Michrinor: The Fates of The Heirs

Chapter 27 - Moving Mountains

Harvan squinted at the horizon, his sharp eyes scanning the waters. "A small craft has left the main vessel," he announced to the others, his voice steady but tinged with anticipation.

Svonman, standing beside him, leaned forward slightly. "And... do you see our companion aboard?"

Harvan's gaze softened as he caught sight of Ava. "I do. She's with two men, both appearing well and in good spirits. They're laughing," he replied, his relief palpable as he turned his attention back to his comrades. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "They should reach us just before the sun dips below the horizon. We'd best seek lodgings for the night."

Lanonir nodded in agreement. "Indeed. There's a tavern near the village center that offers rooms. I'll secure them and return shortly." Without delay, he strode away from the shore, disappearing into the growing throng of villagers who had gathered to witness the unusual arrival.

Harvan's keen eyes swept over the crowd. "Seems we've become the day's entertainment," he remarked, noting the curious stares and hushed conversations.

Svonman surveyed the onlookers, understanding their fascination. It wasn't every day that such a large vessel anchored near their village, especially one too grand to approach the shallow shores. He could see why the villagers found it so captivating.

As the small boat neared the shore, Harvan's sharp instincts stirred. The officer aboard the boat was unmistakable, his uniform and demeanor commanding respect. The presence of an officer in such a remote village only added to the villagers' intrigue, their whispers growing louder as the boat drew closer.

Svonman noticed the slight furrow in Harvan's brow. "What troubles you?" he asked, sensing his companion's unease.

Harvan's expression darkened. "We're being watched—not just by the villagers. There are others here, ones with less than noble intentions. We must tread carefully."

Svonman's eyes narrowed as he considered Harvan's words. The village, quaint as it was, held an undercurrent of tension he hadn't felt before. "Then we shouldn't linger," Svonman replied, already mapping out their next steps. They couldn't afford to remain in this place longer than necessary. The sooner they gathered their supplies and moved on, the better.

As the boat touched the shore, the villagers edged closer, eager to see who had arrived in their midst. But Harvan, ever vigilant, kept his gaze on the shadows at the edge of the crowd, knowing that danger often lurked where one least expected it.

A rush of water lapped at the men's feet as the small boat scraped onto the sand. One of the crewmen leapt from the vessel, tugging it further ashore and securing the rope to a weathered post driven deep into the earth. Once the boat was steady, the sailor turned and extended a hand to Ava. With a grateful smile, she placed her slender fingers in his, allowing him to help her onto solid ground.

Ava had been so focused on Mr. Rownan and the gentle sway of the small boat that she hardly noticed the shoreline drawing near. Her thoughts lingered on the captain's kindness and the uncertain journey ahead. Still lost in thought, Ava turned her back to the shore, her gaze lingering on the water as the boat rocked in the shallows. The rhythm of the waves soothed her nerves, but it wasn't enough to drown out the worry that gnawed at her heart.

Then, a voice broke through the quiet—deep, warm, and filled with affection. "Little Bean."

The familiar name jolted her from her thoughts, and Ava spun around, her heart leaping into her throat. There, standing on the shore, was Harvan. His rugged face softened with a smile as he called out to her.