After that dark and frightening night, the morning sun felt like nothing less than a blessing. Everything that had happened to the three of them in the dark now felt like a distant dream — because people had come out of their homes and were going about their usual routines, as if nothing had changed at all. Neighbors talking to each other. Life moving forward.
Some people were reinforcing their rooftops, making sure nothing could get in. Others were heading into the forest to gather firewood.
The three of them watched all of this through the window while eating the breakfast laid out on the table.
"Good sunshine today — the seeds in the field will get plenty of light." One man said. He sounded like a farmer.
"Oh, good. I'll head into the forest and grab some wood. That roof of mine's been feeling a bit weak." Another man replied.
On the other side of the village—
"I heard the gate open last night," one man said, a few magic bottles in his hand.
"I heard it too. I got worried — what if those monsters got inside?" Another man said.
"No, no. Andrev must have saved someone again."
"That's probably it. I always jump to the worst conclusion first. Anyway — why do you have all those magic bottles?"
"I've got to sow seeds across the whole field today. Drinking one of these doubles my magic for a while. And since the sun's out, I figured I'd get it all done in one go."
That was the kind of conversation filling the village that morning. Magic bottles had two uses — for those without magic power, they granted it temporarily; for those who already had it, they doubled it for a time.
The three of them finished breakfast. Andrev came over.
"So — you're leaving?"
"Yes, we need to get moving. We're heading to Pariharlas," Jhed said.
"Pariharlas — the city of water magicians," Andrev said.
"City of water magicians?" Jhed said.
"Yes, Jhed — water magicians are most commonly found there. The environment suits them well," Shine said.
"And you're only telling me this now."
"I assumed you already knew," Shine said.
"Alright. We'll be heading out then, Andrev." Shine said.
"Yes, of course — and when you see my son, tell him you met me," Andrev said.
All three of them stood quietly. No words came out. Their faces gave nothing away.
"Here—" Jhed extended his hand. Ten gold coins sat in his palm.
"What — that many gold coins?" Andrev was stunned, his mouth falling open.
Jhed's mind went back to the night before. He'd gotten up to drink some water and noticed Andrev's door was ajar. He was still awake.
"Money's been tight. Everything I had went into repairing the wall. I'm too old to fix it myself now. But I can't burden you, Mite. You must be caught up in something important." Andrev had been talking to himself.
Jhed had heard every word from outside. He didn't go in. He just slipped away quietly — like a thief who'd heard something he wasn't supposed to.
"Things are never what they look like on the surface. Everyone appears happy from the outside — but what they carry inside, you only find out when they're alone. I used to watch my favorite actress laughing in interviews and think — she has everything. But then the truth came out. Work had dried up. She was struggling financially. That's when I understood: everyone only shows you the happy version of themselves."
"Mite is training people in Mariana's dungeon — that's why he hasn't been able to send letters. But before we left, he asked us to deliver this. He said, 'Give this to my dad — his village is on the way.' That's why we stopped here," Jhed said.
"He can really tell a good lie," Nain muttered to herself.
"Oh — but this is too much. Far more than necessary," Andrev said.
"Andrev, these are your son's earnings. You have to take them," Shine said, backing Jhed up without hesitation.
After some gentle convincing, Andrev took the coins.
"Then — take care of yourself, Andrev," Shine said.
"And thank you for saving our lives, and for letting us stay," Nain said.
"Don't mention it — this is just what I do. You all take care of yourselves too."
The three of them stepped outside and made their way toward the gate. They waved goodbye to Andrev as they walked.
"Why did you lie, Jhed?" Nain asked.
"He'll never find out the truth. And besides — he's old. He won't be around much longer. At least when he goes, he'll go with pride in his son." Jhed said.
Neither of them had anything to say to that.
They walked forward.