Chapter 3: Jack of all Trades

Clover and Grady's journey to the Havenbrook was one they would never forget. As they arrived to the village, they noticed that the people were hosting a festival, greeted by the vibrant hues of the rainbow-colored fireflies, and the sweet aroma of roasted sugar apples wafting through the air.

 Clover resisted the temptation of the delicious aromas, and kept moving forward. "Don't look, don't look!" She whispered. 

But the duo's priority wasn't to soak up the sights and sounds just yet. Their Hava lizards were tired and needed a much well deserved rest. 

Clover and Grady scanned the area for a suitable place to rest their Hava lizards. They spotted a stable near the outskirts of the village and made their way towards it.

As they approached, they were greeted by an old man tending to the stable. "Welcome, travelers! Do you need a place to rest your mounts?" he asked.

"Yes, please. Our Hava lizards are in need of rest," replied Clover.

The old man led them to a spacious stable with plenty of room for their Hava lizards to rest. Clover and Grady thanked him and tended to their mounts, making sure they were comfortable and well-fed.

As soon as they reached the one of local shops, Clover got to work, even though it pained her, she sold some of the stones from her collection to earn some money and repair Grady's equipment. The two split up to handle different tasks.

Clover went around town asking about the strange occurrences in the area. Her long ears always paying attention to any leads. She soon discovered that there had been a series of thefts and rumors of a greedy ghost lurking about. However, Clover suspected it was actually a bandit taking advantage of the local stories. She made a mental note to investigate further and see if she could find any clues to the culprit's identity. 

Meanwhile, Grady began repairing his armor, but quickly realized it was too damaged to be salvaged. He knew he would have to buy some new armor from the village, but he also had another project in mind. He started working on a secret project: a sword for Clover, one that would fit her smaller hands perfectly. He had seen how Clover had struggled with the heavier swords they had encountered on their travels and he wanted to make sure she had a weapon that she could wield with ease.

As they went about their separate tasks, Clover and Grady both had time to reflect on their journey and tried to adapt. 

Clover was determined to get to the bottom of the thefts and prove herself as a valuable member of the community. She was also fiercely independent and resourceful, always looking for ways to solve problems on her own. However, she also struggled with feeling like an outsider, never quite fitting in with the communities they visited. 

Grady, on the other hand, was dedicated to protecting Clover and ensuring her safety. He was also a skilled craftsman and took pride in his work. He saw making the sword for Clover as a way to both improve her combat abilities and show her how much he cared for her. 

They worked on their tasks for the next few days, both Clover and Grady encountered setbacks and challenges.

Clover faced resistance from the locals when she asked too many questions about the thefts, and Grady struggled to find the right materials for the sword. But despite these obstacles, they remained determined and focused on their goals. 

Clover and Grady arrived back at the stables, their Hava lizards rested and ready for the next leg of their journey. As they were preparing to leave, they were approached by a tall, muscular woman with floppy ears and piercing green eyes. She introduced herself as Kaira Strongfoot and told them she had information on the ghost they were seeking. 

Clover and Grady were skeptical at first, but Kaira seemed genuine and knowledgeable. She told them that the ghost had been sighted near the abandoned ruins of a forgotten kingdom, and that many believed it to be the restless spirit of a long-dead queen.

Clover and Grady thanked Kaira for her help and set off to the abandoned ruins. As they walked, Clover shared with Grady the information she had gathered about the thefts and how she suspected it was a bandit taking advantage of the local rumors. Grady agreed with her assessment, and they both hoped to catch the bandit and put a stop to the thefts.

As they walked, Clover felt a sudden urge to confide in Grady about her gift. She had always been hesitant to share it with anyone, but something about their journey and their growing bond gave her the courage to open up. She explained to Grady that she had the ability to see magic, but she couldn't quite control it without a someone showing her how. Grady listened intently, understanding why she hadn't shared it before. He knew the old stories and how people who used magic were blamed for monster attacks, he respected Clover's bravery in sharing her secret.

Grady felt closer to Clover now, he wanted to tell Clover how he really felt about her. He decided to tell her.

But suddenly, a cheaply made ghost appeared before them. It was made out of worn cloth and was stitched together. It gave them one final warning to leave this place or suffer the consequences. Clover and Grady drew their weapons, ready for battle!

As they drew their swords, Clover realized something was off, her sight revealed the ghost to be a much greater threat, it wasn't a bandit pretending to be a ghost, but a Specter wielding a sword. For a moment, it's magical aura glowed brighter than anything she's ever seen before, that included the forest drake that almost killed them during their trip. This was a creature of legend, the old stories were true! Her instincts screamed to run away, but Grady charged forward, thinking it was the bandit disguised.

Clover hesitated for a moment, torn between her fear and her loyalty to Grady. In the end, she followed his lead and charged towards the Specter, hoping their combined strength would be enough to defeat it!

Clover and Grady charged forward, their Silfran feet pounding against the stone floor as they launched themselves into the air, ready to take on the menacing specter! But as soon as they got within striking distance, a brutal blast of icy wind sent them hurtling backward, crashing to the ground.

Clover quickly regained her footing and attempted to unleash a spell using her sword, but despite a faint glow, it suddenly dissipated. Something was missing. The specter cackled with glee as it continued to hurl a barrage of spells at the duo, who scrambled and dodged for dear life. But try as they might, they were rapidly becoming overwhelmed.

