The journey

Mounting the Horse that Lady Karisi gracefully kept in Nillix for you it would no doubt speed up your journey west back to Rathkin.

Your mind raced with many different thoughts as you continued to try to plan your next move. You want nothing more than to go find Claire but deep down you know that you are not yet strong enough to protect her. You just failed her and if Rixx didn't grant you mercy you would be dead right now

Rixx..., If what Rixx said is true and he trained her for three years then she should be safe. You don't need to search for her at this moment as you want to keep training, keeping raising up in the ranks at Rathkin. When all is said and done, there is no doubt in your mind that fate will bring you together in the future.

You thought about your current position and how much your life has changed and how much change is yet to come. Your mind raced back to how you were poor and had nothing and nobody to where you are now with Lady Karisi. Your visions shifted to her house, her guards, her power and her riches. By gaining Karisi even more fame, power and money maybe you'll someday get a custom set of armor and weapons.

Your horse continues his gallop back towards Rathkin but your goal hasn’t changed. Deep in your mind, your goal is still Claire and with that goal, you now know you need to start training harder.

You know that you are a good warrior but when fighting against a man like Rixx it became apparent how outclassed you really are.

As the breeze flowed through your short hair your mind turned towards the women in your life.

Lilyann.

Lady Karisi.

Claire.

Your relationship with the first two is quite confusing at this point. You and Lilyann were friends with benefits pretty much even though you've never slept with her but she seemed to always be there for you. That petite young women was so comforting and caring. But with Lady Karisi, she was basically what every male in the world would dream about. Sexy, powerful and rich. She also knew how to fight very well herself which was also quite the turn on. Was there something more? "Women..." you chuckle to yourself.

Hours pass by as you continue to think about everything. But one entity stays in your mind... One thought... One man.

He took everything from you yet without him you wouldn’t be where you are today. The more you think about it you can’t tell if that is a good or bad thing. He stole Claire from you and for that you hated him. But he also spared your life and told you where to find your sister. It seemed he took care of her possibly? Trained with her? You weren't sure.

Maybe he isn’t that bad after all. Maybe you can put aside your hatred for him for the greater good. There seems like there’s more to him that is hidden. Something just doesn’t add up with him. And you're determined to figure out what that something is! Maybe just maybe it will cause you to let go of your hatred of the man...maybe.

Lost in your thoughts with no idea how much time passes by. You can see the city of Rathkin in the distance. Galloping to get there as quick as possible, you only slow down once you reach the gate to inner city.

Jumping off your mount and holding the rope in your hand to guide your horse you walk towards the city gate where there are two guards.

Once you reach the gate one of the guards stop you. "Sorry, sir, only noblemen, and women are allowed in."

Looking at him, you notice he looks younger than you and his armor appears fresh. You have no doubt he's never been in a battle before so being your normal cocky self, "Look, kid, I just got second place in the tournament of Nillix."

The second guard immediately steps forward "I thought I recognized you!" he salutes "You fought well, Sir Darien! Come on, you may enter." he steps aside, reaching for your horse to take it off your hands while he allows you to enter.

Thanking the guard you start to walk towards Lady Karisi's house. You actually get stopped by random people and get congratulated on your fights. You knew that tournament was a big deal but you had no idea how big it is.

Seeing the entrance to Karisi's house in the distance, you continue your stride until once more, you get stopped.

"Welcome back, Darien!" a guard shouts at you, smiling as he recognizes you. "Welcome home!"

You make your way to the house, stopping a house keeper, she tells you that Lady Karisi is in the dining room. With quick thanks to her you start making your way through this massive house to the dining room.

As you reach the dining room you hear a friendly voice behind you. "I knew you would come back. You're too driven to die. That was a great performance. Second place in the tournament of Nillix do you have any idea how rich this made us."

With a huge smile forming on your face, you slowly turn around to see the face of that familiar voice...