The sun was dipping low when the trio—Wads, Klyden, and Liora—arrived at a small village nestled between rolling hills and a meandering river. The wooden homes were modest but well-kept, smoke curling from chimneys and children playing near the water's edge. The scent of baked bread mingled with the earthy aroma of the nearby fields, a comforting reminder that life moved steadily here, far from the hurried pace of the capital.
As they entered, the villagers' eyes shifted toward them, curious and cautious. A few murmured among themselves as Wads adjusted his rectangle glasses, observing each face and noting the subtle signs of unease: the worried tension in the farmers' shoulders, the hastily tied bundles of supplies, the wary glances exchanged in hushed tones.
"Hello," Wads said politely, his voice calm but confident. "We're just passing through. Is everything alright here?"
An older man with graying hair and a dirt-streaked tunic stepped forward. "Not entirely, young travelers," he admitted. "Our river overflowed yesterday, and the main waterwheel that powers the mill is jammed. If it's not cleared, our grain supply will spoil before the next market day."
Klyden's eyes lit up with energy. "We can help!" he exclaimed, clenching his fists eagerly. "Even if it's a little adventure!"
Liora smirked, folding her arms. "Let's see what the genius can figure out first," she said, nodding toward Wads.
Wads approached the waterwheel cautiously, examining the structure and the partially submerged gears. He crouched, fingers brushing over the wooden framework. "The wheel itself isn't broken, just jammed by debris and small stones," he murmured, speaking aloud more to organize his thoughts than to anyone else. "If we clear these carefully, we can get the wheel turning again without causing further damage."
The villagers watched in awe as Wads directed the operation. He instructed two younger men to use long poles to dislodge stubborn branches, advised a pair of women to secure the rope supports, and calculated angles for Klyden to push the wheel without straining himself.
Klyden, naturally strong and surprisingly quick, jumped into the task with exuberance, shifting logs and tossing debris aside with ease. Liora stood nearby, her keen eyes spotting loose ropes or unstable sections before they became dangerous, directing people to maintain balance and safety.
Within an hour, the waterwheel creaked, groaned, and then slowly began turning. The water's flow returned to the millstones, grinding the grain once more. Cheers erupted from the villagers.
"Remarkable!" the older man exclaimed, clapping Wads on the shoulder. "Young master, your mind is as sharp as any millwright I've known. And your companions—such strength and presence! Truly a fine trio."
A little girl with braids and dirt-smudged cheeks approached Wads shyly. "Thank you for helping us," she said, holding out a small loaf of bread. "I've never seen anyone fix the wheel so fast."
Wads gave a polite nod, adjusting his glasses. "It was a group effort. Everyone contributed."
The villagers insisted the trio stay for the night, offering simple but hearty rooms above the inn. The evening was filled with warmth: a meal of roasted vegetables and fresh bread, laughter from the villagers' stories, and a quiet moment near the riverbank where Wads jotted observations in his notebook while Klyden skipped stones and Liora leaned against a post, teasing Wads about his meticulous note-taking.
Before bed, the older man returned, a satisfied smile on his weathered face. "You've done more than fix the wheel," he said quietly. "You reminded us that even in small villages, clever minds, strong hearts, and keen eyes can solve great problems. We are in your debt."
Wads felt a quiet satisfaction settle over him. Klyden flopped onto the bed beside him with a grin. "See? Adventure, teamwork, saving the day. Told you it'd be fun."
Liora chuckled, adjusting her cloak. "And you, little moon boy, did most of the thinking. Don't let it go to your head… too much."
The night fell gently, the river murmuring outside and lanterns casting golden light across the village. For Wads, it was a simple but profound affirmation: intellect, strength, and observation all had their place, and together, they could face whatever challenges the journey ahead might bring.