Another day waking up on the floor of my room. Another day of stench.

Damn, how long has it been since I let air pass through this place?

“Wake up.” I grunt.

No response from her.

“Come on… We have work to do.” I say.

I get up from the floor and open the window, Sun invading my sight as if it wants me to go blind. I can even see the dust traveling around the room. I am so not in the mood for cleaning.

“All right, I am up.” Meuko responds.

Finally. Meuko’s giant arms cover her head, trying to block the sudden surge of light.

Wait… Am I naked?

“Do not open your eyes.” I shout, embarrassment mixed with worry.

“Why- Whoa, put it away.” Meuko puts her arm in front of her eyes… A bit differently, this time.

“Cover yourself up.” I mumble.

I stumble on the wall as I put my trousers on.

Meuko is naked from the waist up as well.

“Was it that hot yesterday?” Meuko says, putting her clothes on. “I do not remember taking this off.”

“Yeah, I was sweating all night. Barely got any sleep.” I say.

“You know who else was sweating all night?” Meuko chuckles.

“Eventually, you are going to have to find a better solution. I cannot keep sleeping on the floor.” I nag.

I stretch my back, bones cracking with the sole intent of reminding me… That I already feel tired.

“I know. They do not want to do whatever it is they are doing at Sylvar’s home.” Meuko responds.

“Would you? Sylvar sleeps in the smallest of beds… With a ladder. Not really the best of options.” I laugh.

“It would break if I went there myself. Thanks for letting me sleep here.”

“How long has it been now? Five nights in a row? Before that, another two?” I ask.

“I do not count the days, Volter.” Meuko says.

“At least they finally got together.” I say.

“True.” Meuko says, getting up.

“What do you think we are having for breakfast?”

“Sorghum with a bit of tomato pulp and maybe some sort of juice. Catch.” Meuko throws the set of bracers that were specially made by Blago.

He even made a thin findal coating, basically covered the bracers. Just so that the Hunters would not be able to tell that they are made from Varuna wood.

Varbraces… No, that does not work. At least the Varknife is a good name.

“Where are yours?” I ask.

“Back in my house… Barely had any time to get out of there.” Meuko responds.

“When he got here, they could barely talk to each other and now-” I say.

“Can you blame them? Ever since Kianel’s death, they had to rethink their doubts. Then there were the duels-”

“Yeah, I still remember the pain.” I interrupt Meuko.

“Are you coming down?” Dariy’s voice coming from below.

We must be annoying them with all this rumbling.

“I cannot find my cloak.” I say.

“On the floor… You used it as a cover sheet.” Meuko says.

“Right.” I say.

“How can it not bother you with all the heat?” Meuko asks.

“It helps with the- You know- The- It keeps my lower parts from touching each other.” I explain.

“Mum- Mumbling much?” Meuko chuckles.

“Shut up.”

We walk down the stairs, greeted by the inviting smell of warm food and candles with flower scent. I have to ask what flower it is derived from. My room certainly needs it.

“Do you have to light those every day?” I ask.

“Good morning to you, too. Yes, have you smelled yourself recently?” Ean asks.

“Good morning.” Meuko says.

“It cannot be that- Oh, that is bad.” I gasp, realizing my clothes and I have a horrible smell.

“Bathe in the river. As soon as you can.” Dariy says.

“It is cold there.” I say.

“Not with this heat.” Meuko says.

“What is up with the weather lately?” Ean asks.

“We had a storm three weeks ago, then snow started appearing on the mountain range peaks. Then a bit of rainfall and now… Heat waves. Anything wrong with that?” I mock, taking a closer look at the bowl in front of me.

Just like Meuko guessed.

“Hey, if you two ever want some private time… You can just ask, no shame.” Ean says.

Meuko and I share a look… Then laugh simultaneously. As if.

“Relax. I am just offering my bed since it will not buckle under her weight. The other two are the ones needing the privacy.” I explain.

“Exactly.” Meuko starts eating from her bowl while standing. “This is amazing.”

“Other two? Oh-” Dariy gets shaken by an elbow strike from Ean. “Right. Right… Still. If you ever need the place all to yourself-”

“Yes. No need.” I say, trying to stop the sentence from happening. This is weird.

