Elara and Gareth arrived at the small, remote village just as the sun was beginning to set. The village was quaint, nestled among rolling hills and surrounded by fields of wheat and barley. The scent of fresh bread wafted through the air, and children's laughter echoed from the village square.
Gareth led Elara to a modest cottage on the outskirts of the village. As they approached, the door swung open, and a tall, broad-shouldered man with graying hair and a welcoming smile stepped out.
"Gareth!" the man exclaimed, his voice booming with joy. "By the gods, it's been too long!"
Gareth grinned, clasping the man's arm in a hearty greeting. "Rowan, it's good to see you, old friend."
Rowan pulled Gareth into a bear hug, clapping him on the back. "Come inside, both of you. There's food on the table and ale in the cask."
As they stepped into Rowan's cozy cottage, the warmth of the hearth enveloped them. The aroma of stew filled the air, and the wooden table was set with hearty fare. Rowan motioned for them to sit, his eyes curious as he looked at Elara.
"And who's this?" Rowan asked, nodding toward her.
Gareth glanced at Elara, then back at Rowan. "This is Elara. She's been through quite an ordeal and has nowhere else to go. She's traveling with me."
Rowan's eyes softened with understanding as he took in Elara's weary expression. "Welcome, Elara. Any friend of Gareth's is a friend of mine."
Elara smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Rowan. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Rowan poured ale into three mugs and passed them around. "So, Gareth, what brings you to our quiet corner of the world? Last I heard, you were still causing trouble in the kingdom."
Gareth chuckled, though his expression grew serious. "I'm looking for a place to lay low for a while. I need to clear my name, Rowan. Those nobles who framed me are still out there, and I can't rest until justice is served."
Rowan nodded, his face somber. "I heard about what happened. You're welcome to stay here as long as you need. We'll figure something out."
Elara looked between the two men, her curiosity piqued. "Rowan, Gareth told me you fought together. What was he like back then?"
Rowan laughed, a twinkle in his eye. "Oh, Gareth was a force to be reckoned with. Fierce in battle and steadfast in his loyalty. There wasn't a man more dedicated to the kingdom."
Gareth smiled faintly, a hint of pride in his eyes. "Those were different times. But enough about me. Rowan, how have you been?"
Rowan shrugged, a contented smile on his face. "Life here is simple but good. The village is peaceful, and the people are kind. It's a far cry from the chaos of the battlefield, but it's a good life."
They ate and drank, sharing stories and laughter as the evening wore on. For a moment, the troubles of the past and the uncertainties of the future seemed distant. The bond between old friends and the promise of new alliances brought a sense of hope to the little cottage.
As the night deepened, Rowan showed them to a small guest room. "Rest well, both of you. Tomorrow we'll start figuring out the next steps. There's always work to be done around here, and I'm sure we can find something for you both."
Gareth nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Rowan. For everything."
Rowan clapped him on the shoulder. "It's what friends are for. Now get some sleep."
Waking up the next morning, Elara felt a sense of renewal. The soft light filtering through the window and the sounds of village life outside filled her with a calm she hadn't felt in a long time. She quickly dressed and headed outside, eager to be of use.
The villagers were already bustling about, tending to their daily tasks. Elara joined them, using her limited knowledge of healing to help with minor injuries and ailments. Her gentle touch and kind demeanor quickly won the villagers over, and she began to feel a sense of community and belonging she hadn't felt since her exile.
Gareth, meanwhile, was assisting Rowan with various tasks around the village, repairing fences and helping with the heavy lifting. The physical labor was a welcome distraction from his troubled thoughts.
As they worked, rumors began to spread through the village. There was talk of a young prince causing unrest in the kingdom, opposing the king's harsh policies. Prince Aldric, they said, was a rebellious figure fighting for justice, gathering support from those disillusioned with the current regime.
One afternoon, as Elara was tending to a villager's sprained ankle, she noticed a stranger arriving at the edge of the village. He was dressed in simple clothes, but there was something about his bearing that set him apart. He moved with purpose and confidence, yet his eyes scanned the village cautiously, as if seeking something—or someone.
Rowan was nearby, discussing the recent repairs with some of his fellow villagers, his gaze followed Elara's, and his eyes narrowed. "Who do you suppose that is?" She murmured to Rowan.
Before Rowan could respond, the stranger approached them. "Excuse me," he said, his voice steady but urgent. "I'm looking for a place to rest and some trustworthy allies."
Rowan, always the hospitable one, nodded. "You've come to the right place, friend. What's your name?"
The stranger hesitated, then leaned in slightly, his voice lowering. "I am Prince Aldric, though I travel in disguise. I seek refuge and those who might aid me in my cause."
Gareth's eyes widened slightly, but he maintained his composure. "Prince Aldric, I have heard of you, I used to serve under your father. What brings you here?"
Hearing this really surprised Prince Aldric, oh wow, what is your name he asked and why don't you serve among the knights of the kingdom anymore?
Before Gareth could answer, Elara voiced out that Gareth used to be among the kings Knight but he was framed by the same people who wants to kill the king, how come you have never heard of him? She asked
I have always not been around, I have been representing the King on foreign Kingdom about crucial matters. I never knew such a thing happened. It was because I stuck around the kingdom for a few weeks that I got to discover how the rulership of my father was not just. He is not doing right by his people and I can not be part of that, more of the reason i challenged his authority.
Hearing this surprised Gareth, wow, that was a bold and reckless move. Still surprised your head is still in your body.
Yea, me too replied the prince. Knowing fully well that my father surrounds himself with people who will never tell him the truth, I need to get out of the palace if I really want to make any changes. A lot of things are not right, I can not just sit back anymore.
So what brings you here? Rowan asked.
Aldric's expression was intense. "I need allies. The kingdom is suffering under my father's rule, and I intend to change that. But I can't do it alone."
Elara, who had been listening intently, stepped forward. Well I can't really say I am looking for justice, but I can help too. You see I am a Seer and I have a vision which leads to my exile. In order to prove them wrong for sending me away, I have to make sure the vision I saw never happens and I can't shake this feeling that we are all meant to help each other. With a Seer and a knight by your side, you could really make a great difference.
Aldric's eyes lit up with recognition and hope. "A seer and a knight? Fate has surely brought us together. I could use both your skills. Elara, your visions could guide us, and Gareth, your experience in battle would be invaluable."
Gareth's face remained impassive, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied Aldric. "You'll forgive me if I'm hesitant to trust so quickly, Your Highness. Many have promised change but delivered only more suffering. I once stuck my neck out for a good cause, it did not end well for me."
Aldric met Gareth's gaze steadily. "I understand your skepticism, Sir Gareth. Words alone won't earn your trust. But know this: I've seen firsthand the cruelty of my father's reign. The people are suffering, and I can no longer stand by and do nothing. I've risked everything to find those willing to fight for justice. I'm not asking for blind faith, just a chance to prove myself."
Elara stepped closer to Gareth, her voice gentle but firm. "Gareth, I've seen a vision of a leader who will bring change. I believe Prince Aldric is that leader. We've both been wronged by those in power. This is our chance to make a difference."
Gareth glanced at Elara, seeing the earnestness in her eyes. He then looked back at Aldric, weighing his options. The prince's determination was clear, and Elara's faith in him was persuasive.
Finally, Gareth nodded slowly. "We're with you, Your Highness. But understand, this won't be easy. The road ahead is fraught with danger."
Aldric nodded, his resolve unwavering. "I am prepared for that. The kingdom needs change, and together, we can bring it."
Rowan clapped a hand on Aldric's shoulder. "You'll find no shortage of courage here, Prince Aldric. We'll stand with you."