Sierra sat at the bar lazily looking at the room. Worn, rough looking tables and chairs sat empty. The fireplace had firewood stacked ready, but they weren’t needed due to the midday heat. A mounted bear head hung over the fireplace with its jaw wide open. She thought it was impressive when she was a kid but not anymore. It was normal for the tavern to be empty in the middle of the day, especially in a small village like Treante.

“What are you thinking about?”

Sierra turned to the young boy next to her. His shaggy brown hair was pulled back into a small ponytail. His clothes were well fitted despite the worn state, and the brass buttons on his vest were properly polished. Of course, the headsman’s son would have the finest clothes in the village.

“I’m not thinking anything Barrett,” Sierra said with a sigh, “I’m waiting for customers since Pa is out.”

Barrett scooched his stool closer, “I know something that could distract you,” he said with a goofy smile.

Sierra laughed, “No thanks,” she said, “I don’t feel like kissing my brother.”

“But I’m not though,”

“Close enough,” she said, “We grew up together.” The door opened drawing their attention.

A man walked in. He was in desperate need of grooming with his scruffy light brown hair and beard. His clothes were stained and dirtied from countless days on the road. On his right hip, a bent bronze sword hung from his belt by a frayed piece of rope, and the shield on his left arm was cracked with a chunk missing out of it. Dark circles hung around his dull green eyes. He sat down at the nearest table and rested his head in his hands.

Sierra approached the table with a polite smile, “May I get you something sir?”

The man took a deep breath and placed ten copper coins on the table, “Whatever food and drink I can get for this,” he said, “I don’t care what it is.”

“Right away sir,” Sierra said taking the coins.

Barrett nodded to the man, but Sierra responded with a shake of her head. This was the first time she’d seen him, but that didn’t matter since he was a paying customer. She filled a plate with cut fruits, cheeses, and meats, and filled a dented pewter mug with ale.

Sierra set the plate in front of him, “Here you are,”

“Thanks,” the man mumbled.

He slowly nibbled on the fruit and cheese. His movements were tense.

“What brings you to Treante?” she said looking him over.

The man’s grip tightened around the mug, and his eyes moistened, “Delivering a message,” he said, then downed his drink. Rivulets of ale spilled into his beard.

The door opened again, and a group of hunters stomped in. Their noisy chatter filled the once empty room as they took a seat at the largest table in the tavern. They whistled at Sierra and gestured for her to approach.

“Bring us some food, sweetie,”

Sierra gave the group a strained smile, “Coming right up.”

“The season’s nearly ending, and we’ve haven’t bagged a single kill,” Sierra heard the hunters from the kitchen. “Maybe we should try the dungeon.”

“That place is empty. We won’t find anything good until the dungeon core grows back.”

Sierra slid a tray of food onto the table, “Do you want anything to drink?” she said giving each man a look.

One of the hunters pulled Sierra into his lap, “What do you recommend?”

“Let go!” Sierra fought back.

“Leave her alone!” Barrett stood up but was pushed down.

“Sit down kid,” a hunter stood over him.

Sierra tried to push herself off, but the hunter’s grip tightened around her arm. The hunters laughed at her. Heat rushed to her face as she sneered at the filthy men. Another hand gripped her arm, and she squeezed her eyes shut. Then, she felt herself pressed against something solid. When she looked up, she found herself in the hold of the strange man.

“This doesn’t concern you,” the hunters stood off against him.

“You’re making a ruckus,” the man said, “Please leave.”

The closest hunter swung his fist, and the man brought up his shield. The hunter screamed in pain as his fist hit the shield, and then fell to the ground. His companions stared at the scruffy looking man in fear, then picked up their friend and rushed out of the tavern. The man let go of Sierra and returned to his table.

His shield broke in two, “Damn,” he said picking up the pieces.

“Thank you very much sir,” Sierra said, “Is there anything I can do to repay you?”

“There is one thing,” he said, “Do you know Lydia, Gordon’s wife?”

