Moving through the village there were a lot of buildings still being built. A lord’s keep in the middle of the town was under construction. A small knight order was stationed out here and greeted us. Glenn got out to talk with them while waving at us to go on. Archie snapped the reins.

  We continued to the village’s chapel. Like most of the people we saw on the way in, and like Archie cautioned, the priest looked to be a younger man. By appearance he was only a few years older than Glenn and I, but younger than Maeori. Though that was likely nowhere near his true age. His oak-brown skin, and slightly green colored hair, along with his pointed ears made it clear he was a wood elf like Ivili. He wore the standard attire of a priest. However, the dark-brown and dark-green trim on his collar and the pendant of a bow pulled back and a tower where the arrow should’ve been, marked him, unsurprisingly, as Priest of Orn.

  “Welcome, to my humble parish Sister Sofia and companions. My name is Father Kavlin,” He said as we approached and began to unload.

  “The pleasure’s mine. I’ll be in your care for our duration,” I said with a curtsy. He gave a warm smile before looking over to our cart.

  “Let me lend a hand.”

  “Y-you needn-”

  “Please,” Father Kavlin said, cutting me off with a calm but firm resolve, “when you are on the frontier every hand counts.”

  “Heh, I like the lad already,” Archie said. Ivili wasn’t one to help much when it came to loading and unloading. With Glenn off with knights, I’m sure Archie appreciated the offer of help.

  “Ah, well met kinswoman.” Father Kavlin said, having noticed Ivili still in the back of the wagon. “Have you found bountiful days?”

  “Seeds have been sown and the harvest is coming,” Ivili replied, her ears perking up, “and you?”

  “Traps have been laid but the hunt continues.” Ivili got down from the cart and they exchanged a quick hug to finish their greeting. “It’s been some time since I’ve seen another of our kind,” Father Kavlin said.

  “There’s plenty in the city but they’ve lost their whimsy.” Ivili said with an amused look.

  “Precisely. Even still you are a freer spirit than I, since I found a calling.”

  “What’s this shite about then?” Archie interrupted.

  “Oh come now Archie it’s not every day I meet another elf from the Realm of Faeries. Perhaps I’ll rescind my offer to keep you out of trouble,” Ivili said with an unusual playfulness in her voice.

  “Suit ya self if ya want to miss out. Here I was thinking Glenn was worrying over nothing when it came to ya.”

  “I am not one to get in the way of whatever plans you have,” Father Kavlin said, “Let us unpack while it is still light out. It will be easier to show where to put what you brought that way.”

  Our unpacking went smoothly. Wanting to build up strength for my training, I carried what crates I could. Only when the heavier things, I had no hope of lifting, were left, I joined Ivili in the wagon as she fletched arrows.

  “How did you know Father Kavlin was from the Realm of Faeries?” I asked.

  “He has an air of whimsy about him.” She shrugged.

  “What does that mean?”

  “It means what it means. I can’t describe it but it’s almost like I can feel the energy of the Faeries on him, and likely him on me.”

  “O-oh, I didn't know you came from there.”

  “Probably because I never told you. Or Glenn or Archie really. Doesn’t really matter where you’re from. Not to me. It matters more where you’re going and how you’re getting there. I wanted a simpler life. Less needless drama and more hunting monsters. Though there’s been more of the former than I would like. It’s amusing though. Like children squabbling over toys. No centuries long plots, or schemes decades in the making. It all comes and goes rather quickly as you all move on to the next thing.” Ivili said.

  “It might be better this way,” I said in a low voice. “I can only imagine what horrible things you could do to someone given that time.”

  “That’s a very human way of seeing it. If anything you humans are a lot nastier to one another. Our lives are longer, but there aren’t as many of us. I will say though, when you know some people for decades relationships get complex to put it simply.”

  “I-err what’s human about it?”

  “You all don’t value each other’s lives as much as we value ours and our kin’s. The air of a kin-killer lingers on us, even when you might call it ‘justified’.”

  “Oh, I didn’t know.”

  “I didn’t tell you,” Ivili said, with a playful smile. “It’s why elves tend to stick to our realm. Most think it’s safer there. If we ever cross an elf, you should know I’ll bring them to an inch of their life, but I’d never take it. Not that I’d want any of you to do so either. Really, it’ll linger on anyone who takes an elven life and it’s such a miserable thing to be around.”

