Arms wrapped around him.  Conrad felt safe, warm.  He sinks into the arms resting his head on a chest.  A familiar chest.  He looks up to see the smiling face of his mother smiling down at him.  Warm, gentle hands cup his face.  Her mouth moves but no sound comes out.  Slowly she pulls away.  He runs as fast as his legs can carry him, reaching out, but his mother seemed to get further and further away from him.  Tears roll down his cheeks as he pushes himself to run faster.

"Don't go!  Mom!"

Conrad's eyes shoot open as he sits straight up.  His heart pounding hard against his chest, his breathing heavy and a cold sweat formed on his forehead.  A hand reaches for Conrad's shoulder causing the boy to jump.  His brown eyes finding the knight who rescued him the night before.

Xander takes his hand back but keeps his blue eyes on the boy.

"It's OK.  You're safe now."

Conrad slowly relaxes taking in a few deep breathes in an attempt to calm himself.  He looks down at the bed he was in.  The finest cotton sheets covered with a feather duvet.  He runs his fingers over the duvet, so soft.  He looks around the room.  It was immaculate.  The walls made of marble covered with carvings of trees blooming with flowers of varying shapes and sizes.  The floor carpeted with an off white shade that complimented the walls perfectly.

He turns to the knight with a puzzled expression.  Xander smiles softly.

"Welcome to Ironwood Castle" He greets.

Panic sets in Conrad's eyes.  The royal palace?!  His head spins with so many questions.  Xander chuckles softly seeing the panic in the small boy's eyes.  He places his hand on Conrad's shoulder, this time the boy didn't jump turning his attention to the knight.

"Rest for now.  I promise to explain everything to you.  For now, focus on getting better."

Conrad tilts his head slightly.  At that moment he felt the pain slowly radiate from his body.  He lifts his shirt to find his chest bandaged but what caught his eye was the silver oak leaf hanging from his neck.  Tears streamed down his face as he takes the leaf in his hand.

"You were clutching it so tightly when I found you I figured it must be important" Xander chimes in.

Conrad holds the leaf close to his chest looking at the knight with such appreciation and new found admiration.  Xander smiles placing his hand on Conrad's head.

"You're welcome.  Now get some rest.  We have much to talk about once your strength returns."

Conrad sinks into the bed pulling the blanket over him.  He closes his eyes.  The feeling of warm hugs washed over him once more and he quickly falls asleep.