The warm glow of a candle lighted the small bedroom in soft light. A grandmother sat on the edge of a small bed. Beside her lay her granddaughter, tucked beneath a quilt that her mother had sewn, her eyes wide with curiosity and wonder.
"Will you tell me a story, Grandmama?" the girl asked, her voice small but excited because her grandmother had great stories.
The grandmother smiled gently and adjusted the quilt around the child. "Of course, my little star. Tonight, I'll tell you the tale of the soldiers of Goldspire—the brave souls who defended our city against the monstrous horde."
The child's eyes sparkled. "The ones who saved us?"
The grandmother nodded. "Yes, them. The ones who gave everything to protect our home. Now, close your eyes, and let me paint you a picture."
The child closed her eyes, though her excitement kept her restless. The grandmother's steady and warm voice filled the room.