  “D-do you think I’m capable? Of taking a life? Human or elf?”

  “Of course you are! All humans are. Vicious little things you are,” She said, patting my head like it was a compliment. “That’s why you’re learning to fight from Glenn, isn’t it?”

  “...” I couldn’t respond. I wasn’t sure if it was true, but it wasn’t untrue? I didn’t want someone dying for my sake because I was useless. Because the gods chose not to bless me or I hadn’t had the strength for them to. Maeori already could’ve died because of me. I didn’t want that again.

  “I know there’s some of your kind that get all wishy-washy about it,” Ivili said, seeing my hesitation, “but, let me tell you from what I’ve seen, all it takes is the right situation. I don’t know what that will be for you and you don’t need to tell me, though I’d be curious. Us elves, well, many of us would choose to die ourselves before killing another elf.” The words hung around for a moment, neither of us knowing what to say, that was until Ivili piped up again. “Hehe, rather grim isn’t it? How’d we get on this topic? I’m sure there’s better things for us to be doing now. Let’s see what the boys are up to.” She patted me on the shoulder before hopping up and out of the cart.

  A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  “Ah, Sister Sofia, I do appreciate your efforts in helping move these crates,” Father Kavlin said. “Do you wish for some time to rest from your travels? We have several of our townsfolk with injuries. I must save what I have for more dire cases, as is unfortunately common. Though I’m sure many would be appreciative if you could lend them some of your capabilities.”

  “I-I don’t have a lot to give,” I stammered out. It was that time again wasn’t it? I could still hear them. The screams, the curses, and the insults hurled at me. Some from families whose loved ones I couldn’t save. Nobles who felt entitled even when I had nothing to give and peasants who resented me when I had to prioritize them. Who I couldn’t even try to save because I used it all.

  “That’s alright,” Father Kavlin said, with his ever warm and calm smile. He put a hand on my shoulder. “You are young and still in training. No one truly expects you to fix everything. If you help those who you can, they, in turn, can help those you cannot.”

  I wanted to believe him. The words rang hollow. Nothing was ever that simple. How many corpses have I left behind and souls I damned? Weeks spent repenting and praying for them? I wouldn’t’ve been blessed with the powers I had if I wasn’t expected to fix things. If no one expected me to save everyone, then why had I spent so long in penance.

  “If you need time to rest we do not need to leave right this moment,” Father Kavlin said to me, my whole body had stiffened. He must’ve noticed that.

  “N-no it’s alright. I’ll do it.” We started heading around the village.

  My crossed arms were tightly buried above my stomach as we walked. It felt strange. We walked calmly without any real sense of urgency. No one was clamoring around us. Begging, pleading for anything we could offer. We never had enough. I never had enough. It was sad, but it felt strange seeing none of that. Instead, the village was broken because it was being built, not wracked with plague or destruction.

  This wasn’t right. Something would be wrong. Father Kavlin, Ivili, and Archie were chatting. I could hear them but I couldn’t make sense of it. The words sounded familiar but it was like I lost the ability to understand them. They thankfully were matching my pace at least. As slow as it was.

  We made our way into the village’s center. Father Kavlin had an excellent memory for where people who needed my help were. It felt underwhelming. I wasn’t used to curing people with fatigue, low fevers, or other simpler ailments. Most of the townsfolk were in rather good health overall. Likely thanks to Father Kavlin. He must’ve been at least a high-priest in rank if I were to guess.

  Our trip through the village continued as we moved towards a more open field area between the under-construction inner keep and the outer main wall. It wasn’t far from where we left Glenn. There were a number of knights training in the field. A little ways off across the field from us right up against the inner keep’s wall and next to the barracks was a small pavilion with wooden benches watching over the field. In the center seated around a table watching the training was Glenn and a man perhaps in his forties. The distance and the noise of training knights made it impossible to make out what was being said. Though it seemed like during a break in their conversation Glenn spotted our group. A moment later he and the knight captain shook hands and with a loud whistle the knight captain brought all his men to attention.

  “It looks like you all got a challenger,” the captain said, his voice ringing out. “Is Sir Rodrick still the best among you lot for duels?”

  “Heh, the oaf’s getting into fights already. If he wants to show off then lets get a better view for if he loses,” Archie said, as he led us closer to the wooden stands.

