They continued their conversation, the shared words a fragile bridge between their vastly different worlds. William, driven by insatiable curiosity, leaned closer, his eyes bright with interest. “So, what’s life in the capital like?” he asked, trying to picture the bustling streets of Aver’s heart.

  As Julia spoke of her past, a distant memory flickered in her eyes. “It was vibrant,” she began, the elegance of her posture subtle yet unmistakable, the way her fingers brushed against the air like a cat’s paw, delicate and purposeful. “Markets filled with laughter, the sweet scent of baked goods mingling with the fragrance of exotic spices. Artists painted murals that told the stories of our history.”

  William noted her refined speech, her elegant mannerisms and her deep knowledge and control of magic, all hinted at education beyond the reach of common folk. The flicker of pride in her eyes, followed by the shadow of loss, painted a poignant picture of a life now overshadowed by conflict.

  “Now, those streets are much quieter, war being front of mind for everyone” she continued, her soft voice tinged with a melancholic ache. “No more laughter, only whispers of fear.”

  A knot formed in William’s chest at her tone. She’s lived in a world of beauty, and now it's a distant memory shattered by war. If only I had a spell to fix that.

  When Edward spoke, his rugged demeanour contrasted sharply with Julia's refined elegance. The calluses on his hands were telling, the scars on his arms not just reminders of battles but of a life once rooted in simpler pleasures. “My village was swallowed whole,” he said, fists clenched at his sides. “It no longer exists. I lost my home, my family, everything in Shendek.”

  William glanced between the two, sensing the weight of their histories. Julia, the noble mage turned warrior, and Edward, the farmer turned soldier. A tale of loss and resilience played out before him like script on a page.

  “I became a warrior out of necessity, not for glory,” Edward continued, jaw set as emotions played across his face. “Learning to wield the sword was the only way to fight back against the darkness that took everything I loved.”

  At this, William felt a pang of sorrow for the farmer turned soldier. From plowing fields to slashing goblins, it sounds like it’s been a heck of a journey, one with its fair share of stories to tell. He shook off the thought and tried to steer their conversation toward lighter subjects. “How did you two meet?” he asked, hoping to lighten the heavy atmosphere.

  “Our paths crossed at the Adventurers Guild,” Julia explained, a soft smile returning to her lips. “We were drawn together by a shared purpose, an unlikely partnership.”

  A gentle smile formed on her lips, the warmth in her gaze as she spoke about their bond, spoke volumes of her commitment to the fight ahead. There was also a fierce look of determination, her purpose clear, to protect what remained of her kingdom.

  Edward grunted, acknowledging the bond they had forged in the crucible of war. He described how their complementary skills, his close-quarters combat and her powerful spells, had combined to forge a formidable alliance against the relentless tide of the Dark Legion.

  “Julia specializes in ranged attacks,” Edward said, his tone deepening with respect. “Her magic can break shields and take down foes long before they reach me.”

  This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  William listened intently, feeling the warmth of camaraderie between them. The air crackled with their mutual trust and loyalty, and he longed to be a part of it, to contribute in any way he could. Maybe I could sell them my expertise in Excel spreadsheets. It’s practically magic. William thought internally to himself, his dry humour once again coming to the fore.

  Curiosity sparked as he tentatively broached the subject of language, wanting to understand the mechanics of Julia’s magic. “This... translation magic,” he began, choosing his words with care, “it’s not just about translating, is it? It’s more like... understanding intent? Like reading minds, but just for language?”

  Julia nodded, a glimmer of surprise lighting her eyes. “Exactly,” she said, her enthusiasm evident. “It’s a subtle art, weaving threads of energy to create a bridge between minds.” As she demonstrated, her fingers wove through the air, and faint, shimmering symbols flickered around them like fireflies. “It allows us to comprehend meaning, bypassing grammatical barriers. While you still speak in your own tongue, it transcends mere words, conveying emotion and nuance.”

  William watched, entranced, as the shimmering patterns danced in the air. So, it’s kind of like when I don’t translate my sarcastic comments into meeting notes at work. At least I’m glad those aren’t being translated. The beauty of her magic enveloped him, connecting him to a world rich with mystery. His thoughts began to swirl with questions about the nature of magic when Edward suddenly raised a hand, silencing them with an urgent gesture.

  “We're here,” he said, his voice low, tension rippling through his frame, eyes locked onto the horizon.

  As they approached Sharwood, William’s anticipation surged. The town was larger than he'd envisioned, a bastion of resilience amid the chaos. Buildings constructed from sturdy stone and handcrafted timber stood proudly against the encroaching woods, their presence a testament to the people’s tenacity. The air hummed with activity, the sounds of merchants calling out and children playing, but there remained an undercurrent of tension that sent a tingle down William’s spine.

  The towering palisade wall around the town was a glaring reminder of the lurking threat. Patrolling guards, clad in leather armour, moved with purpose, eyes scanning the tree line for lurking danger. On the surface, life continued in a semblance of normalcy, but unease hung heavily in the air, palpable in the hurried steps of merchants and the anxious glances of mothers clutching their children.

  As they drew closer, William’s heart raced at the sight of Sharwood’s fortified structures, a church with a tall steeple, an inn exuding warmth from its lit windows, and a small keep overlooking the town square, symbols of hope amid the dread.

  When they reached the gate, the guards recognized Julia and Edward, their expressions softening. They parted the gates with respectful nods, a silent acknowledgment of their shared struggle. Relief washed over William, a flicker of safety igniting within him amid the chaos of the past days.

  “Edward,” Julia said, her voice returning to calm practicality, “you should report to the Guild and to the Lord’s representative. The information about the goblins, it's vital. They need to be aware.”

  “I will,” Edward assured her, eyes steeling with resolve. “I’ll make them understand the urgency.”

  Julia turned to William, concern darkening her gaze. “And you need to see a healer. Get that leg treated properly. With everything happening, we can’t afford to have you hobbled.”

  “I’m fine,” William protested lightly, flexing his leg and feeling a surprising ease. “It’s... better than it should be!”

  Julia’s brows knit together, curiosity piqued. “The citrusroot... its power is more potent than I realized. Or perhaps…”

  “Let’s discuss this later,” Edward interjected, urgency edging his tone. “We need to get you to the healer, and then prepare. The darkness is coming, and Sharwood stands in its path. We are running out of time.” His gaze was resolute as he gestured toward the heart of the town, and William felt a surge of determination within himself, a commitment to not just survive but to fight alongside them.

  Just when I thought I’d be stuck as the damsel in distress, they go and throw me into the thick of it. Guess it’s time to embrace this rogue adventurer role.