We gathered around a table in a room and studied the kingdom's map that was laid out in front of us.

Salina remarked, "We need to construct silver traps within the town. That way we can lessen Lord Dregan's numbers."

"How do we make them?" Kevin inquired.

Salina answered, "With my magic, I can make them."

Terrin responded, "Great. What comes next?"

I declared that the courtyard of the castle would be the ideal location for us to fight Lord Dregan.

“Why not mention werewolves?” Inquired King Norton.

I responded, "We'll handle them. We have the edge of surprise. We can defeat them if we assault them from various directions.

"Agreed," King Norton replied, "I will have my men ready to support you."

“Good. We'll need all the assistance we can get,” Salina remarked.

Later, while we assisted the knights in constructing the smoke bombs, crossbow turrets, and silver traps, my thoughts raced with concern. Would our strategy be successful? Could we keep the kingdom and its populace safe? I sincerely hoped that we could protect the civilians from the conflict since they had all gone.

While Terrin and I worked on digging the pitfalls, Salina and Kevin were busy making smoke bombs. As we delved farther, the only sounds we heard were the clinking of metal and the rustling of the dirt.

I kept considering what was ahead during the day. There was no way of knowing what would transpire during the fierce combat with Lord Dregan. But I was aware that in order to save the kingdom and its populace, we had to take all possible measures.

I experienced a sense of purpose with each sinkhole we dug, crossbow turret we constructed, and smoke bomb we made. We were engaged in work that was crucial and perhaps influential.

When we were done, I took a look around the town that we had worked so hard to defend. Although everything was now calm, I knew that would soon change. When the conflict arrived, we were prepared for it.

****

I climbed one of the towers to get a view of the kingdom. I discovered Terrin there, gazing at the setting sun while deep in concentration. I followed him and stood by his side in silence for a short while before speaking.

I broke the silence by saying, "Terrin, I have something to tell you."

He turned to face me and I could see that he was curious. The question "What is it?"

I inhaled deeply before starting to explain. “Kevin, Salina, and I are not of this era. We are from the future. You undoubtedly heard that from Dregan.”

Terrin merely grinned. He answered, "Yes, and that's incredible," with admiration in his eyes. "It's like something out of a storybook to think that you know the future."

We settled into a peaceful stillness as we observed the sky turning pink and orange as the sun sank below the horizon. Terrin turned to me and held my hand as the final rays of light vanished.

He spoke in a gentle tone. "Jessica, there's something I've been meaning to tell you.”

My heart pounded. "What is it?"

“Despite the fact that we have been friends for a while, I believe I have feelings for you. I'm not sure if you share my sentiments, but I wanted to let you know.”

My relief mixed with surprise at the same time. “Terrin, I...I feel the same way about you. Previously, I was hesitant to say it, but I now do.”

Terrin's smile spread across her face. "Really?"

I blinked. "Yes, I do. That’s why I tried to k-"

My heart was pounding with eagerness as the bell rang out across the air. Terrin and I gave each other a short glance before launching into action to defend Alnor's life. The sky darkened as the clouds moved in, adding to the foreboding sense of the coming conflict.

Damn! I was so close to kissing someone again who meant a lot to me. But it was more crucial to first defend Alnor.

Author's note:

"Tomorrow I will post the last two chapters since I already finished the story. Let me know what you."