An Old Man's Promise

Now only Charles and I remain in the room, the latter lacking an idea of where to go now. Even if I were to walk out of this room, I would be lost immediately.

"What do you think, Rado?"

The commander speaks to me without taking his eyes off of the papers in front of him. His voice is quiet, almost solemn.

"Should I have stopped these children from taking this quest? Qualified as they may be, I cannot help but feel ashamed that they must be saddled with our nation's fate."

"You are doing well for your age, Commander. However…"

I can almost feel the pain he's feeling when he grips tightly to the sword at his hip. It's the feeling of powerlessness that comes with growing older and more frail. I can almost see his hand trembling as I take a place beside him.

"Only those with youth left in them can handle this danger. Though, I do fear that they are far too keen to march to their deaths."

"Indeed. They are confident, a blessing and a curse. I wish that I could accompany them, but I have duties within these walls that I cannot be absent from."

For the first time since I've seen him, Charles looks weary as he turns towards me. Those eyes have been forced to give up, not on our chosen heroes, but on his inability to present an alternative path.

"That is why I wish for you to watch over them. You are no warrior, but you have prudence that only comes with a life of experience. Advise these children so that I may see their faces once more."

History seems to pass between me and the commander, years of his time knowing those children. This is not the account of just a military leader, but that of a teacher that must send his pupils to a far away war. I can tell from the map that the physical distance isn't far, but what lies at the destination may as well make it hundreds of kilometres.

"My life is spent."

There is nobody left for me to dedicate everything to, that was all burned down. I've more than run out of tears, but the commander has plenty in those kids' lives. Seeing old men cry is never a pretty sight.

"I was content with wasting away on a farm, still am. However, I've been given a duty, one that cannot succeed unless those kids are safe."

I don't want this mission, but I have no reason not to accept. There is nothing better for me to be doing with however many years I have left.

"I will do whatever I can to bring those kids back. You said it yourself, Commander, I have no right to refuse."

The end of Charles's lip turns up slightly at my words. Decisions still haunt his gait, but some weight seems to lift from those armoured shoulders.

"Right you are, Rado! Do as much as a lowly peasant like yourself can muster!"

"Are you trying to curb my motivation!?"

With spirits high, Charles walks around the table until he faces me directly.

"That is why, this is for your eyes only."

He produces a small leather bag. The single content is an item wrapped in a thick navy cloth and now resting between us on the table.

"What is this—?"

Before I can inquire further, Charles unwraps the item and my skin begins to crawl.

It is almost as if pure darkness was hidden beneath the folds. Tendrils of shadow writhe and thrash about into the open air, threatening to drag whatever grows close into its cursed embrace. When my eyes are able to adjust to the horrible energy, I can make out a fragment of what was likely a mask of sorts.

"So you can see it?"

"All too clearly…"

It feels familiar, enough so that my body is begging me to run. I've seen this dreadful presence before, standing there right before me as it belittled human life itself.

"This is a piece of the mask worn by the Demon Lord during its reign. It was recovered by the heroes from the rubble of that wicked castle, proof of their victory."

"No…"

"Rado?"

Charles is immediately taken aback at the apparent look of horror on my face. He pressures me with his eyes, to which I offer a terrified nod. The part of him that still did not believe the rumours has now come to realise its error.

"So it is true…"

"I-I'm not sure, but…I've seen this magic before with my very own eyes…"

"This is truly the worst possible scenario…"

Once again the Commander seems to curse himself. Of course, he knows that the die has been cast. Making this discovery public would lose us the opportunity to catch the target before war breaks out once again after 200 years.

"You must tread with care, Rado!"

Charles quickly wraps up the artefact and returns to my side, where he thrusts the bag to my chest.

"Do not share the Demon Lord's identity immediately. If the fight appears unwinnable, you are to turn those kids home at once! This may be far greater than any one man can handle!"

"O-Of course!"

"As well, keep your powers a secret. There are many who use magic for deception, demons especially. If one such enemy were to discover you, your head will roll as you sleep!"

"I will keep that in mind!"

The number of worries have increased. Never have I been saddled with so much pressure as a simple farmer. Not only do I have to come face to face with a Demon Lord, I have to do so while keeping everybody in the group alive.

"What have I gotten myself into…"

"My apologies, Rado."

Charles rests a hand on my shoulder with a face as grave as mine.

"Pray to the Lord that your first assessment was incorrect. We still may be only dealing with any other greater demon and not the Calamity itself."

"I hope so…"

Knock Knock

Out of reflex, I hide the leather pouch behind my back as another knight enters the room.

"Commander!"

"What is the matter?"

"His Majesty's advisor would like a word with you. He awaits your arrival at the castle."

"I suppose it cannot be helped."

Charles gives me one last pat and leaves to resume his duties as a Commander. Before he disappears, I hear him address the knight.

"This man is an important guest. Take him to the armoury and fashion him with whatever he requires."

"Yes, sir!"

"Rado, I will be present to see you off in the morning. Here."

From a gap in his plates, he procures a small pouch and tosses it towards me. When it lands in my hands, I hear a quiet clambering of something metallic.

"Funds for the journey. Make sure you are well prepared."

"Y-Yes, Commander!"

With that last interaction, Charles leaves with his authoritative march.