Chương 18: an apprentice?
As Jacob and Anne emerged from the forest and onto the outskirts of Langston, the village was just as Jacob remembered from his previous travels: modest, with thatched-roof cottages scattered across rolling hills. The village appeared peaceful at first glance, but there was an unsettling tension in the air, as if the villagers sensed the growing threat that lurked in the shadows of the surrounding woods.
Lanterns flickered outside several homes, and a few villagers wandered about, wary but oblivious to the danger Anne had just escaped. As they neared the heart of the village, Anne stumbled slightly, her exhaustion evident. Jacob reached out to steady her, his expression filled with concern.
"You need rest," he said softly.
"I'll be fine once we get to my house," Anne replied, though her voice was laced with fatigue. She pointed ahead to a small cottage near the village square. "That's my home, just up ahead."
They continued their pace until they reached the cottage, where Anne's elderly father rushed outside, his face pale with worry. The old man embraced Anne tightly, his relief palpable.
"I was so worried, Anne!" her father exclaimed. "What happened?"
Jacob gave Anne a moment to speak, but when she hesitated, still shaken, he stepped in. "She was attacked by monsters in the forest. I happened to be passing by and managed to fight them off."
The old man's eyes widened with alarm, his gaze darting between Anne and Jacob. "Monsters? So close to the village?"
Jacob nodded gravely. "Yes. It's not safe out there. You need to prepare in case they come closer to the village."
The elder shook his head in disbelief. "We've heard stories of attacks, but never this close. What can we do? We don't have the means to defend ourselves."
Jacob looked around, noticing the lack of fortifications and how vulnerable the village truly was. They had no walls, no trained guards—just simple farmers trying to live in peace. But peace was becoming a luxury in these lands.
"I can help," Jacob said, his voice firm. "I've dealt with these monsters before, and I can show you how to defend your village. But you need to act quickly."
The old man nodded, grateful but unsure. "Thank you, kind traveler. We'll do whatever you suggest."
Jacob spent the next few days in Langston, working with the villagers to bolster their defenses. He taught them how to build basic barricades using logs and stones, reinforcing the village's perimeter as best as they could. He showed them how to craft makeshift weapons—spears, bows, and arrows—from whatever they had available. The villagers were eager to learn, though their faces were lined with fear and uncertainty.
He also organized a night watch, rotating shifts among the men to ensure someone was always alert. Jacob knew these defenses weren't perfect, but it was better than leaving the village completely exposed.
Anne, despite her injuries, refused to rest entirely. She helped where she could, gathering supplies and encouraging the others. Every time Jacob passed her, she offered a quiet word of thanks, though he could see the weight of recent events still weighing heavily on her.
By the time the sun set on the third day, Langston was more fortified than it had ever been. It wasn't much, but it was enough to give the villagers a fighting chance should the monsters return.
Jacob stood at the edge of the village that evening, gazing out toward the forest. He knew it was time for him to move on—his path lay elsewhere, and Langston had to stand on its own now. His presence had brought a brief respite, but the village needed to learn to protect itself in the long run.
As he packed his belongings and readied his horse, Anne approached him. Her face was a mixture of gratitude and determination.
"You're leaving, aren't you?" she asked quietly.
Jacob nodded. "I've done what I can here. The village is safer now, but there are other places that need help, and I still have my own journey to continue."
Anne hesitated, glancing back at the villagers who were milling about, busying themselves with the new fortifications. Then, with a sudden resolve, she turned back to Jacob. "Take me with you."
Jacob blinked, caught off guard by her request. "What? Why?"
"I want to go with you," Anne repeated, her voice firmer now. "I can't stay here. I don't want to live in fear, waiting for the next attack. I want to learn how to fight, how to defend myself and others. I can help you, assist you in your travels. Please… let me come with you."
Jacob looked at her, seeing the determination in her eyes. This wasn't the same frightened woman he had rescued in the forest. Anne had found her strength, and now she was looking for a way to channel it.
"Anne, traveling isn't easy," Jacob said gently. "It's dangerous out there, and I can't guarantee your safety. I live on the road, constantly moving from one place to the next. It's not the life most people want."
"I'm not most people," she replied firmly. "I don't want to stay here, trapped in a village where I'll always be afraid of what's lurking in the woods. I want to do something. And I can be useful—I've traveled before, I know how to handle supplies and deal with merchants. Please, Jacob… let me come with you."
Jacob studied her for a long moment, considering her words. It was clear she was serious, and something in her eyes reminded him of himself—restless, unwilling to stay in one place when there was a whole world out there to explore.
Finally, he sighed, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "All right. If you're sure this is what you want, I won't stop you."
Anne's face lit up with relief and excitement. "Thank you! You won't regret it, I promise."
Jacob chuckled softly. "I hope not. But if you're going to travel with me, you'll need to learn how to fight properly. Those monsters out there won't show mercy."
"I'll learn," Anne said confidently. "I'm ready for whatever comes next."
And so, the next morning, as the first light of dawn broke over the village of Langston, Jacob and Anne set out on the road together. Anne carried only a small pack of essentials, but her spirit was far from light. She was eager, determined to prove herself as more than just a frightened villager.
As they traveled, Jacob began to teach her everything he knew about surviving on the road—how to scout for danger, how to ration supplies, and most importantly, how to wield a sword. Anne took to the lessons with a fierce determination, practicing until her arms ached and her muscles screamed. Jacob was impressed by her progress—she was a quick learner, and though she still had a long way to go, her resolve never wavered.
The road ahead was long, and Jacob knew that danger was never far behind. But with Anne by his side, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. He had set out on this journey to find something—answers, perhaps, or a way to live beyond the responsibilities he had once shouldered. Now, with Anne traveling alongside him, their path was uncertain, but filled with possibility.
Together, they ventured into the unknown, two souls bound by a shared desire to face whatever challenges awaited them. And as the sun rose higher in the sky, casting its golden light over the vast landscape before them, Jacob couldn't help but feel that this was the beginning of something new—something far greater than he had ever expected.
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