Town Land

Less than half a day had elapsed since the caravan arrived at the border of the old garrison. The reputation of the people from Rotten Oak preceded them, ensuring a warm welcome in this friendly small town nestled at the foot of the fortress hill. The townsfolk, mostly engaged in farming and horse-raising for the fifth legion, shared common values with their guests and tenants, fostering a natural camaraderie. Safety and security were assured along this well-traveled route, providing respite and tranquility after the horrific encounter with the land spirit. Yet, these pleasant moments were fleeting, as the town served as a brief stopover before their final destination.
The son's conversation with a wise elder is abruptly interrupted by his father's urgent summons. Reluctantly, he rises from the weathered wooden desk, contemplating the tales he had been hearing from the elderly man who had lived through the artificial war. Both the desk and the elder bear the marks of time, each a relic in its own right. Before parting ways, the old man presents a gift to the young boy, a small gray stone of seemingly ordinary appearance. The boy, aware of its most ordinary nature, musters a polite smile, not wanting to offend. In amusement, the elder chuckles, his eyes twinkling with delight. "Ah, this is no ordinary stone, my dear. Its simplicity hides a true treasure," he shares with conviction. The boy, skeptical but gracious, accepts the stone into his tiny hand, reciprocating the elder's joy. "Thank you, elder. I will treasure it," he assures before bounding away towards his home cart. Their farewells exchanged through waves, the boy pauses momentarily upon hearing the old man's parting warning. "Do not show it to any sorcerer or magic person, for they will covet it." With the old man's caution lingering in his thoughts, the boy hurries to join his father, clutching the seemingly inconspicuous stone. Little does he know the secrets it holds, its true significance yet to be discovered.