Blood of the Forgotten Gods

Homeward Bound

The echoes of laughter and music still lingered in Dan's ears as he made his way through the dimly lit streets of Ithos. The party had gone on long enough, and though he had enjoyed the sense of camaraderie, the weight of the day's events pressed down on him. His feet moved with familiarity over the uneven cobblestones, guiding him through the winding alleys and streets that made up the lower city. It wasn't far from the barracks to his home, but tonight, the journey felt different—heavier.

Gareth and Tomas had already parted ways, each heading to their own families. Gareth had left with his usual grin and a slap on Dan's back, promising to meet him again soon. Tomas, ever the joker, had made some offhand remark about needing to find a proper bed for the night, but Dan knew there was warmth behind his words. Both of them were good friends, the kind of friends who made the long days bearable. But right now, Dan's thoughts were elsewhere.

Home.

The small cottage where he had grown up wasn't much, but it was his, and more importantly, it was where his family waited. As he walked, he couldn't help but think about how much they meant to him. Everything he had done, from training at the militant school to earning his place as a militant, had been for them.

His father, Thorne, was a hard man—tough, stern, and unyielding. He had been a laborer his entire life, working the docks and the forges, hands stained black with soot and calluses as thick as leather. Thorne had never been one for soft words or gentle gestures, but Dan knew that everything his father did came from a place of love, even if it wasn't always easy to see.

His mother, Tara, was the warmth in his world. Even when times were hard, she always found a way to smile, to lighten the load with her quiet strength. She had kept their small family together through thick and thin, tending to the home while his father worked long hours. And then there was Lina, his younger sister, with her bright eyes and mischievous grin. She had always looked up to him, and Dan had always felt protective of her, knowing that she saw him as more than just her big brother. To her, he was a hero.

As he approached the small cottage, the faint glow of light from within made his heart swell. He paused for a moment at the door, taking a deep breath. This was the part of his life that truly mattered. Family. The reason he had joined the militants in the first place was not for glory or recognition, but to protect and provide for them.

He knocked lightly before pushing the door open.

Inside, the small fire crackled in the hearth, casting a warm glow across the modest room. The familiar scent of stew filled the air, and there, standing by the hearth with her back to him, was his mother, Tara. She turned as he entered, her face lighting up with a smile.

"Dan," she said, her voice filled with both surprise and joy. "I didn't think you'd be home so soon."

Dan smiled, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. "The party ended. Thought I'd come back before it got too late."

Tara wiped her hands on her apron and crossed the room to pull him into a tight hug. Dan felt the warmth of her embrace, the kind of hug that made everything else in the world seem a little less important.

"I'm proud of you," she said softly. "We all are."

Dan pulled back, looking down at her. She had aged in recent years—lines of worry and weariness etched into her face, but her eyes still shone with the same kindness and strength that had always been there. "Thanks, Ma," he said, his voice quiet.

Before they could say more, the sound of footsteps came from the back room, and Dan turned to see Lina bounding into the room, her face lighting up the moment she saw him.