Inside the familiar Inn, the innkeeper and his wife were hard at work, each diligently tending to their respective tasks. The innkeeper bustled about, expertly checking on tables and attending to the needs of the guests, while his wife skillfully prepared a delicious breakfast in the kitchen.

"Honey, table number three is requesting fried eggs with a side of white rice."

"Coming right up!" she replied.

The interior of the Inn held a quiet ambiance, with only a few guests who had yet to embark on their journeys, choosing to savor a meal before setting out for their long journey ahead.

Then, an unexpected intrusion disrupted the tranquil scene—a series of ringing bells echoed through the establishment.

Dong~!

Dong~!

Dong~!

The guests who hailed from outside the village were perplexed by the unfamiliar sound of the bells.

"What's that sound? I didn't realize you folks rang bells here. Is it a customary way to mark the time of day?" one guest inquired.

"I'm not certain. Don't some religious groups use bells to signal prayer times?" another guest speculated.

However, the expressions of the village residents painted a different picture. Fear and surprise mingled on their faces, giving the impression that the ringing of the bells signified something far more ominous.

"What's with their expressions—" one of the guests began to ask, but before they could finish their sentence, the majority of the seated customers abruptly stood up from their chairs and rushed out of the Inn. Ethan's father, fully aware of the significance of the sound and the urgency in the villagers' actions, exchanged a worried glance with his wife.

"You stay here," he said firmly. "I'll go see what's happening outside."

"H-Honey!" his wife exclaimed, concern etched on her face.

Without hesitation, Ethan's father swiftly followed the villagers out of the Inn, determined to find out the source of the commotion.

As he stepped outside the Inn, he was met with a chaotic scene of panic and fear. Villagers were running in all directions, their faces etched with terror. Some were rushing into their homes, desperately locking doors and shutting windows. Others were frantically gathering their loved ones and belongings, preparing to flee.

In the distance, he spotted the village guards sprinting toward the village gate, their armor clinking as they moved. Their expressions were grim, and their urgency was palpable. The villagers parted to allow them through, understanding that this was a matter of utmost importance.

Ethan's father approached a group of villagers who had paused for a moment to catch their breath. He asked one of them, "What's happening? Why is everyone so afraid?"

A middle-aged woman, her face pale and frightened, replied, "There's a horde of dark creatures approaching the village from the forest. We need to hide!"

Ethan's father felt a chill run down his spine as he realized the gravity of the situation. He turned his gaze toward the approaching guards and overheard one of them speaking to the others.

"We need to secure the village perimeter and prepare for a defense. The lord will be taking command at the main gate."

"We need to gather as many able bodies as possible, the number of soldiers isn't nearly enough to handle the amount of dark creatures approaching!" said a guard as he looked directly at Ethan's father.

Ethan's father nodded in agreement with the guard's words. He understood the urgency of the situation and knew that every able-bodied person in the village would need to come together to defend against the approaching horde of dark creatures or their family would end up in danger.

Ethan's father turned back toward the Inn, his heart heavy with worry. He knew that this would be a dire and dangerous situation, but he was determined to protect his village or alteast his beloved wife at all costs.

He reentered the Inn with a grave expression on his face. He quickly crossed the room to where his wife was waiting anxiety for him. She turned to him, her eyes filled with concern.

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"What's happening out there?" she asked, her voice trembling.

He took her hands in his and spoke urgently, "There's a horde of dark creatures approaching the village. The guards are calling for every man to help defend. We need to prepare, but I want you to stay here, lock the doors and windows, find a safe place to hide."

Her face paled with worry. "What are you saying? You're just an innkeeper. What can you possibly do outside? Let's hide together!" Her voice trembled with fear as she contemplated the danger that lurked beyond their Inn's walls. She knew that this was an incredibly perilous situation, and her husband's words carried an undeniable sense of urgency that she couldn't easily dismiss. But she couldn't bear the thought of her lover being sent into the jaws of danger.

"I can't!" he responded with unwavering determination, his voice firm. "At certain times, a man must take action to protect what's most important to him. I'm not acting out blindly because of orders; I'm acting out of responsibility."

His words conveyed a deep sense of commitment, and despite her fear, she couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and admiration for her husband's unwavering resolve.

