He sighed, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of approaching danger. But for now, all was peaceful. Quillen leaned against the weathered wooden railing of the dock, feeling its smooth surface beneath his palms. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath of the fresh, slightly floral air.

Suddenly, a small, curious voice interrupted his reverie. "Mister Quillen, when do you think the dragons will come?" Quillen opened his eyes to see a young girl of perhaps eight winters standing before him, her large green eyes filled with both fascination and nervous anticipation.

Quillen knelt down to the girl's level, his weathered leather armor creaking softly. "That's a good question, little one," he said, smiling reassuringly. "But we don't know for certain. All we can do is be prepared and hope for the best."

The girl nodded solemnly, her blonde pigtails bouncing with the motion. "I wish I could fight them too," she said, her voice filled with longing. "I want to protect my village."

Quillen reached out and gently ruffled her hair. "You're already helping, you know. By staying safe and keeping the village children together, you're doing a very important job. Remember, the bravest warriors are those who protect the innocent."

The girl's face lit up with a smile, her eyes sparkling. "Really?" she asked, clearly pleased by this news.

Quillen nodded. "Absolutely. Now, why don't you go enjoy the day with your friends? We'll have plenty of warning if those foul beasts approach."

The girl beamed and scampered off, her laughter echoing through the air. Quillen watched her go, a tinge of melancholy in his heart. He hoped the dragons would never find this peaceful place, that these children would never have to face the horrors he had experienced.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the village, Quillen knew he had to return to his duties. He bid farewell to the villagers, who thanked him for his protection, and made his way back to the nearby watchtower. There, he would join the other guards, ready to sound the alarm at the first sign of trouble.

For now, the village remained a haven of peace, its people blissfully unaware of the dangers that lurked beyond their borders. Quillen could only hope that this serenity would last, that the dragons would never find their way to this idyllic place. But he knew he could not rest easy, not until the threat was truly gone. Until then, he would remain vigilant, ever ready.