Cain and his companions returned from their goblin hunt, greeted by a young woman who hurried towards them. She smiled with relief and called for someone inside one of the larger houses.

  A stout, weathered man stepped out a moment later, wiping his hands on a cloth. He greeted Cain with an ease that suggested they were already acquainted.

  “Welcome back, Cain and friends,” the man said warmly. “Good to see you all safe.”

  “It’s good to be back,” Cain replied. “Shall we talk business at your house? The rest of the group can rest in the place we stayed before.”

  “Of course,” the man said, nodding. “Come along, Cain. I’d like to hear how it went.”

  I followed as they crossed the lane to a small, white walled house. Inside, a rough table with four chairs occupied the centre of the room. A short shelf held a few well used books, and two doors led to adjoining chambers.

  “I trust you dealt with the problem?” the man asked, taking a seat.

  Cain nodded. “We cleared four smaller camps near the village and found the main one deeper in the forest. That should be the end of it.”

  “That’s a relief,” the man said with a sigh. “Maybe we’ll have peace for a while.”

  “There was one concern,” Cain added. “We saw a group of people two days’ walk from here in the forest. Too many to be hunters or merchants.”

  The man frowned. “Bandits, you think?”

  “Possibly,” Cain said. “We couldn’t risk getting close enough to tell. If they are, they’ve got numbers and probably a strong leader.”

  The man tapped a finger on the table, thinking. “Could you carry a message to Ravenrest for me when you return? I’ll have something written up tonight asking for scouts.”

  “Of course,” Cain said.

  The man nodded and stood, taking a small leather pouch from a chest by the wall. “As for your payment, you’ll find it all here.”

  “Thanks,” Cain said, weighing the pouch briefly. “We’ll stay the night before heading back. Any wagons bound for Ravenrest soon?”

  “One leaves in two days, but you’ll walk faster,” the man said with a faint smile. “And thank you again for helping us.”

  “You’re welcome, Athelmod,” Cain replied, shaking his hand.

  Ah. So that was his name.

  Cain stepped outside again, stretching his shoulders. “Come on,” he said to the others. “Let’s get settled for the night.”

  I followed as he led them to a house with cracked shutters and a door that sagged slightly on its hinges.

  “It’s good to be able to relax for once,” Cain said, stepping inside.

  The house was small but serviceable. A faint fire glowed in the hearth, and a rough table stood surrounded by mismatched chairs. Two narrow doors led off the main room.

  Jenna was already seated, unbuckling her armour straps. “Finally. I can finish my prayers without worrying about something creeping up on me.”

  Triss yawned. “I might sleep through tomorrow.”

  Chris leaned back, folding his arms behind his head. “Rest sounds good, but did we actually get paid?”

  Cain smiled faintly and lifted the pouch. “All accounted for.”

  “Good,” Chris said. “Means we don’t have to burn the place down in reparation.”

  Jenna frowned at him. “That isn’t funny.”

  “Come on, Jenna,” Chris said. “You know I wouldn’t actually do it.”

  Norman chuckled. “Speaking of things worth doing, how about a feast tonight? We’ve still got that wolf meat.”

  “Yes, definitely,” Chris said. “Mind if I invite a village girl or two to join us?”

  “Bring a widow for me while you’re at it,” Norman said with a grin. “It’s been too long since I had proper company.”

  Chris smirked. “I know just the people. Last time I was here, we had a bit of fun.”

  Jenna crossed her arms. “You two are terrible. What if they end up with children out of it?”

  “They’ll have another farmhand,” Chris said, shrugging.

  Jenna sighed, shaking her head. I watched her reaction. By now, her disapproval came as no surprise.

  Norman leaned forwards, still grinning. “It’s harmless, Jenna. Everyone gets something they want.”

  That evening, Chris returned with company: two women and a young man. He entered cheerfully, the scent of cooked meat and ale already filling the small house.

  “I’ve brought guests,” he announced. “They’re keen for food and good company.”