Their eyes locked in a poignant exchange. He gently cupped his wife's face with both hands, his touch tender and loving. Tears welled up in her eyes as she gazed up at him, her heart aching with a mixture of fear and love.

"Listen," he began, his voice quivering with emotion, "I know the risk is great, and I understand your fear. But I also know that this village, our home, is worth defending. Our friends, our neighbors, our way of life—it's all here. And I can't stand by and do nothing when they need help."

His wife nodded, her own voice choked with emotion. "I know that! But... I'm terrified of losing you. What if... what if something happens to you out there?"

Seeing the sad expression of his wife, he pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her as if he could shield her from all the pain and uncertainty of the world. His own voice trembled as he spoke, tears mingling with hers.

"I promise you." he whispered, his lips brushing against her ear, "I'll do everything in my power to come back to you. We'll get through this together, just like we always have."

Their embrace lingered, a silent exchange of love. And as the moment stretched on, neither of them wanted to let go, as if the simple act of holding each other could keep the encroaching darkness at bay.

But eventually, they had to part. He kissed his wife gently on the lips, a lingering promise of his love and devotion, before he pulled away and headed towards the Inn's entrance. He looked back at her one last time.

"Let's make sure to welcome Ethan back to a peaceful home."

His words hung in the air like a heartfelt prayer. With a tearful smile, she nodded, her heart swelling with love and gratitude for the man that willing to sacrifice his life for hers.

As he stepped outside the Inn, chaos reigned as villagers hurriedly gathered to defend their homes. Ethan's father joined the hastily assembled group of men, young and old, who were determined to stand their ground against the invaders.

In the midst of the turmoil, he stole a moment to look back at the Inn. Through the window, he saw his wife, her eyes filled with tears, watching him with a mixture of love and dread. Their gazes locked for an instant, and in that fleeting connection, they conveyed their unspoken feelings.

The villagers, armed with whatever makeshift weapons they could find, moved to the village gate, their hearts heavy with the knowledge that they might be facing an insurmountable threat. As they approached the village gate, they were met with the expected sight of the village guards, led by their captain, stood in a disciplined formation, their expressions resolute and their weapons at the ready.

And at the very forefront was the very authority that ruled the village, the lord of Thornfield village himself, Van Thornfield. The sight of the lord's presence, alone, was a beacon of reassurance for the villagers who had gathered to defend their homes. Everyone were well aware of the immense power wielded by their lord, and it was no understatement to say that the enduring peace and safety of their village were directly attributed to his abilities.

Lord Van Thornfield, standing tall and authoritative, raised his voice to address the gathering of villagers. His words carried the weight of responsibility.

"My citizens!" he began, his voice resonating with strength, "The situation we face today is not just a grave one; it is dire beyond measure! We find ourselves pitted against the very enemy that has plagued humanity since the dawn of our existence—Thornfield! Our beloved home has withstood the test of time for generations! And that is only attributed thanks to the unity and resilience of its people! Hardship had been faced before! AND WE SHALL OVERCOME THIS ONE AS WELL!"

The villagers looked to their lord, fear still in their eyes. He continued, "Our main line of defense will take position outside the gate, and we will do everything in our power to prevent those vile creatures from even setting foot within our village. We are the shield that guards Thornfield, and we will stand firm."

He paused for a moment, letting his words sink in. "Only if, by some unfortunate turn of fate, the horde manages to breach our gate will you, the people, engage in combat!"

Lord Van Thornfield turned to his soldiers, who stood ready, their faces resolute. "Soldiers," he addressed them, "we face a formidable foe, one that threatens our home and our people. We carry the burden of protection, and I trust each one of you to uphold that duty with honor and valor."

The soldiers saluted their lord, their loyalty evident in their unwavering gazes .As they marched towards the gate, Outside, the ominous clouds above seemed to hold their breath, as if the very heavens were watching, awaiting the outcome of the impending clash between destined enemies.

Lord Van Thornfield and his soldiers took their positions, ready to confront the impending threat head-on. The stage was set for a battle that would test their courage and resilience.

"ADVANCE!" Lord Van Thornfield's commanding voice echoed through the tense air, as he was the first to advance forward.