The morning was beautiful, the white clouds lingered over the horizon with the sun, and the bright colors of nature glowed softly across the valley. The birds were flying freely in the skies, their songs carried gently with the cool wind that brushed over the trees and through the grass.
The pestle was being used to crush the spices in a mortar — it was made from rock, rough and old, but still strong. It was Lily who was crushing it, her hands moving carefully as the scent of the spices spread in the air. She threw them into the boiling water where the meat was becoming tender. The steam rose, wrapping around her face as she worked, then she took out the meat and roasted it on a heated stone that lay by the fire.
After a while, she prepared the plate carefully. She melted butter over the meat, sprinkled rosemary, and sliced freshly picked tomatoes. She added a little salt and pepper, her movements slow and thoughtful. The meat was beautiful, well done, golden brown on the edges. She cut it into eighteen slices and placed them neatly on the plate. Then she gave them to Aron and Carlos, who were waiting for breakfast near the wooden table.
Aron was shocked to taste how good it was.
Carlos too — the tender meat was steaming as they both devoured it within minutes. The taste, the warmth, the smell — everything blended perfectly. Lily watched them from the side, smiling softly when she saw how much they liked her food.
Outside, old Master Wood was watering the plants, slowly throwing some fertilizer into the soil. The plants were fresh and alive under the morning sun, their leaves shining with dew. The wind brushed softly through the trees, and the sound of flowing water echoed faintly from the stream nearby.
Aron: "Thank you for the food, Lily."
She smiled gently, wiping her hands, and both said their goodbyes to her before leaving. Lily waved to them with a bright smile as they walked away down the path. Then, after a short while, she too went to her work.
On the road, the talks had already started.
Carlos: "The food was so good. I have never eaten something like that before..."
Aron: "Yes, it was good and tasty."
Carlos burped loudly, and both laughed.
After a few moments, Carlos said, "I have some work to do. I remember I have to get some herbs, so Aron, I think I'll meet you later then."
Aron: "Of course, brother. Till then I'll be checking my field."
They both went to their work. Aron started inspecting and putting some fertilizer and compost on the ground. It took him hours to complete. His clothes were soaked in sweat, his back glistening under the heat of the sun.
Far from him, Lily was walking with a small jug of water in her hands. She came close and offered it to Aron. He drank deeply, feeling the cool water slide down his throat. He took a deep breath and felt energetic again.
Lily: "Can I ask you something, Aron?" she said, her voice calm and curious.
Aron: "Yes, of course. What is it?"
Lily: "How did you start doing all of this? And... did you leave your brother?"
Aron looked at the field for a moment, the wind brushing his hair.
Aron: "Ahh... I didn't leave. Lilith had to learn something different. Our paths were different, that's why."
Lily: "Then how did you come here?"
Aron: "Master told me to meet Mr. Wood — and that's what I did. He trained me, and I started doing this work. He wanted to revive this dead land so badly because it was the only one left to be fixed. I spent years reviving this place."
Lily: "Will you spend your whole life here then?" she asked while picking a flower from the ground.
Aron: "I don't know... I never thought about it. What about you?"
Lily: "I don't know either," she said quietly. She picked up the bucket again and walked along with Aron as his work was also done.
Meanwhile, as the dawn passed into night, a shadow moved through the trees. Somewhere far from the village, a man spoke to his leader.
Bandit: "The time has come. The village is calm. They're not ready."
The leader nodded slowly, his eyes dark.
He raised his hand. "Then attack."
The bandits charged through the woods with swords in hand. The sudden roar of their footsteps echoed through the still night.
The attack began without warning. The villagers didn't even have the time to prepare. Doors were broken, fires lit, and men were stabbed in their sleep. Screams filled the air, and the smell of burning wood spread through the wind.
Behind a tree, A man noticed a small child running into a house.
Meanwhile, Aron was with Wood and the Master. The noise reached them — the screams, the smoke, the crackling fire. They looked at each other in shock.
Wood: "Bandits! Aron, quickly, take a sword and come with me! You, protect Lily, okay?"
Aron grabbed the swords and ran towards Wood. He handed him one.
Wood: "Kill them as you spot them."
They both jumped forward and entered the village. It was chaos.
Flames painted the sky red and orange, the smell of death rising everywhere.
A bandit charged at Wood, but before his sword could strike, Wood's blade sliced clean through his neck. Blood splattered the ground.
Another came for Aron — he dodged, slashed through the man's hands, then kicked him hard in the chest, sending him crashing into a wall. The man groaned and didn't move again.
Wood: "Go quickly to Carlos's house and make sure he's alright! I'll take care of the rest. Remember, they're here for the crops!"
Aron froze for a second. Carlos had many bags filled with grain — he realized the bandits might have come for them. Without wasting a breath, he turned and ran.
The path ahead was pure destruction. Houses burned, bodies lay on the ground, cries filled the air. "What's happening..." Aron whispered to himself as he ran. Villagers were fighting back, swinging axes, sticks, anything they could find.
Three bandits spotted Aron and charged toward him, but before they reached, Wood appeared from behind, cutting them down with brutal speed.
Aron kept running. Ahead was the bridge — and ten bandits stood on it, waiting. Their eyes glowed in the firelight.
They charged all at once. Aron took two steps back, gripping his sword tight. The first bandit swung — Aron's sword met his, and in a blink, the bandit's weapon was sliced clean in half. The next came, and Aron twisted, throwing him into the river below. Two more attacked together, but Aron spun low, cutting across their legs, sending them falling. Within moments, the bridge was clear.
Aron's heart was pounding. His breath came heavy, but his focus was sharp. He kept running.
Only one thought filled his mind — Carlos.
The closer he got, the darker the road became. Flames danced in the distance, and the air was thick with smoke. His boots hit the dirt fast, his mind racing faster.
Finally, he reached Carlos's house. The door was half-broken, the walls glowing red from the reflection of fire nearby.
In front of the house stood the leader of the bandits — tall, rough, his eyes sharp like daggers. His sword dripped with blood, his expression calm but deadly.
Aron tightened his grip on his sword.
They stood silently for a moment, their eyes locked. Then, without a word, the leader charged.
Their swords clashed. Sparks flew. The metal sang through the night. Aron blocked the first strike, pushed back, and swung in return — their blades met again, the sound echoing across the empty street.
The leader swung again, but Aron ducked and thrust his sword forward, piercing the man's chest. The leader gasped, his breath heavy, blood spilling from his mouth.
He fell to his knees, eyes wide open, and collapsed.
Aron didn't wait. He ran inside. The smoke was heavy, his eyes stung, but he pushed through. He reached the inner room, pushed open the door —
And froze.