"All right," said Eramus after clearing his throat. "I think I'll leave now."
He appreciated that his aunt and uncle loved each other, but the whole situation was growing awkward. They could exchange all the mushy sentiments they wanted once he and his mother left.
Inara walked beside him down the dirt path leading out of the village. A crowd gathered at the edge of the meadow, and Kieran stood at the front. Eramus made his way forward and stopped at Evree's side.
"Evree, what's going on?" he asked, touching her arm.
She shook her head. "I'm not sure. Papa came home so distressed. Would barely speak to me." She shifted closer and wrapped her hand around his arm. "I'm worried about him. Arnan usually handles these sorts of things."
Eramus glanced at Kieran. Dark circles rested beneath his eyes and deep lines etched above his brows. He looked nothing like he had during their discussion earlier that morning. Whatever caused him to call this meeting burdened him with concern.
"I don't think I've seen him this distraught in a long time," said Inara. "This must be serious."
Eramus pointed toward Kieran, who was holding his hands out in front of him to silence the crowd. "We're about to find out."
Whispers dulled to silence as Kieran began. "I appreciate everyone gathering so quickly, and I hope you'll forgive my interruption, but there is some pressing news I think everyone should be aware of."
Kieran gestured to a man standing a few feet away, coaxing him forward. He wasn't from the village, nor was he someone Eramus recognized, and he seemed hesitant to put himself on display. Eramus couldn't blame him. He knew how uncomfortable that was.
"This is Lamaus," said Kieran. "He is from a village south of here and has come to warn us."
Murmurs echoed through the crowd. Kieran raised his hands, reigning in the noise without words. He nodded to Lamaus, and the man twisted a brown beret restlessly in his hands. "Mercenaries plundered my village three days ago. Our leader sent me to warn as many other villages as I could before they met the same fate. These men set fire to our homes and stole our most valuable possessions. They also injured several people."
"Are they headed in our direction?" asked an elderly woman with silver hair piled on top of her head.
Lamaus nodded and bunched the beret in his fist. "I'm afraid they are headed north, camped just a few miles from here."
"How many?" asked another man. "If we take them by surprise, we can keep our families safe!"
"At least a hundred," answered Lamaus. "I don't recommend making an attack on them. They seemed well trained, and your small numbers wouldn't stand a chance. Best you can do is prepare yourselves, perhaps even leave for the time being."
"Leave!" someone shouted. "I will not leave my home. I will defend it!"
The crowd grew into an uproar. Arguments ensued, debating whether leaving or standing firm was the best option.
"Enough!" Kieran shouted over them. "I know the information leaves us with a tough decision, but that is no reason to fight amongst ourselves. None of us want to abandon our homes, even if it is for a short time, but leaving may be the safest option."
Eramus's heart pounded hard against his ribs. Even if his people left, who was to say the mercenaries wouldn't follow. Besides, he couldn't stand the idea of giving up, not when it risked losing so much. His people lived simple lives, and if the mercenaries burned the village to the ground, they would have nothing.
"We don't have to leave," said Eramus, drawing every pair of horrified eyes towards him. "We can stand against them."
Inara grabbed his arm, her eyes wide. "What are you saying! You better not be suggesting what I think you are!"
Kieran folded his arms. "I won't ask you to put yourself at risk for us. Even with your abilities—"
"With my abilities, I can defend everyone here without us having to abandon our homes. I am more than capable of this task." At least, he thought so. Sure his training with Zeeran hadn’t gone well, but his cousin had magic. The mercenaries did not.
Kieran shook his head. "It's still dangerous. I won't ask you to do this."
"You don't have to ask. This is my home. I won't stand idly by while some thugs threaten everything I care about." Eramus pushed through the crowd and stopped in front of Kieran. "Please. What is the point of possessing this gift if I cannot use it for good. I want to help my people. It's all I'veeverwanted."
Kieran studied him, his expression tight. This was the opportunity Eramus needed to prove himself. If he could show the villagers that he desired to protect them, perhaps he could earn back their trust. Even if he decided to leave with Aldeth and Yelene, he preferred to go knowing his people did not hate and despise him.
Kieran's expression softened. "Then we must thank you for offering so much, Eramus. You are a brave man, and no one can question your honor." His mouth lifted just enough for Eramus to notice. Kieran gave him a small nod and turned his attention back to the crowd.
"Eramus has graciously offered to defend us. If we are to protect our village, then we need volunteers to stand watch. Perhaps these mercenaries will return home, but until they have vacated the area, we must remain vigilant. Who else is up for the task?"
A dozen hands shot skyward in seconds. A wave of relief washed over Eramus. If he could help his village…if he could protect them from the mercenaries, then maybe he would find his place again. Maybe he would even have the confidence to face King Delran.
