As the sun rose, casting a warm glow over the valley, Kaavi’s thoughts were heavy with the weight of the recent bandit attack. He felt a deep sense of responsibility, knowing that the incident was partly his fault for not taking more drastic measures earlier. Determined to protect the villagers, he decided to seek help from an old friend.

  Kaavi and Viktor packed their things and set off to find Sven, a man Kaavi had known for many years. Sven lived in a small village to the east, nestled among the Taiga Forest. The journey took them half a day, and as they approached Sven's home, Kaavi felt a mix of nostalgia and urgency.

  The village was small but vibrant, with the hustle and bustle of daily life ongoing. Kaavi spotted Sven, a grizzled man with a bushy beard and weathered face, working in his garden. Kaavi approached him with a respectful nod.

  Kaavi: “Sven! It’s been a long time.”

  Sven looked up, squinting against the sunlight. His eyes widened in recognition, and he straightened up with a smile.

  Sven: “Kaavi! By the gods, it's good to see you. What brings you here after all these years?”

  Kaavi smiled, though his eyes betrayed his concern.

  Kaavi: “I wish it were under better circumstances. I need your help.”

  They sat down at a nearby bench, and Kaavi began explaining the situation.

  Kaavi: “We’ve had some trouble with bandits. They attacked us while we were coming here and now, they are harassing the villagers because of me. I need some men to help me to set up traps to protect the villagers and deal with these bandits.”

  Sven listened attentively, his expression growing serious.

  This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  Sven: “Bandits, you say? That’s troubling news. How many are there?”

  Kaavi: “From what we’ve gathered, there are about seventy to eighty bandits living deep in the mountains. I don’t have the means to handle them alone.”

  Sven: “I see. You’re asking for help, then?”

  Kaavi: “Yes. I need expert hunters and skilled labourers to help set up traps. We have only a few days to prepare before they could come looking for us. Additionally, I’d like Viktor to stay with you for safety while we work.”

  Sven nodded thoughtfully, weighing Kaavi’s request.

  Sven: “I can help you with the hunters and labourers. We have some skilled men in the village. But why such secrecy? Is there something you’re not telling me?”

  Kaavi hesitated, then spoke with a serious tone.

  Kaavi: “I’m not just trying to protect the village. These bandits are connected to a larger threat. They killed my son in-law and daughter, and, they’ll come after the villagers and anyone else so they can find us. I don’t want any witnesses if things go badly. I need to avoid drawing attention.”

  Sven’s expression softened with understanding.

  Sven: “Alright, Kaavi. I trust you, though I don’t fully understand you situation. We’ll get the help you need and set up those traps. In the meantime, Viktor will be safe here with my family.”

  Kaavi: “Thank you, Sven. Your assistance means a lot.”

  Sven called for his men and quickly mobilized them to assist Kaavi. Over the next five days, the village workers and hunters helped set up various traps throughout the valley, from pitfalls to snares, ensuring they would be effective against the bandits.

  As the final trap was set, Kaavi and Sven sat down for a brief moment of rest.

  Kaavi: “Once the traps are set, we’ll need to spread some rumours to lure the bandits into the valley. I’ll make sure that they hear about Viktor and me staying here, and that should draw them in.”

  Sven: “I’ll help with that as well. We’ll get the word out discreetly.”

  With their plan in place, Kaavi and Sven returned to the village, where Sven began spreading rumours about Kaavi and Viktor staying in the valley. As the rumours circulated, a party of bandits, eager to investigate the possible presence of their targets, began making their way towards the valley.

  Kaavi watched from a distance; his thoughts focused on the upcoming confrontation and he prepared himself mentally for the fight ahead. The stage was set, and the battle with the bandits was about to begin.