It was a perfect day—the sun beamed warmly from a clear blue sky, and the tall grass swayed in the gentle breeze. Beneath the shade of a tree, a boy lay on his back, completely at ease, his eyes tracing the drifting clouds as he soaked in the peaceful moment.
"Geo!" A voice nearby called. The blacksmith's voice echoed through the quiet meadow.
"It's time to go!" the blacksmith called again.
"Coming, Grandpa!" the boy answered, pushing himself up slowly before heading back.
The Old Blacksmith climbed onto the carriage, carefully arranging their belongings for the journey. Not long after, Geovrick followed, his excitement barely contained as he took his place beside his grandfather.
"Are you ready for the journey to the Capital?" the Grandfather asked, his voice warm and steady. "You'll get to see more of my craft, and maybe learn a few things along the way too."
Geovrick grinned eagerly. "Absolutely, Grandpa! I can't wait to see what's beyond our village—and to see the things I've read about in the books."
The Grandfather chuckled softly. "Good. Then let's be off." With a firm click of the reins, the drake stirred to life, pulling the carriage forward as the path ahead stretched into the unknown.
A few hours had passed when the two finally arrived. The Grandfather took a deep breath.
"Do you smell that, kiddo?"
"Roasted pork?" Geo guessed.
The Grandfather laughed softly. "No, that's the Royal Capital." He smiled warmly. "That's right, sonny. Welcome to the Royal city of Ambre."
Geovrick's eyes sparkled with wonder and awe.
"We still have some time. Why don't we take a small detour and explore the city?" the Grandfather suggested.
"Really?!" Geo asked, excitement clear in his voice.
"Yup! Just be careful not to get lost, okay?" the Grandfather replied with a smile.
"Alright! " Geo said happily with excitement clear from his voice.
The boy explored the bustling streets, taking in the vast variety of shops, market stands, and lively performances. But what caught his eye the most were the splendid-looking, delicious-smelling dishes.
He looked up at his grandfather.
"I know that look," the Grandfather said with a knowing smile.
"Yes, you can buy anything you want," he continued, "It's your well-earned money—you can do anything with it."
"Really?!" Geo exclaimed with excitement.
"Just don't spend it all, like I taught you," the Grandfather warned gently.
"Alright, Grandpa!" he replied eagerly.
Geovrick eagerly tried all sorts of delicacies—some elegant, some incredibly delicious, and others exotic. He was having the best time of his life.
Suddenly, he heard someone yelling through the crowd, "Thief!! Stop that thief!"
He turned just in time to see a figure darting away, clutching two loaves of bread. Without hesitation, Geovrick chased after the figure. The thief was quick, but Geovrick was faster. He pursued the figure into a narrow alley, where the thief found herself cornered.
As she tried to climb the wall, Geovrick grabbed her, slamming her down and pinning her firmly. "I got you, thief!"
He pulled back the cloak covering her face and was surprised to see a girl, about two years older than him.
"I'm sorry! I stole the bread because I need to feed my little brother!" she cried, struggling beneath him. "Please, let me go!" Tears welled in her eyes.
Suddenly, the shop owner caught up, carrying a wooden stick. "These damn kids have nothing better to do than cause trouble!" he yelled as he advanced.
Fear flashed in the girl's eyes. Just as the man reached to grab her, Geovrick caught his hand firmly.
"How much was the bread, sir?" Geovrick asked calmly, his grip strong.
The man grunted, "More than you should waste."
"I'll pay for it," Geovrick said firmly.
The man scoffed, "Even if you pay, stealing is stealing. The girl must learn her lesson!"
Geovrick glanced at the girl again—her clothes dirty, her face worn, signs of hardship clear. "Twice the price," he said.
Reluctantly, the man agreed. He released the girl and went on his way.
Geovrick helped the girl to her feet.
"Are you okay?" he asked, handing her the pair of loaves.
Holding the bread, the girl suddenly burst into tears.
"Why are you doing this? You just met me!" she asked, voice trembling.
Geovrick was taken aback, unsure how to respond.
"When someone needs help, you always give a helping hand… That's what the hero in one of the books said," he finally said.
The girl gave a small smile.
"You're so weird," she said.
"A-ah! I mean, in a good way—kind of weird!" she added quickly, wiping away her tears.
"You're welcome!" Geovrick said, as he proudly smiles.
"Geovrick!!" His grandfather called out, searching for him.
"Over here!" Geo answered.
The Grandfather hurried over, concern mixing with a slight sternness in his voice. "Where have you been? Didn't I tell you not to wander too far? And who's this girl with you?"
"She needed help, Grandfather, so I helped her," Geo said simply.
"You're in trouble for disobeying me, boy," the Grandfather said firmly, "but I'll let it go this once."
Turning to the girl, he asked gently, "What's your name, young one?"
"M-Martha," she replied, still visibly scared.
"That's a beautiful name," Geo said with a small smile. "No need to be afraid—we're just here to help."
"Where do you live, Martha? We'll take you home," the Grandfather offered kindly.
Martha hesitated. "You don't have to. You've already done so much."
"It's alright," the Grandfather reassured her. "We just want to make sure you get there safely."
After a moment, Martha nodded in agreement.
When they reached Martha's home, the sight was grim—an old, rundown house, looking abandoned for days.
Geo was about to ask, "Hey Martha, where are your pare—"
But the Grandfather stopped him gently, knowing all too well. A recent war with a neighboring country had caused a few damages to the kingdom.Though the war was over, its scars remained. War always takes as much as it gives, leaving behind pain and loss for many, no matter the victory.
"It's okay," Martha said quietly, eyes downcast. "Our mother died when my brother was born, and our father—"
She broke off, her voice trembling as tears formed. "The war."
For the first time, Geovrick truly felt the weight of the world's harshness. A feeling—sympathy—stirred deep within him.
"I guess this is it," Martha said softly. "Thank you so much for your kindness. We will never forget it. I hope one day we can repay you."
"Is there anything we can do to help them, Gramps?" Geo asked, his face downcast as he looked at his grandfather.
The Old Blacksmith paused, pondering for a moment before a thoughtful smile appeared. "Actually, yes—there is."
Geo's curiosity sparked.
"Martha," Grandfather called gently. "What would you say about taking your younger brother and living with us?"
Geo's face lit up with a flicker of excitement.
"Oh no, sir, you don't have to— we don't have money to pay—" Martha began, but the Grandfather interrupted her firmly.
"Who said you need to pay?"
"But we can't just stay with you for free. That would be too much!" Martha exclaimed.
"Who said it would be free?" Grandfather smiled kindly. "You won't pay with money—you'll pay by doing chores and helping around the house and shop. Of course, depending on how well you do, I might even pay you."
He looked at Geo and continued, "And not only that, this little kiddo right here might need some friends—no, siblings—to help him as time goes by. I am old and I don't know how much longer I have to live, and I don't want Geovrick to end up living alone. So, what do you say?"
Tears welled up in Martha's eyes again. "I—is it really okay for us to receive this much kindness?"
Her little brother emerged from the house and wrapped his arms around her legs.
Geo knelt down beside them. "Of course it is. Everyone deserves to receive as much kindness as I do from my grandfather. So, what do you say? Will you become part of our family?"
Martha hesitated for a moment, overwhelmed with emotion. Then, looking up at the genuine smile of the kind boy before her, she smiled back.
"Yes!"
She whispered softly to her younger brother, "It's going to be okay now. Everything will be alright, for we have met very kind people."