A few days later, I found myself at the inn once more—this time, on another date with a different woman. It was evening and the sun dipped low in the sky, casting an amber hue across Sagewood that matched the glow of the inn’s hearth. Across from me sat Martha, the innkeeper’s daughter. She was indeed gorgeous, with deep blue eyes and long blonde hair. Her coloring was like that of her father, but her features were all Cindy. She had a dazzling smile and heart-shaped face, as well as the telltale pointed ears of her elven heritage. Yet, despite her beauty, I found it difficult to make a connection. She seemed nice enough, but there was something missing… and I couldn’t quite put my finger on what it was. Perhaps it was the fact that she seemed much younger than me, though it was difficult to tell with elves, sometimes. Or maybe it was the fact that she reminded me of some of the girls I went to high school with.

Two pints of cider sat between us—courtesy of her parents, who had been delighted when they’d learned about my interest in courting their daughter—but I hadn’t even touched mine. My thoughts were elsewhere, which made it hard to focus on the conversation at hand.

“Matt?” Martha’s voice pulled me back to reality, and I looked up to meet her concerned gaze. She’d been talking for so long and I couldn’t remember what she’d been saying.

“What? Oh, sorry Martha. What is it you were saying?” I scrubbed my sweaty palms over my pant legs.

Martha’s expression softened. “Are you all right, Matt? You seem… a bit off.”

“I’m sorry. I just have a lot going on with the farm. Planting season and whatnot.” I cleared my throat. The truth was, there was so much more than that going on at the farm. I gave Martha a smile that felt more like a grimace. “So… did you like growing up in Sagewood?”

“You already asked me that.” Martha’s brows pinched together into a frown. “Am I really that dull?”

“No! No, you’re not dull at all. It’s just… I’m sort of terrible at these sorts of things.” I took a sip of cider, hoping the drink would loosen my tongue a bit. “Tell me more about yourself.”

She smiled, but her brow remained slightly furrowed. “You know, I’d rather hear a bit about you.”

“About me?” I took another sip. “What do you want to know?”

“Where did you grow up?”

“I’m from a town called Phoenix,” I replied. “Actually, it’s more of a city than a town. A big city, in the middle of the desert. It was… hot, there.” Nice, Matt. Smooth.

“I bet it was,” she said. “I’ve read about the desert at school. It sounds dreadful.”

“Dreadful? I wouldn’t go that far. In the wintertime, the weather’s great. Though, during summer, it feels like you’re living on the surface of the sun.” I was expecting a smile or a chuckle or some kind of reaction, but my response only earned a curious stare. I took another swig of cider. “Anyway, I’m a lot happier in Sagewood. Everyone here is so friendly.”

“That’s true,” she said, taking a dainty sip from her own pint. “It’s so nice to be back. I know just about everyone here, and whenever I come home, they all make a point to stop by the inn to say hi.”

“That must be nice.”

“Oh, it is. Part of me thinks it would be nice to travel and see the world, maybe study in some far-off country, but another part of me knows this place will always be home. My dad’s made it clear that he expects me to take over the family business one day.”

I felt myself relax a little as the cider worked its magic. “Would you want to? Become an innkeeper, I mean.”

“Yes, I think so.” She brushed a lock of golden hair out of her face and tucked it behind one of her ears. “I’ve been waiting tables in this common room my entire life. But if I’m being honest, it’s the baking that I like the most. Making croissants and pastries with my mom is my favorite thing in the world.”

I grinned, and it felt like the first genuine one I’d had all night. “If I could live on one type of food for my entire life, it would definitely be your mom’s croissants. That, and your dad’s cider.” I held up my pint to emphasize my point. “I would be a very fat, and very happy, farmer.”

She giggled. “Well, maybe one of these days I can teach you how to make them. It isn’t very difficult, and it might be a nice break from farming.”

“Yeah, that sounds like fun, Leia.” I froze as soon as the words left my mouth. My eyes felt like they were going to pop out of my skull.

Martha stared at me for a moment before responding. “Did you… just call me Leia?”

