EPISODE 25 — WHERE THE PATH ENDS

(POV: Asher) I didn't expect it. Strangers — not gnomes, not even close — managing to convince my parents. And yet… they do. There's something about them. Something grounding. Reassuring. "Your son is in love," says the boy I was sure hated me. "And when someone you love is in danger, you do everything you can to save her. That's only right." "Thaaat's trrrue," rumbles the giant at the doorway. He's so tall he has to kneel just to fit, only his face peeking inside the house. He looks strong. Solid. "And besides, he's a gnome. He knows these lands. Everrry path. Everrry stone. He'll be invaluable." My parents exchange a look. They hesitate. Thank you, giant guy. "Please," adds the girl whose skin seems to glow softly. "I beg you. For my people. For our entire world. Let Asher come with…