As dawn broke gently over the squirrel village, the first light of day filtered through the sprawling branches of ancient trees, casting a warm golden glow across the landscape. This serene beauty starkly contrasted with the extensive damage left in the wake of Asteras and his human companions. The village, once vibrant, now bore the marks of turmoil, but hope lingered in the air as the heroes emerged from a restful night, each prepared to offer their unique skills in the village’s recovery.
Tyana and Saphyra were already deep in their work, their hands glowing softly with a harmonious blend of Creation and Life Igeni. Tyana moved gracefully and precisely, her fingers dancing through the air as she delicately restored damaged homes. With every intricate pattern she wove, walls rose sturdily, and roofs regained their former integrity, creating safe havens for the villagers. Beside her, Saphyra channeled her Life Igeni into the fields, invigorating the lifeless husks of wilted plants and coaxing vibrant green shoots to emerge from the ravaged gardens. The villagers looked on, their eyes wide with awe and gratitude as they murmured heartfelt thanks, their spirits lifted by this miraculous renewal.
Nearby, Jill settled comfortably on a moss-covered log beside Mira, a young squirrel girl whose injury had brought the heroes to this beleaguered village in the first place. Mira flexed her newly restored leg with a look of wonder, marveling at how it moved as if it had never been hurt.
“Thank you, Jill,” Mira whispered shyly, her voice barely above a breath. “You and your friends are amazing.”
Jill smiled warmly, her heart swelling with pride as she nudged Mira playfully. “You’re fearless yourself. Running all that way with a hurt leg? You’d fit in perfectly with us.”
Mira lowered her gaze, contemplating the weight of the world around them. “Do you ever get scared? Of everything out there in the world?”
Jill paused, her expression turning serious. “Sometimes I do. But then I remind myself that I have Bernard, Tyana, Lydia, Saphyra, and Chet by me. They’re my family, my support. Bernard especially—he’s always there for me, like a protective older brother.”
Mira tilted her head, her innocent curiosity piquing. “Maybe he’s more than just a brother to you. Maybe he’s someone you want to impress or stand beside as an equal.”
A blush crept onto Jill’s cheeks, touched by Mira’s insightful observation. “You might be right,” she admitted softly, her gaze drifting toward Bernard, who was diligently helping villagers lift heavy wooden beams, radiating strength and assurance.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
At the edge of the village, Bernard, Chet, and Asteras shared a makeshift table, their mugs filled with rich, frothy squirrel village ale. Asteras, who had relaxed into an unwinding state from the evening’s camaraderie and a few hearty drinks, recounted stories from his past with an openness that surprised even himself.
“You know,” he began, swirling his mug thoughtfully, “there was a time when I thought I was strong enough to challenge Master Ulric. He appeared younger than the other masters, and I believed I had the advantage of experience.”
Bernard leaned in, genuinely curious. “What happened then?”
Asteras laughed ruefully, his voice tinged with nostalgia. “Ulric quickly demonstrated just how wrong I was.”
In a vivid flashback, the scene unfolded: Ulric stood calmly, exuding an aura of mastery as he faced a much younger, overly confident Asteras. Ulric raised his hand with effortless precision and unleashed a spectacular surge of Destruction Igeni. The raw energy obliterated a giant stone target in mere seconds, leaving only dust and echoes of power drifting gently to the ground.
“Remember this,” Ulric had told him firmly, “mastery isn’t defined by age; it’s defined by control. Power without control is simply chaos.”
As Asteras returned to the present moment, he shook his head with a small, knowing smile. “That lesson remained with me, even when I couldn’t fully grasp it then.”
Feeling the warmth of friendship and a bit flushed from the ale, Chet raised his mug high. "To hard-earned lessons!"
Bernard chuckled heartily, clinking his mug against Chet’s and Asteras’s. “And to better choices ahead.”
The following morning, the group gathered at the village edge, ready to embark on their journey to Tyura. Villagers waved fond farewells, expressions of gratitude etched across their faces, making the heroes feel treasured and respected.
As they strolled along the winding trail, Lydia, Tyana, and Saphyra excitedly engaged in a spirited debate about a peculiar mushroom they had spotted earlier in the forest.
“I’m telling you,” Lydia insisted with conviction, her eyes sparkling enthusiastically, “it was a Silvermoon Cap. They shimmer beautifully and are known to glow in the moonlight!”
Saphyra shook her head, casting a sideways glance at Lydia. “No way, it was definitely a Suncrest mushroom. Silvermoons are much smaller and not as vibrant!”
Tyana joined the conversation with a sigh of mild exasperation but a calm demeanor. “You’re both mistaken. It was a Twilight Veil mushroom—harmless, edible, and known for its slight healing properties.”
Lydia scoffed, still skeptical but amused by their friendly banter. “Are you absolutely sure about that?”
Tyana nodded firmly, her confidence shining through her smile. “I am certain. I read all about it in one of Master Oliver’s books.”
Lydia and Saphyra exchanged resigned glances, a shared smile breaking across their faces as they begrudgingly admitted defeat.
Trailing behind the group, Bernard watched his companions with a fondness that warmed his heart. He relished the moment—the laughter, the lightness—unaware that ahead lay challenges far more daunting than mushroom debates and village repairs. Yet for now, enveloped in the comfort of friendship and camaraderie, they savored this peaceful interlude, the sweetest victory of all.