  The younger woman stepped forwards first. She was slender, with fine features and shoulder length brown hair. The older woman beside her had tanned, muscular arms and a face creased from years of work but softened by a ready smile. The boy lingered near the door, shifting awkwardly under the others’ eyes.

  “Nice to see you again, Theodore,” Triss said warmly.

  The boy straightened a little. “Good to see you too, Triss.”

  “Act more confident, Theo,” the older woman teased. “You have a pretty girl in front of you, so make an effort.”

  She crossed the room and wrapped her arms around Norman’s shoulders from behind. “Good to see you again, my wizard.”

  Norman grinned. “And you as well, my lady. Dinner is almost ready.”

  Jenna muttered something under her breath and turned her attention to the fire.

  From their conversation, I gathered that the older woman was named Tabatha, the younger Ilza, and the boy Theodore.

  Triss smiled at Theo. “I’m filthy from the road. Could you help me get clean?”

  He froze. “I’m not sure I should.”

  Triss laughed. “Relax, I’m teasing. I’ll wash off the road dust outside before dinner.”

  Theo’s face turned red as she stepped out into the fading light. I followed her to the doorway. She poured water into a basin and began to rinse her arms. The water rippled in the dim light, catching glimmers of reflection. Triss shivered slightly, her breath misting in the cool air. I could imagine the chill but not feel it. I wondered if, once, I could.

  Back inside, the table had been set with wooden plates. Norman ladled out stew, its steam rising in slow curls.

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  “Thanks for cooking, Norman,” Tabatha said, smiling at him.

  “You’re most welcome, my lady,” he replied with exaggerated charm. Jenna rolled her eyes but said nothing.

  Chris handed a bowl to Ilza and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. She flushed, smiling shyly.

  “Can you take me with you next time you leave?” she asked. “I’m tired of this place.”

  “Maybe next time,” Chris said. “The roads aren’t safe right now.”

  Ilza’s smile faded. “I see.”

  Jenna looked up from her bowl. “You know Chris is just using you, Ilza.”

  Ilza met her gaze. “Maybe I’m using him,” she said lightly.

  For a while, the room filled with talk and laughter. I watched from the corner, imagining myself part of it, sharing their meal, feeling the warmth of the fire, hearing their laughter close around me. But these things stayed beyond reach.

  As the evening wore on, the bowls emptied and the conversation softened. Jenna was the first to fall asleep. Cain helped her to bed before retiring himself.

  “Right,” he said, rubbing his eyes. “Everyone behave. I’m going to sleep.”

  “Tabatha,” Norman said, smiling, “how about we go to your place? These young ones can fend for themselves.”

  She laughed. “Sounds good. Theo, give us an hour before you come home.”

  They left together, Norman’s hand lingering on her hip as she giggled softly.

  Triss turned to Theo. “I don’t do one night stands, but would you like to walk with me?”

  He nodded quickly. “Sure. I wasn’t expecting anything anyway.”

  They stepped out into the night.

  “I like that Triss can read a moment,” Chris said, his voice amused. He leaned closer to Ilza, brushing his lips against her neck. She sighed, pulling him nearer.

  That was my cue to leave. I followed the others into the quiet fields beyond the village, curious to see what Triss and Theo would talk about.

  I caught up to Theo and Triss as they walked through a nearby field. The night was still, the tall grass brushing softly against their boots as they moved.

  “So, Theo,” Triss began, “what do you really want to do with your life? Stay in the village?”

  “I’d like to start a family here,” Theo said. “Take over my father’s land and find someone who wants to settle down.”

  “I’m not that kind of girl for you,” Triss replied. “But what about someone local, like Ilza?”

  “I don’t think she even notices me,” Theo admitted. “She prefers rogues.”

  “You don’t have many other choices your age in this place,” Triss said.

  “I’m scared of leaving,” Theo confessed. “Bandits, monsters, all that. I don’t even know how to use a sword.”

