Community Funeral

Community Funeral

I turned my head toward my house, and Olwen looked at me with concern. He considered it quite cruel for a child to sleep in a house where his mother had died in such a horrendous way. Although they had already been cleaned, traces of the tragic event remained.

Summoning my courage and recalling my mother's words, I said that I would like to continue living there once it was completely repaired. Although Olwen wanted to refuse, seeing the determination on my face, he accepted. However, I would have to stay with him until the house was fully repaired. I accepted gladly, feeling excited. I wasn't sure if it was a show of bravery, but taking the first step was important.

After this significant conversation, while I was processing everything and understanding what I needed to do, I helped the other villagers as much as I could with my dragon.

The village was unrecognizable. The houses were in ruins, the fields desolate, and the dock was destroyed. The other villagers, with heavy hearts, gathered the bodies of their loved ones who had fallen in the battle.

That same night, the community gathered on the beach to bid a final farewell to the deceased. According to our ancient tradition, the names of the departed were engraved on stone tablets. Thanks to Olwen's dragon, the task was completed quickly. Each stone was carefully carved and brought to the water's edge. The sound of the waves accompanied the solemn act. I felt alone by the water, having previously lost only my father, and now my mother. Although it was my duty to throw this tablet alone, Olwen was there to accompany and assist me. The tablets we placed began to sink slowly into the sea, reuniting the deceased with the ocean, their protector and provider.

For two days, the village remained in mourning. The laughter of children and the bustle of daily life were replaced by the sounds of crying and praying. The villagers gathered in silence, sharing the pain of their loss and seeking comfort in each other's presence.

On the third day, the sun rose with a new brightness, and the villagers, still with pain in their hearts, got up. They began the arduous task of rebuilding their home. Men, women, and children worked together, repairing roofs, rebuilding docks, and planting new crops.

At noon, Kevrey returned with his dragon, followed by a large caravan of wagons.

Olwen went out to meet him, exchanging greetings, though, from a distance, it was clear they were exchanging insults.

"So, what did the council decide? Did they accept the deal?" Olwen asked anxiously.

Kevrey, with a bitter smile, replied, "They accepted, though there was a lot of debate because you're asking for a lot. They expect you to contribute with the dragon remains."

"Damn the council. I will accept, but only half. I hope you brought everything," Olwen grumbled, reminded of the council's greed.

"Of course, they know what you're like. I brought some sailors to take the four ships to the city's shipyard, as well as some artisans to help with the reconstruction. Slave traders came too, as well as some earth mages. You know, if it weren't for the council's fault and your high demands, they wouldn't have even agreed to build this wall. But there's one condition," Kevrey responded to help Olwen relax before delivering the council's final conditions.

Olwen looked directly at Kevrey. "Tell me, don't leave me in suspense."

"Well, since you're in a good mood, it's nothing serious, but there is a length limit on what can be built, and the maximum is 12 kilometers," Kevrey replied with a big smile that was as fake as Olwen's teeth.

"Stingy and deceitful, that's what they are, but I'll grudgingly accept. I hope they keep their promise," Olwen accepted the condition reluctantly, knowing that if they didn't, the council would pretend ignorance and make things even more difficult.

"It's good that you accepted, Olwen. And finally, the most exciting part: every family in this village will receive six moon coins as disaster compensation and aid. Enough to live comfortably for a year and a half," Kevrey said, looking directly at Olwen.

After all the bureaucracy and signing the contract that stipulated the above, Kevrey decided to leave before the old Olwen kicked him out.