The Pathways of Enchantment.

Again

I really apologize for not writing in such a long time!

In the evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the bustling market, they carefully placed the leftover bread back into the boxes. The aroma of freshly baked goods lingered in the air, a sweet reminder of the day's hard work.

 They methodically cleaned up the stall, wiping down surfaces and stacking crates, ensuring everything was in order for the next day. Each item was folded and arranged with precision. 

 Once everything was packed away, they gathered the belongings—Hector slinging a worn backpack over his shoulder while Will clutched a small bag filled with their earnings. Together, they made their way back to Hector's house, the streets quieting down as evening settled in. 

 "That was another great day," Hector said with a grin, his eyes sparkling with the thrill of their success. The camaraderie they shared made the long hours worthwhile, and he felt a sense of pride in their achievements. 

 "Yeah," Will replied, but his mind was elsewhere, preoccupied with thoughts of the mysterious man he had encountered earlier. The man's intense gaze and cryptic words lingered in his mind, casting a shadow over the otherwise joyful day.Hector, ever observant, noticed the change in Will's demeanor. 

"Will, you've been acting a bit weird today," he pointed out, concern etching his features.Caught off guard, Will hesitated before responding. 

"Oh! I just didn't get much sleep," he explained, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.Hector sighed, his brow furrowing slightly. 

"I'm not making you work if you're not feeling well. If you need a break, just say so, but don't use it as an excuse all the time." His tone was gentle but firm, a reminder that he cared about Will's well-being more than the work itself. 

 "It's okay, I really want to work hard for us," Will insisted, determination creeping into his voice. He didn't want to let Hector down and he felt a responsibility to pull his weight.Hector's expression softened, and he smiled warmly.

 "You're such a good kid," he said, his voice filled with genuine affection.

"Well, I do my best," Will replied.

As they strolled along, Will felt uneasy with a thought nagging at him. 

"Hey, Hector, do you remember anyone from your knight days named Elred...Hyte?" 

 "Um... Even with my great memory, I can't say I've heard that name much. Maybe just once or twice from the king. *Sigh* I really feel for his daughter." 

 "Huh?""He never cared for her. He was a really... awful father, just like he was a king," he muttered quietly, his voice tinged with a mix of regret and bitterness. 

The weight of his words hung in the air, and Will could sense the depth of Hector's feelings. It was rare for the knight to speak so openly about his past, and Will felt a strange mix of curiosity and concern. 

 "Uh... Hector, what were you a- Whoa!"Suddenly, tiles from Hector's ceiling came crashing down, sending a shower of dust and debris into the air. Will instinctively ducked, his heart racing as he glanced up at the crumbling structure. 

 "Dang it," Hector exclaimed, brushing off his shoulders as he surveyed the damage. "I need to figure out how to fix this old place before it falls apart completely." His frustration was palpable, and Will could see the lines of worry etched on his face. 

 "Um, so..." Will hesitated, unsure of how to steer the conversation back to safer waters. 

 "Were you going to say something, kid?" Hector asked, his tone softening slightly, though the tension in the air remained.