The road to becoming an adventurer

Chapter 3 : The Journey begins

As the morning sun cast its golden light upon the world, Mary, Arina, and Fredric stood in solemn silence before the freshly dug grave of the old mage, nestled beneath the sprawling branches of an ancient oak tree behind The Copper Coin. The air was heavy with the weight of their grief, each lost in their own thoughts as they paid their respects to the fallen wizard.

After a moment, Mary broke the silence, her voice tinged with sorrow. "He was a good man, despite the dangers he faced. May he find peace in the afterlife," she murmured, her words carried away by the gentle breeze.

Arina nodded in agreement, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "He will be missed," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Fredric remained silent, his gaze fixed upon the simple wooden cross marking the mage's final resting place. Though he had known the old wizard for only a short time, he felt a profound sense of loss at his passing, a deep-seated sadness that weighed heavily upon his heart.

With a heavy sigh, Arina turned towards the tavern, her resolve hardening with each step. "We should gather our things and prepare for the journey ahead," she said, her voice steady despite the tumult of emotions swirling within her.

Nodding in agreement, Mary and Fredric followed Arina back into the tavern, their footsteps echoing softly in the empty halls. Together, they gathered supplies for their journey, each item carefully chosen to ensure their survival in the wilderness beyond.

Arina helped Fredric pack a light rucksack with the essentials he would need for the road ahead: a sturdy knife for protection, a compass to guide their way, a flask of water to quench their thirst, and a map of Troycia to chart their course through the unfamiliar lands.

As Fredric secured the pack to his back, he felt a surge of anticipation mingled with apprehension. The weight of their quest pressed down upon him, its magnitude looming large in his mind. Yet, amidst the uncertainty of the road ahead, he found solace in the companionship of his newfound allies, their shared determination binding them together in purpose.

With their preparations complete, Mary, Arina, and Fredric stood at the threshold of The Copper Coin, ready to embark on the journey that awaited them. As they stepped out into the morning light, their hearts filled with hope and resolve, knowing that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, as one.

As they stood on the threshold of departure, Arina and Fredric turned to bid Mary farewell. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows across the tavern, lending an air of solemnity to the moment.

"Take care of yourself, Mary," Arina said softly, her voice filled with gratitude for the woman who had welcomed them into her home.

Mary nodded, her eyes misting with unshed tears. "You too, Arina. And you, Fredric," she added, her gaze turning to her son.

But before they could take another step, Mary held up a hand, a determined glint in her eye. "Wait just a moment," she insisted, disappearing into the depths of the tavern.

Minutes passed before Mary reappeared, a worn cloak draped over her arm. With a gentle smile, she approached Fredric, enveloping him in its comforting embrace.

"This belonged to your father," Mary explained, her voice thick with emotion. "He wore it on his travels, just as you will now."

Tears welled in Fredric's eyes as he accepted the cloak, its familiar weight a tangible connection to his past. "Thank you, Mother," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion.

Mary pulled him into a warm embrace, holding him close for a moment longer. "You will always be my son, no matter where the road will take you, Don't forget that" she murmured, her words a silent prayer for his safety.