After two days of relentless travel, the knights found themselves in need of resupplying. They spotted a humble village along the winding road, nestled within the kingdom of Aleria. Though the royal family of Aleria lived lavishly, the villagers struggled to make ends meet, their hardships evident in the worn faces and tattered clothes.
Captain Elias surveyed the scene before him, noting the dilapidated buildings and weary villagers. "Looks like a place in need of a helping hand," he remarked to Vice-Captain Marcus.
Marcus nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Captain. Let's see if we can lend our aid while we restock our supplies."
Approaching the village, the knights were met with wary gazes from the villagers. Elias stepped forward, his demeanor gentle yet authoritative. "Good people of this village, we come in peace," he announced, his voice carrying across the square. "We seek provisions for our journey and are willing to pay for them."
A murmur of relief swept through the crowd as the villagers realized the knights meant no harm. They directed the knights to the local market, where meager stalls offered sparse goods for sale.
As they perused the offerings, Elias struck up a conversation with one of the vendors, an elderly woman selling vegetables. "How fares your village, good woman?" he inquired, his tone sympathetic.
The woman sighed heavily, her weathered hands arranging the wilted produce on her stall. "Times are hard, sir," she replied, her voice tinged with resignation. "The royal family lives in luxury while we struggle to put food on the table. It's a harsh reality we face every day."
Elias nodded in understanding, his heart heavy with empathy for the villagers. "We are grateful for your hospitality, despite your own hardships," he said sincerely, reaching into his purse to pay for the vegetables.
Meanwhile, Grayson and the young boy wandered through the village, taking in the sights and sounds around them. Grayson's heart went out to the villagers, their resilience in the face of adversity evident in every weary step they took.
She knelt down beside the boy, her voice gentle as she spoke. "These people may not have much, but they possess a strength of spirit that is truly admirable," she said, her eyes reflecting the flickering torchlight. "It's important to remember that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope."
The boy nodded silently, his eyes wide with understanding. Grayson smiled at him, a silent bond forming between them as they continued to explore the village together.
As the sun began to set, the knights regrouped in the village square, their saddlebags filled with provisions for the journey ahead. With a sense of gratitude for the villagers' hospitality, they bid farewell to the humble village, their hearts lighter knowing they had made a small difference in the lives of those they had encountered.
With their supplies replenished and their spirits lifted, the knights set off once more on the road to Caladon, their determination unyielding as they continued their journey through the kingdom of Aleria.