  “That can be fixed,” Triss said. “If you wanted to learn, you could train a little every day.”

  “I’m too busy,” he complained. “I work the fields all day, make dinner for Mum, and then I’m too tired to do anything else.”

  They found a flat rock and sat together, looking up at the stars. I watched them, imagining what it would be like to sit there too, part of their quiet conversation.

  “But you found time tonight,” Triss said softly. “If you can stay up for a drink and a chat, you can make time to train.”

  Theo sighed. “That’s different. I’m losing sleep for this.”

  “I started in a village just like this one,” Triss said. “I worked in the fields, looked after the house, the same as you. But I trained in the evenings. I joined hunting trips, learned to move quietly and use a blade. After two years I was good enough to travel to a big town, and that’s where I met Cain. He took me in and had Chris train me. It wasn’t easy, but I kept at it. Now I can hold my own in most fights and do a bit of everything else too. I’m happy with my life. Staying in a village would have driven me mad.”

  Theo frowned. “You were probably talented to begin with.”

  Triss smiled faintly. “No. If I had been, it would have taken half the time. I just didn’t give up. I’m still learning every day.”

  Theo lay back in the grass, staring upward. “I don’t know if I can do that. There’s always too much work.”

  Triss lay down beside him and looked at the twin moons. “Your problem isn’t time, Theo. It’s wanting it badly enough. No one can fix that for you.”

  After a moment’s silence, Theo spoke again. “Why don’t you marry me, Triss? You could live here. You’d have peace, and I could take care of you.”

  That was rather bold, I thought.

  Triss laughed softly. “Thank you, but I could never live like this. I love the road, the danger, the people I meet. When I stop travelling, it won’t be in a place like this. Maybe in a city, maybe when I’m too old to keep up.”

  Theo sat up, his shoulders slumped. “I understand,” he said quietly.

  “Don’t get me wrong, Theo,” Triss said gently. “You’re a good man, but we’re too different. You want safety. I want adventure.”

  He nodded without speaking.

  Triss stood, brushing grass from her clothes, and patted him on the back. “You’ll find someone, Theo. I’m sure of it. Life tends to sort itself out.” She smiled. “Tell you what. If you can beat me at backgammon, I’ll give you a kiss.”

  Theo blinked. “I don’t know how to play.”

  “Then I’ll teach you.”

  She unrolled a worn leather board on the grass and took out a small cloth bag. Inside were thirty polished stones, fifteen white and fifteen black, and a glowing rock that cast a steady light.

  I recognised the game instantly. Backgammon. The rules came back to me piece by piece, and I felt a strange nostalgia watching her prepare.

  “Why do you carry all that around?” Theo asked.

  “I love the game,” Triss said. “Always ready for a match. And these dice aren’t rigged, I promise.”

  Theo pointed to the glowing rock. “What’s that light?”

  “A stone Jenna enchanted with a spell called everlight,” Triss said. “It’ll shine forever unless you cover it with a thick bag. Very useful when camping.”

  The rules matched what I remembered from back on Earth. I wondered how many other similarities there were between this world and the one I’d left.

  Triss finished setting the board. “Your pieces are white, mine are black. You move your pieces around to this end, I move mine the other way. Once all yours are home, you can start taking them off. First to clear their side wins. You can move based on the two dice you roll. If you land on a space with one of my pieces, you knock it off and I have to roll it back in before I can move again. If you roll a double, you move four times that number. Think you’ve got it?”

  “I think so,” Theo said. “Seems complicated.”

  “You’ll pick it up. You go first.”

  He rolled the dice and they began. Triss helped him with the first few turns, offering quiet corrections. After a while, Theo caught on and started to play with more confidence. Twenty minutes later, he won.

  “Beginner’s luck,” Triss said, smiling.

  She leaned in and kissed him lightly on the lips. Theo froze, eyes closed, lips still pursed after she pulled back.

