Kael ran through the forest like the wind. His new strong legs didn't get tired. This body is really good, he thought.
Suddenly, he stopped. He saw it.
Velmora Kingdom. Its walls were huge! They looked like mountains made of pale stone, reaching up to touch the sky. Three giant gates were open in the walls. Kael could see guards walking on top. The city was loud with people and carts. It smelled like smoke, spices, and other things.
Anis, what should I do? Kael thought nervously.
[Answer: Velmora Kingdom]
Money: Gold (best), Silver, Copper, Bronze (least).
Guards: 15 Steel-Class Knights (strong fighters). They wear strong armor.
Problem: Fighting them is bad. Your body is tough (26), but not tough enough against all 15. Hide instead.
Hide? How? Kael looked at the busy gate area. People were waiting in line: merchants, farmers with animals, rich people in fancy carriages. Guards were checking everyone carefully.
He saw some girls looking at him and whispering. Their faces turned pink. One girl giggled and pretended to faint against her friend.
What? Kael felt confused. He remembered his face in the cave's blue rocks – sharp, good-looking. *Did this new body make me... handsome?*
He felt scared. The guards were searching a wagon full of grain sacks. They check everyone!* His hands clenched. Should I run? Fight? Both felt wrong.
Then he saw her.
A girl about his age walked near a small wooden cart pulled by one tired mule. Her brown hair was messy in a braid. Her dress was old but clean. A little girl, maybe four years old, held her hand, hopping on the stones. The older girl looked calm and kind as she moved through the crowd. Kael felt something warm in his chest.
Before he could think, he stepped towards them. "Hey..." he said.
She turned around. Her warm brown eyes met his. For a second, they both froze. Kael saw surprise in her eyes, then her cheeks turned pink too. He couldn't speak.
Stupid! What am I doing?!
"Do you need something?" she asked. Her voice was nice, but careful.
Kael swallowed hard. Just ask. "Can I... walk in with you? Into the city?"
The girl, Emma, looked surprised. "With us? But... where's your cart? Your family?"
The lie felt rough. "I... have nothing. Please." He looked down, waiting for her to laugh or call the guards.
It was quiet. Then, the little girl grabbed his fingers. "Big sister, please? He looks sad!" Maria looked up at him with big, trusting eyes.
Emma looked from her sister to Kael's worried face. She sighed, then nodded. "Okay. Stay close." Kael felt a wave of relief. Maria smiled, squeezing his hand.
Kindness. Just... kindness. It felt strange and wonderful.
They joined the line. Emma's cart was simple – just wood, smelling a bit like flour and plants. Kael sat next to Maria, who snuggled against his arm. "Okay?" Emma asked softly, a small smile on her lips as she held the reins.
"Yes," Kael said quietly. The wooden seat felt like safety.
The Steel-Knights stood big at the gate. Their shiny armor had ice designs. Their eyes scanned everyone coldly. One guard stepped forward, holding a big spear. "Why are you here?"
Emma held her head high. "Bringing things to Miller's Rest. Flour and herbs." She pointed slightly to Kael. "He's helping us today."
The guard looked hard at Kael – his old clothes, his strong eyes. He looked suspicious. "He's new. Not from here."
"He needs work," Emma said, her voice steady. "I trust him."
The guard waited a moment, then grunted. "Your fault if he causes trouble, Miller girl." He tapped his sword handle. "...You pay."
"We understand. Thank you, Sir." Emma made the mule walk. Kael held his breath until they passed under the huge gate. Inside, the city noise hit them – shouts, bells, the sound of a hammer hitting metal.
Inside Velmora, the air was thick with smells: baking bread, dirty water, strange spices. Buildings made of wood and stone leaned close over narrow, busy streets.
Kael got off the cart. "Emma... Maria... thank you," he said, the words feeling too small. "I'm Kael. Kael Jones."
Emma gave him a real smile. "Emma Miller. This is Maria."
"Where are you from, Kael?" Emma asked kindly. "You seem... lost."
The question hurt. Earth? The cave? Killer?He looked away, his body tense. "I... can't say. It's hard to explain."
Emma didn't get angry. She nodded, her face soft. "We all have things we don't talk about. The city can be tough. If you need a place to stay... or food..." She pointed down a small street with old signs. "Miller's Rest. Ask anyone in the Weaver's Quarter. They know us."
Maria pulled his sleeve. "Big brother Kael! We make yummy honey cakes! Come visit!"
Kael felt a lump in his throat. Their trust, which he didn't deserve, felt warm. "I... I will try. Thank you," he said, giving a small, shy smile.
As he walked into the crowd, Kael looked back. Emma was watching him, a thoughtful, almost dreamy look on her face. Maria was waving wildly. He waved back.
"Big sister," Maria chirped, not noticing Emma's pink cheeks. "Your face is red! Like the red apples!"
Emma jumped, touching her face. "Hush, little one! It's just... warm out! Come on, let's unload the flour." She tapped the reins, moving the cart deeper into the city. But first, she looked one more time into the crowd where Kael had gone, her heart beating faster.
Kael disappeared into the busy streets. Emma's kindness and Maria's trust felt like a small, precious gift. He was inside Velmora. He was hidden.
(Chapter 9 Fin)