We wait for the Hunters at Blago’s smithy. That is what Blago likes to call “him”. Apparently, his place is a boy. They slowly approach us from the West side of the Village, the place where the rest of the people are. Modesta and Eadwald appear full of dirt, with Alayne in front of them looking pristine as always. They must have been helping the Villagers in our absence. I keep playing around with my knife, hoping to feel less pressure around my throat. It does not seem to help.

“What is the plan?” I ask.

“No mentioning of the dog.” Meuko says.

“You mean Monster?”

“Not now, my friend Volter.”

“No mentioning of what the hobgoblin said.” Meuko keeps going, as if nothing was said “Everything else should be fine, just be honest and quick.”

“Excellent plan” Sylvar says.

“Maybe stop playing with knives.” Meuko says.

“Right...” I respond, putting the knife back in the belt holster.

“You have returned.” Alayne says, with the usual low growl in his voice. “We need to talk.”

“As if we did not do enough covering for you, running around on petty errands.” Modesta says.

“That is our job as well. No use complaining about it.” Eadwald says.

“Then… Shall we go to my house?” Sylvar says.

No. There is more we can do. I know we could do more. Things are weird here… Why are we not allowed outside, how does all this magic work, what are the goblins talking about?

“Actually, maybe we should go to your house, Leader? Six is a lot for our places.” I say.

Alayne stays silent. Meuko and Sylvar give me a knowing look, like I push further than I can manage. It does not matter. Eadwald seems surprised. Modesta looks so shocked, he cannot even figure out an answer.

“Well?” Modesta says, looking at Alayne.

“Follow me.” Alayne says as he makes his way towards his house.

We follow the Hunters as they lead us towards Alayne’s house. It is the largest building in the Village, excluding the care house, of course. I have only seen the inside three times. Alayne has sometimes hosted a huge feast for the Village. One was when Meuko and Julie’s dad died, when Julie and I were ten. I do not like remembering those times. Damn Remembrances. There were other ones, but I stayed out of those. Their mother had already died giving birth to Julie. I think Julie always wanted to heal people, especially after her father... Something about it made her feel strong. She is. The second one was when I was twelve and my parents figured out a way to work with Modesta in order to make our food supply many times more efficient. No more waiting for months a crop or rationing our food during storms and colds. Alayne wanted to commemorate that. The last one was when Sylvar joined the Village three years ago. I guess Alayne wanted to make him feel welcomed. There are others that came upon the Village when I was younger, but they were sicker and sometimes injured. When they recuperated, they wanted to avoid such festivities. At least, I think they did.

“Come in.” Alayne says, opening the large door to his house.

“Do not be scared now. Just a building” Modesta says, chuckling as he goes inside.

“I suggest you calm down. It will work out better that way.” Eadwald says, entering as well.

“Uh, shall we?” I say.

We enter.

This place is as huge as I remember. A large house with stone walls and wooden floor. This place consists of three rooms. Far in the back of this building, the left room is Alayne’s bedroom and the right room is his main storage. The rest of the place is the third room, basically a huge area where he can gather people. The Leader gestures towards the right of his house, where the long tables are situated. That is where he would bring all the Villagers. Of course, not everyone could fit so we had feasts for different groups over the course of two days.

“Take a seat” Alayne says.

“I hope you are not wasting our time.” Modesta says, drinking from one of the cups on the table. There are six cups on the edge of a table where the three Hunters have taken their seat. Were they expecting us? We pull chairs and take our seat. I notice that the Leader’s library is behind him, right outside of the storage room, hugging the wall.

“What did you find?” Eadwald asks.

“Not much” Meuko says.

“Are you sure?” Eadwald says, this time with a more suggestive tone.

“We...” Meuko seems to struggle finding the right words. “Found the cave the goblins stayed in. We decided to use fire and smoke to bring them out and used the confusion to slaughter them.”

“On whose instructions?” Alayne says. What just happened? Meuko appears a bit worn out.

“It was more of a team effort, really...” Sylvar says. “But it was Volter’s idea.”

“Well, I thought… Meuko could not get inside because of some sort of trap they had...” The words barely come out of my mouth, each breath making me more nervous. Everyone is looking at me, judging my actions. Why did Sylvar throw me straight to the wolves?

“Good.” Alayne says. “Save no sympathy for those vile creatures. We are tasked with protecting the Village. Nothing more.”

“And? What else?” Modesta says.

“We also found a sorcerer. Sylvar said it was a hobgoblin.” I say. As soon as I mention the hobgoblin, the pressure I felt in my head is gone. Something is wrong.

“Bigger than me, had the ability to move things from a distance.” Meuko says.

“Did you kill him?” Eadwald says.

“We managed, though it took great effort.” Sylvar says.

