Chapter 19: The Calm Before the Journey .
Green Arbor basked in the golden glow of a late afternoon sun, its steady hum of life a testament to the resilience of its people. Children’s laughter echoed from the school, mingling with the rhythmic hammering of construction and the occasional call of merchants in the market. Amidst it all, Ava moved through her day with purpose, though her mind lingered on something—or rather, someone.
Talon had been busier than ever, throwing himself into training the ADF, perfecting his curing shed, and taking frequent hunting trips. His days were full, but to Ava, something seemed off. He was quieter during their brief meals together, and though he wasn’t one for deep conversations, she could sense a weight he wasn’t sharing.
She found herself standing outside the shaded shed he’d built, the rich scent of curing meat wafting through the air. Her fingers brushed the sturdy wood, admiring the craftsmanship. "Busy hands, quiet mind," she muttered to herself, the phrase something Talon often said when working on his projects. She sighed and turned back toward the village, deciding to focus on Callie and their patrol.
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At the school, the lively chatter of children spilled out into the yard as Ava approached. Inside, Lucas was sorting through a tangle of notes and maps, his desk a battlefield of papers and ink stains. Echo’s monitor flickered nearby, adorned with colorful trinkets and small gifts from the children.
“Bookworm, I see your war with the paperwork is as fierce as ever,” Ava teased, leaning against the doorway.
Lucas glanced up with a smile. “Oh, it’s a losing battle, trust me. But someone’s got to make sense of all this.”
From his monitor, Echo chimed in, his tone playfully dry. “Lucas seems to believe he’s the hero of this particular tale. I remain unconvinced.”
Ava laughed, stepping further into the room. “Careful, Echo. You’re spending too much time with Lucas—his sarcasm might be rubbing off on you.”
Lucas rolled his eyes, holding up a map. “Speaking of tales, take a look at this.” He spread it across the desk, revealing a faded, hand-drawn chart marked with notes. “Echo pulled this from his old database. I think it’s Dust Haven.”
Ava’s gaze sharpened as she studied the map. “That’s a long way out and deep in Syndicate territory.”
“Exactly,” Lucas agreed. “From what Echo recalls, it used to be a fishing hub, but now it’s crawling with raiders, smugglers, and syndicates. No law, no structure—just survival of the fittest.”
Ava leaned back, crossing her arms. “Sounds like the kind of place we’d stick out like a sore thumb. You think Talon’s ready for this?”
Lucas hesitated. “That’s for you to decide. But if we’re going to look for his mother, Dust Haven might be our best lead.”
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Ava nodded thoughtfully, but the discussion was cut short by Echo’s voice. “Ava, you have a visitor approaching.”
She turned to see Callie peeking through the doorway, her expression eager but hesitant. Ava straightened with a grin. “Perfect timing. You ready, Callie?”
“For training?” Callie asked, adjusting her gear.
“Not quite,” Ava replied. “We’re heading out on a patrol. It’s time you got a feel for Green Arbor, not just its people but its pulse.”
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The village bustled with activity as Ava and Callie set off on their route, weaving through the market where vendors called out cheerful greetings. Ava returned them with a nod, keeping her pace steady. Callie walked beside her, eyes darting between the stalls and the villagers who waved enthusiastically.
“See that?” Ava said, her voice calm but instructive. “Knowing the faces here, the routines—that’s half the job. A good Sentinel keeps their ears open and their presence steady. You’re not just a guard; you’re part of the community.”
Callie nodded, her grip on her rifle tightening as they passed a row of stalls selling fresh produce and cured meats. “Do you think they feel safer with us here?”
“They do,” Ava replied, her tone firm. “And that’s why we stay sharp. It’s not about showing off or looking tough. It’s about trust.”
As they crossed the bridge over the river, Ava gestured toward the flowing water. “The river’s the lifeblood of Green Arbor. Supplies, power, water—it all starts here. Patrols like this aren’t just for show; they’re how we keep things running smoothly.”
Callie glanced toward the hydro plant in the distance, its modest structure humming faintly. “That’s what powers the village, right?”
“Some of it,” Ava confirmed. “It’s limited, so most folks rely on wood-burning stoves and lanterns. But the plant’s vital. If it goes down, we’d all feel it.”
She smirked, adding with a chuckle, “The hydro guys are a great bunch to get to know, though.”
Callie tilted her head, curious. “What do you mean? In the tavern for drinks?”
Ava laughed, shaking her head. “Well, yeah, that too. But they’re engineers—they can pretty much make anything if you bring them the materials. They made Talon’s stove for him, and they’ll generally work for a few beers as long as you don’t waste their time.”
Callie grinned, nodding as Ava motioned for them to move on. “Come on. There’s still plenty to see.”
They continued past the plant, the sounds of the market fading into the background. Ava paused, motioning for Callie to stop. “Let’s talk about your gear.”
Callie looked down at her setup, her expression uncertain. “Is something wrong with it?”
“Not wrong,” Ava clarified. “But everyone’s different. You’ve got to find what works for you. Strip it down if it feels bulky, or build it up if you need more options. It’s all about balance.”
Callie nodded, adjusting her straps. “How did you figure out what worked for you?”
Ava smirked. “Trial and error. A lot of error.” She slung an arm around Callie’s shoulders, her tone light. “You’ll figure it out. Just don’t be afraid to experiment.”
As they made their way back toward the heart of the village, Ava noticed a faint tension in Callie’s steps. She stopped, turning to face her. “What’s on your mind?”
Callie hesitated, then admitted, “I just... I want to do this right. I don’t want to let you down.”
Ava’s expression softened. “You won’t. You’ve got heart, Callie, and that’s something no amount of training can teach. The rest will come with time. Just keep your eyes open and your mind sharp.”
Callie smiled, her confidence bolstered. “Thanks, Ava. I’ll do my best.”
“Good,” Ava replied with a grin. “Now let’s finish this patrol and see what the bookworm’s up to. I’m sure he’s got more maps to bury us in.”
As they walked back into the village, the sounds of life enveloped them once more. Ava’s gaze lingered on the horizon, her mind already turning to the challenges ahead. But for now, she focused on the present—on Green Arbor, Callie, and the quiet strength they were building together.