The Road Goes Ever On

Chapter 10

Arriving on the outskirts of the boisterous riverside city of Banewell, Jason's mood immediately lifted. He took in the lively taverns full of laughter and music, the crowds of shoppers bargaining in the markets, children playing games in the streets. After the gloom of Argus, this cheer and community warmed his heart.

While traversing the city center, Jason heard someone calling his name. He turned to see a red-haired woman waving and rushing towards him. He didn't recognize her until she drew closer. 

"Daphne!?" Jason said in astonishment. 

She threw her arms around him in a gleeful embrace. "I can't believe it's really you!"

Jason had not seen Daphne since departing Rockhaven over a year ago. As they broke apart, he grinned and said, "What are you doing here? You're far from home."

"After you left, I wanted to see more of Phantasma's wonders for myself," she explained. "I've been exploring these lands, gathering knowledge and spellcraft."

Her striking eyes twinkled with enthusiasm. "But now together we can - "

A monstrous roar interrupted Daphne, followed by shrieks of panic rippling through the marketplace crowd. Jason drew his sword as an enormous hill troll came lumbering out of a side street, swiping its club angrily. Guard arrows bounced harmlessly off the beast's thick hide.

"Get the townspeople to safety," Jason told Daphne. "I'll take care of the troll."

Daphne promptly began herding frightened shoppers down the street while Jason advanced on the looming troll. He slashed the tendons on its right ankle, sending the troll crashing down with a bellow. But before Jason could finish the creature off, it landed a glancing backhand blow that knocked him through the front wall of a bakery. Dazed, Jason had to narrowly roll aside as the massive club smashed apart shelves above him. Icing splattered everywhere.

Jason tried to stand and get back in the fight, but he couldn't seem to focus his energy properly. Something about the troll's strike had weakened him. Trapped on the bakery floor, Jason could only watch as the rampaging monster turned and headed towards a mother and child cowering in an alley. Their death seemed imminent...until an azure bolt of lightning sizzled past Jason and struck the troll squarely between the shoulders! The beast froze, shuddered, then toppled inert to the ground, smoke rising from its body. 

Jason gaped at Daphne who stood with traces of electricity still crackling around her palms. Her previously benign nature had been replaced by an intensity that awed him. She rushed to Jason's side, helping him up.

"Did you...was that magic?" He stammered. "You just killed a troll in one blow!"

Daphne smiled. "I told you - I've gained some skills since last we met."

As Jason's head cleared, he felt only joy at seeing his old friend again, now so powerful and brave. Together, it seemed they could achieve anything.