As the villagers dispersed from the ceremony, the weight of their new task settled over them. The air was thick with the scent of fresh pine and damp earth, mingling with the faint echoes of their murmured conversations.
Helga, now Chief Elder, stood at the center of the square, organizing teams and delegating responsibilities. "Erik, you and the younger men will gather wood from the forest. Stay alert and move quickly. The forest is no longer safe," she commanded, her eyes sharp and focused.
Erik, a broad-shouldered man with a streak of gray in his hair, nodded solemnly. "Yes, Chief. We'll be quick," he replied, his voice steady despite the lingering sorrow. He turned to his team, giving them a nod of encouragement before they set off towards the forest, their axes glinting in the fading light.
Helga then turned to the women and older men. "We need to reinforce our homes and prepare for any immediate threats. Secure windows, fortify doors, and gather supplies."
Gin's mother, her hands calloused from years of labor, stepped forward, determination clear in her stance. "We'll make sure everything is ready," she said, rallying the others with her resolve.
Meanwhile, Hiro and Sasa had made their way to the edge of the square, observing the flurry of activity. Hiro's face was pale, and his movements were slow, but his eyes were filled with determination.
"Hiro, you should be resting," Sasa admonished gently, concern in her voice.
"I can't just sit by while everyone else works," Hiro replied firmly. "I need to help."
Seeing the resolve in his eyes, Sasa sighed but nodded. "Alright, but take it easy. I'll stay with you."
They joined a group led by Sasa's father, who was directing the reinforcement of the village perimeter. "Hiro, Sasa, glad to see you. We could use all the hands we can get," he greeted them warmly but urgently.
"We're here to help," Hiro said, grabbing a hammer and some nails, his movements careful but determined.
As the day wore on, the villagers worked tirelessly, their collective efforts transforming the village. The rhythmic sounds of hammers, saws, and the rustle of gathered wood filled the air, creating a symphony of resilience.
In the forest, Erik and his team moved swiftly, their axes biting into trees with precision. The scent of sap and fresh wood filled the air. "Stay alert," Erik reminded them. "We can't afford any surprises."
"Yes, Erik," Gin said.
Back in the village, Helga moved among the workers, offering guidance and support. She paused by Hiro and Sasa, observing their progress. "You're doing well," she said, her voice softening. "But Hiro, don't overexert yourself."
"I'm fine," Hiro insisted, though his body protested with every movement. "We need to be ready."
Helga nodded, recognizing his determination. "Just be careful."
Hesitating, Hiro asked, "Chief, I have a question. When Sasa and I walked through the streets, I saw the bodies of the fallen. I looked everywhere but didn't see my grandmother's body."
"I'm sorry, Hiro, but according to the villagers who gathered the fallen, they didn't find Laura's body," Helga said gently.
"Oh, I see," Hiro said, his face falling.
"I know you're in pain, Hiro. Don't try to hide it," Helga said, comforting him.
"Don't be sad, Hiro. You know Grandma Laura would be upset if you stayed like this," Sasa said.
"Don't be silly, Sasa," Hiro said with a laugh, wiping the tears from his eyes.
"Let's build her a tomb," Sasa suggested, pulling Hiro away from his work. "Father, sorry, we'll be leaving for a while," she called out.
"Chief Elder, we'll be going," Sasa said, gripping Hiro's hand as she led him away.
"Be careful, you two," Chief Helga said as she turned her attention to her assistant, Olka.
Sasa led Hiro through the village and to the nearby old oak tree, the cool shade providing some relief from the afternoon sun. They walked in silence, the only sounds being the crunch of leaves underfoot and the distant echoes of the villagers' efforts. As they reached a clearing, Sasa turned to Hiro, her eyes gentle but resolute.
"This spot is peaceful and beautiful, just like your grandmother," Sasa said softly. "It's the perfect place to build her tombstone."
Hiro looked around, taking in the tranquility of the clearing. A large oak tree stood at the center, its branches providing a canopy of leaves that rustled softly in the breeze. He nodded, feeling a sense of calm wash over him.