The kitchen is filled with the sound of utensils clanging and mouths burping. All four of us are extremely hungry.

“So. Going out today?” Ean asks.

“We always go out.” I respond.

“This time, though… Is different.” Dariy adds.

“But we will handle it, same as always. How is it different?” Meuko says.

“She is coming with. She is ready.” I explain.

Meuko does not react. Does she not care?

“If you think so.” Meuko says, holding her bowl of food with one hand and just gulping it.

Is that the third one?

Likewise, I try to jam as much of my breakfast as possible in one huge bite, gasping for air as soon as I am able.

“We have to go.” I say.

“Easy there, Volter. You will die of choking before you even get to venture outside.” Ean says.

“Want any help with the fields? I could get someone.” I say.

“We are just fine. Modesta will just have to do his refining magic. Again.” Ean says.

“What is it now? Once every three days?” I ask.

“Every two.” Dariy responds.

The relaxed stance we have shifts to a more serious tone, resembling the stressful situation we find ourselves in these past few weeks.

“We will figure something out. As soon as we come back.” I say.

“Have fun. Or, Be safe. Even better.” Ean says.

“You, too.” I say, walking outside my home.

“Thank you for having me over.” Meuko says, quickly following me.

“Our door is open for you. Always.” Dariy’s voice can be heard echoing through the house, shouting the last part.

As soon as Meuko and I step outside, we are greeted by the multiple Villagers going about their day. While we are feeling tired and sweaty, that does not mean we cannot make an effort to smile. I think it is also a way to express that, no matter what, we will keep going.

“So… What do you think? Some sort of magic curse like the one Travlon had?” I ask.

“That affects the ground? And the water?” Meuko grunts, having to lift a crate of materials that we need to bring to Blago. “That would be too strong for us to deal with. It could just be Modesta’s magic growing weaker.”

“Because of the hand?” I ask.

“Eadwald did say that magic works with our bodies. Maybe losing a part of you weakens a part of your magic as well.” Meuko explains.

“I do not think that is the problem. He made a stone bridge and-”

“We have a problem.” Hollis interrupts me.

She appears in front of me, wearing her coat and a few light pieces of armor, roughly patched together.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

“Meet you at Blago’s.” Meuko says, going ahead.

“Got it.” I wave.

Hollis looks… Prepared. Two belts around her waist, multiple knives, rope, pouches. She is really stepping up, ever since the flood.

“Goblin parties, scouting around the western side.” Alayne says, joining the conversation from a distance.

He is the one accompanying Hollis on her forage missions, since we do not want anyone being attacked without proper protection. No person goes outside without at least one Hunter.

His clothes are different. There is findal armor in his torso and arms, barely hidden by the intricate patterns of his thin, brown coat. The arm that got injured by the hobgoblin axe carries a scar, running all the way from the fingers to the elbow. His draconic scales look warped at the edges, as if they are slowly trying to wrap around the bare flesh.

“Equipment?” I ask.

“Helmets, leather armor, bows-”

“Does it matter? There are enemies, go take them out.” Alayne interrupts.

“Of course. Any information would be helpful, though…” I let my voice trail, looking at Hollis.

“They looked ready for a fight.” Hollis responds.

“Green?”

“Gray.”

I have to pretend like I do not know any of them. I cannot lose the Villagers’ trust now.

“Right. Thanks. How was the foraging?”

Suddenly, it is my duty to learn all I can about… Well, all I can.

“The land has healed, so most of our gathering spots are yielding proper food.” Hollis says.

“Most?”

“We think that the Tree Beasts, as you call them, make use of the same spots we do.” Hollis explains.

“Do they do that?” I ask.

“How would I know? I cannot help with all your problems around here.” Hollis responds.

“Go, then. Prove you can be useful out there. We could always just keep you here, if this small trouble overwhelms you.” Alayne snarls.

“I will go as soon as Julie finishes her class. It is vital for the kids.” I say, walking away.

“Whatever. Not my job to oversee you, anyway.” Hollis chuckles.

“Yet someone should.” Alayne mocks.

“Now we have to go get checked by Julie. Boring.” Hollis says.

