The Master Builder System

The evening sun cast long golden shadows across Riverwood. The village had quieted down after a full day, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of cooked food and the faint hum of chatter from distant homes.

Xabi made his way slowly through the village paths. In his hand was a small basket of fruits. He wasn't sure if Old Hann would eat any, but it felt right to bring something.

He stopped in front of Carna's house. It was modest, but clean and well-kept. The wooden door was slightly open, and the smell of herbs and boiled soup drifted out.

Inside, Old Hann was lying on a bed near the window. Carna sat beside him, checking a bowl of warm porridge she had prepared.

Old Hann, once the strongest presence in the entire village, looked smaller now. His body was thinner. The strength that once radiated from his frame had faded. But his eyes still held fire.

Carna looked up when Xabi stepped in.

"Oh, you came," she said with a smile. "He's been waiting for someone to chat with."

Xabi nodded and stepped inside quietly.

But before he could say anything, Old Hann raised his voice.

"What are you standing there for, boy?"

His tone was still rough, full of life. "You waiting for an invitation?"

Xabi smiled, a little caught off guard.

"No, sir."

He walked over and placed the fruit basket on the nearby table.

Old Hann grinned. "Good. Come closer. Let me see that ugly face."

Carna let out a small laugh. "Don't bully him too much. He's come to visit."

Old Hann waved a hand. "He can take it."

Xabi pulled up a stool and sat beside the bed.

Old Hann studied him for a moment. "You've got that look."

"What look?"

"The one that says you're having too much in your mind."

Xabi lowered his gaze.

Old Hann leaned back. "So, what's going on? Is everything good out there?"

Xabi sighed and looked down at the floor.

"Even with all the good things happening," he said quietly, "I still feel like someone… someone out there isn't okay with it."

Old Hann let out a low chuckle, but it quickly turned into a sharp cough. His body tensed, pain flashing across his face.

"Old Hann!" Xabi jumped to his feet and rushed to steady him.

But the old chief raised a hand weakly. "I'm okay… I'm okay. Sit down, boy. I'm not dying today."

Carna moved over and placed a hand on Old Hann's shoulder, giving him a firm look, but didn't say anything. She knew better than to argue with him when he was like this.

Old Hann took a sip of water from the clay cup beside him. After a moment, he looked back at Xabi.

"You talking about Kent?"

Xabi hesitated, then nodded slowly.

Old Hann's face grew more serious.

"I know how Kent is. He's got that sharp mind and strong heart, but he carries pride like a blade, close to his chest."

He leaned back slightly, staring at the ceiling.

"But I don't believe he means any harm. No… I think it's the opposite. He wants to lead. Wants to protect this village. And maybe, deep down, he's afraid someone else is doing it better."

Xabi nodded again, quieter this time.

Old Hann looked at him. "Keep an eye on him, Xabi. Not because he's a threat, but because he's lost. And if he falls too far behind, he might walk down a road none of us wants him to."

Then, Old Hann gave him a small, tired smile. "Besides… It's your time now, isn't it?"

Xabi looked at him, unsure of what to say.

Old Hann narrowed his eyes slightly and asked, "So, what's really the matter, boy?"

Xabi took a deep breath.

"I don't think… I'm suitable to become the kind of leader this village needs."

Old Hann didn't react the way Xabi expected. There was no disappointment in his eyes. Just calm acceptance.

"That so?" he said gently.

Xabi nodded, unsure of what else to say.

Old Hann leaned back and stared at the wooden ceiling for a moment before asking, "Is it because of Finn?"

Xabi blinked, surprised. "What do you mean by that?"

Old Hann let out a tired chuckle. "After lying here for days, Carna's been my eyes and ears. She told me what happened. New buildings. Walls. Food. School. All in such a short time. I may be old and stuck in this bed, but I'm not stupid."

He looked straight into Xabi's eyes. "It has something to do with Finn, doesn't it?"

Xabi looked down, lips pressed together. He couldn't speak. Not without risking Finn's secret.

Old Hann smiled knowingly. "Don't worry. I don't need to know everything. But if Finn really is the reason behind all this, then I'm glad. If it means those walls and food won't vanish tomorrow… if it means the village is safer and people are fed… then I have no complaints."

He let out a slow breath, then turned back to Xabi.

"You never liked the idea of leading a whole village. That's fine. But let me ask you this... Can you still lead the warriors?"

Xabi lifted his head. That was different.

"I can," he said firmly. "I'm confident in my strength. I know how to fight. And I know how to move people in battle. But leading a village… It's not just about strength."

He paused before adding, "Finn is better at that."

Old Hann nodded slowly.

"Well then," he said with a small smile, "if that's your decision… make sure you become Finn's strongest warrior."

Xabi met his gaze and nodded. "I will."

He then stood and gave Old Hann a respectful nod.

"I'll come again tomorrow," he said. "Thank you for everything, Village Chief."

"Good," Old Hann replied with a smile. "Bring me something sweet next time."

Xabi chuckled. "I'll see what I can do."

He turned and left quietly, the door creaking softly behind him.

Carna, who had been sitting nearby, quietly moved to adjust the blanket over Old Hann's legs. Her hands were gentle, careful. She glanced toward the door, then back at him.

"Do you think," she asked in a soft voice, "we're about to witness what was once prophesied for this village?"

Old Hann didn't answer right away. His eyes stared ahead, quiet and thoughtful.

Then, he smiled.

"I don't know," he said. "But if we are… I hope it's true."

Carna stayed beside him. She looked at him not just as a village elder, but as family.

Not many knew the full story.

Old Hann had been adopted by Carna's family nearly seventy years ago. He wasn't born in Riverwood, but he had been raised here with love.

He was given a name, a place, and a family. In many ways, he had lived a life filled with care and guidance.

And maybe that was why he had always looked after others.

Carna gently placed her hand on Old Hann's arm.

The two of them sat in silence as the last light of the day faded outside, both thinking about the past and the future that might finally be arriving.