It is still dark outside. There are still signs of the flood but most of the work is done. Guess I did not sleep all that long. Wait… Why am I seeing everything from a height? Did I sleepwalk straight up to a tree?

No. This is a dream. Again? Is it just a random dream or a-

Sylvar. Meuko. Julie. All floating next to me. Semi-transparent.

Alayne, Modesta and Eadwald are behind the Leader’s house. This is the first time we have a dream like this. I wonder if I can see myself sleep. The conversation the Hunters are having reminds me I should probably focus there.

“The tree? We have to keep the boy away from that place, then.” Modesta says.

This seems like a private conversation… About me.

“We cannot exactly just tell them to stop. And a second group of Hunters makes the Villagers feel safe.” Eadwald says.

“They will have to stay here. We cannot risk further contact.” Alayne growls.

“There are too many issues for us to handle alone. We are no closer to finding the Queen, the land needs replenishment, the flood has set us back and the Veil will need a recharge soon.” Eadwald says.

“The land and the veil are perfectly fine. Just because I lost my arm does not mean I lost my brain.” Modesta snaps.

Why are they talking about this outside? They are hiding like children… Is it because they want to stay in general view of the Villagers? Maybe, if they left, everyone would search for them. At least I get to listen in on this conversation.

“Besides, the kids should be glad we let them run around this whole time. I told you they would be a problem.” Modesta says.

“A problem and an Empty One are different situations.” Eadwald says.

“Volter will do as he is told. Have him train the kids. Meuko and Sylvar can still offer their strength. They could be useful against the goblins.” Alayne says.

“We have another issue.” Modesta says.

“Talk.” Alayne says.

“I took a look over my inventory. Wanted to make sure that the flood did not damage anything. A scroll is missing.” Modesta says.

“Are you sure you did not just use it?” Eadwald says in an uncharacteristically playful manner.

“What would I do with a Revealing scroll?” Modesta scoffs.

“Unimportant.” Alayne growls.

“We should find out who took it.” Modesta says.

“Fine. You two can find that out. No one would talk to me, regardless.” Alayne says.

“Just keep that brat away from the spirit. Should be simple, with their skills...” Modesta mocks.

“Someone is coming.” Eadwald says.

The three of them move away from their sort of hiding spot. They wave at Blago, who is shouting at them to come help. A loud gust of wind awakens me from my dream. I mean, our dream. I wake up next to Sylvar.

I do not remember sleeping like this. Is my bed really big enough for the both of us? I instinctively kick Sylvar out of the bed.

“Good morning to you as well.” Sylvar says.

“Sorry. Completely forgot we were sleeping together.” I respond.

“More importantly, should we meet with Meuko and Julielle?” Sylvar says.

“At least we slept with clothes. Let us go.” I say.

“Of course we slept with-”

“No need to talk about it. Just move.” I mumble.

“You are the one who mentioned it.” Sylvar says.

We barely make it outside my home and the sisters are shouting at us. They must have been rushing to see us too. We did see the same dream, I guess.

“What do we do?” Meuko asks.

“They cannot do that to Vol, can they?” Julie asks.

I quickly check around us, making sure that no one can hear us. There is a bit of sunlight outside. Not enough to make it a morning but definitely more than what we saw a few minutes ago. We start moving behind Sylvar’s house. That way, we can use the archery range to see anyone approaching us.

“Did this even happen?” I ask.

“We have seen a dream that has not happened yet.” Sylvar says.

He is talking about the giant flaming rock that was above our Village.

“We cannot take the chance.” Meuko says.

“Should we even stop them?” I say.

“Vol...” Julie’s voice trails off.

“I was scared.” I say.

“When?” Sylvar asks.

“When was I not… But, I am talking about when Modesta lost his arm. I charged in without a weapon and nearly got my teeth kicked in.” I say.

“You had spent a minute inside a tree in what seemed like a second. You got confused in the middle of the fight and forgot about your weapons. Next time, it will not be the same.” Meuko says.

“I did not forget. I had a knife. The one Blago gave me. I could have used it. But… I only used it when I thought no one could see me. I was worried about Modesta noticing it.” I explain.

“Blago gave you a knife?” Julie asks.

“And bracers.” Meuko says.

“When?” Sylvar asks.

“Right before we left for the Varuna tree. He gave me a knife and bracers made from Varuna wood, meant to protect me. He is worried about my weakness to magic.” I say.

“How nice of him.” Julie says.

“Can we focus, now?” Meuko says.

“My friend Volter. You had a plan to do just what the Hunters are trying to do to you.” Sylvar says.