Hollis really is fully changed. It is as if with the death of her husband, she acts like a warrior and not a… Wife, I guess. Not that I know how she should act.

I barely paid attention to anyone’s personality before the expeditions. I did not even know how I should talk to the Villagers, being useless and all that.

I turn my back to the pair, trying to focus on my thoughts.

The situation with Alayne is not getting any better. The slight passage of time has not made any particular change to my relationship with the other Hunters either. Though, Modesta seems to be more willing to work with me. Strange times, indeed.

I walk towards Blago’s smithy, only to be interrupted by the familiar sight of a dangerous beast and its glorious rider… Sylvie and Ana, playing together again.

“Are you not supposed to be at Julie’s class?” I ask.

“No- Wait, not so fast.” Ana responds, trying desperately to hold on to Sylvie, who is running straight to me.

My bond with the disgusting- I mean capable Blight Dog, is steadily getting better. Sylvie stops a mere breath away from stomping me to the ground, a behavior that ensures the kids around here do not die as soon as they start playing with her.

I start petting her and she starts licking my arm, a greeting I am getting pleasantly used to. It is one great way to start your days.

Ana hunches over, trying to hug one of Sylvie’s heads, the one not licking me. Her long and curly hair is getting in the way.

“We should do something about all that fur you have hanging over your head.” I say, chuckling.

“I do not want to.” Ana says, changing her expression of joy to that of anger in an instant.

“Sorry… Did not mean to- Of course- Just.” I take a breath, making an effort to not mumble. “I only thought it would feel better. Do whatever you want.”

“Only Dad cuts my hair.” Ana says, looking away from me. “I do not want to cut it.”

Shit.

Great job, Volter. Let us avoid any further embarrassment, shall we?

“Right. And the class?” I ask.

“That…” Ana makes her eyes look as big as possible. “I want to do more weapons with Blago, I do not have time for all the plants. Please?”

“Come on. I was heading there anyways.” I sigh.

“Thanks.” Ana says.

“You can pay me back with a durable sword. Last one broke.” I say.

“Because you keep using magic with it.” Ana responds.

“Do not say that out loud. It is our secret, remember?” I whisper.

“Right. No one knows…” Ana says, gesturing with her hands that she is hiding behind an invisible… I am guessing a fence.

At least she is feeling energized once more.

I have been training these past three weeks.

Basically, all I do is go a bit outside the Village and unlock my magic eye. Then I try to move magic around my body without creating any major injuries. The only other person that knows about this is Julie. And Ana, of course.

Julie found out when I threw stones in the care house, trying to get her attention. I broke one of my arms, trying to create a magical ball in my hand, like the ones the other Hunters make when they conjure magic. It was green. Then, it quickly turned red, probably from my blood and quickly dissipated.

Fun day.

“Finally. Definitely took your time.” Blago waves.

“What? I have- I have things to do now, okay?” I mumble.

“He is starting to get more important. When he is not acting like a kid.” Meuko chuckles.

“Seems like a few months ago that I was teaching you how to not be useless. How time flies. Wait- It was a few months ago.” Blago mocks.

I take a look at the materials we- Meuko brought him.

“What are you planning to do with all these rocks and sticks?” I ask.

“None of your business… Yet.” Blago smiles.

“And here they are…” Meuko raises her hands in a mocking manner.

I turn around, immediately waving at Sylvar and Julie.

“We do apologize for the delay. Julielle wanted to ensure that no foraging group was hiding anything.”

“Still doing that?” I ask.

“From now on, that is the process we will be doing.” Julie says.

Julie spends time inspecting every forager we have. She sees everyone at the care house every time they return. She is thinking of a process that will keep the Villagers safe. No injuries, no illnesses when they come back. At least, not unchecked.

I am pretty sure she does not want to experience Travlon’s mysterious death again.

“And the kids? How are they doing?” Meuko asks.

“Each one is learning how to tend to their garden, except this one.” Julie points at Ana.

Sylvie moves closer to Julie’s hand, brushing one head against it.

“And you left them alone? They could be burning the gardens.” Ana says.

“They are with Brinout. She knows a lot about plants. Unlike you.” Julie says, not taking her eyes of the girl.

