There were all kinds of flowers around me, their scent so intoxicating that I couldn't think of anything else. I wandered for five minutes, searching for the source of the fragrance, until I stumbled upon a chamber made of pure white marble. It resembled a small temple, and inside, seated in one of the two chairs positioned around a table, was a figure. I approached cautiously, drawn by the overwhelming scent that originated from this very place.
"Come closer, wielder of power," the figure said, her voice calm and persuasive.
I sat in the chair across from her, trying to get a clearer look at her face, but it was blurry. Strangely, she seemed familiar, like someone I knew, but I couldn't recall who.
"Chosen one, you must go to the capital and retrieve what belongs to us. It is your mission," she spoke with the same unwavering tone as before.
"I don't belong there. I don't know what you're talking about, nor do I have any image of what you're asking for," I replied, trying to grasp the situation.
"When you see it, you will know. You will feel it and understand everything, O chosen one." Her words were confident yet cryptic.
Suddenly, I woke up, feeling better than I had in years. Maybe it was the work of the healing potion, or perhaps the worries that plagued me had been washed away. Regardless, it had been the best sleep in a long time. But as the dream replayed in my mind, I was left dumbfounded.
I rose from the bed, my chest aching slightly from the wound, but otherwise, I felt fine. I looked around and realized I was half-naked, with bandages wrapped around my torso. I found some clean clothes that fit me almost perfectly and headed outside.
The fortress of Velwich was alive with activity. People were doing their daily chores, builders were working on the walls, and children were playing. Velwich wasn't just a fortress; it housed the families of the soldiers too, a small village within its walls. As I observed them, a strange feeling washed over me—a need to protect these people. This body I now inhabited felt the responsibility deeply, as if it were imprinted in its very bones. It was clear that Newt Windborne had been a good person, driven by a strong sense of duty.
I made my way to the training grounds to check on the condition of the troops. As soon as I arrived, the soldiers rushed towards me, bombarding me with questions.
"Captain, are you alright? How's your injury? When are you coming back to lead us?" they asked, their concern overwhelming.
I stood there, shocked and unable to respond, but fortunately, Garret arrived and scattered them like sheep.
"What are you idiots doing? The captain just survived a serious battle, and you're pestering him like that? Go train 1,000 times harder!" he barked at them. The soldiers quickly resumed their training.
"Thank you," I said, still feeling a bit out of sorts. "I was overwhelmed."
"No, Captain, it's my duty to serve you," Garret replied, his tone respectful.
"You're a good man, Garret," I said with a smile.
Garret blushed unexpectedly. "Thanks, Captain. It's all because of you." It was strange to see a man in his 40s blush like a schoolboy, but I figured no one had ever spoken to him like that before.
We walked together, inspecting the fortress walls. They were sturdy and showed little damage from the battle. As the sun began to set, casting an orange glow over Velwich, I couldn't help but comment, "The sunset is beautiful here."
"Yes," Garret replied, "When there aren't monsters attacking, it's a peaceful place."
"How often do they attack?" I asked.
"About once a month. But sometimes, the invasions happen under the command of higher beings," he said.
"Dragons?" I asked.
"Yes, dragons, divine creatures that rule the skies. Why do you ask, Captain? You should've learned all this at the academy," Garret said, his curiosity piqued.
"I was just testing your knowledge," I lied, trying to cover up my ignorance.
Just then, a voice called out, "Garret! Garret, where are you?"
Garret paled instantly. "I'm a dead man," he muttered under his breath, trembling.
"Who is that?" I asked, amused by his sudden fear.
"Elizabet, the healer who treated you," he replied, clearly terrified.
Elizabet appeared moments later, her face set in a frown. She stormed over to Garret, grabbed his ear, and yanked him down like a scolded child.
"Why did you bring the captain out here when he hasn't fully healed?" she demanded, her tone sharp with anger.
"I didn't do anything!" Garret stammered, trying to escape her grip like a deer caught in the jaws of a lion.
"I came out on my own. Garret's innocent," I said, trying to diffuse the situation.
"Anyway, Garret, why aren't you home yet?" she asked, ignoring my attempt to help.
"Wait, is she your wife?" I asked, surprised.
"Yes," Garret sighed. "She was cute and innocent when I married her, but now…"
"Now what?!" Elizabet snapped, cutting him off. "You men are all the same! Sweet talk when we're young, but you don't pay attention once we're married!" She practically dragged Garret away before he could say another word.
I stood there alone, watching them disappear, shaking my head with a small smile. Life in Velwich, even with all its battles, had its moments of humor.