"I - but - it's your sword, sir!" Stott finally managed. "I don't know that I'm worthy of it."
"Your heart is," Syred answered. "The rest of you will catch up soon enough I'm sure. And it would be wasted here, collecting dust over the fireplace. I'm done now, Stott. You need it now more than I."
"Thank you, sir. I'll try to use it honorably." Stott looked down at it in awe, as if afraid to touch it.
"We should get moving," Agmar said, his thoughts still running ahead of himself. "There is much to do this day."
"Agmar." Avern reached out and shook Agmar's hand, giving it a firm squeeze. "Be safe," the mayor of Eagle's Harbor told him. Agmar simply nodded in response, a part of him wistfully dreaming of what it would be like it he could just settle down amongst the townsfolk and live out his days quietly battling nothing more than the occasional storm.
We were not meant for normal lives, a voice in his memories reminded him quietly. Such talent comes with a price - an obligation to mankind. Perhaps, one day, when you are as old as I, you will come to rest in this place and teach others. Until that day, However, you must follow the path that flows before you. Agmar breathed in the morning air as Avern turned and shook Yilmack and Stott's hands in turn. He brought himself back to the reality of the day again, Avern's voice breaking through his reverie.
"...and Lynna, please write. I doubt I'm the only one here who will want to know how your journies play out. Send letters to me."
"I will when I can, father. Please don't worry so much. It won't be easy but this is something I have to do. And I want to. I can make a difference."
I know," Avern replied. "You've said it already, it's just hard for me to let of my little girl, even though she's gone and grown up." He gave her another hug and kissed her on the forehead. "I love you, Lynna. Never forget that. You will always have a home here."
"I love you too, father. I won't forget." She turned and gave Mary a quick hug as well. "Take care of him for me, Mary."
"I'll make sure he doesn't get into too much trouble," Mary grinned. "You be careful out there."
"I will," Lynna nodded. She turned to face Agmar, and he saw the young woman take a deep breath.
"I'm ready now," she told him. Her voice was strong, but her eyes showed that he was not the only one of them trying to anticipate what lay ahead. He nodded at her approvingly.
"Farewell, Eagle's Harbor," he turned and said briefly. Agmar then turned and strode down the road, shifting his heavy pack so that the well-worn strap was in a more comfortable position on his shoulder. He didn't look back, although he was sure that Lynna and Stott both did. He felt them fall in behind himself and Yilmack, who had quickly matched Agmar's stride.
As the sun rose in the sky, illuminating what remained of Eagle's Harbor, the remaining townsfolk and sailors stood in the road leading away from their fishing village, waving at the four figures that made their way inland. Somewhere, deep inside Agmar's heart, he knew he'd never have another chance to return.
