Chapter 5: Plague in Horizon

Sunlight streamed through the simple windows, casting warmth on the family's lunch table. The family was in a good mood. Gunther told Anne about training and made light jokes at Naemon's expense, which Naemon naturally took well, making his own jokes about Gunther in return.

Laughter and the clinking of spoons against bowls spread throughout the hall. However, Anne had thoughts in her head that she couldn't shake off.

"There are rumors..." Anne began, her usually bright voice sounding worried. "Rumors about a disease that is spreading in the area. An epidemic, some say." She let the words sink in on Gunther and Naemon.

Gunther grunted and instinctively massaged the bridge of his nose with his large hand. He was an experienced warrior, and his weather-beaten face betrayed a little unease.

"And the church?" he asked in a low voice. "Any news from the Temple of Mebus?"

The Temple of Mebus was one of the many religious communities in the kingdom. It worshipped the god of forgiveness and purity, Mebus. The Temple of Mebus was the most influential temple in the area.

"They say the temple took responsibility" Anne continued, the worry lines on her forehead deepening. "The villages where the disease appeared were quarantined. But..." she hesitated, her voice trembling, "no one hears anything from them anymore."

Naemon, who had been silently spooning his stew, looked up. His face was marked by concern. "Maybe the priests need more time to heal everyone, Mom?" he asked with a hopeful look.

Anne forced a smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Of course, my darling. But not every illness can be cured by a priest."

The air was heavy with unspoken thoughts and worries. The carefree chatter of a few moments ago seemed a distant memory. Naemon, sensing the heaviness of their conversation, pushed himself away from the table. 'There's no point in thinking about it. I'd rather do something that helps me.'

"I'm going to get ready for training, Father" Naemon announced, his voice barely a whisper. "Might be a bit stiff today."

Naemon scurried out of the dining room and left his parents behind. He knew that his parents still had a lot to talk about. He trusted them to find a good plan, and in the meantime, he would work on himself. His father would join the training later.

The wooden floorboards creaked softly under Naemon's feet as he hurried through the house to the front door.

Just before he reached the exit, he bumped into a familiar figure. "Oh, Manfred, sorry" Naemon apologized, checking to see if nothing was wrong. Manfred, the family's kind old butler, smiled at him with his usual gentle warmth.

"Ah, Young Master" Manfred chuckled, his voice as soothingly low as ever. "Off to training so soon? Everything alright?"

Naemon didn't hesitate and answered, "Everything is fine, Manfred." Manfred was something like a grandfather to Naemon, and he could confide his worries to him, but he was already an adult and didn't want to run to his parents or Manfred for every little thing!

The old butler's gaze, sharp despite his age, held Naemon's gaze for a moment too long. Manfred knew Naemon inside and out, which also meant that he could guess what was going on in Naemon's head.

"Well" said Manfred, his voice becoming a quiet murmur, "if something is bothering you, Young Master, remember that the door to my ear is always open." He winked with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Now go ahead and show the training grounds what you're made of, young master. And good luck!"

Naemon smiled gratefully and opened the heavy oak door. As he stepped out, a wave of warm summer air rushed through his black hair, carrying with it the scent of sun-dried earth and wildflowers. The wind brought the feeling of freedom.

With a lighter heart, Naemon made his way to the training ground.

Finally, he reached the edge of the clearing where the training ground lay. The familiar patch of sun-warmed sand stretched before him. A place where he would hone his skills. Taking a deep breath, he focused on his body and started his usual stretching.