“A wonderful achievement, to someone who cares.” Modesta says.

“I have had enough fighting for one day, I am not in the mood to hear your incessant rambling.” I say.

“What?” Modesta says.

Why did I say that? I thought about saying it, sure. But thinking and actually going out of my way to insult him are two different things. Eadwald chuckles, her armor making small metallic noises.

“Would you like a demonstration of actual fighting, you naive boy?” Modesta says, energy crackling in his hands.

“Not really.” Meuko says.

“Enough. This is getting us nowhere. Were those goblins behind the attack on Hollis?” Alayne says. I cannot reveal anything about Travlon.

“Well, yes… But no”

What am I saying?

“What are you talking about? Tell us more.” Eadwald says.

I feel it. The pressure building inside my head again. A headache strong enough to make me double over.

“I am afraid we need to get some rest.” Sylvar says, wincing from some sort of pain.

“It can wait a few minutes.” Eadwald says. “What did you mean by no?”

“I meant… The goblins attacked Hollis but they were not the only ones.” I say

“Who else was part of it?” Modesta says.

“The goblins merely followed orders.” I say.

“Volter...” Meuko says, trying to remind me to keep silent. I know that. For some reason, though… I cannot.

“Whose orders?” Alayne asks.

“I… Something is wrong. It hurts...” I say. “You will not believe me, even if I tell you.”

“Volter, stop.” Sylvar says.

“Try me.” Alayne says.

“Travlon.” I say, sighing deeply and resting in the chair. Is there some sort of magic that compels me to tell the truth?

“Impossible.” Modesta says, hitting his hand on the table and rising up from the slightly heightened chair. “The kid lies.”

“Modesta… Not possible.” Eadwald says, lowering her head.

“But… How? Tell me.” Modesta says, looking straight into my eyes.

“The hobgoblin said so. They mentioned a Queen and a dwarf. What are you hiding from us?” I say.

“Volter, what are you doing?” Meuko says.

Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

I feel the pressure inside my head go away, for good this time. I did not even notice that all this time, my ears were ringing.

“I am sorry, Meuko. I do not know what happened… What did you do?” I say, gesturing at Eadwald.

“I apologize for all this, I mean it. We just wanted to be sure.” Eadwald says.

“What is happening here?” Sylvar says.

“Modesta, with me.” Alayne says, walking towards the exit. “Keep an eye on them.”

“Of course.” Eadwald says.

“No” Modesta says, letting his voice wander off as he follows Alayne outside.

“You… You used magic on us.” Meuko says.

“We had to, in order to know you are to be trusted outside.” Eadwald says.

“That was most dishonest of you.” Sylvar says.

He sounds… Angry. He drinks from the cup nearest to him, as if he is trying to find something to spend time on, avoiding the fact that the Hunters used magic on us. They wanted us to come here. That is why they had six cups here already.

“You were prepared. Six cups here, you were surprised when I mentioned coming here. Whatever magic this is, you could not have done it instantly.” I say.

“No. These are the runes around this place.” Eadwald says, waving her hand, fingers covered in blue energy. Bright blue runes are revealed around the table, as Sylvar, Meuko and I shudder and immediately move away from the table, knocking the chairs down.

“What is going on?” Meuko says.

“Like I said, we needed to know you can be trusted. We know now that you can.” Eadwald says.

The magic runes start breaking down into smaller parts, finally evaporating around us. Everyone in the Village can write and read, since we use books to account for everything around here. We know how to do these things and speak in three languages. Human, Dwarvish and Elvish. And yet… There were no runes that I could read.

“Do not be alarmed. The magic is no longer. Once activated, it only lasts for two minutes. After that, the runes are useless unless I charge them again.”

“How are we to trust you, then?” Sylvar asks.

“I do not.” Meuko says.

“I know a way you can make it up to us.” I say.

“Do you, now?” Eadwald says, smiling. “Go on.”

“Teach us about magic. We did face a sorcerer, after all. Make us stronger against them and I can move past it.” I say.

“This guy.” Meuko chuckles.

“Unbelievable.” Sylvar says.

Eadwald closes her eyes, breathes in, then lets out a long sigh.

“Of course. Anything you need.” Eadwald says.

“Also, I thin-”

The door being opened interrupts our discussion.

“Well then, show me your storage iss- What are you doing here?” Travlon says, clearly shocked that the four of us are here waiting for him. He turns around, as Alayne and Modesta close the door, guarding it. This is a rather intense situation. I move closer towards Meuko and Sylvar. Eadwald walks towards Travlon.

“There have been… Revelations about the attack on Hollis.” Eadwald says.

“Really? What else could you possibly find?” Travlon says.

“We talked with the goblins.” I say. “Why do you want Sylvar dead?”

