William shouted through the coachman's window, "Stop the carriage!"
Without hesitation, the butler complied. "Is something the matter, Sir Jaeger?"
"Please drop the 'Sir' part. Just—give me a second."
He knew what the day held. But what was he supposed to do about it?
"Master, is something wrong?"
Sebastian opened the carriage door. "What is this about? This feels... very out of character."
"I—I just need to think for a moment."
"Think? We need to reach the Serpent's Path before the day ends."
"I know that! It's just—"
"—Boy, could you give us a moment? I'd like to speak with your master in private."
Nicolas looked at William for approval.
"It's okay, Nicolas. We'll be done in a bit."
"Alright. I'll keep watch outside."
The moment Nicolas stepped out, a heavy dread settled in. Beads of sweat rolled down William's forehead.
"What's going on? You were fine just a minute ago."
"Listen, it's hard to explain, okay?!"
Sebastian crossed his arms. "I don't know what's gotten into you, but I'll say this—get it together. We don't have time for hesitation."
"Sebastian, we can't do this. We can't go in there. It's too much!"
"What are you even saying? It's too late to back out now!"
"I know that but—wait. That's it!"
William paused, realizing there was no need to beat around the bush.
"I can just tell you."
"Tell me what?"
William twiddled his thumbs. "It's... possible we might run into serious trouble."
"That's what this is about?" Sebastian frowned. "With all due respect, Mr. Jaeger, I'm a little insulted. If we run into trouble, you'd best believe I'll handle it. Wasn't that the deal?"
"You're right."
"Is there something else on your mind?"
William cleared his throat. "Well... yes." He took a deep breath. "What if I told you we'd all be dead by the end of the day?"
The butler stared directly into William's eyes. For a few seconds, he was silent—then burst into laughter.
William stood there, stunned. Sebastian wiped tears from his eyes and even slapped his knee, his laughter echoing in the carriage.
"What's so funny?"
"I apologize," the butler said between chuckles, "but the idea that something could kill me—now that's a good one."
"You never know. It could happen."
Sebastian shook his head. "There's only one person who could kill me, and he's already six feet under. You've got nothing to worry about."
William persisted. "I am worried! I'm not trying to insult you. I actually think you're incredibly capable."
"Why, thank you."
"Is it possible to change our route?"
Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "Didn't we already agree this was the fastest path through the forest?"
"In theory, yes, but—"
"Do you know of any quicker route?"
"Well, no."
"Exactly." He stepped closer. "I'm here on a mission. Someone very important is depending on me. I don't have time to take a detour because you're spooked by some—vision."
"Hey! It wasn't just some vision. I felt it! The pain, I—"
Sebastian scoffed. "Do you even believe what you're saying? Because it sounds to me like you don't."
"How can you say that?! You little—"
"—Hey! This spot looks safe. Why don't we stop here for lunch?" Nicolas had returned. How long he'd been listening was unclear, but neither of the older men had tried to keep their voices down.
"Forget lunch. Let's head straight to the Serpent's Path."
"What?"
"Let's arrive early. Maybe then you'll see there's nothing to be afraid of."
William gritted his teeth. There was no getting through to the butler.
"Fine. Let's go."
"Wait—what?! But I'm starving!"
***
Nicolas clutched his stomach as it let out a loud growl. "Hey, are we there yet?"
One of Sebastian's eyebrows twitched. He had swapped places with William and now rested inside the carriage beside the young man.
"For the millionth time, no."
Though Sebastian was just as famished, he concealed his hunger—and his irritation—a lot better than Nicolas did.
"Take it easy, boy. We're almost there." He pointed a finger at him. "If you ask again, I'll make sure you sleep through the rest of the ride. Forcefully."
"Hah! I'd like to see you try! A living legend like me won't go down that easily."
"Care for a demonstration?"
Nicolas instinctively reached for his dagger. "Just so you know, four-eyes, my master gave me this blade—and I'm notafraid to use it."
The butler chuckled. "As if that would help you."
"What's that supposed to mean? I made this dagger myself. It's perfect! Even got the master's approval."
"He said that out of pity. And tell me—do you even have any fighting experience?" Sebastian smirked.
Nicolas gritted his teeth. "Master, let's ditch four-eyes. He'd make a fine snack for the wolves."
"And after they finish with me, how do you plan to deal with them when you're next on the menu? With that toy dagger and your zero combat experience?"
"Why you—!"
