Dreisterne

CHAPTER 1

     Twelve years had passed since that fateful night, and Nathan had grown into a young man of strong character and unwavering resolve. Late one afternoon, as the sun dipped low on the horizon, he stood before the charred ruins of his old house in Windhill. The once vibrant home was now overgrown with weeds, the walls long crumbled into dust, but Nathan's memories of that night remained vivid.

     Nathan stood tall, his blue gambeson catching the golden light of the setting sun. The gambeson, meticulously crafted and well-worn from countless training sessions, was a nod to the old swordsman who had saved his life so many years ago. Strapped to his back was Mr. Eriksson's refurbished greatsword, a formidable weapon that now belonged to Nathan, along with a leather backpack that held his essentials for the journey ahead.

      As Nathan gazed at the ruins, lost in thought, he heard the sound of footsteps behind him. He turned to see Mr. Eriksson approaching, his once powerful frame now slightly stooped with age, but his eyes still sharp and full of wisdom. The old village elder paused a few steps away from Nathan, taking a moment to study the young man before him.

     "You've grown," Mr. Eriksson remarked, his voice warm but tinged with the bittersweetness of time passed. "I remember when you were no taller than my waist, swinging that wooden sword of yours like it was the finest blade in the land."

      Nathan smiled, his eyes showing a glint of nostalgia. "And now I'm carrying your greatsword, Mr. Eriksson. Goodness, how time flies..." His smile faded slightly as he turned his gaze back to the ruins. "This place...it holds so many memories. I thought I'd still feel something standing here after all these years, but..."

     Mr. Eriksson stepped closer, his hand resting on Nathan's shoulder. "It's because you've already made your peace, Nathan. You've carried the memory of that night with you all your life, and it's a part of what made you who you are today. And now, this place is just a reminder of one point in your life story, nothing more."

     Nathan nodded slowly. "I suppose you're right. I've learned all I could from this village. From you, and everyone else willing to spare the time for me. And of course, crazy old Ranger Hans." Nathan chuckled as memories replayed in his mind. Then, he turned melancholy, saying "And now, it's time I go and put everything I've learned to practice, as I've always meant to."

      Mr. Eriksson smiled, a proud but sad expression crossing his face. "I knew this day would come. You've always had that fire in you, Nathan. The same fire I saw in that old swordsman when he saved you. It's driven you to become the man you are now."

     There was a moment of silence as both men stood there, the weight of the past hanging between them. Then, Mr. Eriksson's eyes twinkled with a mischievous glint. "But, couldn't I convince you to stay, at least a little while more? Plenty of work to be done here in Windhill, and the roof of our house had started leaking this morning. We could still use a strong lad like you around."

     Nathan laughed softly, shaking his head. "The roof certainly picked a great timing to let the rain in straight for your face, didn't it? Still, nice try sir."

     The elder raised his hand in mock surrender. "Only joking, lad. I know you've made up your mind. Still, I had to give it a try", he said with a shrug.

     Nathan's expression softened as he looked at the man who had been more than just a guardian to him. "I'll never forget what you've done for me, Mr. Eriksson. You've been like a grandfather to me, and I'm grateful for everything you've given me for all this time."

     Mr. Eriksson's smile widened, and he pulled Nathan into a brief but firm embrace. "And I'm proud of you, Nathan. You're ready for whatever lies ahead. The world can be a harsh place, but you've got a good heart and a good head. Trust in those, and you'll be fine."