As the first light of dawn painted the sky in soft hues of pink and orange, Kymil and his eldest brother Gael quietly prepared to embark on their journey into town. While Gael focused on gathering their list of farm supplies, Kymil harbored a secret plan in the depths of his mind. He knew that this trip into town presented the perfect opportunity to execute his clandestine scheme, one that he had been carefully crafting for weeks.
With a sense of anticipation fluttering in his chest, Kymil joined Gael in the barn where their horses and cart stood waiting patiently. He masked his excitement with a facade of normalcy, ensuring that Gael suspected nothing of his ulterior motives. Together, they made sure the equipment was properly fitted and adjusted to avoid any discomfort for their horses. Kymil took place beside Gael who took the reins and set off down the winding path that led to the town.
The crisp morning air filled their lungs as they rode, the rhythmic sound of hoofbeats mingling with the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. Kymil stole furtive glances at Gael, his mind racing with thoughts of the task that lay ahead. He knew that he had to tread carefully, lest Gael discover his secret plan and thwart his efforts.
Conversation between the brothers was sparse as they rode, the tension between them palpable despite their shared purpose. He longed for the easy camaraderie they had once shared, but recent disagreements had driven a wedge between them that seemed insurmountable.
As they neared the outskirts of Mensfield, Kymil's heart quickened with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. Unlike the bustling and grandeur of cities in Mykil’s book, Mensfield stood as its opposite—a ramshackle town, its buildings worn and weathered, its streets unkempt and littered with refuse. Yet, amidst the dilapidation, there was a raw energy that pulsed through the air, a sense of resilience that lingered in the hearts of its inhabitants.
Kymil and Gael made their way through the narrow and winding streets of Mensfield, their horses' hooves clattering against the uneven cobblestones. The marketplace, buzzed with activity as vendors hawked their goods from ramshackle stalls. The air was thick with the pungent scent of sweat and grime, mingling with the aroma of stale ale and decaying produce.
Despite the less-than-ideal conditions, Kymil's determination remained unwavering as he focused on his mission. With each step, he felt the weight of his secret pressing down upon him, a constant reminder of the task that lay ahead. He knew that Mensfield held the key to his plans, and he steeled himself for the challenges that awaited in its gritty and unforgiving streets.
Their first stop was the general store, a modest establishment tucked away in a corner of the marketplace. The wooden sign above the entrance creaked in the wind, its faded paint barely legible against the weathered facade. Inside, shelves lined with an assortment of goods greeted them, from sacks of grain to tools of various sizes and shapes.
As they browsed the aisles, Gael's presence loomed large beside Kymil, a palpable tension simmering between them like a dormant volcano on the verge of eruption. Each exchange was laced with unspoken words, the weight of their unresolved issues casting a shadow over their every interaction. Despite their efforts to maintain a facade of civility, the underlying discord remained, a silent reminder of the strained relationship that had festered between them for far too long.
Kymil's gaze flitted from one item to the next, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of their impending confrontation. He knew that their journey into town was not just about procuring supplies for the farm; it was an opportunity to address the grievances that had driven a wedge between them. Yet, the prospect of broaching the subject filled him with a sense of unease, a fear of delving into the depths of their shared pain and resentment.
After completing their purchases at the general store, they made their way through the bustling streets of Mensfield to the blacksmith's shop. The building stood at the edge of town, its sturdy wooden door adorned with a sign bearing the image of an anvil and hammer. Smoke billowed from the chimney, carrying with it the distinct smell of burning coal.
As they entered the shop, the rhythmic clang of metal against metal greeted them, along with the warm glow of the forge. The blacksmith, a burly man with a grizzled beard and calloused hands, looked up from his work and greeted them with a nod.
"Morning, lads," he said, his voice gruff but friendly. "What can I do for ya?"
"We're here to pick up a new plowshare for the farm," Gael replied, his tone curt but polite.
The blacksmith nodded and disappeared into the back of the shop, returning moments later with a gleaming metal plowshare in hand.
"Here you go," he said, handing it to Gael. "Good as new."
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"Thank you," Gael replied, accepting the plowshare with a nod of gratitude.
As Gael inspected the plowshare, the blacksmith studied the brothers with a keen eye, noticing the tension that lingered between them.
"How are you lads holding up?" he asked, his voice laced with genuine concern. "Haven't seen much of you around lately."
Gael glanced at Kymil, exchanging a knowing look before turning back to the blacksmith.
"We've been keeping busy with the farm," Gael replied, his tone guarded. "Just trying to stay afloat, you know how it is."
The blacksmith nodded in understanding, though there was a hint of sympathy in his eyes.
"Aye, times have been tough for everyone," he said, his voice tinged with regret. "But you lads are strong. You'll weather the storm, mark my words."
As they stood in the blacksmith's shop, the rhythmic clang of metal against metal providing a backdrop to their conversation, Kymil broached the topic that had been weighing on his mind for a long time.
"Have you heard anything about dragons being sighted recently?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern mixed with excitement .
The blacksmith paused in his work, his brow furrowing as he considered Gael's question. "Dragons, you say?" he mused, wiping his hands on a cloth before turning to face the brothers. "Can't say I have. It's been years since anyone around these parts has seen one."
