The next few days passed in a blur as the wagons picked their way over the well-worn roads. We foraged, and I tried to avoid any awkward moments with Mira. We'd been cordial but distant since our almost-whatever at the pond. It was like we were both trying to pretend it never happened.

On the third day, I ventured out from the camp, stating that I wanted to do a little early morning herb gathering and stretch my legs. Caden offered to accompany me, but I waved him off. I mainly wanted to get away from the press of soldiers. My companions were a nice enough group of cold-blooded killers; I just needed to go and listen to a little nature. This world was beautiful in so many ways.

The morning sun painted the sky in hues of pink and orange as I made my way through the forest. Dew clung to the leaves, glistening in the early light. Birds sang cheerful tunes and generally got up to bird stuff.

As I walked, I marveled at the vibrant greens of the foliage, the rich browns of the tree trunks, and the colorful wildflowers dotting the forest floor. The air was crisp and clean, filled with the scent of pine and earth. I found myself drawn to a small clearing, where a stream bubbled over rocks worn smooth by time. The water was crystal clear, reflecting the blue sky above.

I sat in a quiet grove, my mind wandering as I contemplated my life and goals in this strange new world. The idea of owning a tavern and cooking for people had taken root in my mind, and I couldn't shake it. I imagined serving up steaming plates of hot wings, the spicy aroma filling the air as patrons laughed and clinked their mugs together. It was a far cry from my previous life as an office worker, but somehow, it felt right.

As I sat there, lost in thought, a familiar hiss broke the silence. I glanced over to see Lady Churl's grinning face emerging from the woods.

"Lady Churl!" I exclaimed, a genuine smile spreading across my face. "It's good to see you."

"Yeah, boss. You too, I reckon."

"What have you been up to? Have you met any other nice goblins out gobbling around?"

She scampered over and plopped down beside me, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Nah. Last I seen of my sort was days ago. Tricky business, you getting them to bring you meat, then charging them to eat it. I've been keeping busy, boss," she said, picking at her teeth with a sharp stick. "Hunting, spearing fish, you know how it is. Living under the stars. I like it, but I ain’t gonna lie, boss. I miss living indoors. Or in a cave.”

I reached over and patted her shoulder. "Don't worry, Lady Churl," I assured her. "As soon as I get settled, I'll find a place for you. We're in this together, remember? I’m going to buy a tavern and settle in. I’ll have a place for you.”

“What, me? Live with the soft skins? Don’t know as I can do it, boss.”

“All of your kind were promised amnesty. That means you’ll be welcome. Or at least not chased out of town.”

“Ain’t no one gonna welcome me.”

“Give it time, Lady Churl. I’ll help you make a home. I promise."

I had hoped to see Lady Churl out in the woods and had brought her something. I handed over a little package wrapped in big leaves.

She sniffed the packet and smiled. "Wha's this, then?"

"Something I made for you."

Lady churl unwrapped the sticky leaves. Inside was the fattiest piece of venison I'd been able to save. The closest I could think of would be flank steak. I'd cooked it directly on some red hot coals and wrapped it around some hot green peppers she'd brought me a few days ago.

"This smells good," she said and tore off a piece. Her eyes closed in satisfaction as she chewed. "You ain't nothin' like the old boss."

"I'm not your boss. You can do whatever you want. You don't have to wait on me."

"Nah. Nothing better to do." Lady Churl shrugged and tore off another piece of meat to pop in her mouth.

I reached out to put my arm around her bony shoulder. She shrugged away and poked me in the side. “You’re kind, but you’re not my type. Too soft. Look at those hands.” She pointed at mine.

“What’s wrong with my hands?” I laughed.

“Like cold slugs. Keep ‘em to yourself.”

I laughed again. "Where I come from, some people actually pay good money for slug facials."

"Don't know what that means."

"Just a joke."

"Fine. Fine. Be seeing you. Don't get killed."

“Thanks, take care of yourself, Lady Churl.” I waved as she hopped up and disappeared into the trees again.

----------------------------------------

Along the dusty road, we began to see others. People on horses, their hooves kicking up small clouds of dirt with each step, weary travelers walking, their packs heavy on their backs and their faces etched with the fatigue of the journey, and carts and wagons, some pulled by oxen, others by sturdy draft horses, their wheels creaking and groaning as they rolled over the uneven path. The road was coming alive with the bustling activity.

We collected mushrooms, wild onions, and the occasional garlic bulb. They were small—nothing like the size I used to get back on earth, but they were strong. Caden thought they were good to eat, even raw.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

The game grew scarce, or maybe we had bad luck. I continued to practice the bow and managed to take down a rabbit one evening. Mira clapped me on the shoulder and offered congratulations. Things between her and I were still a little uncomfortable. She continued teaching me how to hunt, but she seemed distant. I’d been here for less than a month and had already been friend-zoned by an attractive woman.

One day, as we walked side by side along the dusty road, I couldn't take the tension anymore. "Hey, Mira," I said, my voice low. "About the other day, at the pond... I'm sorry about the amulet thing. I didn't mean to freak out on you like that."

Mira glanced at me, her expression unreadable. "Think nothing of it, Varix. 'Tis in the past."

"I know. I just wanted you to know that I, well…I hadn't seen an attractive woman in her under—I mean small clothes—in a long time. I was, well. Flustered."

Her smile grew as I talked. She leaned close and said, "You find me attractive?"

"Who wouldn’t?" I said, face suddenly hot.