"Besides," Sebastian added calmly, "wolves aren't the only things to worry about."
"What do you mean?"
"We're in the Lost Forest. There are plenty of ferocious beasts. And worse—humans."
Nicolas snorted. "Aren't you a human too?"
"Yes," Sebastian said, smiling, "and that's exactly why you should worry."
Up at the front, William ignored the banter. His full focus was on the road ahead.
We're getting awfully close.
He tapped his foot uncontrollably. The insides of his cheeks stung from nervous biting. He knew the attack would happen any moment—but when they passed the site where it all began, nothing happened.
He glanced back at Sebastian.
"What is it this time, Sir Jaeger?"
"Do you… sense anything nearby?"
"No. In fact, it's unusually quiet. Rather peaceful."
If Sebastian couldn't sense anything, then what had triggered the beasts before? The forest was most dangerous at night. Maybe they had just been in the wrong place at the wrong time.
William brought the carriage to a halt at the tunnel entrance. Their growling stomachs begged for a break—and this was as good a spot as any.
The carriage door flung open.
"Yes! Finally!" Nicolas stepped out, eyes gleaming as he looked at the tunnel ahead. "So, this is where we're crossing?"
"That's right. Hey—are you feeling alright?"
Nicolas raised an eyebrow. "Yeah? Why do you ask?"
"It's nothing. Just checking."
Everything's different now.
William still had no answers. All he could do was stay alert and watch how things unfolded.
"Slow down," Sebastian muttered. "It's not like you've gone a whole day without eating."
"That's exactly what happened!" Nicolas snapped.
Sebastian covered his mouth with one hand. "My, such dreadful manners. Do you not know any proper etiquette?"
"Proper etiquette? Have you no soul, letting a legend like me starve?!"
"Cavemen spent weeks hunting down a meal. I highly doubt a few hours without food will kill you. Am I wrong?"
Nicolas twitched. "I…"
"Was I mistaken?" Sebastian raised an eyebrow.
"Of course not! I was just joking… haha." Nicolas laughed awkwardly and scratched his nose.
"Aye! Would you two care to help me finish setting up the—huh?"
William froze. It was brief, but he swore he saw something—or someone. Small. Moving. Humming.
He looked to Sebastian, who remained still. If the butler hadn't reacted, then maybe it wasn't a threat.
Just what the hell was that?
***
William and Sebastian had finished their meal, while Nicolas eagerly went back for seconds.
They say at that age they need to eat more to grow. I'll let him have it. Besides, he did cook the whole thing.
"Where'd you learn to cook like this? This dish is... unusual."
"Is it?" Nicolas smiled. "I got it from a book. Someone used to make it for me too. Tastes just like hers."
"Where exactly did you read this book?"
Nicolas shrugged. "I can't remember."
"You can't? Then who's the person you're talking about?"
"I don't know…"
"That's absurd. How can you not know, yet make that face when you think of them?"
"I ask myself the same thing."
"That's enough, Sebastian," William cut in.
"Right on cue," the butler replied with a faint smirk.
It was clear the topic pained the young man. Sebastian wasn't known for respecting boundaries, so it fell to William to intervene—who knew what else the butler might have said if left unchecked?
"What about you?" Sebastian asked. "Has arriving early calmed your worries?"
"Not really."
William stared at the tunnel entrance. To his surprise, it looked different than before—completely intact, without a single sign of damage.
The dragon's playing tricks on me.
There was no attack. The carriage was untouched. The butler stood beside him. He hadn't needed to flee.
Was I really just daydreaming?
Suddenly, Sebastian stood up, alert. "Something's coming. And fast!"
William's expression hardened. "Is it happening?! Nicolas, grab the weapons!"
Nicolas dashed to the carriage and retrieved William's bow. The butler already had his katana ready—he never went anywhere without it. William took position to watch his back.
"Here you go, Master!"
"Thanks, Nico— Hey!" William blinked. "Why are you holding a sword?!"
Nicolas tilted his head. "What?"
"Don't 'What' me! I told you—you're not using a sword."
"It's here!" the butler shouted.
Whatever it was came barreling toward them, kicking up a cloud of sand and smoke that blanketed the area.
The three men couldn't see anything. Weapons drawn, they stood back-to-back, covering every direction, waiting for the first strike.
Then, from within the haze, a voice called out:
"Lay down your weapons."
"Wait… I know that voice!"
Through the swirling dust, a figure emerged.
"I've arrived, intruder."