“Like I said… Maybe they are not wro-”

“They are.” Julie interrupts me.

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“Snaray really likes you. Do you want Alayne to attack the gray goblins?” Meuko asks.

My ears feel like blood is pumping through violently. Is this fear? Stress? The image of Snaray’s daughter trying to crawl away. Alayne standing over her, ready to burn her alive. She cannot move in time because she lost a leg.

My heart could jump out of my body. Yet… Somehow, I know that I will do something to get myself out of this situation. I do not have time to wonder about whether or not I should.

“Gather everyone except those sleeping. They need to rest.” I say.

“Blago’s blacksmith?” Sylvar asks.

“Thando’s training area.” I say.

“What do we do about Kianel’s family?” Julie asks.

“We help Ana… And I have just the thing.” I say.

“That is more like it.” Meuko says.

“And you should probably get ready. The Hunters will not like it.” I say.

“Do not worry about that. We can beat them.” Meuko says.

For some reason… I believe her. They leave, spreading towards the Villagers. I go to the training area without even realizing I was walking there. I think it has something to do with the general nerves of giving a speech. Should I start with saying something nice? Should I mention Kianel’s death? How did Alayne make his speech?

I should probably figure this out fast. There is nothing to figure out. There is no way for me to do this properly. Maybe Sylvar could do it. He has the eloquent speech. Or Julie. Everyone cares about her and she has a lot of influence.

“Volter?” Murat asks.

“What are you all doing here?” I ask.

Murat has arrived, accompanied by Brinout and the Village kids. Just like that, fourteen people surrounded me. And one Blight Dog that has stuck next to Ana.

“They said you asked for us.” Brinout says, pointing at the general vicinity of my friends.

“Not exactly. I do not know if the kids should hear this...” I say.

“Why not us?” Ana says.

“Why are you even up this early?” I ask.

The kids look at each other with… Sadness. I am such an idiot. Of course they are too scared to sleep.

“Can we eat?” Olwyn asks.

He is a ten-year old elf. He has a nine-year-old sister. Hilayde. The brother has short brown hair and the sister has silver hair that reach her shoulders.

“After the speech.” Brinout says.

“No, it is not a spee-” I stop myself.

Why am I hesitating like this?

What is this invisible lump in my throat? This somehow feels more difficult than facing that armored hobgoblin. The rest of the Villagers start gathering. Vilgot and Durga, the parents of the two elvish kids. Rena… Even Kiera and Amsin, Kianel’s parents. I hate this so much.

“Will there be mashed potatoes?” Brantama asks, Brinout’s daughter.

So many people. So many names. I am supposed to gather them here and do what? Tell them what to do? That seems funny, coming from the one person that has never worked around here, except for being a Hunter the past few months. I am so panicking right now.

“Everyone here? Great. Now, stop talking.” Meuko’s voice.

“Vol?” Julie’s expression when she is trying to see if I am worried always makes me feel so… Well, worried.

I look around, trying to find something that will make me feel lighter, confident or even barely competent. I see my parents, standing behind the groups that have gathered here. I do not think they would make me feel better if they were right beside me.

“Come on, then. Do not keep us waiting, you disgrace of a Villager.”

A voice from the far back of the gathering. Blago. The feeling of shock from that statement is quickly followed by my chuckle.

“Bring the old guy in front. Bears have problematic hearing.” I mock Blago.

“That is not true.” Sylvar says.

“Not the point, Sylvar.” Julie elbows him.

Blago moves in front. I fist bump him.

“Thanks. Needed that.” I say.

“Just be the same useless sack of berries you always have been.” Blago says.

I take a big breath and…

“Sorry for bringing you all here, especially you, Thando. Please, do NOT break my arm.”

A few chuckles here and there.

“We have work to do. Come on.” Thando nags.

“And that is why I am apologizing. Given recent events...”

Just like that. Use Sylvar’s words. Try to appear more intelligent than you are.

“The Hunters have decided to make some changes. Kianel’s d- Passing… Was at the very least tragic and by all means something that will stay with us for a long time. I offer his family condolences.” I start my speech.

I give a look at Ana, who maintains her composure. She does not cry and she definitely does not hold anyone’s hand. That is one strong half-dwarf. But I can tell she is faking it. If I was nine years old and lost my parents, I would stop doing anything as well. Pretending nothing has changed is better than expressing the pain she feels.