“Never thought I would see Julie talk all strict like that.” I whisper, hoping Meuko can hear me.

“Never thought I would see you afraid of my sister like that.” Meuko laughs.

“What?” Julie responds, definitely hearing my interaction with her sister.

Is she offended?

I just did something wrong, right?

“Will you tell her?” Ana looks at me.

“Sure… Do not be mad, please?” I wince.

“Of course.” Julie responds.

“Ana wants to spend more time with Blago. I think she should.” I say.

“But medicine is important. We agreed on this, Vol.”

“And we are still doing that. It would not hurt to have someone learn even more from Blago, though.”

“Do I get a say in this?” Blago growls.

“No.” Julie, Ana and I respond at once.

“Hey, I thought she would barely be here. Now I have an apprentice?” Blago says.

“A what now?” Meuko asks.

“Student.” Sylvar explains.

“You are not to touch a single thing. Got it? You just stay there and-”

“And I will just watch. And learn.” Ana smiles, interrupting a speechless blacksmith.

“Fine. Whatever works for you.” Julie says, grabbing Ana and separating her from her mighty Blight Dog.

“Excuse us, young lady.” Sylvar says. “But I need my companion for our expedition today. Hollis mentioned something about problems towards the West?”

“Fine…” Ana says. “I am coming back later, Blago.”

“I dread the moment.” Blago says.

“We should go there now. Do you need anything?” I ask.

“I am ready. Just need to get my pack.” Sylvar says.

“Same here.” Meuko says.

Julie stays silent but I can tell by her look. Keeping her hands busy with her clothes. Trying to avoid looking at me but failing. She wants to join us.

“So? Are you going to get your staff?” I ask.

Julie seems to not realize the question for a moment. It is like she is, well, me. She looks at Sylvar and Meuko, possibly trying to figure out if I am actually talking to her.

Is this how I look like when I do not know what is happening?

“Reall- Right. Meet at the western exit?” Julie responds.

Trying to fake confidence. She really is me.

“Sounds good.” I say. “I have to talk to Blago for a moment. Be right there.”

I instantly notice Sylvar’s gaze. Trying to figure out what I am thinking. If there is something I am hiding. Meuko on the other hand… She simply grunts and moves towards her house, accompanied by an excited Julie, who is practicing a few moves against the air.

“If you have a question, you could always say what it is.” I say.

“Excuse me. I have to prepare.” Sylvar says, moving away from Blago’s smithy.

“What in all that is twisted and shitty do you want now? You have taken up most of my time anyways.” Blago sighs.

“How is everything coming along?” I ask.

“Everything?” Blago asks back.

“Everything.” I respond.

“The new farming grounds are good. I am sure Alayne would have preferred if they were not right next to his house. Nothing he can do about it now. We have more food in storage, most of the buildings are repaired, stone bridge is holding up good-”

“Not that.” I interrupt. “I am talking about the Villagers.”

“Of course you are. I still do not get it. Why are you that obsessed with every person training… Even the kids. Could that be your paranoia?”

“My what?”

“Ask your archer.”

“Whatever. Just make sure you give plenty of javelins and spears. And make some armor for them as well.”

“With what material?”

“There is all this wood around here.” I say, pointing towards a vague direction of trees.

“Great. That makes a few capable weapons. What about armor?”

“You made my bracers from wood.”

“Varuna, you moronic sack of shit. That thing is different.”

“What about findal?”

“Modesta has to refine rope and a few other things to make that. As far as I know… There is not enough magic for him to waste on that.”

“We need him for the water and the ground.”

“Look at that. You can be smart.”

“I have to go to the western side, anyways. How about I just drop by the mine and get you some metal? Have Modesta reinforce the ores or something…”

Blago looks at the box Meuko brought, thinking about my idea.

“Could work… But three ores will not be enough for everyone.”

“How much would you need?”

“You want everyone to wear some?” Blago asks, as if he is trying to change my mind or something.

“Let us start with the basics. See how it goes from there.”

“Helmets only… Could make enough for the fighters if you get me… Twelve ores. Big ones.”

“What?” I shout.

