Sander Sides: The Four Heroes of Old

The Alliance

It was early the next morning, just before the sun came up. 

The six of them snuck out of the tavern and into the chilly morning air. The only sound that could be heard in the darkness was a dog barking a few streets over.  

Rosmerta led the group to the edge of town and into the forest.

They walked through the foliage for a few minutes before arriving at a dirt road. Rosmerta motioned for them to stop and whistled, signaling a horse drawn carriage to pull around the corner, driven by a young boy with ginger hair.

She turned to the four of them.

"Alright boys, remember what I told you." She said, pulling her shawl tighter around herself. "It's going to be difficult, but you have to be careful who you trust in this world. You've all got big targets on your backs."

"Thank you, Rosmerta..." Patton said softly, his eyes watering. "For everything... You've been so kind to us." 

"Oh hun..." Rosmerta smiled, bringing Patton in for a hug. "I think you boys have earned the right to call me Rosie."

They pulled away, Patton smiling through a few tears.

Rosie had grown fond of the four boys because they reminded her so much of her own son. She couldn't help but feel a maternal connection with them. She had so much she wanted to say, so much she wanted to tell them about this world, but they were running out of time. They were in for a lot of trouble, and she had to pass on as much wisdom as she could before they left.

"Will we get to see you again?" Virgil asked, a slight sadness in his voice. 

She was the only person so far that genuinely wanted to help them. What if what she said about trusting people was true? What were the chances of them finding someone like her again? They had no idea who or what this 'Alliance' was, and now they were headed straight for it...

Rosie gave Virgil a reassuring hug.

"It'll be dangerous for you to come back to town for a while...but I believe in my heart that we'll see each other again. Just remember that if you ever need help down the line...or if it seems like everyone else has given up on you...Come to me. You boys will always have a place in my tavern."

Roman came over and took her hand, giving her a slight bow.

"You are a blessing, Rosie."  He gave her a goodbye hug. 

While in the embrace, Rosie thought about Roman and Logan's quarrel. Patton told her more about it last night while they were doing chores. She knew that their arrogance would eventually be their downfall... so she needed to guide them as best as she could if they were going to have a fighting chance.

Rosie leaned in and spoke quietly to Roman.

"Remember dear...if you want to be heard...you have to listen...communication is the key to everything."

They pulled out of the hug and Roman had a slightly guilty look on his face, understanding what she was referring to. He gave her a silent nod, agreeing to try.

Rosie turned to Logan. He held out his hand to her.

"It has been a pleasure meeting you. I hope our paths cross again one day."

She gave him a polite nod and accepted the handshake with a firm grip. Logan smiled, pleased to avoid physical contact.

"Now, now...don't think you're gettin out of this hug..." She joked, pulling Logan towards her and embracing him.  "Some motherly advice..." She whispered. "Sometimes, it's better to bend than to break when things are out of your control."