"Yes, poors are always good, I suppose."
Elsa folded her arms across her chest, piercing eyes fixed on John.
"But hear me out—I've also heard that this kid has special powers. Powers that no ordinary child should have, even without being trained. Tell me the truth, John. Is it true?"
John did not hesitate at all. "Yes, it's true. Even I was surprised when I first saw him. That's why I started training him—teaching him to fight the way I do. Luther isn't just a friend; he's the only one who actually cares about me." His tone was harsh, almost defensive.
Elsa leaned forward, intrigued. "Then I very much want to meet this boy, to see for myself how capable and strong he is.".
"Not today," John answered in a rush. "Some other day. And don't say anything to my dad. If he hears, Luther will have to pay."
Elsa tilted her head, looking at him. "Okay, other day. But promised—you'll take me with you." Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
John sighed heavily. "Alright. But hear me, Elsa. I keep Luther hidden because I don't want to harm him. My dad already dislikes him."
"Why?" Elsa pressed, her brow furrowed.
"Because he's poor, from another village. Father thinks he's a risk—that he'll try to hurt me or spy on me. Father doesn't trust anyone beyond the palace."
Elsa's voice took on a harder edge. "And suppose your father is right? Suppose this boy does betray you? You don't even know him. He could be dangerous, John."
John's jaw clenched. He took a deep breath before responding. "No. That will not happen. I trust him. I've seen what he is really like. Elsa, Luther didn't discover me—I discovered him. Do you want to hear how?"
"Tell me." Elsa's interest relaxed her scowl.
John's tone lowered, as if remembering the memory. "It was when I went to your home. Do you recall? Father sent gifts to your household, and I delivered them. While coming back, I decided to cut across the woods on the hillside. That is when I overheard something—someone shouting. When I got there, I saw the following: a large wolf snarling, paws raised, ready to pounce on a boy. The boy was Luther. He had put himself in danger to save a baby fawn trapped in the underbrush.
"I didn't think—I just reacted. I used my skills and kicked the wolf over the cliff. That's how I saved him. That's how we met."
Elsa leaned back slowly, recalling the day. "Yes… I remember you visiting. So that boy was Luther." She paused, then went on. "But how did you discover about his powers?"
John's eyes gleamed with memory. "Because of our training. Because of mishaps, because of danger. His eyes—sometimes they change color, the way that a wizard's do when he casts magic. And his power—it's beyond description. One time, he lifted me up with one hand as if I weighed nothing. In water, he moves like he's flying."
Elsa's face went white. "What did you say?" Her voice trembled slightly.
His eyes. His strength," John repeated, bewildered by her reaction.
Elsa shook her head in amazement. "Don't you understand, John? Change in eye color—that only happens to magic users who are born with magic running in their blood. And strength like you spoke of? That is the mark of warriors like you. But how could a single child have both? A magic user's gift and a warrior's strength? That is. unnatural.".
John frowned. "Natural or not, I believe him. He's my friend."
But Elsa wasn't calm. She moved in close, speaking softly as if about to share a secret. "If that is true, then your father may not be wrong. A youth who possesses magic and warrior strength is rare… dangerous. I must see him for myself, John. I have to see.".
John shook his head firmly. "Alright—but not a peep to my dad. Elsa, you're my childhood best friend, and I trust you. That's why I'm sharing it with you. My dad's finding out what actually happened won't let Luther live. I won't let my friend be the sacrifice for me.".
Elsa drew a deep breath, her tension easing a little. "Alright. I'll hide it. But you must be careful. Talents like his—anything might go wrong at any second. Don't lower your guard."
John nodded. "I know. But I swear to you, Elsa—you'll be on my side."
"I will," she replied. But the worry in her eyes did not fade.
Silence stretched between them for a moment, broken only by the distant murmur of soldiers practicing in the courtyard. Then John scowled.
"Tell me this, Elsa. Why did you show up at my home so early? Your training is not scheduled to start until much later. Why visit here today?"
Elsa's lips twitched into a tiny, cruel smile. "You truly are a fool, John."
John raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?
Elsa came closer, speaking softly, teasing with a hint of something else. "Listen…"
To be continued…