Chapter 1

The sunlight bathed the morning.  

James looked around at hills and trees while carrying some firewood he had gathered from the nearest forest. His eyes shone in contrast to the sunny day, and his hair was tousled by the breeze.  

He was a commoner, living in a village far removed from the nobility and elegance of the capital. Asmalia, a town of wooden houses, a church, and a shady tavern, seemed trapped in time.  

With no soldiers in sight, Asmalia was a haven of peace, a forgotten place that James and his neighbors were grateful for.  

After crossing several dirt paths, James finally arrived home.  

“You’re late! I suppose you brought enough firewood for three days?”  

A tall woman with jet-black hair and piercing eyes was waiting at the door.  
“I did what I could, I had to go all the way to the farthest forest.”  

“Enough excuses! Bring that firewood in immediately.”  

James’s mother was known for never wasting time, one of her strongest traits.  
James sighed.  

“You could let me rest for five minutes.”  

That afternoon they prepared everything to cook using the firewood in the yard. The wood was already burning, the flames rising. A sudden knock shattered the calm.  

At the door, Ever, the fruit seller, was sweating and trembling.  

“Something terrible has happened, Lina! Much of our goods have been destroyed… and they accuse James. They told me if I don’t hand over the culprit, they’ll wipe out the entire market. The whole village!”  

“What are you talking about? That’s madness!”  

“I have no choice, Lina. They threatened me. They said if I don’t point to someone, the punishment will fall on everyone.”  

Lina felt fear freeze her blood.  

“Who told you that? Who accuses my son?”  

“Soldiers of the kingdom… And they said it wasn’t a joke. They claimed a brat damaged a shipment of vital supplies for the army.”  

Lina frowned and looked at her son with deep concern; her lips trembled slightly as she searched for the right words.  

Though Lina wanted to believe in her son’s innocence, part of her couldn’t help but recall the times he had acted recklessly. Since childhood, James loved to tease and play pranks on his neighbors. She had often had to apologize and take the blame for his mischief. He had suffered insults and threats, but she could not allow her only son to become something far worse.  

“Why did they have to come at this moment?”  

Lina felt fear, but she did not think of retreating or running away. She had to find a solution.  

“Mother…”  

James looked at her, his face showing fear and insecurity.  

Suddenly, Lina pushed her son inside the house with all her strength and locked the door, the echo of James’s cries resounding.  

“Mother! Let me out!”  

Lina clenched her fists.  

“I will take the blame. If they ask, tell them it was me.”  

Ever, shocked, stepped back.  

“I couldn’t do such a thing.”  

“Then forget our conversation and leave, I have things to settle.”  

At that moment, James no longer heard his mother’s voice.  

While Lina prepared for the worst, the village of Asmalia froze. It was not common to see royal soldiers in those forgotten lands.  

They were shadowy figures, with gray robes and pale armor stained with mud and blood. Their cold, monotonous voices cut through the air.  

As the visitors walked through the village, people whispered quietly. It had been many years since they had last seen a royal soldier.  

One of the soldiers, in a cold monotone, addressed the crowd:  

“We demand your attention. We are looking for a boy. Whoever delivers the brat will be rewarded.”  

The church father, a robust man with graying hair, dared to ask:  

“Why such cruelty for a single boy?”  

The soldiers laughed without humor.  

“His disrespect is a crime, not a joke. He damaged a shipment of supplies. King Zeldric does not tolerate insolence from anyone.”  

“I know who he is. James Darwing. He lives nearby. He is the culprit behind all the destroyed stalls.”  

A man stepped forward, giving them the information they wanted. It was Ever, bowing servilely, more out of fear than respect.  

“Forgive me, James. Forgive me, Lina. I had no choice.”  

“Though it is not our style to be so formal, we appreciate your cooperation. Please, state your name.”  

“Of course, no problem. My name is Ever, at your service, sirs,” the man replied, bowing in respect.  

The pounding on the door grew stronger. From inside, James felt desperation.  

“Mother! Mother!”  

But there was no answer. He knew what was coming.  

“I won’t let this end like this. I’ll prove to you, mother, that I’ve grown up.”  

His eyes scanned the room. The window was shut, but he thought of breaking it to escape. He needed something strong to break the bars holding it.  

After a moment of reflection, the idea struck him.  

“That’s it! The firewood is perfect.”  

He gripped it firmly, the weight comforting in his hands, and with a precise blow—not of rage but of necessity—he opened a hole large enough.  

Once outside, he prepared to act.  

“Good, now I have to find my mother.”  

Everyone present was shocked at once. Not because of James’s name—they knew he had been a tasteless prankster years ago—but because his mischief had escalated to the point of drawing the King’s attention. How could a mere brat from Asmalia have achieved such a thing?  

“Damn you, Ever! How could you betray your people like this?”  

A burly man roared. He was of medium height, the owner of Asmalia’s tavern, with a thick, scruffy dark brown beard.  
Ever stepped back, his eyes pleading.  

“I had no choice! They threatened us. They said they’d destroy the village! What did you want me to do? This is to protect everyone… He dragged us into this!”  
“Wretch!”  

The tavern owner lunged at him, but his arm was quickly stopped by one of the soldiers.  

The soldier’s terrifying gaze made the man retreat. It all happened so fast that everyone was left speechless.  

“Stop! We will not tolerate a fight without our authorization. Once we have killed that boy, you may continue this dispute.”  

The other soldier gave a brief signal with his eyes. They knew they had wasted too much time and had to finish their task quickly.  

“Your name was Ever, wasn’t it? Show us where that brat James lives.”  

Still trembling, Ever nodded and began giving directions to the soldiers.  
A voice broke the silence.  

“Wait a moment!”