We rode for two weeks through varied terrain. Some were familiar from the journey here; others felt either forgotten or entirely new. We finally arrived at Steep Castle. At a distance, it seemed almost impossible that such a structure could be built in such a place. The castle was nestled against the side of a mountain, its uneven walls rising sharply, forming a straight line at the top. It was a striking sight, truly earning its name from the sheer, steep incline of the land it had been constructed upon.

  Water cascaded down the mountain behind the castle, constantly threatening its stability. But where others saw a weakness, the builders saw an opportunity. To harness the power of the water, they dug channels on both sides of the castle, directing it into wide, navigable paths, like canals made for galleons. These channels extended outward in straight lines, forming a protective moat that encircled the castle and nearby town. Finally, the moat converged into a single channel that flowed toward the sea, ensuring a continuous stream of water away from the castle and its defenses.

  Between the two moat lines leading to the town and castle, bridges were strategically placed, designed to be raised during times of defense. Inside the moats around the village, lay the farms and various lodges, essential lifelines for sustaining the castle’s inhabitants. These structures not only supported daily life but also ensured the stronghold’s independence during a siege.

  These layered defenses were vital in holding back the relentless assaults led by the Duchess, who sought to claim the castle and its fertile lands to expand their domain. The steady flow of water, both a lifeline and an impenetrable shield, ensured that the moat remained an unyielding barrier, standing as a testament to the castle’s resilience and the town’s vigilant guardian.

  Children played by the edge of the stream, their laughter ringing out as they crafted makeshift boats from leaves and twigs, racing to catch them before the current carried them toward the sea. The water smelled faintly of salt. Wildflowers added a sweet note. Together, the scent was intoxicating.

  Meanwhile, we crossed a bridge. As Albaras explained the moat’s purpose, his voice was laced with the kind of fondness one shows when speaking of a lifelong craft. However, my attention drifted to the children. Their laughter tugged at a part of me I’d left behind, a past life now distant. I couldn’t help but envy their carefree joy, their innocent freedom. The cool breeze brushed against my face; even through the coverings, I could feel its gentle touch. The water’s rhythm and their laughter blended into something soothing, stirring a quiet peace I hadn’t felt in this life.

  Rederick glanced back at the children playing by the water before his gaze shifted to me. He observed us both quietly, unnoticed by Albaras or me. A heavy sigh escaped his lips, and a surge of grief pierced his chest like a dagger. ‘I’ll take over now, brother,’ he thought. The weight of it settled deep as he turned back toward Albaras.

  ‘Here lives one of my closest friends,’ Albaras remarked. His voice was warm with nostalgia. ’You’ll meet him near the stables. Just follow the street ahead, and you’ll find his shop.’

  Entering the bustling town, the rough dirt paths gave way to cobblestone streets. The lively chatter of the townsfolk filled the air, and the entire atmosphere seemed to embrace us. The irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread wafted from a nearby bakery, guiding us deeper into the heart of the town.

  ‘Are we supposed to guess his name, or?’ Rederick asked, tightening his fist, annoyance creeping into his voice.

  You’ll find out when you see his shop.’ Albaras said with a chuckle. ‘In the meantime, I’ve got to talk to the lord of Steep Castle.’

  ‘Are we splitting off then?’ I asked. Wondering why he would leave us now, of all times.

  ’Yes, we are. I’m taking you to the shop, kid,’ Rederick said knowingly as though reading Albaras’s mind.

  Albaras said nothing, merely nodding before riding off toward the castle. Rederick and I dismounted our horses, securing them by the stable. He unstrapped his shield, slung it over his back, and left his helmet behind with his horse. As we walked, I noticed that for a place under constant threat, the village exuded a surprising cheerfulness. Villagers bustled through the cobblestone streets. Laughter rising above the murmur of conversations. Their easy smiles and unhurried steps spoke to their faith in the castle’s defenses.

  We soon reached the stables. Inside, the air was thick with hay and the soft nickering of horses. Rederick handed a few silver coins to the stable boy. ‘Get them inside and give them some water,’ he instructed. The boy nodded eagerly, his hands already reaching for the reins as he set to work.

