It was now time for Eli's dinner with Dave and his family. Dave had collected Eli from his usual fishing location, and, together, they went to Dave's home.
Finally at the door, Dave opened it, inviting Eli in. Eli's eyes widened as he entered the home; this was his first time inside a house since arriving, and, as he took everything in, what he felt could only be described as envy. After all, he had been sitting by a lake for such a long time that he had lost track of time itself. It had no physical effect on Eli, but he was now realizing that it affected him mentally. And seeing the warm and dimly lit home, the food on the table, Jacob and Sara happily conversing, the fisherman was now finding out what he missed out on. What he saw was something he had never had or experienced in his entire life, so it was only natural he would feel this way.
However, this feeling was quickly interrupted.
"Hello, Mister Eli, welcome to our home! Follow me to your chair," said Jacob as he walked Eli to his seat.
As he sat down, Eli began to observe the food laid on the table. It was mainly chicken, fruit, bread, and vegetables. This was quite the big meal, even though Dave and his family weren't necessarily poor, they also wouldn't really eat such a big dinner without a proper occasion. Eli, however, due to not being exposed to such social events and the culture of the location he's in, failed to realize this.
Finally, everybody took their seats, and Dave spoke first, "Welcome to our home, Eli. Allow me to properly introduce myself and my family. We're the Von Drayvold family. Please consider this dinner a way for us to thank you, even though we know this isn't nearly enough."
Eli wore a slight smile and replied, "This is plenty enough. Thank you for having me."
As everyone started to eat with their forks and knives, Eli looked a bit confused, trying to hide the fact that he wasn't exactly sure how to use the utensils in front of him, so he just began to imitate what everyone else was doing... rather terribly.
"Mister Eli, you never really told me why you only fish," said Jacob.
Although this was a question that Eli wasn't going to answer, it was still a welcome distraction from Eli's vicious battle against the fork and knife.
"It was just time for a change, I suppose," said Eli in a somber and heavy voice.
"A change from wha—"
"That's enough, Jacob," said Dave, interrupting his son, as it was obvious to every adult in the room that Eli wasn't comfortable answering the question.
"Dave, can you tell me about the monster I killed?" asked Eli. Frankly, he was curious about the world and the kinds of species within it, but he didn't want to make it even more obvious that he knew very little of the world, so he asked a rather specific question.
Dave was quite happy to hear that Eli asked this question, as it would immediately shift the tone of the conversation in a more acceptable direction. So, Dave answered, "The creature you killed is simply known as a giant fish. It is a very powerful monster, as it usually would take the Royal Guard, who are the most prestigious military force in the kingdom."
"Judging by their name, aren't they supposed to be focused on protecting the king?" asked Eli.
"Yes, back when I used to be a part of the guard, we were tasked with many different missions, including protecting the king, going on conquests, or protecting the kingdom from foreign incursions. But we live in an unprecedented period of peace, so the king has tasked the Royal Guard with dispatching dangerous monsters."
This had just confirmed some of the assumptions that Eli had made, mainly with this being a kingdom.
"Mister Eli! How many fish have you caught?" asked Jacob, completely derailing the serious conversation that was ongoing. However, this was natural. This is a question that every child would be curious about, given the amount of time that Eli had been fishing.
Eli took a few seconds before answering, then put his head down in shame, answering, "None..."
After a few seconds to process the answer, the whole family burst out in laughter at this absurd response.
Is it even possible for a fisherman not to catch any fish? How does that even happen?
"Just because I fish, that doesn't mean I'm good at it," said Eli in response to the family's reaction.
"I guess we found the one thing you're not good at," said Sara in a playful tone.
Even though it felt like they were making fun of him, Eli still quite enjoyed the time he was having and cracked a slight smile.
Shifting the conversation into a more serious direction, Dave warned Eli, saying, "Eli, while I have no doubts regarding your abilities, I would still be careful not to attract any more attention. Frankly, I'd venture a guess that you're already on the Kingdom's radar. They're probably just being extra cautious not to antagonize you, given your abilities."
Eli responded, "I see. Thank you for your warning, Dave."
By now, it was getting quite late, and everybody had finished eating, so it was time for Eli to depart.
The fisherman stood up, facing the family, and told them, "Thank you for having me. The Von Drayvold family will always be dear to me," Eli said with a visible smile.
