Chapter 3: A passing wish.
Kyle didn't sleep and as the morning sun rose spreading light onto the village there was no bread to sell. For the first time in a long while the bakery remained closed. The oven unheated and the dough yet prepared. The sound of footsteps entering the kitchen caused Kyle to look up.
"You're already up?" his father asked innocently. He shook himself and moved to the sink splashing water over his tired face. "Could barely get a wink of sleep last night over all the noise. Though you don't look much better." A splash of water went Kyle's way.
Kyle wiped away the droplets, "It was a rough night."
"Well we're still alive at least," his father poured out a cup of tea, placing another in front of Kyle.
"Yeah, most of us that is...," he took the cup and sipped it, wincing as the hot liquid burnt his tongue. The pain faded quickly but left him feeling empty as he thought of how much Jana would have went through.
His father looked at him thoughtfully, "You okay?"
"I'm fine- No actually I'm not," Kyle admitted. "I-I saw some things I shouldn't have."
"Kyle, please tell me you didn't go out last night?" His silence was his response. "Why would you do that? You could have died." The older man became genuinely concerned, an emotion that was rare compared to his usual aloof behaviour. He held his son's head tenderly, "Just try to forget about it. The knights did their job. The battlefield isn't somewhere you should tread. We're bakers."
The words didn't make him feel any better and not even a few seconds after, a knock sounded against the store door.
"I'll get it," Kyle stood up and left the kitchen. "It's probably for me."
"Hold on there," his father frowned and went after him. He was too late however as Kyle had already opened the door. Standing on the other side was Bethial who almost covered the entire frame and with a slight duck he entered the bakery. Unlike before he was dressed in formal military fashion, the pin of stars across his shoulder showing his rank.
"Good morning," Bethial nodded his head to the father and son pair. "Allow me to introduce myself again. My name is Bethial Vonteur 1st Officer of the Hero's Guard." He paused allowing them to do the same.
Kyle responded first, "Kyle Barker, baker."
His father however was not as polite and hardened his gaze, "This kid's father and also a baker. Now what do you want?"
Bethial firmed his expression, "Your son, Kyle, has become an interest to the Hero's Guard and we would like to issue a formal invitation to join us."
"Invitations can be declined right?"
"I would suggest against it," the two men squared off against each other. One with his duty as a soldier and the other as a father. "Kyle has witnessed a few things that could be considered confidential. I'd prefer not to resolve this through harsher circumstances."
"Let me make this clear," Kyle's father stood his ground. "I'm thankful for what you and the Eternal Hero have done for our village but if you think I'd let you lay even a finger on my son you'll have problems far worse than any demon could cause."
"Dad please," Kyle intervened before the situation could become any worse. "Let's just hear him out."
"Fine," the older man accepted begrudgingly but made no move to let Bethial further inside. "Spit it out."
"Allow me to state that we by no means have the desire to harm your son. Although this is a matter that goes above my head, I assure you of his safety and wellbeing." Bethial spoke amicably and with the decorum expected of someone in his position. In other circumstances Kyle believed he would actually get along with his father. "Kyle will be brought on board as logistics support for the guard. His skills as a baker would be highly regarded among us and aside from small support tasks that's all his work would entail. Of course he will be compensated for his time and effort as well." He pulled some documents from his coat and offered them towards the two. On it were the details of a contract as well as the payment involved. It wasn't a small amount, in fact in a single week he would earn more than the bakery could in a month.
His father however barely glanced at it, "I'm not an idiot Mr Vonteur. The Hero's Guard are made of elites, the best the four states and Central have to offer. Your job bleeds danger. Even disregarding the incursions just by being around you, it's like you're asking me to forfeit my son's life."
"Kyle will not be involved in battle. His station will be kept to Central City and in due time he may be allowed to leave."
A sharp gaze split the room, "Sounds like a prison to me."
"I apologise if you have misunderstood but the reality is Kyle must be under the supervision of the Hero's Guard till he is deemed trustworthy. The fault however is not his, if anything I would like to assist him if I can."
"I'm going to state the obvious here but this is beyond just shady. We're bakers, not soldiers or pawns for that matter. I won't let my son be involved in any of your politics, secrets or schemes. If-."
Kyle pulled against his father's arm mid-sentence, "I already am."
"What?"
"I'm already involved." He shook his head trying to focus his thoughts. With a deep breath Kyle looked his father in the eyes. "I think I should go. You're always saying I should take a trip and see the world, this is a chance to do that."
"When I say a trip, it doesn't involve being dragged against your will."
"Dad, please I'm 17, almost 18 now and that makes me an adult. Besides I have my own questions that need to be answered," he looked at Bethial purposefully. The large man ever so slightly nodded. "Like Mr Vonteur said, I'm not going to do any fighting and trust me, I don't want to. I did make a promise though, and I plan to keep it."
His father grimaced, "Argh damn it. If you say that I can't stop you. That is as long as it's what you really want?"
"It is," Kyle smiled and his father gave in. How could he push further with the expression his son just showed? It wasn't resolute or joyful but neither sad nor forced. It was the face of someone taking a step forward.
"Then Kyle I'll need you ready as soon as possible," Bethial interjected. "We've already spent too much time here. How soon can you leave?"
"How long do I have?"
"If it were up to me I'd like to leave immediately. We've already organised someone to come and repair the damage to the village." His eyes focused on Kyle's emphasising his next point, "There are some of us who need to return."
"I see, then let me get my bags."
His father stepped beside him, "I'll help you pack."
Kyle let out a stiff laugh and pointed by the counter, "I thought something like this would happen so I packed last night. Though to be honest I thought you were going to drag me away." He shouldered the bag and picked up the other cases around it, handing one to his father. "I know it's sudden but I've written letters in here for everyone in the village. Please deliver them for me."
His father suddenly chuckled. "You really are responsible. When I was your age I just up and left without saying barely a word." Without warning he embraced his son causing Kyle to drop some of his bags. "Look after yourself okay? Send me mail whenever you can, and Kyle," he flashed a look at the 1st Officer, "if you ever want to come back home, tell me and I'll come get you no matter what."
"Thanks dad, I'll miss you."
"And I you," he grinned. "Don't worry, I can run this place fine without you."
"I know," the two let go of each other.
Bethial stepped out of the store waiting for Kyle to follow. With their goodbyes said the young baker nodded and with a strangely light heart left his home. A final wave goodbye and soon there was only a single man left. His flaxen hair that he shared with his son blew gently in the morning wind. It was practically the only thing they had in common but it didn't change their bond together. With a deep sigh the man closed the door.
"Looks like he's all grown up." For a moment he leaned his back against the solid wood, "It's been awhile since I felt like this. I really do wonder what you would have done." To who his words were aimed, you could only guess.