  Rederick walked ahead of me, stoic yet burdened. I noticed how grief clung to his every step, despite his attempts to appear strong. Occasionally, he stumbled, but each time he quickly recovered, his movements slipping back into the disciplined stride of a knight.

  We turned a corner. Rederick looked up at the store and suddenly burst into laughter. The sound was surprising, Given the journey we’d had. It was as if a new life had flowed into him despite the lingering weakness in his body. Yet, the laughter had an odd quality to it, not quite as joyful as it seemed on the surface.

  A woman passed by, pretending to trip near Rederick, hoping the gentleman would catch her. Rederick caught her as if in a dance position. That smile of his made him look like an everlasting hero.

  It was clear to see why people would admire him. Here was a man who carried himself as a dream. The woman giggled. She looked like she was from a noble house with how she was dressed and how she acted around Rederick. She tried to tease him, looking into Rederick’s eyes instead of his smile. In that moment the dream hero was gone. Only a soulless man. The woman’s entire posture shifted, from leaning into his arms to pulling away as quickly as possible.

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  After the woman left, I quickened my pace to walk beside him. ’Are you okay?’ I asked gently. When he noticed me looking at him, he quickly forced a smile that reached only his eyes. That fleeting smile held more meaning than any words he could have spoken.

  He gave a slight nod but avoided meeting my eyes. ’Let’s just get to the shop.’ He said, his voice steady yet drained, as though the last spark of his energy had been given to the woman he’d just spoken to. He led the way, his focus firmly on the path ahead, trying to concentrate on the task at hand.

  ’That’s Fulm,’ Rederick said, pointing toward the shop, still chuckling. ’I should have guessed that the bastard knew him.’

  ’The rainbow man?’ I asked, my curiosity piqued. ’In my other life, people always spoke so highly of him.’

  Rederick’s laughter faded, his tone softening. ’You can go in. I’ll be there in a minute. I just need a moment alone.’ He gestured toward the shop entrance, his expression unreadable.

  I waved a signal of understanding and stepped into the shop, curiosity pulling me forward. The door creaked softly as I pushed it open, unveiling a space alive with vibrant paintings and sculptures. Sunlight poured through the windows, setting the colors ablaze, as if the very air shimmered with golden light. The shop seemed impossibly vast, every corner brimming with artistic energy. I stood still, absorbing the kaleidoscope of hues and forms, my eyes drawn to the intricate details on every canvas. This was Fulm’s world, the so-called Rainbow Man, renowned for his mastery of color. Eagerly, I stepped further inside, ready to uncover the genius behind the name.

  All kinds of people wandered through the shop, from men in elegant suits to those clad in simple woolen garments. Among them, the most striking figure was a man in a purple kaftan, his long-trimmed beard framing a smile that radiated pure innocence. His laughter was warm and infectious, carrying a sense of belonging to everyone in the shop.

  The man noticed me the moment I stepped inside, raising a hand in a friendly wave as I hesitated near the entrance. My heart skipped. Unsure what to do, I awkwardly waved back.

  ’Well, hello there, little one. Are you lost?’ he asked, his voice like a gentle melody as he approached me.

  I tilted my head up, trying to muster courage. Still nervous, the only words that escaped me were, ’Are you Fulm? Albaras sent us.’ He laughed at my question, his chuckle light and innocent. ’Yes, little one, I am Fulm,’ he said with a warm smile. ’And I can always be of service. A friend of a friend is a friend of mine. Please, if you don’t mind, wait at the back for a moment. I’ll be right back with you.’

  Not wanting to refuse his kind request, I nodded and made my way to the back. As I settled in, a small bell rang from above, its cheerful chime cutting through the soft murmur of the shop.

  ’Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention?’ Fulm’s voice rang out. Even raised, it carried the same inviting tone, a friendly announcement rather than a command.

  The men and women browsing the shop turned toward him, their interest immediately piqued.

  ’We’ll be closing for the day.’ Fulm said, his expression apologetic but still warm. ’I’m sorry for any inconvenience, but tomorrow, I’ll return with a new project to share. I think you’ll find it worth the wait!’

