The golden sunrays streaming through the windows woke me from my slumber. I made my way to the window and looked out at the magnificent garden adorned with an abundance of beautiful flowers and bushes. Yet, my gaze was captivated by the graceful birds freely soaring in the sky. Soon enough, I would be free too, I thought with a touch of anticipation. It was a peaceful and breathtaking sunrise that reinforced my hope for a new life, until the room's door suddenly burst open with a loud bang.

"Ah, you are already awake," said the butler, accompanied by two maids as they entered the room. One maid carried white garments in her arms, while the other held a simple brown travel bag. The butler spoke with a sense of urgency in his voice, "We have no time to waste. Pack your belongings and get ready. His Highness will give you further instructions shortly." They stared at me with annoyance before leaving the room.

What belongings should I pack? I practically owned nothing. Nevertheless, I obeyed the command and began to change. A snow-white priest's robe with a hood that covered my entire body and face. As I looked around the room, I realized that there was indeed nothing I could take with me. But then, I heard a gentle tapping on the window. When I opened it, I saw a group of nature spirits carrying old books from the basement. They were the books that had helped me develop my magic. I thanked the spirits for their assistance and carefully packed the old, musty books into my bag.

(his outfit)

I stepped outside where the butler was already waiting for me. He scrutinized me closely, and I attempted to feign a coughing fit. Without uttering a word, he set off, and I followed him closely. Together, we approached the magnificent entrance hall where my family and the knight from the previous night were waiting for me. My father smiled at me and began speaking with a kind voice, "My son, I know this comes as a surprise to you, but in order to continue living among us, you must complete a small task. Wouldn't you do that for us, your family?" His words had the tone as if he were speaking to a small child. I looked at them, keeping my expression impassive.

"Father, why do you even bother? He's undoubtedly a fool," my sister replied, laughing. "Does he even understand us?" my brother added teasingly. My father cleared his throat briefly, attempting to alleviate the tense atmosphere. "Ahem... it's nothing complicated. You just have to remain silent and do as Sir Haldor tells you." Only now did I notice the knight's face more closely. His gray hair slicked back and the scar over his left eye shimmered a milky white. His expression was neutral, but I could discern a hint of disgust in his eyes. I nodded silently. They can say whatever they want, in the end, it will become clear who the real fool is.

(sir Haldor)

Together, they accompanied me outside. There stood a modest carriage, and in front of it were three armed knights on majestic white horses. Before I climbed in, my father approached me once more. He pulled the hood over my head and bid farewell with the words, "No matter what happens, keep the hood on." Then he turned to Sir Haldor, and they exchanged nods. As I stepped into the carriage, I couldn't help but grin. It was finally time to bid farewell to my family. Hopefully, I would never see them again.

(one of the knights)

The carriage slowly began to move, and I took a seat on the bench. The armed knights accompanied me on their majestic horses as my family's estate grew smaller and smaller in the distance. Sir Haldor, riding alongside the carriage, continued to regard me with disgust in his eyes. It was difficult to endure their judgment and contempt based solely on my lineage. But I had learned not to let their rumors and malice hurt me anymore.

As we set off on our journey, I wondered how long it would take and what the land and Duke Drakonov might be like. I let my gaze wander out the window, observing the breathtaking landscape passing by. Gentle hills, green meadows, and majestic forests stretched out to the horizon. The beauty of nature touched my heart, and I could feel its vibrant power. Even the nature spirits seemed to delight in this sight as they danced joyfully around.

However, the knights spoiled the atmosphere. "To think we have to escort a bastard," I heard one of the knights sneer. It seemed they don't cared about how it made me feel. "I've heard he's a demon, feasting on blood," the other knight replied with a malicious tone. The rumors about my alleged dark nature had spread like poisonous weeds. "I've heard that too! They say he fed on rats and imprisoned criminals in the dungeon," added another knight with a grim expression.

I observed the men as they regarded me with suspicion and disdain. It was evident that they saw me as a threat. However, I knew that I would be better off avoiding them if I wanted to keep my limbs and my freedom. Their instructions were clear: I had to arrive alive, no matter the condition. An icy chill ran through my body, and my heart began to race. The threat was real, and I couldn't afford to reveal my abilities to them. My top priority was to arrive there as unscathed as possible, for only then would I have a chance to hold my destiny in my own hands.

