Know your place

Intrigued by the unfolding events, the curious son decides to inch closer to Ben and the knight. Agents, such as this knight, seldom engage in conversation with regular villagers—only sorcerers or military members receive their attention. The boy's approach carries a measure of risk. As he crawls through the tall grass, the words exchanged between the two men grow clearer. The village has been urgently summoned to aid in the construction of the magistrate's fortress, a move that must be completed before winter's icy grip tightens. Feeling more at ease, the boy continues to move closer, but it is not the words that captivate him. No, his fascination lies with the magnificent horse itself. As he draws near, his eyes widen in awe. It is not the knight's armor that sparkles in the sunlight, but the very hide of the horse. Its majestic form feels massive and impenetrable, as if fashioned from something other than mere flesh and blood, many millions of tiny diamonds perhaps.
Overwhelmed, the boy succumbs to temptation, extending his right hand to touch the creature. Slowly, ever so slowly, he shifts forward, concealed beneath the shelter of Ben's cart. However, even with great effort, his arm proves too short to reach the object of his fascination. Disappointed, he slumps back, sighing softly. Unbeknownst to him, the rider's keen ears catch the faint sigh and redirect his gaze toward its source—finding the boy's terrified eyes peering out from beneath the cart, hidden among the hanging baskets. Swift as a striking serpent, the enigmatic knight brandishes his sword, the steel sings, drawing it toward the boy's throat. The blade leaves but a subtle crimson mark upon the young skin, a hint of blood staining its edge. The knight's aim was clear—a flawless warning.