----------------------------------------

Nathaniel walked down the streets of the small village. A group of housewives standing by a well stare at him and whisper to each other. His gaze fell to the girl walking next to him. Something about her reminded him of Shizuka. After all, she had to be close to her age [15]. Her petite frame made the twin braided pigtails look cute on her. She led him to a two-story building house with a built-in forge, and a small garden.

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“Here we are,” Sierra said.

Nathaniel stared at the door. His breathing speeding up, “Thanks,” he said knocking on the door.

The door opened and a woman with grey hair in a single thick braid looked at them. Despite her age, Nathaniel could see the shadow of her former beauty, especially when she smiled at Sierra.

“What brings you here sweetie?” Lydia said turning to Nathaniel, “And who’s this?”

Sierra looked confused to Nathaniel as he bowed his head, “I’m Nathaniel Light ma’am,” he said, “I worked with Gordon, Ramsey, and Moses at Fort Cadarn.”

“Nathaniel!” Lydia said, her smile made her look a few years younger, “Come in, come in. Are the boys with you?”

“No ma’am,” Nathaniel said following her in. Sierra stepped in right behind him. “But I do have a message from Gordon.”

“Please, sit at the table while I get us some tea,” Lydia gently led Nathaniel to a chair and rushed into the kitchen. She came out a few minutes with a metal kettle and three cups. After filling the cups she sat next to Nathaniel, “What did Gordon want me to know?”

Nathaniel averted his gaze from her smiling face, and he pulled out the ring from his pouch. He bit his lower lip to keep it from quivering and he cleared his throat. Then, he placed Gordon’s ring on the table. Lydia stared at the ring with wide eyes and her hands over her mouth.

“He…says he’s sorry…” Nathaniel said, “For not…protecting your boys.”

Lydia took the ring in her hand and held it close to her chest. Tears streamed down her eyes.

“Auntie?” Sierra said placing a comforting hand on Lydia’s shoulder.

“Can…you do me a favor?” Lydia said looking to Sierra, “Go tell the headsman that Gordon and the boys are dead.”

Sierra’s gasped and a tear fell from her eyes, “Yes ma’am.” She rushed out of the house.

Lydia turned to Nathaniel, “Please…tell me how it happened,”

“The Horde attacked,” Nathaniel took a deep breath, “The heroes were out dealing with a nest of spiders, so the fort wasn’t at its strongest. I was trapped…and they came to get me out. It’s…my fault…”

Lydia grabbed his hands, “It’s not your fault,” she said with a stern look, “They chose to help you. It’s your responsibility to make the most of their sacrifice.” Nathaniel nodded, “You must be tired. I’ll draw you a bath.” Lydia quickly ran to the back and returned about ten minutes later. “It’ll take a few more minutes for the water to warm up,” she led him to the bath, “I left a mirror, razor, and a pair of shears in there for you. To help you clean up. And I’ll bring you some clothes.”

“Thanks,” Nathaniel said stepping into the bath.

Nathaniel was surprised at how spacious the bath was. The wooden tub was built into the outer wall with steam rising from the water. The stone floor was slanted so that the floor nearest the tub was lower than at the door so that the water could flow into a stone draining ditch. It looked like nothing he had seen back home.

Nathaniel tossed his dirty clothes into wicker basket sitting by the door. He grabbed a brush and started cleaning himself. Having to cut his own hair and shave with a straight razor was a new experience, but he did feel better after it was done, and soaking in the warm water helped relieve his tired muscles. He let his eyes fall shut but was brought back by a knock on the door.

“Are you all right?” Lydia said.

“Yes ma’am,” Nathaniel said with a laugh, “I dozed off a bit.”

Lydia laughed as she walked away, and Nathaniel rose from the tub. He stared at the wrinkled skin. Must have been in there longer than I thought. He quickly dried himself off and dressed himself in the clothes that Lydia left outside for him. Nathaniel left the bath with a content sigh. He found Lydia sitting at the table rubbing her fingers around Gordon’s ring. Her lower lip quivered, and tears glistened in her eyes.

She cleared her throat and turned to him, “I’m glad you enjoyed your bath,” she said, “You look much better now that you’ve cleaned up.” Nathaniel laughed and sat across from her. “I was quite surprised when Gordon mentioned you in his letters.”

