Chapter 12: Concerns of elder
The day after Kaavi and Viktor's departure, the village settled back into its usual rhythm, but a shadow of concern lingered among the elder’s family. Snowflakes drifted from the overcast sky, coating the rooftops and narrow pathways with a fresh layer of white. The air carried the scent of burning firewood, mingled with the distant chatter of villagers tending to their daily tasks.
The village elder sat at a table, his fingers tracing absent-minded circles against the smooth grain. The room was warm from the crackling fireplace, yet a chill sat heavy in his chest. Through the frosted window, he watched as children played near the well, their laughter ringing through the air like bells. The sight should have brought him peace, but his thoughts were elsewhere…
The creaking of the door interrupted his musings as his wife entered, carrying a basket of firewood. She set it down near the hearth, dusting the lingering snowflakes from her shawl before turning to him.
Elder’s Wife: “You’ve been sitting there for a while. What’s on your mind?”
The elder exhaled slowly, rubbing his temple. His voice, though steady, carried a note of concern.
Village Elder: “Kaavi should have stayed longer to recover. I saw the way he moved—his injuries were deeper than he let on.”
His wife frowned, pulling a stool closer to sit beside him. She reached for the pot near the fire, pouring steaming tea into two earthen cups before placing one in front of him.
Elder’s Wife: “But you know how he is. He wouldn't allow himself to be a burden, even if it meant pushing himself too far.”
The elder took a sip, the warmth spreading through him, though it did little to ease the tightness in his chest.
Village Elder: “He’s right, in a way. With those bandits prowling the outskirts, the village would have been at risk. But still…”
A log in the fireplace cracked, sending a few sparks into the air. His wife clasped her hands together, as though holding onto a prayer.
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Elder’s Wife: “Will he be alright out there?”
The elder sighed, setting his cup down. For a long moment, he was silent, weighing his words carefully.
Village Elder: “Kaavi is no ordinary man. He’s sharp, stronger than most, and more than capable. I trust his judgment. But even the strongest can fall when fate decides otherwise.”
His wife’s lips pressed into a thin line, her gaze lowering to her tea.
Elder’s Wife: “I still think we should have lent them a horse. Winter is cruel, and carrying supplies through snow won’t be easy.”
The elder sighed, shaking his head, his expression tinged with regret.
Village Elder: “I offered, but Kaavi refused. The bandits torched many of the village stables and sheds when they last raided. We lost nearly half of our farming animals, and the remaining ones are needed for ploughing when spring arrives. If we give away even one, it could mean a harder season for the villagers.”
His wife’s shoulders sagged slightly as she absorbed his words.
Elder’s Wife: “I hadn’t thought of that…”
The elder nodded solemnly.
Village Elder: “Kaavi understood that. That’s why he didn’t insist. He said traveling on foot would keep them less noticeable anyway.”
She sighed, worry evident in the slight crease of her brow.
Elder’s Wife: “And what if he collapses from exhaustion? What if Viktor—”
The elder reached out, placing a firm yet gentle hand over hers. His touch was warm, grounding.
Village Elder: “I’ve already sent word ahead. A pigeon to my relatives in the next village—they run a small trading company. If Kaavi follows the trade routes, he’ll find them, and they’ll help. There are traders heading north in a few days; he and Viktor will have a safer passage with them.”
His wife nodded, but the worry in her eyes didn’t fade completely. She hesitated before speaking again, her voice softer this time.
Elder’s Wife: “But even if he reaches them safely… the town he’s heading toward—there’s an ongoing border dispute there, isn’t there?”
The elder’s jaw tightened slightly, his fingers tapping against his cup in thought.
Village Elder: “Yes. The northern town has been locked in a tense conflict with its neighbouring country for some time now. Skirmishes along the borders, supply shortages, mercenaries and soldiers moving through the area…”
The elder sighed, shaking his head.
Outside, the sun had begun its slow descent, painting the sky in hues of amber and violet. The village, though quiet, pulsed with life—the blacksmith hammering away in the distance, the soft murmur of families gathering for the evening meal. Yet, the elder's gaze remained fixed on the snowy horizon beyond the village’s borders.
Village Elder: “May the gods watch over them.”
His wife murmured a quiet prayer beside him. For a few moments, there was nothing but the crackling of the fire, the ticking of time slipping away. Though Kaavi and Viktor had long disappeared beyond the village’s sight, their presence lingered in the elder’s heart, heavy as the winter sky.
