By the time we reached the valley, the midday sun hung high overhead, casting warm light over rolling hills and scattered farmland. In the distance, the town of Highfall came into view, its stone and timber buildings clustered near the banks of a winding river. Smoke rose from chimneys, and people moved about in the streets, tending to their daily routines.
Jared stretched his arms with a satisfied sigh. "Finally back. Nothing like a long trek to make you appreciate solid ground."
I scanned the town as we approached. It wasn't large, but it was lively. Merchants called out from wooden stalls, children ran between carts, and workers hauled crates from the back of a wagon. It was the kind of place where people knew each other by name, where life continued despite whatever battles had been fought beyond its borders.
Jared turned to me. "You got a place to stay?"
"Not yet."
He nodded toward a two-story building near the center of town. "The inn's as good a place as any. Decent food, fair price. If you're looking for work, someone there might have something for you."
I considered it. For now, blending in was the best approach. "Appreciate the suggestion."
As we entered town, a few people gave me curious glances. My clothes, my weapon—they marked me as a soldier, and that alone was enough to draw attention. A middle-aged woman at a fruit stand looked me up and down before calling out, "Soldier, huh? Haven't seen many of your kind through here since the fighting ended."
I met her gaze, keeping my expression neutral. "Just passing through."
She nodded, tossing an apple between her hands. "War leaves a lot of folks wandering these days."
I didn't respond, and she seemed content to leave it at that.
At the inn, the scent of roasted meat and fresh bread filled the air. The main room was busy but not crowded, filled with travelers, traders, and locals sharing drinks and conversation. I found a seat at a quiet table near the wall.
Before long, a man settled into the seat across from me without invitation. He looked like he belonged here—rough around the edges but at ease in his surroundings. "Haven't seen you around before," he said, studying me with the same curiosity as the others.
I met his gaze. "First time here."
He smirked. "Figured. Name's Calder."
"Vassek."
Calder leaned back, arms crossed. "You looking for something? Or just passing through like you said?"
"For now, just passing through."
He gave a thoughtful nod. "Well, if you stick around, you'll find Highfall's not a bad place to catch your breath. Just don't go making any trouble. Folks here like things quiet."
"I'll keep that in mind."
Calder grinned. "Good. Enjoy your drink, soldier." With that, he stood and disappeared back into the crowd.
I took a slow breath, letting the hum of conversation fill the space around me. Highfall was a quiet place, but even in towns like this, people had their own struggles, their own unspoken rules. For now, I'd play the part of the passing soldier. But the more I watched, the more I wondered—how long before someone started asking the right questions?
For now, I would just be another traveler. Another soldier moving from one place to the next.
But my past wasn't going to stay buried forever. I have to find something about it soon.