“Calm yourself.” Eadwald says.

“Tell them they are wrong, Travlon.” Modesta says. “Those vile creatures were lying.”

“Speak.” Alayne says.

“Wh-No, I...” Travlon stutters.

“What have I done to cause such hate between us?” Sylvar says.

“I have no hate for you.” Travlon says, grabbing his chest, sighing heavily.

He seems genuinely worried. The same way I was when the Hunters came inside my home. I almost pity him.

“Here you go.” I say, giving him a cup of water.

“I had to do it” Travlon says, taking a drink. “I just… Had to. Something is wrong...”

“I thought your magic was over.” Meuko says.

“It is.” Eadwald says.

“She told me to do it, for the sake of the Village.” Travlon says.

“Who are you talking about? Hollis?” Modesta says.

“No. She said I needed to stop the Outsider’s influence. I am so sorry, Sylvar. Everything I did… I do not want Hollis to know, please. I...” Travlon drops on his knees.

“Enough excuses. Who told you to do it?” Alayne asks, flames being conjured around his hands. “I am getting tired of this.”

“She urged me, she- Volter, she told me you are the key. You are-” Travlon drops on the ground.

We all rush over him, making sure he is alright. He is barely breathing.

“To the care house, quickly.” I say. “I will fetch Julie.”

I start running as fast as I can, completely blocking out any sort of distractions from other people. I have to reach the forest. I run so fast that I feel the food I ate rising up from my stomach. My throat burns. Who is she? Who told Travlon to do things? Why am I a key? Why is Sylvar bad influence? What is happening? I feel what appears to be raindrops gently dropping on my head.

“Julie” I shout. “Where are you?”

“Right here.”

I start moving towards the voice. Julie is playing with the dog, laughing. I feel so bad that I have to ruin her day.

“Hey, Vol, how did it go?” Julie asks, quickly dropping her smile as she takes a close look at my expression.

“Run, Travlon is sick, badly. I will stay here. GO.” I say, urging her. “He needs to make it. Understand?”

“Always, Volter.” She says, looking like her usual determined and caring self. “I will send Sylvar when I can.”

“Good luck.” I say as we separate.

Monster tilts one of its heads as I sit down, then comes closer. The rain starts getting more intense, suddenly growing louder. Just my luck.

Everything is wet. Especially the two mugs that constantly nuzzle against my chest. Monster appears to be rather cuddly. Travlon… It has been raining for a few hours now. Thankfully, Julie packed some clothing for Sylvar in that bag she brought before we left. I cannot actually wear any of Sylvar’s clothes, so I just hung them over our heads, using a few sticks to keep them stable, right next to a tree. Is he dead? Julie must have helped him by now. What happened to him? Right as I doze off, Monster jumps out of the makeshift tent. I pull a knife out and follow him. It is Sylvar, silent as ever.

“Damn you, Sylvar, I am too tired to be worried about ambushes.”

“You should always be mindful of your surroundings, my friend Volter.”

“Good thing I have Monster here.”

Monster keeps pushing its body against Sylvar as he pets it. Someone clearly has a favorite.

“How is Travlon?”

“Julielle has stayed with him all this time. He keeps getting worse.” Sylvar keeps his head down, pensive and tired as well. Even if Travlon tried to have him killed, Sylvar is too kind to wish harm upon him.

“Did Julie say anything? Can we run over to the mountains and bring another egg or something? That should be enough for a cure.”

“I am sorry. I am not here for that. There is nothing Julielle can do. I am afraid Travlon will most probably die.”

I remain silent, taking in the fact that there is nothing I can do. I need to get stronger.

“I have to go there.”

“I understand. I shall stay here with M… They are at the care house.” Sylvar says, trying to avoid saying Monster’s name. Everyone loves that name, they just do not want to admit it. Not now… Need to focus.

“I am going. See you tomorrow.” I say, leaving for the Village.

“Goodnight.”

I run as fast as I can, fearing that Travlon might not last the night. I must have been careless, because I suddenly find myself tripping over some roots. My elbows are scraped and my clothing is full of mud. No time to worry about that. I push the door open, only to see the Hunters waiting right next to the entrance of the care house. Multiple candles light the hallway.

“Where were you?” Modesta asks.

“Training. Outside.” I say, trying to find Julie and Meuko.

“We should talk, Vol-”

“Not now.” I say, cutting Eadwald off as I keep moving inside. They have made a nursery just for Travlon out of the room that Meuko and Julie were resting when this whole adventure started. I find Julie caring for Travlon, who can barely keep his eyes open, while Meuko brings things for her.

“Travlon is still too warm.” Julie says.

“Need more towels?” Meuko says.

“Need any help?” I say, waving at both of them.