The specter's spells were a mesmerizing display of beauty and complexity, with stunning patterns of shimmering light and vibrant color weaving through the air. Each spell was like a masterpiece, but with an undeniable lethal edge. The specter moved with a breathtaking combination of magical prowess and swordplay, deftly blocking Clover and Grady's attacks and then launching precise strikes of its own.

Despite their valiant efforts, Clover and Grady found themselves backed into a corner, with no clear escape. Clover lifted her sword for one final desperate attack, but as she attempted to channel her magic, her weapon glowed red before exploding in a blinding shower of sparks and shrapnel. In an instant, the specter conjured a fearsome dragon made of pure light that roared to life, enveloping the explosion in its powerful jaws. The dragon devoured the spell with stunning speed, leaving nothing behind.

As the smoke cleared, the specter's true form was finally revealed. Instead of a terrifying apparition, standing before them was another Silfran, his fur white and soft, he was dressed in a jaunty hat and flowing cape that fluttered in the breeze. Clover and Grady were left completely dumbfounded, uncertain how to react to this sudden change.

Clover and Grady exchanged looks, trying to catch their breaths after the intense battle with this mysterious Silfran.

"My name is Sir Jackonson Maximillian Reginald III, Duke of Wibblesworthshire," he said, extending his hand. "But you can call me Jack." 

Clover and Grady were taken aback. They had been expecting a terrifying monster, but instead, they were greeted by a well-dressed man who looked like he had just stepped out of a history book.

On his head sits a magnificent red hat, made from the finest silk and embroidered with intricate designs of gold thread. It had a long white feather and a wide brim, that casts a shadow over his face. The hat is so large that it seems to take up half of his body's height, but he wears it with pride.

To complete his noble appearance, Jack dons a regal cape that trails behind him as he walks. The cape is a deep crimson color, with gold trimmings that shined in the sunlight. It billows out behind him like a banner, giving him an almost dream like appearance. 

"Who are you and what do you want?" Grady asked, his sword still pointing at Jack. 

Jack's smile widened. "I am a noble knight and a trainer of fine warriors," he said. "I've been searching for brave and skilled fighters to train in the art of combat."

He stood with unwavering determination and said."I have traveled far and wide to find such warriors, and it seems my journey has led me to you two."

Clover and Grady exchanged a skeptical glance. They had heard of people pretending to be someone they weren't just to lure in unsuspecting victims.

"How do we know you're not just pretending to be a noble or a knight?" Clover asked, her voice tinged with suspicion.

Jack chuckled. "I can understand your skepticism," he said, "but I assure you, I am who I say I am. And if you allow me to prove myself to you, I can show you my true intentions." 

He stood proud and said, "You're a magic user, are you not? Tell me what does my aura, my soul, and my good looks tell you about me?" 

Clover decided to use her magical eye to examine Jack's aura. She focused her gaze on Jack and began to analyze him.

As she peered into Jack's aura, she saw a spectrum of colors that swirled and shifted in intricate patterns. She noticed a bright golden hue emanating from Jack's heart, which indicated a kind and noble nature. The aura was also surrounded by a layer of deep blue, which suggested loyalty and integrity.

Clover continued to examine Jack's aura for any signs of deceit or ill intent. However, despite her scrutiny, she found nothing suspicious. His aura was pure and genuine, and Clover could sense that he was telling the truth.

The two warriors lowered their weapons, but still kept a cautious eye on Jack. They had been looking for a trainer to improve their skills, but they didn't want to be tricked into something they would regret.

Clover and Grady moved a distance away to talk, "I don't know about this," Grady said, rubbing the back of his neck. "He could be luring us into something dangerous."

Clover nodded in agreement. "I understand your concern, but think about it. We've been looking for someone to help us improve our skills. Maybe this is our chance to become stronger and more capable."

Grady sighed, considering her words. "You're right. We can't let fear hold us back. But we need to be careful and make sure we're not getting ourselves into trouble."

They turned back to Jack, who was patiently waiting for their response. "We're interested," Clover said, stepping forward. "But we need to know more about what you have in mind for our training."

Jack's smile returned, pleased with their decision. "Of course, my dear. I have a training facility not far from here where I will teach you the ways of combat. You will learn swordplay, archery, and other skills that will make you formidable warriors."

Clover asked, "What's in it for you?"

Jack's expression grew serious as he looked at Clover. "I am a man of honor and duty, and it is my duty to ensure that the kingdom has skilled warriors who can protect it," he said. "In return, I ask for nothing but your dedication to the training and your commitment to becoming the best warrior you can be."

Clover and Grady exchanged a look and nodded. "First we need to tell the village people that the ghost is a hoax." 

Jack's smile faded, and he looked at them with concern. "What do you mean, a hoax?" he asked.

Clover explained how they had been on a mission to investigate the supposed ghost that had been terrorizing the village. But now they needed ease the peoples fear back in the village. 

Jack nodded in agreement. "Yes, it is important that the people know the truth," he said. "Let us make our way back to the Havenbrook and I will accompany you. We will explain everything to the villagers and put their minds at ease." He began to March toward the town in a comical manner.

The three of them made their way back to Havenbrook. Clover and Grady's muscles ached from the humiliating battle and Jack was whistling a cheerful tune.