"You're right, Sasa. This is perfect," Hiro agreed.
They set to work, gathering stones and wood. Sasa showed Hiro how to carve the wood into a simple but elegant tombstone. They worked side by side, their movements synchronized in a quiet tribute to Laura's memory.
"Finished! Grandma Laura has her own tombstone," Sasa said as she completed Laura's grave. "See, it only took an hour."
"Thank you, Sasa," Hiro said, watching in awe as he stood under the old oak tree by his grandmother's grave. "I never knew you were such a master craftsman."
"I just learned carving a year ago," Sasa replied, sitting down under the oak tree beside the grave.
Meanwhile, miles away from the village, inside a castle, Alistair began organizing teams and supplies for the expedition.
"Reva," he called. "Read me the list of the mages, knights, and paladins joining the investigation."
"Mage Category: Priscilla, 16 years old, Female, Class 3 mage," Reva read aloud, her voice steady as she glanced at Alistair for his approval.
"Cancelled. Too young and too weak. Next," Alistair said firmly, his eyes scanning the list.
"Knight Category: Robust, 21 years old, Male, Grandmaster Class," Reva continued, a hint of approval in her tone.
"Accepted. Put him in Team 1," Alistair responded, marking it down on his parchment.
"Mage Category: Raon, 18 years old, Male, Class 6 mage," Reva read, looking up for Alistair's reaction.
"Accepted. Assign him to Team 4," Alistair ordered, his mind already on the next name.
"Paladin Category: Edward, 24 years old, Male, High Priest," Reva continued.
"Cancelled. I don't need a priest," Alistair said dismissively.
"But sir, we need them," Reva argued, her voice firm. "The undead are weak against a priest's holy magic."
Alistair paused, considering her point. "Fine, put him in Team 5," he replied reluctantly.
And so they spent their time organizing the teams meticulously, ensuring a balanced mix of skills and strengths for the expedition:
- **Team 1**: 2 mages, 4 knights, 5 priests
- **Team 2**: 4 mages, 6 knights, 1 priest
- **Team 3**: 5 mages, 3 knights, 3 priests
- **Team 4**: 6 mages, 5 knights
- **Team 5**: 3 mages, 2 knights, 6 priests
As they finalized the list, the room was filled with the rustle of parchment and the soft murmur of voices discussing strategy and logistics.
"Done, at last," Alistair said, exhaling deeply. He looked at Reva, his expression serious. "Tell them, tomorrow we set off. Ensure that everyone is prepared and that supplies are fully stocked. We can't afford any mistakes."
Reva nodded, her resolve clear. "Yes, sir. I'll make sure everything is in order."
With that, Alistair stood, the weight of the impending expedition pressing heavily on his shoulders. He knew the dangers that lay ahead, but he was determined to lead his team to success. The fate of many depended on it.
Back in Carowa, dusk approached, and the wall was completed, a tangible symbol of their collective effort and resolve. The villagers paused briefly, admiring their work, a sense of accomplishment mingling with their grief.
Helga gathered everyone once more, her voice carrying over the murmurs. "We've made great progress today. Rest tonight, for tomorrow we continue our preparations. We will protect our home and each other."
The villagers nodded, their spirits bolstered by her words. As they dispersed to their homes, a sense of unity and hope began to take root, intertwining with their sorrow.
Hiro and Sasa returned to their house, exhaustion evident on their faces. "We did good today," Hiro said, his voice tired but content.
"Yes, we did," Sasa agreed, offering him a supportive smile. "Now, let's get some rest."
As the village settled into an uneasy rest, the flickering light of torches illuminated the newly built wall, a silent sentinel against the darkness. The scent of pine and fresh wood lingered in the air, mingling with the faint echoes of their day's labor.
In the quiet of the night, Hiro stood watch, his eyes scanning the horizon. "Grandma, please guide me," he whispered before going to sleep under the music of the night.