“I think the great dragonslayer needs to rest now,” Lord Brenwa said to the villagers. “It has been quite an eventful night and I think we should all turn in as well.”


    The villagers nodded as they listened to their leader. They were all so happy and not ready to head into their homes just yet. Evan shook the hands of many of the villagers as they thanked him. Some even hugged him which made him chuckle with surprise. He felt good inside to be able to help these people. Many of the villagers told him that they were going to give him food for his travels and he thanked them as he made his way to the inn.


    “Do you plan to depart tomorrow morning, great dragonslayer?” Lord Brenwa asked Evan. Gretwin was helping him as they walked toward the inn.


    Evan thought about that for a moment and then nodded. He had to explore this world and figure out more about himself and why he was here. There had to be some sort of reason. “Yes, I will be departing in the morning.”


    Lord Brenwa nodded. “Jentar has the best horses in our village and as she said you are welcome to them. You mentioned that you wanted two horses. May I ask why?”


    Evan looked at Lord Brenwa and he saw a smile on his face. Gretwin looked at him and also had that similar small smile on her lips. Evan sensed that they both knew the answer to that question. However, Evan wasn’t sure if Avlara had told her grandfather that she intended to leave the village and come along with him on his travels. He glanced over at Avlara who was talking to several people who were eager to hear about what had happened with the beast before returning to the village. Evan decided to be direct when answering Lord Brenwa’s question.


    “I would like Avlara to join me in my travels. She helped me tonight with the beast. She is a great archer and I will need her skills if I encounter any foes along the way.”


    Lord Brenwa nodded. “My granddaughter is very skilled with her bow. I have heard of her quickness with drawing an arrow and her ability to hit her target effectively.” Lord Brenwa paused for a moment. “I had plans for her to lead this village once I stepped down. She is a great leader and everyone respects her and heeds her words. However, I know that she dreams of leaving this place and more of the world. I can hear it in her voice and I know she has stayed here as long as she has because of me. I have kept her from leaving because of what happened to her parents.”


    Lord Brenwa paused again and a sad expression came to his face. Evan was quiet and waited for him to speak again. Lord Brenwa leaned close to Evan and his voice dropped as he whispered to him. “Yenway has been at peace since you slayed Howanjan, great dragonslayer but I have heard stirrings of black magic incidents occurring throughout Yenway. We had several mages travel through our village and they told me that they were investigating a black magic event that had resulted in the deaths of many elves and humans. I am not sure if you are aware of this but I have not told anyone because I wish not to cause any panic, especially my granddaughter because of what happened to her parents.” A worried look came to the elderly man’s face and then that sad expression returned. “My son and his wife both perished due to black magic, great dragonslayer. I have seen it on the battlefield and the effects of it are catastrophic. It is an uncontrollable dark magic that only those who have lost their souls and humanity can conjure. I am worried that I will lose Avlara to black magic as well.”Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    Lord Brenwa was quiet as he stared ahead with his eyes seeming to be remembering the pain of the loss of his son and daughter-in-law. Evan felt a strong will and determination flood him. “I will not allow Avlara to perish to black magic, Lord Brenwa. I will protect her and keep her safe. Also, from what I have learned about your granddaughter in the short amount of time that I have been in your village is that she can take care of herself.”


    Lord Brenwa smiled and nodded. “That is very true, great dragonslayer. But, she can be quick to charge into action with risk of her own life.” Lord Brenwa turned and grasped Evan by the arm. The elderly man’s grip was quite strong. “I believe that she will be safe with you, great dragonslayer, and that she will be able to experience more of this world that she will never be able to if she stayed here. Her desire for adventure is too strong and I can no longer keep her from that. But, please promise me that you will keep her safe.”


    Evan grasped the elderly man’s arm in a firm but gentle way. “I promise, Lord Brenwa, I will keep her safe. I am also sure that she will probably be keeping me safe.”


    Lord Brenwa chuckled. “Yes.” He released Evan’s arm and Evan took his arm off the elderly man as well. They entered the inn and Evan was thanked by the people who were staying there. He nodded and shook their hands.


    “Please rest, dragonslayer. You have done our village a great deed that we will be eternally grateful for,” Lord Brenwa said. He gave a slight bow to Evan and then Gretwin helped him to his room.


    Evan saw Avlara enter the inn and she walked up to him. There was a curious expression on her face. Evan knew that she was wondering what he and her grandfather had been talking about. He decided to alleviate any worries that she may have.


    “I spoke with your grandfather and told him that I would like for you to join me in my travels. He has agreed,” Evan said with a smile.


    Avlara’s eyes grew large and she clapped her hands with excitement. A large joyous smile spread out on her beautiful face. “Thank you, great dragonslayer! Thank you so much!” Avlara suddenly hugged him and Evan hugged her back. He was grinning at her excitement. She then broke the hug and hurried to her grandfather who was about to enter his room with Gretwin. Avlara hugged him from behind and Lord Brenwa smiled and held her arm with acceptance of her upcoming departure from her home.