“Why?”

“Gordon…didn’t like heroes,” Lydia said with a fond smile, “Probably because his grandfather was one.”

“His grandfather was a hero?”

“Yes, but his grandfather abandoned his father,” Lydia looked at her hands, “I’m glad you were able to change his mind.” A heavy silence fell between them. “What do you plan to do next?”

“I don’t know,” Nathaniel said, “Maybe head back to the capital?”

Lydia laughed lightly, “Why don’t you stay here?” she said, “Gordon had the advanced rank [Genius] talent. I’m sure there is plenty you can learn here.”

“What’s the [Genius] talent?”

“It’s a talent similar to [Innovation],” Lydia said, “But it has more limitations when making new items. But that didn’t stop Gordon. He was always learning.”

Nathaniel looked around. The house was larger than he had expected. It had two full stories with a hatch leading to the basements. He looked back at Lydia, her warm smile tugged at him. It’d be cruel to leave her alone.

“Thank you,” he said, “I’ll take you up on that offer.”

Lydia’s smile grew, “Lovely,” she said, “Why don’t we go to the tavern for dinner. I’d love to introduce to everyone.”

Sierra moved through the tables placing down a platter of food in front of the patrons. The tavern wasn’t at its busiest, but there were more than enough villagers to keep her on her toes. It was mainly the village youths that were here, but a few of the elderly were gathered in a corner. The village elders were puffing on their pipes as they spoke with the Headsman. Probably talking about the upcoming harvest.

Sierra heard the door open, “Welcome, I’ll be with you shortly,” she said, but her gaze focused on the two newcomers.

Lydia walked in with the stranger. That must be Nathaniel. He looked much better than he did earlier. Despite being choppy, his hair was cut short, and he looked much better clean shaven than with a scruffy beard. He was also much taller now that he wasn’t hunched over.

“Lydia, how are you doing?” Sierra jumped when her father stepped away from the bar, “Is there anything you need?”

“No, Oden, I’m fine,” Lydia said with a polite smile.

“And this is…”

Nathaniel held out his hand, “Nathaniel Light,”

Oden cocked his eyebrow and turned to Sierra, “This him?” Sierra nodded and Oden beamed at Nathaniel, “A pleasure to meet you brother,” he said shaking Nathaniel’s hand vigorously, “Thanks for keeping an eye on my little girl. Order whatever you want tonight, free of charge.” He turned to Lydia with a sad smile, “Shame what happened to Gordon and your boys. Feel free to ask for anything.”

“Thanks Oden,” Lydia said wiping away a tear.

Lydia pulled Nathaniel to a small table. Sierra brought them a tray of food.

“What do you want to drink?”

“Honey ale, please,” Lydia said.

“Same,”

Nathaniel let his gaze wander through the room. It was livelier than it was earlier that day. The villagers were trying to relax after a long day. A few stared at him which made Nathaniel pull at his collar. An older gentleman who was sitting by the fireplace walked over and sat down with them.

“Evening Lydia,” he said, “I’m a little surprised you’re here.”

“I’ll mourn later Barin,” Lydia said, “Right now, I have a guest to see to.”

“I see that,” Barin said looking at Nathaniel, “Pleasure to meet ya. I’m the headsman of this village.”

“Nathaniel Light,” he said, “I was an apprentice of Gordon.”

“So, you’re a blacksmith?”

Nathaniel shrugged, “Something like that?”

Barin looked Nathaniel over, “What’s you level and rank?”

“Twenty-two,” Nathaniel said tapping his fingers, “My rank is advanced.”

Lydia smiled, “Nathaniel’s going to be staying here for a time,” she said, “I’m certain he could learn a few things from Gordon’s notes.”

“We look forward to having you son,” Barin said, but his stare turned dark, “But you should know, we have a tendency to be vengeful around here.”

“Warning taken sir,” Nathaniel said, “I have no plans to cause any problems.”

“Good,” Barin rose with a smile, “Welcome to Treante son!”