Tale about the Hero

- A stranger -

After a breakfast of fried hare, Owen went to the nearest village, marked on his map. Two hours later, a beautiful landscape appeared on his eyes. It was wonderful. A small river takes place next to the village. There are some water mills on the closest houses to the river.

Owen entered the village by crossing the stone bridge. Interested people were looking at him.

 Stranger?

 Wow, is he from south?

 What a handsome man…

 *Smile*

Owen started his survey. He noticed that the village is not big, but is not small also too. About three hundred people live here. It has the main square. There are five shops on the main square. Like in a small town.

He entered one shop to buy some food. Shelves were half-empty and prices were very high!

 Why is everything very expensive?

 Because of army. Every trader, who want to reach this village need to pay them. So, it became so hard to bring goods from other cities here. My brother, Greg, is traveling merchant. He often visits this village to give us some goods. Greg has some liberties, given by king.

 Thank you for information.

Owen was walking down the main road and noticed some bandits interrupting a man on carriage.

 Hey, stop this!

Bandits turned back to see who disturbed them.

 Get out of here, if life is precious for you.

Bandits continued stealing goods from carriage. Owen came to them and dropped one.

 Now you cannot go away!

Bandits have taken out their blades and pounced Owen. He easily dodged attack and twisted bandits with rope. The man approached to Owen.

 Thank you very much! I thought that they would kill me!

 Are you Greg?

 Yes, I am. How do you know?

 I met your brother; he told me that you come to this village sometimes.

 Oh, I understood.

Owen returned to the village with Greg. Greg’s brother helped him.

 Before you leave. What is your name?

 My name is Owen Aston. I wish you luck next time, Greg.

The day is about to end, villagers are going to their houses. Owen needs to find where he will sleep. He thought about a place under bridge. As he thought, no one could disturb him there.

Owen was preparing bonfire when he noticed a girl with two water buckets.

 It is not good when girls take heavy things like this.

Owen stood up immediately and came to the girl.

 Hey, can I help you?

 Thank you very much. It is so difficult for me.

 Why did you take heavy buckets?

 I thought that I could take it.

 My name is Owen. What is your name?

 My name is Eliza. Why I have not seen you before, Owen? Are you not from here?

 No, I am not. I am stranger, so my ‘hobby’ is wandering around the country.

 Does it mean you are homeless?

 *Owen is embarrassed*

 *Eliza is smiling* I live with my grandmother. You can stay in our home and help us, if you want...

 Oh, I am glad so, thank you. Will not your grandmother be angry about that?

 My grandmother is the kindest woman in the world, she will not be angry anyway.

 Okay, let’s go.

They came to Eliza’s home. Grandmother gladly agreed Owen to live with them. Maybe she thought that Owen is Eliza’s new boyfriend…

Owen went to the bridge to pick up his sword and other things. However, he met a bandit, who stole his sword.

 Excuse me. Can you give back my sword?

 What? Have you lost your fear?

 Give back my sword, please.

Bandit has attacked Owen, but he was defeated. Another try made nothing.

 Who are you?

 A typical stranger, whose name is Owen Aston.

 I will remember you, Owen Aston. I wish we battled other time. This is yours sword by right.

He left the sword and went away. Owen returned to Eliza and her grandmother. Owen had dinner and gone to sleep.

Eliza knocked in Owen’s door and entered the room.

 Owen, are you sleeping?

 No, I am not.

 Can I talk with you?

 Of course.

 Why are you wandering around the country?

 I am wandering to find my mission for this life.

 I have the same problem. I heard how somebody said, “If you have no mission, you have no life…”

 The words that speak the truth.

 Owen, where is your parents?

 When I was five, some bandits stole me. After that, I have never seen them.

 Sorry for I am asking about it.

 It is too late, Eliza. Let’s go sleep.

 Good night, Owen.

 Good night, Eliza.