This statement took the family by surprise, as this was the first time Eli addressed them with such gratitude and honesty. They all clearly appreciated it.
Dave walked Eli to the door, and after a brief goodbye, the fisherman departed.
The following morning arrived, and a man clad in heavy golden and white armor, bearing the Royal Guard's crest implanted in the middle of his chest plate, and a sheathed sword by his side, knocked at the door of the Von Drayvold family.
Early in the morning, Dave and his wife Sara are having breakfast. Dave is now a retired man, so mornings aren't as eventful as they used to be. However, just as they were about to wrap up their breakfast, they heard knocking at the door.
This is unusual as it is very early for any visitors, so Dave's protective instincts kicked in and he said to his wife,
"stay here. I'll check it out."
It was not easy for Sara to hide the worrying expressions on her face, but little could be done, so she remained seated.
Dave walked to the door and opened it, and what he saw surprised him.
It was a man clad in heavy armor with a sword sheathed by his side, bearing the Royal Guard's symbol on his chest plate, a symbol Dave is all too familiar with, having dedicated much of his life to the guard.
However, what surprised Dave the most was that he recognized this man.
"Hello Victor."
Said Dave with a slight smile.
Dave wasn't naive. A visit from the Royal Guard was never good news, and, of course, he had a pretty good idea as to why they're here.
"Good morning, Dave. How have you been, old friend?"
Said Victor.
"I know you're not here for small talk, Victor. Let's get to the point."
Indeed, it was obvious that Dave wouldn't be getting a visit from the leader of the Royal Guard without good reason.
A self-satisfied smile could be seen on Victor's face as he said,
"Dave, I know what you're capable of, so please make this easy for yourself and your family and cooperate with us."
Dave would remain expressionless and said,
"I won't resist."
Dave knows that he can handle Victor easily, after all, Victor only holds that rank due to Dave retiring to take care of his family. However, it wouldn't be wise to make an enemy of the kingdom and the guard, and Dave knew that.
"Dave Von Drayvold, you're under arrest for conspiracy against the kingdom"
Said Victor.
"Can I say goodbye to my wife?"
Asked Dave.
"You have a minute"
Victor replied.
Dave proceeded to walk back into his home, approaching his wife who is now incredibly concerned having heard the full conversation that was happening outside.
"Take care of Jacob for now. I will be back, I promise."
Said Dave, who is now wearing a serious expression.
"What will you do?"
Inquired Sara, who can now barely put sentences together.
"They know they can't hold me for long, and if they plan to do that, than I'll be taking action."
Dave took a brief pause, and moved to give his wife a deep hug, while whispering,
"I'll be back. I promise, but I have to go now."
The minute is now up and Sara saw her husband moving towards the door, she couldn't muster the strength to respond to him, since she was putting all her effort into holding back the tears, which are now flowing endlessly as she observes her husband exiting their home.
Dave exists and sees something rather unexpected: around 50 Royal Guard men standing in formation behind Victor with half a dozen horse carriages lined up one after another behind the guards, with the middle one being a prisoner transport wagon.
Dave cracked a smile, as it was quite amusing, and perhaps gratifying, to see that they needed this much security from the most professional fighting force in the Kingdom just to transport him.
"Get in, Dave."
Said Victor.
Dave had no plans to resist, so he complied and got in. After Dave got in, a guard shut the prisoner wagon door, which was fortified with multiple layers of magic, to ensure that escape would be impossible.
All the guards got into their carriages, with Victor entering the one right behind Dave to ensure extra security, just in case Dave is able to escape.
The convoy than finally departed.
=
After pulling herself together, Sara begins to consider her options.
Although she trusts Dave, it was never a guarantee that he would come back.
Sara was convinced that she had to act and quick.
All of the sudden, she started running.
=
By the lake at his usual location sits the fisherman.
After the rather eventful and enjoyable day he had yesterday, for the first time since arriving, the fisherman is experiencing joy.
Than suddenly, Eli could hear rapid footsteps approaching him.
They abruptly stopped.
Eli put his fishing rod aside and stood up, facing the individual.
It was non other than Sara, and she looked quite worried, and out of breath, so Eli could obviously see something's wrong.
"They took him, Eli. They took Dave and imprisoned him.
It was then that Eli's usual expressionless face shifted.
This being that is able to eliminate the most powerful forces is now, for the first time, experiencing fury.
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