“Me? No. At least, I don’t think so. Leia, Martha, they both sound pretty similar, you know?” I took another drink of cider, but it went down the wrong tube and I nearly choked. Eyes watering, I set the pint aside and tried to cough without spraying the table.

Martha shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

When my airway was finally clear, I forced a smile. I could tell that my face had turned beet red. “So… did you like growing up in Sagewood?”

She crossed her arms in front of her. “I think I know what’s going on here.”

My heart rate quickened and I felt my blush deepen. “What do you mean?”

Martha leaned forward. Her expression wasn’t angry, but rather understanding, if not a little sad. “You’re still in love with Leia, aren’t you?”

I reached for my cup to take another drink but thought better of it and retracted my hand. “No, she… Leia? She left. She’s gone. I don’t even remember her, hardly.”

Martha gave me a small smile. “It’s all right. I grew up here, remember? Leia was like an older sister to me.”

I started. “Really?”

She nodded. “We used to pick wildflowers together, and she taught me how to braid my hair. I’m a few years younger than her, but she always treated me so kindly. I probably know her better than I know anybody else in Sagewood.”

“That’s… great,” I said, dumbfounded. “I had no idea.”

“I heard about you two, you know. That you spent a lot of time together before she left. I even heard about your birthday party, and how you danced together all night long.”

I wiped my sweaty palms again. Of course she’d heard about that, I thought, feeling stupid. It happened just a few feet away from where we’re sitting. Her parents own the freaking inn! I didn’t really know how to respond. After a brief pause, I hung my head and whispered, “I’m sorry, Martha.”

She reached forward and patted my hand. “Don’t be sorry,” she said. “Leia’s someone special, and I can’t fault you with falling in love with her. And if she felt the same way about you… then you must be someone special too.”

“Thank you,” I said softly. “That means a lot. But… she’s gone. In Azurebrook. And… I’m not really sure what I should do, now.”

Martha sat back in her chair, her features taking on a look of resolve. “Go after her.”

Now it was my turn to frown. “Go after her?” I asked. “I can’t just… go after her.”

“Why not?”

“Because she left. That was her choice. And I have responsibilities here.”

“Azurebrook isn’t that far away,” Martha said, unconvinced. “Haven’t you ever looked at a map? Besides, if I know Leia, she’s miserable up in that city. She’s probably looking for any excuse to come back home.” Martha met my gaze and held it for a long moment. “You can be that excuse, Matt. Figure out a way to leave for a few days. Hitch a ride on a wagon heading north, or better yet, ride a horse. This was always where Leia was meant to be… and I think she knows that, deep down.”

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

I sat for a moment, considering. This was not at all how I pictured the evening going. Even so, my heart couldn’t help but leap at Martha’s words. Is Leia truly miserable up in Azurebrook? Would she consider coming back to Sagewood? The thought of riding to an unfamiliar city to try to win her back filled me with anxiety—what if she said no? Yet again, Martha did say she knew Leia better than anyone else in Sagewood. If there was a chance—even a slim chance—that I could convince her to come back to town with me, would it be worth the trip?

The answer in my heart was a firm and resounding yes.

I sat back and gave Martha a grateful smile. “You’re a really good friend, you know that?”

Martha beamed. “I’ve been told that once or twice.”

“I think I’m going to do it,” I said, the decision solidifying within me. “I think I’m going to visit her in Azurebrook. I mean, what have I got to lose?”

Martha thought for a minute, then reached into a pouch in the small side bag she wore. “Here—bring her some of these.” She withdrew a white and gold flower and handed it across the table. I took it and studied it curiously. “It’s called a Summer Blossom. They’re Leia’s favorite flower. They don’t grow well outside of nature, so the Rockborns can’t cultivate them in their nursery, but you can find them in the fields during late spring and summer.”

“Thank you,” I said, delicately placing the flower into my inventory. “A thousand times, thank you, Martha. And… I’m sorry that our date didn’t really work out.”

“It did, in a way,” she said, smiling. “Just promise me that you’ll treat her the way she deserves to be treated. As I said, Leia’s a special person to me.”

