16 The lost child

Caius was satisfied with the gift he chose.

Amell looked at Caius. Caius was smiling very brightly. Amell suggested, "Young Master, shall we return now? It is getting late now."

Caius was about to board the carriage. He turned towards Amell.

He said, "Let's take another route while returning. I want to visit the southern part of the capital."

The southern part of the capital was the so-called less prosperous area. After hearing his request Amell wanted to persuade him to take another route.

But when he saw Caius's happy eyes, he threw the idea of persuasion out of his mind.

He wanted to discuss this matter with Emmett. But he seemed to be in a daze.

Amell was dissatisfied with Emmett's attitude toward his work.

'How can a person be absent-minded when doing his duty? What an unfitting behavior of knight, especially of Thorn Army!'

He walked pass Emmett. He went to Evandar to discuss the matter.

Evandar understood his concern. After the demise of the previous Empress, the capital was no longer as peaceful as it used to be. And the newly throned empress already had a lot on her plates.

Although it seemed fine from the outside, a few incidents were happening from time to time disturbing the fragile peace. It wouldn't be safe in the southern region at such a time. The place was named the less-prosperous side of the capital.

He assured Amell. "You don't need to worry. We will protect the young master. And Southern Region also will be safer during day time. Imperial Army patrols the area from time to time. No one will cause any sort of riot. After all, those who run wild in the presence of the imperial army will suffer a lot."

Amell was quite relieved after hearing Evandar.

Amell didn't doubt the ability of the knights chosen by the lady herself. And the reputation of Thorn Army was something he was familiar with.

However, his eyes failed to show the trust he had in Thorn Army every time he looked at Emmett.

As an observant person, Evandar could see the doubt in Amell's black and bright eyes every time they paused at Emmett.

Evandar wanted to clear his doubt. But he didn't think it was necessary. After all, Amell would surely know in the future how capable Emmet is, wouldn't he?

Amell returned to the carriage.

Caius was sitting in a relaxed manner. As soon Amell entered the carriage, he straightened his back.

After all of them boarded the carriage, the carriage started to move slowly in a steady manner.

Caius was looking outside the window. Everything seemed normal. He was happy to enjoy a such peaceful day in the heart of the capital.

As the carriage was going nearer to the southern part of the city, the streets started to become empty.

At first, few stores were in sight. However, as the carriage moved forward, there was no building in sight. Large trees were covering the sunlight. The street seemed a little dark even during the daytime.

Caius was quite puzzled looking at the picture outside the carriage. 'This place seems to be more deserted than before.'

When Caius was lost in his thoughts, the carriage suddenly stopped. Caius's body uncontrollably went forward. Luckily, Emmett helped him.

Amell panicked a little bit. "Young Master! Are you all right?"

"Yes....." Caius was a little surprised.

Amell got up from Evandar's arms. He was embarrassed. He hid his embarrassment in his eyes. He climbed down the carriage.

Emmett also followed him.

The carriage nearly hit a child. It was fortunate that the boy was unharmed. Amell helped the boy up.

Caius and Evandar also got out of the carriage.

There was no house in sight. And the place wasn't a suitable place for a child to visit alone especially when various unsettling things were going on in the southern part.

After helping the child up, Amell asked the child, "Little boy! Where are you heading to?"

The boy looked eight years old. The child was wearing normal clothes. From the way he dressed, one could tell that he wasn't from a well-off family.

The boy was clean with black hair and brown eyes.

He innocently looked at Amell and said, "I ... am not going anywhere... I am just...playing."

Amell smiled. He stroked the child's head. "Where are your parents? Why are you here alone?"

The child looked towards the trees. "My parents are working in the field...."

"Then do you know where your parents are working in the field?"

"There was a river....no...there were trees and flowers..." The boy started to cry.

Amell was flustered. He didn't know how to coax a crying child. Neither did any of those present there know.

Emmett came and said, "We will send you back home, is it alright?"

The boy was still crying but he nodded.

Evandar was thinking hard. A place where there are flowers, a river, and lots of trees.

"Young Master. I know about one place. But.."

"Is there something wrong?"

" The southern part is considered the poorer side of the capital. And many people live here in absolute poverty. However, that location is not only remote, many beasts used to roam around. After that, the late empress ordered that place to be vacant. There shouldn't be any humans living in the last four decades. Entry of common people is banned there. Only soldiers can enter that place."

"First let's go and then we will see. '

"No young master. We may get attacked by any kind of beasts over there. And we can't risk your well-being at any cost."

"No...Let's go there. I doubt you won't be able to protect me. And I can protect myself to some extent. You don't have to worry."

"Yes, young master."

Caius was indeed a sheltered child. He was also spoiled by his family to some extent. However, they didn't spare him any compassion while training in swordsmanship. He was always bitten to batter by his sister when he was a beginner.

Those dark days of his past indeed made him capable to protect himself. Now it was time for him to test his skills.