“Volt.” Meuko says, putting soaked bandages on Travlon’s forehead. Julie looks tired, her eyes are barely open.

“Vol” Julie says, leaning closer. “He is really sick. Hollis will be back soon. If there is anything you want to say…” She urges me to move closer towards Travlon.

“Travlon, can you hear me?” I ask, taking over for Meuko, easing his fever with soaked bandages.

“I will get him some food.” Meuko says.

“I am sorry… Sorry...” Travlon says. He is sweating and breathing shallow, clearly in pain.

“Calm down, man, speak clearly so we can help you.” I say, trying to remind him of the day he asked for help.

“Still… A brat.”

“A brat that saved Hollis.”

“Hollis… What have I done? Hollis always loved Sylvar. Where… Is he? I need to apologize.”

“He knows, Travlon. Why did you want him killed?”

“I… I was told.”

Who is trying to kill us? I do not have much time. I need to ask him about as much as possible.

“The goblins told you?”

“No... I worked with them, gave them… Please, water.”

I give him a cup to drink. He takes a sip and immediately starts coughing. How did this happen? Why is he so sick?

“What did you give them?”

“Today… A scroll… Do not tell Modesta. Hollis… I do not want her to get into trouble… Please...”

“What scroll?” I say, growling. This is getting even more intense. What have we gotten ourselves into?

“It could show things… That is all they needed…”

“He needs to eat.” Meuko says, showing me a pouch.

“Of course.” I say, getting out of the room. Before I take any step, Travlon grabs my hand, stopping me.

“Someone… Find the one talking to me. They want to kill us.” Travlon says, letting my arm go.

“Come on, Travlon… You have to eat.” Meuko says.

“Is he getting better?” Hollis says. She looks tired as well. I guess hearing that your husband suddenly falls ill really drains your strength. Julie nods and gestures for her to come closer. Before leaving the room, I see Hollis’ reaction to Julie’s whispering. She starts crying. The news must be negative. I stay with the Hunters.

“What did he say?” Eadwald asks.

“Not now...”

“If he said anything important, you should say so now.” Modesta says.

“Not… Now...”

“Volter.”

“I SAID NOT NOW.” I shout, not realizing that the last word was spoken by Alayne. I screwed up.

“I understand.” Alayne says.

“Sorry… I have to check on Travlon again.” I say, running back inside the makeshift nursery.

Meuko is sitting on the ground, holding Hollis and trying to calm her down.

“I took care of him and now… I cannot do anything.” Hollis says.

Meuko stays silent. Everyone in the care house knows that Travlon will not make it. I assume there is nothing to be said to his wife.

“Julie, anything you need?”

“Vol… We need more water. Take the bucket. Rainwater tonight is a blessing.”

“Be right back.”

I empty the bucket of used water and bring it back full, avoiding any looks from the Hunters. The cold outside reminded me that I need to sleep. Not yet. Still things to be done.

“Bucket of rain, here you go.” I say.

“Thanks Vol.” Julie says.

“Let me take over for a bit, you rest.”

“I am fine.”

“Of course you are. Now sleep for a bit. I got it.”

“Fine. I will give you some time.”

Julie spends what I imagine is the last bit of magic for the day, her hands glowing on the dwarf’s forehead. Travlon gains some small semblance of… life. She gave me a few moments I could spend asking him questions. She gestures to Meuko and Hollis, urging them to give us some privacy. I cannot do this. What if it was my parents?

“Wait. Hollis, you should stay with him. He is aware for a bit.”

Hollis moves closer, hands shaking, tears in her eyes.

“Thank you...” Hollis says, sitting next to Travlon.

“My resourceful elf...” Travlon says, weakly.

“Your standards are low… You could not find berries in a bush full of them.” Hollis says, chuckling.

“I found you.” Travlon says.

Meuko, Julie and I walk out.

“Will he make the night?” Meuko asks.

“I do not think so.” Julie says.

We join the Hunters. We remain silent for a few minutes. I simply do not know the right words to say. I guess the same could be true for everyone else.

“It has been a long time since we have had a funeral.” Eadwald says.

“I still cannot believe this. Travlon was good.” Modesta says.

“He still is.” I say.

Everyone looks shocked.

“Did I say anything weird?”

“He had your group ambushed and you feel no hatred for him?” Eadwald says.

“Sylvar would not. I have no right to.”

“I have no hatred for the man that supplied food for years. Making mistakes is natural.” Meuko says.

“Sylvar has really changed us.” Julie says.

“That he has.” Meuko says.

Hollis comes out of the nursery, crying uncontrollably.

“He… He...” Hollis cannot finish her sentence.

Travlon is gone. The rain turns into a storm with a loud cracking noise of thunder. I need to get stronger.