Cade was still sleeping as I gave them a piggyback ride to Violet City. I couldn’t bring myself to wake them, feeling an overwhelming guilt at making them sleep outside. The more I think about it, the more I feel like I stole them from their home. 

I try to remind myself that they came with me willingly. That they didn’t protest, that they wanted to be free of their tormentors. Cade hesitated, but they chose to come with me. 

They remind me they don’t know the region the same way I do. That they spent their whole life in the walls of the human city. That Olivine was the only home they ever knew and suddenly they weren’t home anymore. They are safe now, but how long until they aren’t again?

I can’t stay with them to protect them with the bounty that is on my head. A bounty hunter has to be after me now… there is no way that a week after the king's death that no one has been sent to capture me. I refuse to believe they would just let me walk free. 

I know there will be no trail. I know if I am lucky enough to not be killed by the hunter the moment they find me, that they will only drag me back to the kingdom for my punishment to be served. All I need to do is get Cade to Wesrid, transfer all my money to an account into their name, and make my way to Ironhelm. 

The last one is a risky game to bet on. I would have to head north from Wesrid and get on a ship to cross the ocean. That is a month's travel itself if I don’t get caught before Wesrid. 

A stick snapped, making me jerk my head to the sound. I study the surrounding area, my heart racing as I remember I am carrying Cade on my back. This is more dangerous if it is a beast or a bandit with them on my back.

I can’t drop them without hurting them. I can’t draw my dagger without waking them and I can’t risk their life by fighting, leaving them open and defenseless. 

I hate this feeling of helplessness. It reminds me of… I blink a few times before I narrowed my eyes, seeing the glint of a metal dagger. A growl escaped from my chest, as I knew I had one choice. I have to run to protect Cade.

Sprinting up the hill, faster than I ran in days. I could hear the sound of someone pursuing me in the distance, but they couldn’t match my pace. Most who challenge me to a race or try to chase do not know my boots have spells embedded in them that doubles my speed. A small smirk forms on my lips as I make my way out of the forest in a few minutes.

I slowed my run to a light jog as the violet city came into sight. I pray silently that the word of my crimes has not spread this far out from the kingdom. I jog the rest of the way to the city as some of the people look at me. I take a deep breath, hoping my silent prayer was heard by the gods.

“Sir Kael?” A small knight said, making his way through the crowd. It took me a moment to realize it was the goblin boy I saved 4 years prior. “Roggolk, you became a knight!” I said with more pride than I meant to.

He coughed slightly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Actually, I am a paladin to the god, Avros…” he mumbled under his breath. My smile grew large as I looked at the goblin boy. “Ah wonder! I see you finally came of age to get your adventure transcripts.” I said. 

He beams at me, that look of undeniable admiration. “Yes, sir.” He said. I feel Cade slipping from my hold. Quickly adjusting my hold, pushing them upwards as they are still asleep. “You have to tell me later how you got the favor of the god of peace. Right now I am on a quest to get this human to Wesrid.” I say. 

I knew in my heart I would never hear his story as I would have liked to. I turn my gaze away from Roggolk. “I have to get this one to a tavern to sleep, then run some errands.” I said. 

Roggolk beamed more as I said earns. “Allow me to accompany you!” He eagerly said. My gaze shifted to him and at the tavern. “Alright… but we must make haste.” I said. 

I walk to the tavern. This one is more modern look than the one we were at the other day. The goblin followed me inside as I approached the Goliath manning the front desk. She raised an eyebrow at me as she saw the Goblin and the human sleeping on my back.

“I need two rooms for the day.” I say. The goliath glanced at Cade and back at me. “They need to rest in a proper bed.” I say with a glare. She sighs as she hands me two room keys. “You better not do anything stupid, orc.” She said, 

My gaze got colder, as I knew she didn’t trust me. “I will be back down in less than 5 minutes to go out.” I say back. She nodded as she went to serve her customers. I try to not let it get under my skin, but it still rubs me the wrong way after all these years.

I carry Cade up to the rooms, looking at the goblin, who followed with their adoring smiles. “Roggolk, can you wait downstairs?” I say. He pauses as he stares at me. “Of course.” He responds before slowly returning to the bottom stairs.  

I opened the door to Cade’s room. It was quite bigger than the one in the other tavern. Updated walls, bedding, and more like an actual bedroom you can live in for a few days. 