“Thanks to Hollis, we have a better window of opportunity for regaining our food supply. If anything, her actions speak to the certainty of change. We can no longer afford to halt our foraging routine. I do know that you all want to feel safe as well. That is why I-”

Alayne, Modesta and Eadwald just wander here. Shit. What do I do? The stress forces my hands to move awkwardly and play with the findal material of my armor on my legs. Should have brought the metal piece for my chest. My eyes frantically look around. Breathe. Concentrate. I look over at my parents. They both nod in confidence, holding each other. Are they… Proud?

Guess I was wrong.

I really needed that.

“That is why our Leader has decided to stay in the Village with Modesta and Eadwald. Sylvar, Meuko and I will keep making expeditions for any resource retrieval Blago or the rest of you need.”

Everyone starts talking. The prevalent, as Sylvar would say, emotion is concern.

“This is, of course, because of the Leader’s desire to help around here. We do need the three Hunters to make sure that all of you are trained properly, Eadwald’s task mainly. Modesta will make sure the Village functions properly. As far as I know, the Leader will help with the foraging. I do thank our Leader for the opportunity to make this speech, since I need to improve on my communication skills to meet the Village’s needs. And I intend to do just that.”

The concern quickly changed to excitement. They all wanted something like this. To feel like they are not ignored. I still need to come up with something before Alayne can grab me or something. Got it.

“Now… Our Leader would like to say something for the Remembrance. I am sure even Thando will not oppose that.” I close my speech.

I move away from my central position, trying to cut my way through the crowd.

“Later...” Alayne says, passing next to me.

As soon as I find myself outside of the group of Villagers that has gathered, Modesta and Eadwald intercept me.

“What was that?” Modesta snaps in disbelief.

“Why would you make that move against us? We never talked about this.” Eadwald says with no animosity whatsoever.

They both do their best to whisper their arguments, not wanting to attract attention. That somehow makes them seem more frightening.

“We should probably listen to this.” I say, pointing at Alayne.

I am so trying to avoid this conversation.

“Thank you.”

“We really need you now.”

Voices that show love to Alayne. He must be hating this right about now. I cannot believe I made this speech. It was perfect. I quickly mentioned the pain, then made everyone think that the plan I proposed was Alayne’s idea.

“We have been blessed with the efforts of our Village’s healer. Both her power and commitment to her craft are commendable. But, even that could not save Kianel from the flood...”

My lungs are too tired for me to focus on Alayne’s speech. I can barely breathe here. I had to raise my, what was it that Julie called it… My sternum and take shallow breaths. I put too much effort into this.

“Is this how you repay us after letting you roam freely?” Modesta whispers.

I feel like I should hold back. Do not say anything, Volter. Calm down.

“You were going to remove me from the Hunters and manipulate my group into working for you… And you want to focus on me?” I growl.

Modesta looks at me and for the first time in my life… He is speechless. No snarky remark. No insult. No claim that they never tried to do such a thing or that I have no idea what I am talking about. He knows I overheard but he cannot figure out how. I just called it MY group. Snarlay does not count. That must have been surprising to Modesta as well.

I almost sound like- No, do not say it.

“The Village has gathered in its entirety and shall offer its full support to Kiera, Amsin, Rena and Ana. Like the boy said, the experienced Hunters shall remain here. The new ones will have to continue their efforts outside… Only if they prove themselves. We shall test them shortly and anyone who wants to join us, they can.” Alayne finishes his speech.

What did he just say?

“What is your favorite phrase- Right. Shall we?” Eadwald says.

If she is angry, I cannot see it. Alayne moves towards us. I cannot believe I have to deal with them on my own. Modesta and Eadwald in front of me and now Alayne as well.

“I want to try taking you on.” Meuko’s voice.

“Now, it was Volter that suggested this, was it not? It only stands to reason that he is the one going through a trial.” Eadwald says.

Modesta remains silent, probably because he does not want to cause a scene in front of everyone.

“But it is not Volter’s trial. It is our group’s.” Sylvar says with Sylvie in tow.

“And you do not mind if we watch, according to our Leader at least.” Dariy says.

“I will be ready for any healing, of course.” Julie says.

“Seems like we are going to have something entertaining happening for a change.” Blago chuckles, grabbing me from the back of the head and bringing me closer.

“No using them.” Blago whispers as quickly as possible.

If I had to guess, he is referring to the Varuna gear he made me. Seeing everyone standing next to me, especially against the Hunters… I almost want to cry. Almost.

“It matters not. You can handle her, correct?” Alayne says.

“You can even keep the armor on.” Meuko chuckles.

She does not usually just mock someone out of spite. Is she trying to bait Eadwald into a duel?

“Just our normal clothing will be fine.” Eadwald says.

“Trust me… You will want the armor and the shield.” Meuko says.

She did not just… Looks like we are having a duel.