dropping to the cobblestones. “It’s… sad. She gave up without a fight. She resigned herself… without even trying to resist.”

Aldren nodded solemnly. “Kael’s loyalty and courage are remarkable, but she is only human. Sometimes protecting others comes first, even if it means making personal sacrifices.”

Lian’s shoulders sagged slightly, his anger mingling with guilt. “She shouldn’t have had to choose alone. She could have relied on us.”

Mira placed a hand lightly on his arm. “She will… in time. For now, she thought she had no other choice. Let’s focus on helping her now, rather than blaming her for her decisions.”

Aldren gave a small, sympathetic nod. “That is Kael’s way. She is strong, and she is clever, but she worries for those around her. You have her trust, yes, but she must navigate her family carefully. That does not make her weak—only cautious.”

Lian nodded slowly, still simmering, but slightly reassured. “Yeah… we’ll get her back. But she better not do something like this again without telling us first.”

Lian and Mira exchanged a look—a mixture of determination, worry, and resolve. They had a better understanding now, but the task ahead remained daunting. Kael’s family was powerful, and the villa’s walls were high.

Finally, Lian muttered under his breath, “She left us no choice… time to fix this ourselves.”