  “Was that your first kiss?” Triss asked, amused.

  “Yes,” Theo admitted softly.

  “Then I’m honoured,” Triss said. She stretched and yawned. “I’m off to bed. It’s been a long day.”

  “Thank you for the lesson,” Theo said. “And for the kiss.”

  They walked back towards the village together in silence. When they reached the houses, Theo stopped at his door.

  “Goodnight, Triss,” he said quietly.

  “Goodnight, Theo,” she replied.

  Triss went to the house where the others slept. The fire had burned low, the room dim and quiet. Chris and Ilza were curled together beneath a blanket, breathing slow and even.

  “Good,” Triss whispered. “I can finally get some sleep.”

  She slipped into bed and closed her eyes, her breathing steadying almost at once. I imagined that kind of sleep came easily to people who lived on the edge of danger every day.

  The next morning, Chris and Ilza tried to be quiet as they moved beneath the blanket. Triss seemed aware but kept her eyes closed, her expression tightening in irritation.

  When they were done, Chris rose, dressed, and knelt by the fireplace to rekindle the embers. Sparks caught, and soon a thin plume of smoke drifted upward.

  I wondered idly what precautions they had in this world against unplanned children.

  “Want some breakfast?” he whispered to Ilza.

  “Yes, please,” she murmured.

  “Me too,” Triss said, her voice flat.

  Chris turned, startled. “Ah, you were awake?”

  “Unfortunately,” Triss replied.

  Ilza blushed deeply and pulled the sheet tighter around herself. Triss stood and began fastening her leather armour.

  “Don’t worry, Ilza. I’ve seen plenty of naked women before,” Triss said matter of factly.

  Ilza hurried to dress, using the sheet for modesty.

  “So, Chris,” she said as she slipped on her dress, “will you reconsider taking me with you? I could help keep your bed warm each night.”

  “That wouldn’t work,” Chris said. “Romance inside a party causes problems. People start taking sides, and it gets dangerous.”

  Ilza hesitated. “But you’ll come back, won’t you?”

  “Of course,” he said quickly.

  Triss sighed softly, glancing towards the window. Chris began warming the leftover stew from the night before.

  Before long, Cain and Jenna entered the room.

  “That smells good,” Cain said. “Think there’s enough for us too?”

  “I’ll add a few more vegetables,” Chris replied. “Should be plenty.”

  He stirred the pot. “Ten minutes or so, I think.”

  Jenna sat at the table. “Did you have a good evening, Ilza?”

  “Yes,” Ilza said, smiling faintly. “Everyone here has been wonderful company.”

  Jenna turned to Triss. “And you? What did you get up to after I went to sleep?”

  “I spent the evening with Theo,” Triss said. “We played backgammon. He actually beat me. It was a nice change of pace.”

  They ate in relative peace. When the bowls were empty and the table cleared, Norman appeared at the door, stretching and grinning.

  “Good morning, Norman,” Chris said. “Sleep well?”

  “I slept very well,” Norman replied with a smirk. “Tabatha was quite the gracious host.”

  Jenna frowned. “You are impossible.”

  Norman chuckled. “You’d enjoy life more if you smiled once in a while.”

  “Let’s not start this again,” Cain said tiredly. “Everyone’s different. Leave it at that.”

  “Alright, boss,” Chris said with a grin.

  Jenna folded her arms but said nothing more. I watched them gather their gear and prepare to leave, each falling into their familiar roles again. Cain truly did have his hands full keeping peace among them.

  Outside, Ilza and Tabatha waited by the road to see them off.

  “Hope I’ll see you again soon, Norman,” Tabatha called.

  Norman waved back. “Count on it.”

  The group set off down the dirt path, their figures growing smaller as the morning sun climbed higher. I lingered at the edge of the village, watching until they disappeared from sight.

  I decided I would remain here for a time. The life of the village intrigued me, and I wanted to see how people like Ilza, Tabatha, and Athelmod lived day by day.