The moment I delivered the news to Queen Emma and the others that everything was settled, preparations were immediately carried on to leave.
In my modest room, I carefully packed my worn leather satchel, folding my few changes of clothes.
Most importantly, I secured the bow and hunting knife that Lisa had gifted me three years prior. I wouldn't god weaponless in such a trip after all.
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the village when the final preparations were completed. The time for farewells had arrived, and I knew this would be the hardest part.
Isabella stood there with the other villagers. As I approached, she immediately pulled me into a fierce embrace, her arms wrapping around me as if she could somehow anchor me to this place through sheer force of will.
"Come back," she whispered against my shoulder. I could feel the subtle tremor that ran through her body, the way her fingers gripped the fabric of my shirt.
