𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑘 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑎𝑤𝑛 | 𝐆𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐍 𝐃𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐒𝐎𝐍

14⋆☾⋆Xogos Voda

In the middle of a rolling land stood a castle, hooded in mist, guarded by a thick high wall, enclosing the premises of the many connected buildings. It was unlike all the others in Araluen, for it did not have a single tower in its middle, but rather one large cross shaped construction, with additional add ons shooting out of every corner and curling out of the end like a saint's staff. The roof edges were decorated with blooming parapets, but not just for decorating, also to for archers to be shielded if the castle was ever attacked. For all of its beauty, it was as much a work of art as a fortress. 

A large pond stretched out at it's south end introducing the large well-kept gardens around it. Beds of flowers, fountains, labyrinths to dwell in, it was all a part of the charm. Enemies would be deceived to think this was just a palace, but this was the home of the high commander of the King's armies and a lethal trap. 

Surrounding the castle laid fields that were garnished with dozens of tents, an arena and wooden stands. Banging and shouts filled the cold morning air and carried over the castle grounds all the way to a man in a long dark green cloak, galloping over it. 

To the tall Ranger approaching on his brown mare, it was the first home he'd ever known. The hooves clacking on the draw bridge, the gravel crunching under Blaze's hooves, that was all too familiar. As he rode into the courtyard, Gilan could spot his father high up, standing in the bridge connecting two halves of one of the courtyard walls. He rode through the open archway, that was decorated by two green grass patio's alongside it. But for all of it's flashy exterior and decorative frills, inside it was still a barren castle, built to protect those in it. Sentries stalked the high walls and guarded the multiple Portcullis in that defensive barrier. However they let the Ranger pass, they'd seen his face many times after all.

He halted in the middle of the stone covered courtyard, everywhere he looked there was stone. The first time he had ever gotten drunk his father had found him there, crying in a corner because he thought the world had turned. Only the cherry wooden door, across the entrance arch was an indication of which stone was floor and which a wall. As well as the windows, small, laid in with plain glass and lead patterns. The kind you'd see in a church.

With a smooth jump, Gilan slid off his mount, giving her a small tickle behind her ears and an apple for her hard work. They'd rode a remarkable time, because in only a dew days time they'd arrived at castle Caraway. 

"You did well Blaze." He whispered to her lovingly, stroking her neck. His hand was covered in hairs, seeing as spring was coming and she was shedding her thick coat. Careful not to get it on his tunic, Gilan wiped it off. 

Of course I did, would you have expected anything else?

The ranger grinned, despite his aching heart. "Of course not."

With a loud bang the doors flung open, two men followed by a group of knights strode quickly over the square. One of them immediately took Blaze's reigns, leading her to the stables. Two of the other swordsmen patted him on his back as a warm welcome.

It had been a while since he'd visited Caraway, his life had been very busy and he knew he couldn't lie to his father about his apprentice. So, for the past four years he'd made himself scarce. But he'd be lying if he said it didn't feel a little good to come back home, where most of his childhood friends lived and the building he'd spent the longest living in. 

"Such a fine match this will be! It is good to have you back boy." The Baron marveled as he gestured for the company to come with him. He saw Gilan as a son of his own and tears of joy dwelled on his cheeks at seeing him again. The young boy had always confided in him when his father had pushed him too much at training or when he'd fallen in love for the first time. He was a long way from that lanky small boy, that made one bad decision after another the Baron thought.