“She is to me, too.” I counted out a few etherchips and placed them on the table. The least I could do is pay for our drinks. “You’ve given me a lot to think about,” I said. “It was really nice to meet you. And… thanks again for your advice.”

“Don’t mention it,” she said, laughing. “Now, go and tell Leia to come back home where she belongs.”

I grinned at her and stood. “I will. Have a good night, Martha.”

“And you as well, Matt.”

I made my way through the empty common room and toward the front door. Night hadn’t fully fallen yet, and there was still time to talk to Woods about my trip to Azurebrook. I was confident the surly sprite was capable of taking care of things on the farm while I was away. I reached for the doorknob, but someone called my name. “Matt! Matt, don’t leave yet! We need to speak with you!”

I turned and saw the archaeologist Merrick hurrying down the stairs. He was clutching a sheaf of papers, and his fingers were smudged with ink.

“Matt!” he said breathlessly, coming to stand before me. “Have you given any more thought to allowing us access to the cave on your property?”

I paused, having completely forgotten that they had wanted to excavate the cave. Woods had thought it was a good idea, but I hadn’t yet had time to deal with Tyr. What would happen if the archaeologists discovered an actual dragon living beneath my farm? “Honestly, I’ve been a little preoccupied lately,” I said. “But as soon as I take care of a few things, you can come start your work.”

The disappointment was evident in Merrick’s expression, but he forced a smile. “Very well,” he said. “But don’t keep us waiting too long! We have important work to conduct, and it’ll be in everyone’s best interest for us to begin as soon as possible.”

“I promise I’ll let you know soon,” I said, reaching for the doorknob again. “It was nice seeing you.”

“Nice seeing you, too, Farmer Matt!”

I stepped out into the cool evening air and started heading back to the farmhouse, my mind turning back to my conversation with Martha. Archaeologists, caves, dragons, corrupted monsters, farming… all these things paled in comparison to my sudden desire to go to Azurebrook City. I wanted to leave right away, put everything on the backburner while I attempted to win back the love of my life. Hope surged within me for the first time in months, and I quickened my pace through town, eager to talk to Woods. He’s going to take some convincing, but I’m sure I can get him to agree to help me out. With all the sprites pitching in, I’d be able to ensure that my crops and my animals were taken care of—at least for a few days.

The sun was setting behind me, casting long shadows across the rolling hills. The trees that lined my route swayed gracefully in the gentle breeze, their leaves rustling together softly. I could hear the chirping of crickets and the buzzing of bees as they started to settle down for the night. All the plants in the valley were a vibrant shade of green—the color of new growth. The lingering vestiges of last year’s blight and corruption had largely receded, which left behind a landscape poised for a fresh start.

“Matthew Miller!” a commanding voice cut through the ambient sounds of Sagewood. I turned, my gaze directed toward the heart of the town where shops and buildings were clustered together. A formidable assembly of soldiers stood there, each proudly displaying the emblem of Baron Ramsguard.

Annoyance crept over me at the unexpected intrusion. Always one more thing to deal with, I thought as I sized up the group of soldiers. The head guard advanced assertively, scrutinizing me as he declared, “You are hereby charged with endangering the citizens of Sagewood. You are under arrest.”

I blinked, taken aback. Under arrest?

“How have I endangered the people of Sagewood?” I asked, aware of the growing audience peering from their windows at the unfolding spectacle.

“It has come to the Baron’s attention that you, Mr. Miller, were responsible for the fire on your property last fall,” the head guard proclaimed. “You stand accused of multiple counts of arson.”

I felt a dryness in my mouth and knew that the guard’s words weren’t far from the truth—I had indeed started the fire that had nearly consumed Sagewood. As I tried to formulate a response, another guard approached and firmly secured my hands behind my back. Before I knew what was happening, they were marching me away from my farm like a common criminal.

As we walked the path I had taken just moments ago, I noticed curtains closing as the people of Sagewood retreated from view of the guards. We passed the inn, and I saw Martha, Merrick, and Cassanda wearing shocked expressions as the scene unfolded just outside their window.

