James rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the lingering effects of the previous night's revelry. He glanced over at Danny, who was nursing his own headache, and chuckled softly at his friend's plight.
Danny groaned "How much did I drink last night?"
James replied smirking "A lot"
With a shrug, James left the room, making his way to the forge where Horst was diligently working on another rifle. Horst noticed James's approach and waved him over, setting aside his work momentarily.
"Morning, James. Sleep well?" Horst asked
"As well as can be expected. What's the plan now?" Replied James
Horst's expression turned serious as he considered their next steps.
"The village needs to prepare for retaliation. Captain Garth will likely be rallying more soldiers to retake the town. We've sent word to Eragon with the Varden, hoping for their aid, but we must also be ready to defend ourselves, I have asked some of the villagers to begin constructing a wooden palisade to the south and east, as well as some more watchtowers"
James nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. Horst paused, then continued with a request.
"In the meantime, I need you to head to Therinsford. Albreich and Baldor, my sons, are there with Roran, another villager and Eragon's Cousin. We need them back home. They're needed here, especially now" Horst finished
"Understood. Anything else?"
Horst hesitated, his brow furrowing with concern.
"Yes. While you're there, see if you can gather any information about Captain Garth's whereabouts. The more we know, the better prepared we'll be"
James nodded solemnly, realizing the weight of the tasks ahead of him.
"Good idea I'll do what I can. Therinsford it is".
With a determined nod, James turned and left the forge, his mind already racing with plans and strategies to fulfill Horst's requests and ensure the safety of their village in the face of impending danger.
As James was leaving and packing his bag, Kai approached him.
"where are you headed ?" Kai inquired
"Horst has asked me to go to Therinsford, scout out the danger from captain garth and get some of the villagers whom work there to return home to Carvahall, including his two sons." Replied James
"Can I come with you" Asked Kai
"Sure" replied James "I could use the company"
The sun was already high in the sky as James and Kai set out on their journey to Therinsford. The path stretched out before them, winding through fields and forests, with the distant village as their destination. As they walked, Kai struck up a conversation, breaking the peaceful silence of the morning.
"Did you enjoy the celebration last night, James?"
James nodded "Yeah, it was nice to have a moment of levity amidst everything that's been happening."
"Shame you didn't join our card game, though. It got pretty intense" Kai responded smiling remembering the game.
James smirked "Next time, then. Wouldn't want to miss out on all the excitement"
There was a lull in the conversation as they continued along the path, the only sound the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze and the steady rhythm of their footsteps. Then, Kai broached a more sensitive topic.
YOU ARE READING
Powder, Smoke and a touch of Magic
FantasyJames has spent his whole life trying to build a new life, Just at the moment he thought he and his family would be able to call a new place home, it all gets ripped away from him. Now finding himself with a group of misfits, James has a new purpos...
