Harriet: From Solitude to Slayers

Chapter 3: The Village of the Forgotten

The idea of building something new had slowly taken root in Harry's mind. Far from her former life and the horrors of war, she had found a form of peace in this new world, even though that peace remained fragile. Interactions with the villagers were brief, and she continued to live in semi-solitude, away from society. But over time, Harry realized that other lost souls, rejected by the world, were hiding in the shadows, just like her.

One morning, while she was training in a clearing not far from their home, Teddy, who was playing with a stick he imagined to be a sword, approached her, his face lit up by an idea.
"Mom, why don't you invite the other kids who have nowhere to go?" he asked innocently, his big wolf-like eyes shining with curiosity.
Harry stopped mid-movement, wiping the sweat from her forehead. Teddy's question was simple, but it carried a depth she hadn't anticipated. Since their arrival, she had crossed paths with several people who, like her, seemed isolated, without family or shelter. She had never really paid them much attention, focused on her own survival and that of Teddy. But now that the question was asked, the idea of helping those whom the world had abandoned began to take shape in her mind.
Can I really do this? she thought. Am I ready to open up to others?
She looked at Teddy, who was waiting for an answer, and a soft smile appeared on her face. He deserves to see a better world, a world where we care for one another.
"Maybe you're right, Teddy," she said gently. "Maybe it's time to help those in need."

The following weeks were devoted to building a safe space for those whom society had rejected. Harry used her magical skills discreetly, reinforcing the structure of their house, adding cabins to accommodate other families and children. She knew that magic was not common here, and she took care to use it only when necessary, in moments when no one could see her.

Soon, rumors began to circulate in the village. People spoke of a strange woman living in isolation, who gathered those whom the world had forgotten. Families fleeing persecution, children without parents, the elderly too weak to survive alone began to arrive timidly, seeking refuge in this new space.

One afternoon, while Harry was working on a shelter for an old woman and her grandson, Teddy came running, out of breath.
"Mom! There are more people coming! They say they've heard about you."
Harry straightened up, wiping the dust from her hands. "More? she asked, a bit surprised. How many this time?"
Teddy shrugged, excited. "Three or four, I think. They're down the road. Do you want me to take them here?"
Harry smiled at his enthusiasm. "Yes, of course, but be careful."
A few minutes later, Teddy returned with a small group: a mother and her two children, their expressions tired but full of hope. They approached Harry cautiously, hesitating to speak directly to her.
"Are you the woman who helps those with nowhere to go?" the mother asked timidly.
Harry nodded. "Yes, that's me. You are welcome here. We don't have much, but you will be safe."
The mother looked like she was about to cry with relief. "Thank you... We had nothing left. No one wanted us."
Harry guided them to a newly built cabin. "Settle in here. I'll come back later to bring you something to eat."
Teddy remained close to his mother, watching with a mix of admiration and pride. "Mom, I think you're doing something good."
Harry smiled gently at him. "I hope so, Teddy. I'm doing my best."

Days turned into weeks, and soon their small village grew. Harry continued to train every morning, but she now devoted a large part of her time to organizing the life of this small community. She still went to the main village for essential shopping, but her visits became increasingly rare. The villagers began to accept the presence of this mysterious woman, even though no one truly understood what she was doing.

However, despite her desire to remain discreet, Harry could not avoid the curious gazes of the locals. Some whispered that she possessed strange powers, while others claimed she was not from around here, but no one dared to ask questions.
One day, while she was helping a group of young people build a new cabin, an old man from the neighboring village approached. He had heard about her and what she was doing.
"You know," he began, his voice deep and slow, "you're creating something great here. People respect you, even if they don't really know you."
Harry remained silent, continuing to work, but the man continued.
"They've given you a name, you know. People call you the Protector of the Forgotten. An appropriate title, if you ask me."
Harry stopped for a moment, struck by these words. The Protector of the Forgotten. She had never sought a title, let alone a role as a leader, but she couldn't deny that this community depended on her now. She was no longer just Harry, Teddy's mother. She had become a symbol for those whom the world had left behind.
"I'm just doing what needs to be done," she finally replied, humble but determined.
The old man smiled gently. "That's what heroes say."

That evening, after everyone had fallen asleep, Harry stood outside, watching the cabins illuminated by the soft glow of the moon. Teddy approached silently, as he often did.
"Mom, are you a hero?" he suddenly asked, his innocent eyes seeking an answer.
Harry smiled softly, running a loving hand through her son's hair. "I'm not a hero, Teddy. I'm just... me."
Teddy looked at her for a moment before nodding. "I think you're a hero."
Harry hugged him tightly, feeling the warmth of his small body against hers. "As long as I'm a hero in your eyes, that's all that matters."
The Protector of the Forgotten, she thought. A title she would have never sought, but which, strangely, felt just right to her. In this new world, she had found a purpose, a place where she and Teddy could finally be free.
And for the first time in a long time, she felt at peace.