“What did you expect, moron? I have to work on these and they have to be good. Unless you want heads to start taking more damage from their helmets splintering inside their skulls. Might as well bring me some rope to wrap their heads. Even better, their necks.” Blago mocks, moving his hands around, waving a small helmet.

“Okay, okay… I will see what I can do. What about their training?”

“Why are you so obsessed with this?”

“Because…” I look around, making sure that no person could hear this. “Goblins could come swarming this place in waves. Please.”

“Everyone is looking fine, learned the basics. Rena keeps training, against Thando’s warnings.”

“What do you mean?” I ask.

“She is pregnant.”

“What? How?”

“Oh, look at that. See, when a boy and a girl or a magical creature with other reproduct-”

“I know how, you sarcastic bear. I was just reacting to the news.” I answer, rather flustered, if I am honest.

Blago bursts out laughing, dropping the hammer.

“Stop laughing, you moron.”

“Sorry. Where was I? Right, doing all the explaining for your pathetic ass.”

“Defenses? Looking good?” I ask.

“The ditches have been made a week ago, you were literally there digging with us. Stakes have been placed and we are getting rocks where the wooden barricades are to reinforce them.”

“Good. We need more. Do not look at me like that, you know I am right.”

“I know, Volter. It still makes me sad to see another place I am living change into a more brutal one.”

“One day, we have to talk about your other places and experiences. Still have not talked about you being a Hunter.”

“Not today. Go. Before they come bothering me again.”

“Ana seems to be handling that job just fine.” I say, walking away.

“I hate you.” Blago shouts from a distance.

And I love you, you grouchy bear.

So. It is not kiddo or kid, anymore… Just Volter. Almost as if things are getting serious.

I move towards the western exit, confident in our ability to deal with the goblins… Without anyone dying. That is the important part.

Julie has a different outfit now. Instead of her usual simple clothing and a pouch bag, she-

“Come on, what took you so long? Off we go.” Julie grabs me by the arm and presses onward.

Sylvie barks.

“Wait- Okay, you do not even know what we are doing. Calm down.”

“Can the Village healer not be excited in this endeavor? Right, Sylvar?” Julie asks, still holding on to me.

“Right, you are.” Sylvar responds.

“Not using any of your usual, my friend Julielle, this time?” Meuko mocks.

“I- I-”

“Do not answer that. She is clearly trying to trap you.” I interrupt Sylvar’s attempts at a response.

“So, what are we doing?” Julie asks, finally letting go of my arm.

Just like that, we are out of the Village, walking towards the mines.

“Intercepting goblin patrols. And getting metal ores from the mines.” I explain.

“Are you sure this is appropriate for a first expedition?” Sylvar asks.

Sylvie moves a bit further ahead than the rest of us, making sure we are safe.

“We ran from a griffin, two different groups of goblins and all that after we had already ran for Hollis’ life.” I say.

“I do see your point, my friend Volter. However, those were stressful circumstances. Unexpected. Should we not establish a better training system?” Sylvar says.

“You are talking about me like I am not here.” Julie says.

“To be fair, we are talking about me thinking you should come with us.” I say.

“Meuko?” Julie asks.

“I agree with Volt.” Meuko says.

“That was fast.” I say.

“And direct, one might say.” Sylvar says.

“You love Julie. You would not put her in harm’s way if you did not think she could handle it. We grew up together. I trust you.” Meuko says.

Damn. What do I say? I need to figure something out pretty fast.

“You showed me a lot these past few days but is there anything you want me to focus on now?” Julie asks Sylvar.

I finally have enough time to notice Julie’s equipment. A belt with a few medicinal substances, as far as I know. A quarterstaff strapped on her back, a pouch and findal armor covering her arms, legs and torso. She also has a helmet that she chooses to keep tied to her belt. She better wear it if trouble appears. And… Like everyone in our group, except our beloved Sylvie, she has a coat to protect her from any rain or other weather elements.

“First, we try to not kill any goblins unless we have to. Volter’s orders.” Sylvar says.

“Okay.” Julie says.

They keep exchanging a few words while I am focusing on checking my own equipment. Holsters good, knives ready and sharpened, sword ready, Varknife secure in my boot. Ready for anything.

Shall we?