The Village Preview Novels & Stories

My past life seemed increasingly distant, and at times, thinking back felt almost like a dream. I had saved a sum of money and invested it in rural infrastructure. From the villagers, I learned about Jared's life afterward. His decision to abandon me, coupled with his misdeeds, led to his dismissal and return to the countryside, with Sabrina expelled along with him. The villagers saw Jared's true colors and never gave him or Sabrina any respect. Jared and Sabrina tried to live together, but neither knew how to handle everyday life. Their arguments over trivial matters became constant, and anyone passing by could hear them. Jackson never once said that Sabrina was better than me again.

“Well, at least she has the two of you looking after her.” “Come on,” Lou said as he motioned for us to follow him. “We’ll take you to her.” They led us deeper through the forest until the trees suddenly opened into a massive clearing. I stopped walking entirely for a moment. The village sitting before us looks like something from a storybook. Small cottages with ivy-covered roofs sat scattered throughout the clearing while handcrafted stalls lined winding dirt paths. Women wearing flowing dresses walked barefoot through the village carrying baskets of herbs and flowers, while shirtless men sparred openly near the center square.

The part that curls low in my stomach, knotted and confused. We ride through the forest, trees arching above like cathedral spires. Sunlight filters through in golden beams, then we ride out into the plains, where tall grass sways and wildflowers bloom in bursts of red and violet. The bike vibrates beneath us, and I feel every breath he takes. Sharp, measured, heavy. Eventually, we arrive in a village. A dead village. The houses…I would not even call them houses, they are more the size of huts with roofs caved in, windows gaping and ivy and moss claiming every surface. The silence here is heavy as it is thick. My brows furrow. Why was this place abandoned?

Silver Blade was packed with people chattering excitedly, but it didn’t seem they had come too late as the main road was still lined with people and the crowd was growing. The village was bigger than Sapphire Lake and there seemed to be more men there. Had their men come back earlier, or had they simply had enough to keep some to protect the village still? Were they all cowards like Lucas?

Damien We approached the fishing village at dawn, our small party moving with the same careful, coordinated silence that had served us well during the fortress assault months earlier, and the scene that greeted us upon arrival stopped my heart with a dread I hadn't anticipated feeling this early into our mission. Smoke rose from several structures near the village's center, and the particular, acrid scent carrying on the morning air spoke unmistakably of recent violence. "We're too late," Selene whispered, horror plain in her voice.

“Ok off with you all.” The kids run off. “Bye, Raven.” “They’re cute.” I smile. “They’re troublemakers. You’ll find out quick.” She laughs. We head up the hill the village sits on. The adults on the hill stare at us as we walk up to the village. We enter the village that is nestled in the tree line of the clearing. It’s dark wood houses are all one maybe two rooms at best. Some have small makeshift fences around them. There’s people washing, cooking, repairing…. doing various jobs all around the main road into the village center.

Zara became tense, her gut telling her that something was wrong. Anya broke the stillness by saying, "This path leads to the nearest settlement." "After that, we can plan our next course of action and gather supplies." Although his hand never left the hilt of his blade, Kael grunted his approbation. Just before noon, the village came into view. It was a collection of wooden houses surrounded by expansive fields. Smoke was rising from the chimneys, and the sound of children's laughter could be heard in the air.Zara kept thinking it was too nice to be true, even if the environment was serene.

Vivien reopened her eyes and stared at the old man. When the villagers turned, Jucel looked to Chloe, and the latter nodded once. It was as if to say that there was something very strange about this town. That it wasn’t at all like the others. That as long as they were inside, maybe they could find out what the problem was and fix it. Reluctantly, Vivien followed Chloe and the others into the village. A chill ran down her spine as they passed one of the five villagers.

The solemn pair rode with quiet determination, pondering the implications of recent events. By late in the day they were approaching a small village. Keyla recalled passing it on their way to the plains, though if it had a name she did not know. Rain drops began falling shortly before they reached the outskirts of the settlement. As they drew near, Keyla frowned. It was very quiet, and there was no visible activity. The village was not large, but she could not imagine every inhabitant would be indoors, even in the moderate rainfall. She felt a shiver of unease. Taiya eyed her with wary eyes. Clearly she felt the same. With great caution, they slowly rode past the first outlying homes. A mome

He occasionally looked back, maybe to make sure Ciara and Scott didn’t cause trouble. Torches were set every few meters along the passage walls, illuminating their way. When they came to the other side of the cliff, a village stretched out in the valley, so beautiful with grassy fields, a blue river running through the middle of the village, and the snowcapped peaks of the mountains in the distance. This place reminded her a bit of the Black Stellar territory but with a unique beauty. They continued walking towards the center of the village, becoming a spectacle for the villagers, who never seemed to see anyone other than their own kind.