Slowly, things in Arlen Town got back to normal after the fight. The guards cooperated in removing the wood and stones that were left behind by the corrupted creature. The merchants checked on their ruined stalls while the citizens convened in little clusters, discussing the occurrence. No matter where he went, everyone was talking about one thing—the boy with white hair who killed the beast.
Kael sipped from his glass of water outside the smith's forge. His entire body hurt, and all his muscles were heavy, even if the fight was already over. He could still feel the exhaustion in his bones.
The old man stood not far from him, his arms folded as he watched the bustling streets.
"You fought like a fool."
Kael raised his head.
"I won."
The old man shook his head.
"To win is to make no mistake."
Kael sighed.
"There is always something to criticize."
"That is why you live."
Kael could not deny that one.
As the day progressed, more people passed through the alley towards the shop. They would sometimes pause to look at him. Occasionally, they whispered amongst each other.
However, this time their whispers held something new. No longer did they speak in derision, but praise.
"There he is."
"The elf who destroyed the monster."
"He saved many lives."
Kael became uncomfortable under all of these glances.
For much of his life, attention had never been anything but negative. People looked because he was different, because he was a half-blood. But this time, they looked for yet another reason, and it was just as strange as the last.
A familiar voice suddenly rang out.
"Big brother!"
Kael turned around to see the little girl he had saved from the battle running towards him, her face full of smiles. She came to a stop in front of him and bowed down.
"Thank you for saving me."
Kael suddenly felt embarrassed.
"You didn't have to do that."
The little girl looked up at him.
"But you saved my life."
As he tried to say something, the man and woman walked up from behind the little girl. The girl's parents. The father bowed to him.
"We will never be able to thank you enough."
The mother bowed her head.
"If anything had happened to our little girl..."
She didn't manage to finish the sentence.
Kael quickly shook his head.
"It was nothing, really."
The old man standing beside him suddenly whispered under his breath,
"No, most people would've just ran away."
But Kael just pretended not to hear him. He was thanked again several times, and then the family left. After their disappearance among the crowd, Kael experienced something very warm deep in his heart.
Throughout his life, he used to be afraid and distrusted by many. But now, for the first time, somebody thanked him with gratitude. It made Kael feel very comfortable.
That evening, the town square turned to be crowded. When the sun set down and torches started illuminating the street, Kael together with the old man were having supper at an inn. Suddenly, some guards came up to them.
The leader walked in front.
"Are you Kael?"
Kael nodded cautiously.
"Yes."
The leader grinned.
"So the mayor wants to see you."
Kael was bewildered.
"The mayor?"
"Right away."
Only minutes passed, and Kael found himself walking into the largest building of the whole town. The mayor's office. The office was simple but elegant. There were maps everywhere on the walls and many bookshelves in every corner. The mayor – a gray-haired man with kind eyes – sat at his office desk behind a huge wooden table.
"Ah, so you're the young hero everyone is talking about."
Kael appeared immediately at ease.
"I'm no hero."
The mayor chuckled slightly.
"Surely, that's what any hero would say."
Kael looked at the man for support. Sadly, the man seemed to be enjoying himself. Rising from his seat, the mayor moved around his desk.
"In the face of the beast attack, many would have thought only of themselves."
Pausing momentarily, the mayor continued.
"But you thought of others."
Again, Kael said nothing.
"True bravery lies in that."
For just a second, Kael recalled the young girl who could do nothing but stand there in the middle of the street. How he had been compelled to run towards danger rather than away from it. The mayor might be right. Reaching inside the drawer, he put a silver badge on the desk.
"What's this?"
"A token of gratitude from Arlen Town."
The pin was designed to look like a shield, framed by wings. Kael took the pin gently from the table.
"It's amazing."
The mayor grinned.
"Whenever you come back here, you will be welcomed with open arms."
Kael was at loss for words. He had never been welcomed by anyone before.
"Thank you."
The mayor nodded.
"You deserve it."
When the discussion ended, Kael left the building along with the older gentleman. The air outside was chilly and fresh, and stars decorated the sky.
Both were silent for a while. Finally, Kael couldn't hold back.
"Why are people treating me differently?"
The old man faced ahead.
"Because they saw your deeds."
Kael hung his head low.
And the old man went on.
"People tend to condemn those things they cannot comprehend."
"Such as half-elves?"
"Such as half-elves."
Kael said nothing.
The old man turned and stared at Kael.
"You can't control their thoughts."
"Then, what can I control?"
"My decisions."
And the answer still lay in Kael's head.
At last, the inn appeared before them. And before they went in, the elder stopped.
"We started out at dawn."
Kael opened his eyes wide with surprise.
"Really?"
The old man nodded solemnly.
"Your adventures have only just begun."
Kael's eyes moved to the horizon over the wall of the town. So much for Kael to learn, and so many wonders to uncover. The mystery of Noke. The riddle of Umbra and Lux. Why was there an enchantment placed on him. And who was the one controlling the beasts of darkness?
A little smile appeared on his lips for the first time. Now the future didn't scare him anymore. He was looking forward to it.
Stars shone in the night sky over Arlen Town as Kael made himself a silent promise. He was going to become strong. For fame? Never. For recognition? Not even that mattered. Kael simply wanted to be powerful. While standing in the very center of the world, Kael felt people staring at him.