Keltran's parents need the money provided by his routine, regular duty of guarding their lord's estate. Willing to do anything to help them, especially after his father's accident, he's happy to have such a simple job that requires so little of him.

When a member of the Count's personal guard turns up too ill to work, Keltran jumps at the chance to take his place. The work, though, takes him places he's not sure he wants to go...

This story is part of Ilauris Tales, a collection of short stories set in the sword & sorcery fantasy setting of Ilauris.