The journey continued through the enchanting landscape. The sun shone brightly in the sky, and its rays danced upon the gentle hills. I took a deep breath, allowing the sight to wash over me, drawing strength from nature. I felt the trees bestowing their wisdom and resilience upon me, while the wind carried away my doubts.

The following days passed mostly in silence. Hunger and thirst tormented me, but the knights seemed to ignore my needs. I stayed inside the carriage, avoiding any direct contact with them. Only Sir Haldor occasionally cast a scrutinizing glance through the window, ensuring that I was still alive. Every now and then, I pretended to have a coughing fit to give the impression that the poison was taking effect. I had no clear idea of how the poison was supposed to work, but I thought it would be better not to appear too healthy.

One day, we arrived at a small, old tower where several figures in hooded robes stood. Next to the tower was a stone arch. The people in black garments spoke words I couldn't understand. Suddenly, the stone arch began to glow, and a sort of portal opened up. The knights rode through first, followed by the carriage that I still hadn't left. In the blink of an eye, I found myself in a completely different place. The once warm, sunny woodland landscape had transformed into a snow-covered mountainous terrain. The cold outside grew more intense, and the nights were filled with an eerie silence. Yet, I found solace and warmth with the nature spirits that accompanied me. They were my silent companions, providing me with the necessary strength and warmth to endure the rest of the journey.

We reached a gloomy, ancient castle perched atop a hill. The drawbridge was lowered, and the carriage passed through the imposing gate. The knights escorted me into the entrance area, illuminated by dim torches and surrounded by somber stonework. I could hear the whispers of servants and the clinking of armor as we ventured deeper into the inner courtyard. The scent of dampness and ancient history hung in the air, arousing my curiosity. It was as if the castle walls contained secrets and tales just waiting to be unveiled.

As the carriage finally came to a creaking halt, I felt a mixture of relief and uncertainty. The dull sound of horse hooves striking the rocky ground echoed through the air. Sir Haldor opened the heavy carriage door, and a cool breath of the unknown enveloped me as I stepped out of the vehicle. Before me, Sir Haldor and the knights formed an impenetrable wall between me and what awaited me.

"Welcome to Nivalis," a gentle yet compelling voice sounded. "If you would follow me, I will take you to the reception hall where Duke Drakonov awaits."

The knights remained motionless and silent, and Sir Haldor replied with a hint of arrogance in his voice, "That won't be necessary. He should just come out so we can conclude the contract. We don't want to linger here any longer than necessary." His words revealed a mix of impatience and disdain. The other knights seemed to share his attitude and exuded arrogance.

I was shocked by Sir Haldor's disrespectful behavior. Although I knew little about Duke Drakonov and his relationship with my family, it was clear to me that his rank and influence surpassed that of a mere knight. My father would never have allowed someone to speak so audaciously and openly display their dislike. Not only did I notice the lack of courtesy, but the servants who stood at a respectful distance were equally shocked, their expressions speaking volumes.

The gentle male voice broke the tense silence, "As you wish. I will inform His Highness." The footsteps receded, and I tried to catch a fleeting glimpse between the knights. However, their massive figures and steel armor obstructed my view. I had no choice but to wait patiently and listen to the voices exchanging whispers.

Soon, approaching footsteps accompanied by a subtle rustling could be heard. The knights before me made a half-hearted and brief bow, too short for me to discern anything. The atmosphere was filled with eager anticipation as Sir Haldor spoke with a hint of satisfaction in his voice, "We greet Duke Drakonov. As agreed, we have come, bringing a healer of sacred blood." With a skillful gesture, he produced the magnificent scroll and presented it to the invisible recipient before me. "If you sign here and hand over the mana stones, we can depart."

A deep, clear voice, filled with angry energy, responded, "You want to leave again? Why are you in such a hurry?"

"Forgive our haste, but if you have no further need of us, we would like to get it done as quickly as possible," Sir Haldor replied with a disdain that was hard to ignore. His words revealed his impatience and disregard for the authority that stood before him. "Bring the mana stones," commanded the now intimidating voice, hinting at something ominous in its majestic resonance.

I heard the sound of something being signed  and suddenly, a bright magical light briefly illuminated the surroundings. The knights, now affirmed in their task, received a heavy-looking chest with shining stones, each as large as a peach, protruding from it. Finally, the knights stepped aside, and I could look around.