Later that afternoon, Thomas took Jack to one of the market stalls, where an old craftsman was known for making wooden practice weapons. The man greeted them with a nod, his grizzled face showing a hint of recognition.
"You're looking for something, lad?" the craftsman asked, his voice gravelly.
"I need a wooden sword and shield," Thomas said, gesturing to Jack. "For him. We're going to start his training."
The old man squinted at Jack, nodding approvingly. "Got some fight in him, does he?"
"He does," Thomas replied with a small smile.
The craftsman reached behind the counter, pulling out a wooden sword and a round, sturdy shield made of oak. Both were rough but functional, perfect for a beginner.
Jack took the sword in his hand, feeling the weight of it. It wasn't much, but it was his first real step toward learning how to fight. He glanced up at Thomas, who gave him a small nod of approval.
"That'll do," Thomas said, pulling a few coins from his pouch to pay the craftsman. "Thanks."
As they left the market, Jack couldn't help but swing the wooden sword in a few experimental arcs, trying to get a feel for it. Thomas watched, smiling faintly at his brother's enthusiasm.
"We'll start with the basics tomorrow," Thomas said. "Footwork, how to hold your shield properly. It's not just about swinging your sword around. You've got to learn how to defend yourself too."
Jack nodded, his mind already racing ahead. He had waited for this moment for what felt like forever. Now, he had his sword and shield. Now, he could begin.
While Thomas prepared Jack for his first lessons in swordplay, Brighthollow's situation continued to grow more dire. Although the orcs of Cindor were not immediately attacking, their presence was unsettling. Scouts reported sightings of orcish spies near the western border of the kingdom, not far from Brighthollow itself. The orcs were preparing for a larger campaign, and to do that, they needed supplies—food, weapons, and manpower. They would likely raid human settlements for what they needed before turning their full force on the dwarves in the south.
Baron Elowen, a stern and pragmatic noble who governed Brighthollow under Lord Aric's banner, had gathered the village leaders for a meeting. The small council convened in the village hall, their faces drawn with worry as they discussed the growing threat.
"The orcs are not ready for full-scale war yet," Baron Elowen said, his voice calm but firm. "They need supplies before they can march on the dwarves. But that doesn't mean we're safe. If they run low, they'll turn their eyes to us."
A murmur spread through the room, the weight of his words sinking in.
"What do you propose, Baron?" one of the village elders asked, her voice wavering with fear.
Elowen's gaze swept the room. "We must be prepared. The walls of Brighthollow can hold for now, but if it comes to it, we must protect our most vulnerable. I suggest we send the women and children—those under fifteen, at least—to the stronghold in Fairhaven. It's a few days' ride to the east, and its defenses are much stronger."
The room fell silent. The thought of splitting families, of sending their loved ones away, weighed heavily on the villagers, but they knew Elowen was right. Brighthollow's walls were stout, but they couldn't hold against a determined orc force, especially if the village became a target for raiding.
"I know it's a hard decision," Elowen continued, his tone softening slightly. "But we must think of the future. The women and children will be safer in Fairhaven. We will defend this village with everything we have, but if the orcs come, we cannot take chances."
Thomas, standing guard near the back of the room, listened quietly. He knew this would affect his family. Jack, Lila, Milo, Finn, and Emory were all under fifteen. If the decision went through, they would all be sent away. The thought gnawed at him—sending his younger siblings to Fairhaven, where they would be safe, but separated from him.
Lord Aric, who had been silent for much of the meeting, finally spoke up. "Baron Elowen's plan makes sense," he said. "But this is not something I will force on anyone. Each family must decide for themselves whether to stay or go. We will make arrangements for an escort to Fairhaven in the coming days. For now, we continue to strengthen our defenses and remain vigilant."
The meeting adjourned with a sense of grim determination. The people of Brighthollow knew they were living on borrowed time. The orcs were coming, whether it was for supplies or for conquest, and the village needed to be ready.
That evening, as the fire crackled in their small home, Thomas sat with his siblings. The decision about Fairhaven hung over them like a shadow. Jack was focused on his new wooden sword, running his fingers along the edges as he sat by the hearth, but Thomas could see the worry etched on his face.
"Do you think we'll have to leave?" Lila asked quietly, breaking the tense silence. Her voice trembled slightly as she looked at Thomas.
Thomas leaned back in his chair, letting out a slow breath. "Baron Elowen thinks it's best if the women and children leave for Fairhaven, just in case the orcs come this way."
Milo, sitting next to Lila, frowned. "But we can't leave! We've been through worse, haven't we? We should stay and fight."
Thomas shook his head. "It's not about whether we're strong enough, Milo. It's about keeping everyone safe. The orcs won't care who they hurt if they come looking for supplies. Fairhaven is better defended. You'd be safer there."
"But we'd be leaving you and Jack behind," Lila whispered, tears brimming in her eyes.
Jack, who had been silent, finally spoke up. "I'm going with you."
Lila looked up, startled. "What?"
"I'm under fifteen," Jack said, his voice steady but reluctant. "Baron Elowen wants all the younger ones to go. I... I have to go with you."
Lila's eyes widened with relief, but there was also sadness. The idea of Jack staying behind had weighed heavily on her, but now the thought of all of them leaving Thomas behind felt just as painful.
Thomas, seeing their reactions, sighed. "Jack's right. You all need to go to Fairhaven, together. It's safer there. I'll stay behind with the militia and do what I can here."
"But what if—" Milo started, but Thomas cut him off.
"No 'what ifs,' Milo. We don't know what's going to happen, but we do know Fairhaven is safer. I need to know that you're all somewhere safe while I'm here. That way, I can focus on protecting Brighthollow."
Jack looked at Thomas, his wooden sword resting in his lap. "When it's safe, you'll come to Fairhaven too, right?"
Thomas gave him a small, reassuring smile. "Of course. Once this is all over, I'll come find you all. I promise."
The fire crackled in the silence that followed, the weight of Thomas's words settling over the siblings. They didn't want to be separated, but they knew it was the right decision.
"We'll be ready," Jack said quietly, gripping his wooden sword. "We'll be waiting for you."
Thomas nodded, feeling the heavy burden of responsibility on his shoulders. They would have to part, but his duty was clear. He would protect Brighthollow while his family found safety in Fairhaven, and he would do everything in his power to reunite with them when the time came.
For now, they would prepare for the journey east, and Thomas would prepare for whatever the orcs might bring.