  The customers began to file out of the shop without question, their trust in Fulm evident in their unhurried obedience, a testament to the shop’s long-standing reputation. I stood quietly, watching as the last of them exited, leaving the space empty and serene.

  The lively noise of the bustling town outside faded, replaced by a tranquil silence. The subtle fragrance of fine fabrics mingled with the warmth lingering from the day’s activities. With the light filtering softly through the windows, the shop seemed transformed, less a store now and more a living work of art, like a painting brought to life.

  Rederick, standing outside, watched the onlookers leave. Immediately, he straightened into the stance of a knight. As more of the crowd emerged, Rederick murmured under his breath ‘Wait, where’s Kian?’ His eyes scanned the crowd, his expression tightening with concern.

  Fulm approached with a kind smile. ’Thank you for waiting. Now, let’s get you fitted for some new clothes,′ he said, gesturing for Kian to follow him to a shelf where several chests were neatly arranged, their contents hinting at the colors and textures to come.

  ’Looking at you, I’d guess you probably want to stay hidden. I have hunter garments, cloaks, and boots.’ He said, pulling open a chest. ’This chest holds the most special pieces. Albaras keeps a reserve stock of unique cloth here, and I’ll help you find one that fits, little one.’

  We looked into the chest as Fulm pulled out various pieces of cloth, holding each one against my chest while mumbling ‘Maybe,’ or ‘No,’ before tossing them into a small pile beside us, a collection of fabrics deemed either promising or discarded.

  I looked into the chest, and as if guided by instinct, I found it: a cloth with a dark pattern that seemed to change colors with its surroundings. I picked it up and stared at it, my mouth agape. ‘It’s perfect,’ we both said, our voices full of excitement.

  Fulm took the cloth from my hands and disappeared into a back room. A few moments later, he returned with a poncho that had a hood and cloak knitted seamlessly into it, designed to cover my entire body. He’d also added strips of fabric that could be wrapped around my face, completing the look.

  With a smile, he threw it at me. ‘Then change into it, little one,’ he said proudly, pointing to a small chamber with curtains hanging in front. ‘I’ll be waiting here.’

  I picked up the poncho, went into the chamber, changed and walked out with my old clothes in hand. The hood already covered my head, the strips concealing my face. The color-shifting fabric wrapped around me like armor. I could feel the fabric shift in dark green, grey, and black, subtly changing with every movement.”

  ‘It does look perfect on you,’ Fulm said with a satisfied smile.

  ’But I can’t pay for it… I don’t have anything on me, Mister.’ I said, a little ashamed.

  Fulm continued in his gentle voice, ’Don’t worry, boy. If you’re with Albaras, there’s no problem. Here, take some of this.’ He handed me a piece of candy, something I’d never seen before.

  ‘It’s from the Holy Kingdom.’ Fulm explained. ‘Consider the clothes a gift. Sometimes, debts are paid without knowing when or how.’

  ’Thank you, Mister, for everything.’ I said gratefully.

  ’Just call me Fulm.’ he replied with a warm smile.

  At that moment, the door swung open, and Rederick stepped inside, his sword in hand. ‘Where is—’ he stopped mid-sentence. His gaze landing on me beside Fulm. A deep sigh escaped him.

  Fulm glanced at Rederick, a hint of confusion in his eyes. But within a second, the realization clicked, and he burst into laughter.

  Rederick sheathed his sword. ’thought I lost you in the crowd.’ A smile tugged at his lips. ‘Nice cloak, kid. Looks like it was made for you.’

  He glanced around the shop, taking in the vibrant displays. ’Whew. Nice place you’ve got here, Fulm. Really is something.’

  As we prepared to leave, Rederick exchanged a few quiet words with Fulm. At the end of their talk, Fulm handed him a small gift. Rederick accepted it without a word.

  We waved goodbye and walked back to the stables together. I followed close behind, the color-shifting cloak fluttering softly with every step. The future still loomed uncertain, but for the first time, I felt ready to face it.