  “Unfortunately my presence would only encourage recklessness,” Father Kavlin said, “Us mortals oft push past our limitations when we think no punishment will befall us. I shall return to my chapel. Sister Sofia, would you care for tea this evening? I wish to discuss some things with you.”

  “O-oh, sure, that sounds nice,” I said, my eyes mostly still watching the knights as they formed a circle around Glenn and Sir Rodrick.

  “Splendid! I trust you to patch them up if they take their bout too far,” he said, before leaving.

  “You haven’t seen Glenn in a duel, have you?” Ivili asked me as she sprung up beside me. I failed a few times to slip away for the various festivals. Getting caught and punished before I could get very far. Strolph’s festival hosted a large fighting tournament I had always wanted to see. Though father would say such things were for the laymen and our duty as members of the clergy was to the gods. Even more so on their holy days. “You’re in for a treat, that boy’s surprisingly skilled for his age. It’s part of why I’ve stuck around for these last few years. I want to see what he can do.”

  Archie went up to talk with the knight commander and we were allowed to take a seat on the wooden benches. He welcomed us as we took our seats. They were high enough up that we could see things past the circle of knights.

  “To Aura or to yield?” Sir Rodrick challenged.

  “To yield.” Glenn replied. There was some muttering in the crowd.

  “Heh, the lad’s looking to break bones,” Archie chuckled. “How much mana ya got in ya lass?”

  “Oh, m-maybe three heals left.” Well, three without breaking my promise to Glenn.

  “That’s good,” the knight captain said, “I trust Sir Soufornd to show restraint, but aside from Sir Rodrick, and a few others, many of them are still green.”

  “Sound’s like ya don’t got a lot of faith in ya troops.”

  “I’ve seen Sir Soufornd fight before. I’m not prideful enough to reject reality. Defending a settlement from monsters is one thing. It’s another to see true strength. It’s a good lesson for them. My name's Sir Tomwell, pleasure to meet you all.”

  “Aye, likewise, name’s Archie, that’s Ivili and Sofia.”

  I watched on with curiosity. I wasn’t sure what to expect. Whenever I saw Glenn I always thought of the boy I played pretend with as a kid. It was strange to hear his praises sung like this.

  Sir Rodrick and Glenn were both fully armored and wielded a blunted sword and a shield. The two knights tapped their swords before taking a step back. With another whistle from the captain the match began. Rodrick made the first move. Making a prodding jab that Glenn flicked away with his sword. Rodrick stumbled a bit. As though Glenn’s parry had far more force behind it than he expected. Glenn seized the opening. Taking a step towards Rodrick, Glenn shoved him back with his shield. Rodrick turned the shove into a roll getting back up on his feet.

  “Heh, the lad could’ve ended it there if he wanted to,” Archie mused. “A proper bash would’ve done it. Ain’t sure why he let him go. The lad’s ain’t good at putting on a show.”

  Glenn slashed at Rodrick that was blocked by his shield. Though not before causing him to balk back. Rodrick tried to retaliate, his sword glancing helplessly off Glenn’s shield. Glenn stepped back. Rodrick regained his footing, raising his shield to protect his head. The wood tattered from Glenn’s last strike. Glenn went for a stab. Rodrick tried to block with his shield but Glenn’s sword pierced it. With a quick fling up it Rodrick’s grip failed and the shield went flying. In desperation Rodrick swung his sword. Glenn bashed his shield downwards into it and Rodrick’s grip failed a second time as the sword stuck into the ground. Without a sword or shield Rodrick yielded.

  There was a hushed murmur among the knights watching. Perhaps it was one thing seeing one of their better dualists fall and another to see him fall with ease. I understood what they felt. How could I not? How could Glenn think I was the special one between us when he can take down a knight like it was nothing? Perhaps when we were young I could see him thinking that. Not that it was ever true. If anything I’m holding him back and he’d been holding Archie and Ivili back so I could join them. I could easily get them all killed because I’ll never be strong enough or as capable. They’ll grow, when I’ll falter. They’ll carry me with them while I beg for their scraps. Until I weigh them down to their graves.

  I heard a loud crack that broke me from my dread. I looked up to see that Glenn had torn a shield in half with his sword while the rest of the knights looked on. Sir Rodrick’s face paled a bit at the demonstration.