My ears burned with embarrassment. This was absurd! So much time had passed since the Harvest Festival and now the Baron wanted to make an issue out of it? I found myself wishing I had a lawyer—if lawyers even existed in this world.

I hung my head in shame.

Eventually, we arrived at a wagon that was adorned with the Baron’s insignia. I was unceremoniously pushed inside. A small window allowed me to catch a fleeting glimpse of the outside world, but as the daylight waned, the realization set in that darkness would soon engulf me. I panicked as I realized that no one was coming to save me. The sprites were all back on the farm. None of them would know what happened to me or where to find me.

I was pulled from my thoughts as I heard voices outside the wagon, and to my surprise, I recognized two of them. Craning to see, I recognized the innkeeper Harvey and Ronny, the cashier at the general store. Both were speaking with the guards.

“There must be some mistake, that man is a farmer, not a criminal—” Harvey began before the guard cut him off.

“This is a direct order from Baron Ramsguard. I assure you this for everyone’s safety.”

“But he’s done nothing wrong,” Ronny protested.

The guard didn’t respond. He merely tipped his hat to the two men and turned. The wagon jostled as he climbed aboard, and the wheels ground into the dirt as we headed north.

A suffocating sensation gripped my chest as the grim reality sank in. The imminent fate that awaited me was rotting in the Baron’s dungeon. Gazing out the window, I wracked my brain for how to get out of this predicament.

Woods had gone through something similar. He was incarcerated in the Baron’s dungeon for half a season before we rescued him. Would I be able to last until the sprites found out what happened to me?

My mind raced with thoughts as the wagon rumbled up the road, northward, away from my farm and away from the town of Sagewood.

***

Some of the sprites were gathered at the table the next morning, enjoying a puffy German pancake slathered in syrup for breakfast. It was quieter than usual.

Clay looked up from his breakfast, a confused expression on his face. “Where’s Matt? Did he not come home last night?”

“Apparently not,” Reed said, exchanging a sidelong glance with Rock and Woods.

“Do you think he got lost or something?” Clay asked, worry tinging his voice.

“He’s… probably doing fine,” Woods said. “Why don’t you, Flint, and Holly go take care of the animals for him until he returns?”

“I can’t help with the animals today,” Flint said. “I have to help Fern with something.”

Holly snickered, her eyes glinting with mischief as she turned on Flint. “Flinty and Ferny, sitting in a tree—"

“It’s not like that, Holly,” Flint cut her off, though his pointy ears had already turned a deep shade of crimson.

Holly and Clay continued to tease Flint as the three left the farmhouse together.

Reed rifled through his bag, sighing as he pulled out two gleaming fishing hooks. With one last forlorn look at the shiny metal lures, he handed one to Rock and the other to Woods.

“If I’d known his date was going to go that well, I’d never have bet my prized hooks.”

“Rock,” Rock commented, shrugging.

“Yeah, I guess Matt’s more charismatic than I thought. I mean, it must’ve gone really well if he didn’t even come home last night…” Reed trailed off and knit his eyebrows together.

“Hmmm,” Woods grunted as he turned the fishing hook over in his hands. Rock narrowed his eyes at the two other sprites present.

Silence filled the farmhouse once again for a few long moments.

“There’s no way.”

“Absolutely no way.”

“Rock.”

Woods handed the hook back to Reed. Rock sighed and took one last look at the shiny lure before handing it back as well.

“Maybe he got drunk again and got lost in the forest?” Reed offered, shoving both fishing hooks back into his bag.

“That certainly sounds like something he’d do, but I’ve got a bad feeling about this. We need to find him, and quickly.”

“Rock,” Rock agreed, shoveling the last of his breakfast into his mouth.

Woods stood to depart, but paused and turned to Reed.

“Why is Flint hanging around with Fern?”

Reed shrugged. “Not sure. He had me make some spectacle frames for her, but that’s all I know.”

“Rock,” Rock said, shrugging.

Woods nodded thoughtfully, then turned and left the farmhouse, Rock and Reed following him.