"What are you two birds singing about?" Caden called as he came up behind us.

"Oh. Uh. The weather," I stammered.

"Yeah. S'gonna be a hot one," Mira said with a huge grin.

I ducked my head and did my best to suppress laughter.

After a while, Caden fell into step beside us.

"What are you going to do first when we reach Everspring?" I asked Caden.

"I'm going to hug my family. Gods, but I have missed them. Even my brother, Alic. Don't tell him I said that."

I made a zipper motion across my lips.

“Gods, this road goes on forever, doesn't it?" he said, stretching his arms above his head. "I swear, if I have to walk another mile, my feet might just fall off."

I chuckled. "Yeah, it's not exactly the most exciting journey. But hey, at least we're not being chased by orcs."

"That's only because they're too fat from your stew, Varix," Mira interjected.

Caden and I burst into laughter.

Caden snorted. "Sometimes I think I'd take a good orc fight over this endless walking."

"Careful what you wish for," Mira said. "I've had enough orc fights to last a lifetime."

"Is it always like this?" I asked. "Being a soldier, I mean."

Caden shrugged. "Aye, for the most part. Long stretches of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror. You spend weeks marching, setting up camp, breaking down camp, marching some more. Then, when you finally see some action, it's over in a flash, and you're left wondering what the hell just happened."

"And how you got brains in your hair. Not your own, mind," Mira interjected.

"Maybe it's a good thing I don't have my memories."

"I'll leave you two to discuss war," Mira said, and walked ahead to stroll beside Doan, but not before she glanced back at me one more time.

"That Mira is a treasure," Caden said.

"I think I'd have to agree with you, Caden."

"I think she has a thing for you," Caden said.

"Does she?" I acted surprised.

"She's an able fighter, good with a bow, and not bad to look at."

"Just say it," I said. "She's hot."

"Hot?"

"You know, hot. Like…" I touched my fingertip to my tongue and made a sizzling noise.

Caden stumbled as he laughed out loud.

"I have to be honest. I fought beside Mira for months. She's like a sister to me. Just as Doan is like a brother."

" I get that."

As we walked, I caught a glimpse of something out of the corner of my eye. I turned my head, and Garin's spectral form flickered in and out of view at the edge of the tree line. I glanced at Caden and Mira, but he was completely oblivious to the ghostly paladin's presence.

"Hey, Caden," I said, trying to keep my voice casual. "What kind of powers did Morthisal have, anyway? I should know this, but you know how much my memory is impaired."

Caden looked at me in surprise. "Morthisal was a necromancer of the highest order. He could raise entire armies of the dead to fight for him. It was a terrifying sight to behold. He could also use dark powers, but I don’t know much more. I never got close enough to see him in action. His biggest skill seemed to be convincing races to fight for him."

"So, he could communicate with the dead. What a weirdo," I said as I watched the ground.

I was seeing a dead paladin. It seemed Morthisal's powers of necromancy were somewhat accessible. I had no idea how to control them. Didn't know where to even start. What I did know was that I was seeing a dead guy.

"Have you ever heard of Garin Thorneblade?"

"Ah, Varix! Something's come back to you, and what an excellent memory to have returned. Garin Thorneblade was a legendary paladin. Sadly, he died in The Frostfire Rebellion. Morthisal betrayed him and murdered him and his entire family. It happened, oh, about twenty-five years ago. Maybe more."

"It was thirty. I was a lad. My father told me tales of Garin, the mighty paladin. I'd have followed in his footsteps if the order hadn't collapsed," Doan said. He must have overheard us talking about the former warrior.

"There are no more paladins?" I asked.

"No. Wiped out by Morthisal."

"Oh." It was the best I could come up with.

Before I could further curse my soul-napper, Caden shouted. "We're here!"

As we crested the hill, the village of Everspring came into view. It was a sight for sore eyes after weeks on the road, but it wasn't exactly the picturesque medieval village I'd imagined. Parts of the village were charred and crumbling, with blackened beams jutting out from collapsed roofs like broken teeth. Sturdy looking stone walls were pockmarked with scars from battle, and some sections had been reduced to piles of rubble.

Despite the damage, most of Everspring was still standing. The main street was lined with timber-framed houses, with upper stories overhanging the narrow lane. A few larger buildings stood out among the rest - a tavern with a faded sign creaking in the breeze, a smithy with smoke curling from its chimney, and what looked like a small chapel with a bell tower.

Caden's face fell as he took in the sight of his hometown. "I thought it would be worse. Thank the gods," he said quietly.

Mira placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "It's still standing, Caden. That's more than many villages can say after the war."

Doan growled, his knuckles white as he gripped his massive double-headed axe. "Wish I'd been here when those rotten greenskins had attacked. I'd have given them a taste of my steel."

I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief at seeing civilization again, even if it was a little worse for wear. After the healer's camp and the endless road, Everspring looked like a damn paradise to me.

As we approached the village, a few residents caught sight of our group. Their faces lit up with recognition and joy as they spotted Caden and the other returning warriors. A bell began to ring, echoing through the streets, and within moments, dozens of people were pouring out of their homes to greet us.

The atmosphere was filled with laughter, tears, and shouts of welcome. Children raced up to the soldiers, hugging their legs and begging for stories of their adventures. Women embraced their husbands and sons, while old men clapped the warriors on the back and pressed mugs of ale into their hands.

It warmed my heart to see my new friends among their loved ones. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. There was no one waiting for me.