According to the seller, the supposed Maid of Orleans will be burned alive in three days; frankly, that is not my problem. I should focus on finding Lucas.
We entered an inn and rented a room with 3 beds and asked the maid if she knew anything about a child named Lucas Morel. The maid seemed not to know any child named Lucas, but she said I should look around the market area, orphans usually roam these areas looking for shelter or food.
As soon as we arrive next to the market, we see a line of people, both adults and children, to be served a plate of soup offered by two women dressed in black from head to toe. Those women who serve food seem to be the ones who would have the greatest chance of knowing Lucas since they serve food to several people, but as we approach we are violently interrupted.
-"Where do you think you're going? Get in line!" says a man with a scar on his eye and a rough appearance.
-"We have no intention of cutting anyone off, we just want to speak with those two ladies." Kael says calmly.
Before the man can speak, one of the ladies approaches and intercedes on our behalf.
-"Is everything okay? And please don't call me ma'am, I'm Sister Matilde." says Sister Matilde with a smile on her face.
-"I apologize, Sister, I would like to know if you have seen a boy named Lucas Morel, he should be around 13 to 14 years old!" Kael asks politely.
-"Hm, I'm sorry but no, we see several people every day!" says Sister Matilde. "It would be difficult to know the name of every person who comes here!"
As we prepare to leave, the rude man puts his hand on our shoulder.
-"Maybe I can know something, but of course it would come at a price!" says the rude man.
I take 5 silver coins and give them to him; the man swallows hard as he keeps the coins and looks at us.
-"Just let me take the bowl of soup and I'll take you there, my name is Paul, no last name since I never had a family!" says Paul as he picks up the bowl of soup offered by the sisters.
Paul does not eat the soup, he takes the bowl and carries it with him while guiding us through the streets of Rouen. Along the way he uses some of the money we gave him to buy some bread. The more time passes, the more we move away from the busy streets and get closer to simple houses made of wood and straw.
As soon as we reach a shack, he opens the door and invites us in. When we enter, we see some children and an elderly lady.
-"You arrived late, Paul, you haven't gotten yourself into trouble again, have you?" asks the woman in a hoarse voice. "Who are those with you?"
-"They are looking for Lucas, where is the boy?" asks Paul as he hands the bowl of soup to the woman and the bread to the children.
After talking for a while, I discover that the children are war orphans and the woman is someone who took care of Paul when he was younger. Despite appearances, Paul doesn't seem to be a bad person.
According to what the woman said, Lucas, being older, went to look for food to help feed the children, so we decided to stay there until Lucas returned.
As dusk begins, we see the door open. A boy with brown hair and a bruised eye, bleeding from the nose, enters. He brings along some pieces of fruit, which he gives to the children.
-"You went stealing in the market again, you never learn, do you?" says the lady as she gets up with difficulty to wipe the blood off Lucas's face.
-"I only borrowed it, when I have a lot of gold I will pay it back!" says Lucas with a serious face.
-"Sure, and I will become the Queen of France!" says the lady as she gives Lucas a light thump on the head.
-"Only if death doesn't reach you first, old woman!" says Lucas with a grimace and a smile.
-"Which old woman, you ill-mannered kid? This gentleman here wants to talk to you, behave yourself, brat!" says the lady sternly.
Lucas' Point of View
Could it be someone I stole from before? I don't remember seeing anyone who looks like him or the girls following him, the oldest one is actually quite beautiful.
-"Sir, if I took something from you, don't worry, when I get rich I will pay it back!" Lucas says without thinking twice.
As soon as I say these words, the old woman hits me on the back of the neck again and tells me to mind my manners, but I spoke respectfully, old witch.
-"Actually no, I knew your grandfather, Francis!" Kael says while looking into Lucas' eyes.
-"Grandpa Francis? I don't remember him, but my father used to tell me about him. What's the matter?" Lucas says while looking down with a lost expression.
Kael's point of view
I look at the boy and start to see certain similarities with Francis, perhaps more impulsive and bold, but the core is there.
-"I met your grandfather while we were traveling to Rouen." says Kael. "On the way, we were attacked by bandits, your grandfather was brave, but unfortunately, he passed away in the fight!"
Lucas looks at me, his eyes now a little emptier than before.
-"It's okay, I didn't really remember him anyway!" says Lucas as he starts to wipe away the tears that begin to run down his face.
-"I can be considered a friend of your grandfather, I came to ask if you would like to stay with us or need any help!" says Kael with a calm smile.
Lucas looks at me, then at Léa and his face turns red but then he looks at the children and at the old woman.
-"No, I belong here, but if you have some gold coins, no, silver, I would appreciate it!" says Lucas.