Quin and Sarah arrived back in town, tired but satisfied after their successful quest. They went straight to the quest board to collect their reward, receiving a small pouch of gold coins for their efforts.
Feeling energized, Quin suggested they explore the town a bit more. They walked down the cobblestone streets, admiring the quaint shops and buildings that lined the way.
As they passed by a small bakery, the smell of freshly baked bread caught Quin's attention. He followed his nose inside, where he was greeted by a warm and cozy atmosphere. The baker, a plump and cheerful woman, welcomed them with a smile.
"Hello there! What can I get for you two?" she asked.
Quin glanced over the various pastries and bread on display. His stomach growled in hunger. "Two loaves of bread, please," he said, handing over a few coins from his pouch.
The baker wrapped the loaves in paper and handed them over with a smile. "Enjoy!"
As they walked out of the bakery, Quin tore off a piece of bread and took a bite. It was warm and crusty on the outside, with a soft and fluffy interior. He savored the taste, feeling a sense of contentment wash over him.
Sarah chuckled at his enthusiasm. "You really love food, don't you?" she teased.
Quin shrugged, grinning. "Can you blame me? Everything tastes so good here."
They continued their exploration, walking past a blacksmith's shop and a herbalist's store. Quin was particularly fascinated by the latter, marveling at the various herbs and plants on display.
As they walked, they noticed a commotion up ahead. A crowd had gathered around a tall and imposing figure, dressed in ornate armor and wielding a massive sword.
Quin couldn't help but feel drawn to the figure. He approached the crowd, trying to get a better look.
Suddenly, the figure turned to face him. Their eyes met, and Quin felt a jolt of recognition.
It was the same knight from his dream.
Quin stood frozen, unable to believe his eyes. The knight looked just as he had in his dream, towering over him with an aura of power and confidence.
Sarah noticed Quin's reaction and followed his gaze. When she saw the knight, she gasped.
"That's the same knight from your dream, isn't it?" she whispered to Quin.
He nodded, still unable to take his eyes off the knight. The crowd around them seemed to fade away as the knight approached them.
"Greetings, travelers," the knight said in a deep and commanding voice. "I am Sir Gareth, a knight of the kingdom. Might I have a moment of your time?"
Quin and Sarah exchanged a glance before nodding. Sir Gareth led them away from the crowd, to a quieter spot by the town square.
"I couldn't help but notice your reaction when you saw me," Sir Gareth said, his piercing gaze fixed on Quin. "Do you have some kind of connection to me?"
Quin hesitated before speaking. "I...I had a dream about you. You were fighting against a great evil, and I was there to help you."
Sir Gareth raised an eyebrow in surprise. "A dream, you say? That's very interesting. I too have had strange dreams lately, of a great darkness that threatens our kingdom. Perhaps you and I are connected in some way."
Quin felt a sense of excitement and nervousness at the knight's words. Could it be that his dreams were more than just dreams? Was he really meant to help Sir Gareth in some way?
Suddenly, Sir Gareth's expression grew serious. "But enough about dreams. I have a task for you, if you are willing to accept it. There have been reports of bandits in the nearby forest, harassing travelers and stealing goods. I need someone to investigate and put a stop to their activities. Will you do this for me?"
Quin and Sarah looked at each other before nodding. "We'll do it," Quin said, feeling a sense of purpose and determination.
Sir Gareth nodded in approval. "Very well. Here is a map of the forest, with the bandits' reported location marked. Be careful, as they are likely armed and dangerous. May the light of the kingdom guide your path."
With that, Sir Gareth strode away, leaving Quin and Sarah with a sense of urgency and purpose. They knew that this quest would not be easy, but they were determined to see it through.
As they set out towards the forest, Quin couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. He had never faced bandits before, but he was ready to do whatever it took to stop them and help Sir Gareth.
The adventure was just beginning.