I put Cade on the bed, pulling the cover over them. I stare at Cade for a moment. They remind me a bit of seraphine. A child not of my blood, but still my child to protect. A voice in my head makes its way to the front of my brain. “How do I expect to protect them, if I couldn't protect my own children…”   I shake my head, forcing my gaze away from Cade. the voice in my head, my own voice turning against me as I try to remind myself I can keep them safe. I walked out of the room as my grief was washing over me. Trying to swallow me whole and drag me down. 

Cade is safe. They are safe here… They will be safe when they get to Wesrid. I shook my head as I walked down the stairs. Roggolk was sitting at one of the round tables with a bored expression. 

“Let’s go.” I say. I walked to the doors without looking back at Roggolk. I walk through the city, heading to a boutique on cherry grove street. I kept to myself as the sound of armor clattering next to me grew louder. 

“So, why did you join in the adventuring life?” I ask. Roggolk looks up at me as we walk. “Uh, well, ever since you saved me… I wanted to be just like you.” He beamed. 

I hum softly as I open the door to the Everlight boutique. “One moment!” A melodic voice said. I close my eyes as I take in a deep breath. A purple skin tiefling walked out of the backroom. Her dark hair is in a tight bun, her simple outfit, her blue eyes widening as she stares at me. 

“My god, Kael. What are you doing here?!” She rushed to my side. I force a smile onto my face. “I am going to get some clothing.” I say. She blinks a couple of times before nodding. “I can pull out an old measurement-” she began before her voice fell.

“Is it not for you?” She whispered. I shake my head no. I know I must have a pained expression as I stare at her. She looks at the goblin and back at me. “It’s a human.” I say. 

“Okay, where are they-” she began, but I walked past her. I grab a couple of men’s shirts. I take a guess on their size since they have a larger body weight than an average human. 

“Kael…” The tiefling looked at me. “Do you wish to talk about what is burdening you?” She muttered. I force a laugh as I look at her. “Blaze, it is not your place to ask for my burdens.” I stared.

She flinches a bit, her head lowering as she tenses. “Is it wrong to want to know how the man who freed me from my captures is doing?” She muttered. I force myself to look at her. “Yes…” I mutter. 

I walk to the counter. Starting to bag the clothes I had grabbed for Cade. “Kael, can you at least tell me if you are okay?” Her voice pleaded with me. I do my best to not look at her. “I am not a liar, blaze.” I said. 

Her small hand grabbed my arm. “Please Kael… talk to me.” She whispered. I feel the warmth of her magic trying to comfort me. “Blaze, the less you know… the safer you will be from my torment.” I pulled out 30 gold pieces before putting it on her counter.

I walk to the door, Roggolk staring at us with confusion. “Tell me, I will see you again.” She called out. I paused as my hand touched the door handle. “Goodbye Blaze.” I say before walking out.

I walk down the street, my guilt pulling me down. “Sir Kael…” Roggolk said. “Yes?” I hummed. He walked fast to keep up with me. “What was that woman talking about? Is everything alright?” He asked. 

I laugh, a hint of sadness. “God… I wish everyone would stop acting like my feelings matter,” I say. I didn’t want to think about it. I didn’t need to think about it. I will have plenty of time to think when I leave this region…

“Of course they matter. Why would you think they… didn’t…?” His voice falls as my gaze falls on him. “I’ve overstepped and must pay for my sins.” I say colder than I meant to. Roggolk took a step back, fear in his eyes for the first time. His fear of me. 

“A path I walked one too many times… Think you can be a savior, but can’t save the ones you swore would always be safe.” I took a step forward. Roggolk’s eyes widen as he tries to understand what I am doing. 

“Ever been punished for another one's mistake… Say you’ll take the fall when the person comes to deal the punishment.” I said, my voice colder than ever. Roggolk gulped as his hands were shaking. “Why…” His voice was shaky.

“In a split moment.. A snap of a finger… you can go from hero to villain.” I say. He trips backwards on his own feet. I pause before picking him back onto his feet. He stared at me, confused by everything I've done. “Be better than me, Roggolk..” I mutter before turning away.

I know he wouldn’t follow me… I know he has fear in him now. It is better he stays away from me… it will keep him safe.