"What do you want from me?" he asked, already knowing the answer. The bearded man clapped him on the shoulder. "We need someone who knows these lands, someone who can guide us to the artifact. And from what
I've heard, you're the best guide around."
John sighed, feeling as though he had no choice in the matter. "Fine. I'll help you find this artifact. But then I want nothing more to do with this war."
The travelers nodded, grateful for his assistance. "Agreed. We just need to find it first."
John hesitated for a moment, considering the consequences of his actions. He had always tried to stay out of trouble and avoid confrontations, but something about the way the soldier had spoken to him had rubbed him the wrong way. He didn't like being pushed around.
Taking a deep breath, John squared his shoulders and stepped forward, his eyes fixed on the soldier's. "I'll come with you," he said, trying to keep his voice steady.
"But only if you let me bring my own weapon."
The soldier looked him up and down, taking in his scrawny frame and unassuming appearance. "Very well," he said finally, gesturing for John to follow him. "But make sure you stay out of the way and don't get yourself killed."
As they walked through the streets of the village, John couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He had never been outside his home before, and the sight of the army's massive war machines and heavily armored soldiers was overwhelming. Despite his fear, John kept his wits about him and followed the soldier to the edge of the village, where the rest of the army was gathering. As he looked around, he saw that there were hundreds of soldiers, all preparing for battle.
Some were sharpening their swords, while others were practicing their archery skills. John's eyes were drawn to a group of men and women standing off to the side, their faces grave and serious. They were talking in hushed tones, and as he drew closer, he realized that they were the leaders of the army. The king and queen of his kingdom were among them, as well as the leaders of the opposing kingdom.
Suddenly, John realized that he was standing in the midst of a conflict that was much larger than himself. The fate of two kingdoms hung in the balance, and he had been swept up in the middle of it all.