As Kymil heard the blacksmith's words, his mind raced back to the stories he had read in his childhood books about the majestic dragons that once roamed the lands. His eyes widened with surprise at the revelation that they had become so scarce. "Years? But I thought dragons were a common sight in these lands," he said, his curiosity now fully awakened. He recalled the vivid descriptions of their magnificent scales and fiery breath, wondering what could have caused such mythical creatures to vanish from their midst.
The blacksmith nodded solemnly. "Aye, they used to be," he agreed, his gaze distant as he recalled days gone by. "But they've become a rare sight in recent years. Some say they've vanished altogether, driven away by the changing times."
"Let's hope it stays that way," Gael muttered, though the worry in his voice was evident.
The blacksmith offered them a reassuring smile before returning to his work, the clang of metal once again filling the air. As Gael and Kymil left the shop, the weight of the blacksmith's words lingered in the air, a silent reminder of the mysteries and dangers that lurked beyond the safety of their farm.
With a weary smile, Gael thanked the blacksmith for his kind words before leading Kymil and Wirt out of the shop. As they made their way back to their horses, Gael couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air, a silent reminder of the challenges they faced and the uncertain future that lay ahead. Determined to go through with his plan, Kymil needed to keep his elder brother on his good side.
"Gael, why don't we split up and divide the tasks to get them done faster?" Kymil suggested, forcing a smile. "You take care of the new leather at the tanner, and I'll go and get the feed for the livestock." He glanced at Gael, hoping his brother would agree to the arrangement, if only to give Kymil some time alone.
Gael hesitated for a moment, his brow furrowed with concern, as he considered Kymil's proposal. He glanced at his younger brother, weighing the options in his mind. Finally, with a sigh, he relented, realizing that splitting up might indeed be the most efficient way to complete their errands.
"All right, Kymil," Gael said, his voice tinged with reluctance. "But don't take too long. We've got plenty of work waiting for us back at the farm."
Kymil nodded, grateful that Gael had agreed to the plan. He understood his brother's concern, but he also knew that he needed some time alone to clear his head and perhaps explore the job board for potential opportunities. With a reassuring smile, Kymil watched as Gael headed off towards the tanner's shop, before turning his own steps towards the feed store.
As Gael headed towards the tanner's shop, Kymil made his way through the bustling streets towards the feed store. The sun beat down overhead, casting harsh shadows on the cobblestone streets and causing the air to shimmer with heat. Despite the warmth of the day, a cool breeze occasionally swept through the town, offering a brief respite from the oppressive heat.
Arriving at the feed store, Kymil greeted the shopkeeper with a polite nod before setting about gathering the necessary supplies for their livestock. He carefully selected bags of feed, hay, and other essentials, mindful of the importance of ensuring their animals were well cared for. As he worked, his thoughts drifted to the task ahead and the weight of responsibility that rested on his shoulders.
With the bags of feed and other essentials in tow, Kymil made his way back to where they had tethered their horses. He carefully loaded the supplies onto the horse cart, arranging them neatly to ensure they wouldn't shift during the journey back to the farm. Glancing around, he noticed that Gael had not yet returned from the tanner's shop, leaving him with a few moments of freedom to go to the town square before his brother could find out where he went.
The town square lay ahead, its bustling energy drawing him in like a magnet. With Gael occupied at the tanner's shop, Kymil saw an opportunity to steal a few moments alone.
As Kymil approached the job board, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement mingled with apprehension. The board was adorned with a colorful array of notices, each offering its own unique opportunity for employment. From farmhand positions to apprenticeships and odd jobs, there was no shortage of options for those willing to work.
With a sense of determination, Kymil scanned the various notices, his eyes darting from one to the next in search of something that caught his interest. He paused at a particularly intriguing offer for a farmhand position at a nearby estate, the promise of steady work and a decent wage beckoning to him.
But as he reached out to tear off the notice, his gaze fell upon another posting tucked away in the corner of the board. It was smaller and less flashy than the others, but something about it drew Kymil's attention like a moth to a flame.
Curiosity piqued, Kymil stepped closer and began to read the notice. It was an offer for a farmhand position at a remote farmstead nestled in the foothills outside of a town called Ashborne.
It was seeking individuals with a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn and embrace the unknown. It emphasized the importance of teamwork and cooperation, as well as the need for individuals who were not afraid to get their hands dirty and work hard to achieve their goals.
As Kymil read through the description, he couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement course through him. The prospect of embarking on a new adventure, of working with exotic creatures and exploring uncharted territories, filled him with a sense of longing he hadn't felt in years.
And then there was the promise of good pay and a roof over his head, two things that were becoming increasingly scarce in the tumultuous world they lived in. For Kymil, who had spent his entire life scraping by on the meager earnings of their family farm, the offer was almost too good to be true.
But as he scanned the details of the job offer once more, a sense of determination welled up inside him. This was his chance to break free from the constraints of his past, to carve out a new path for himself and make a name for himself in the world. With a sense of determination, Kymil tore off the notice and tucked it safely into his pocket, his mind already racing with possibilities.