A simple shepherd

Jack groaned in disbelief as yet another wannabe solider or adventurer ran past the pasture on the way to the walled city of Vanos. All his life he had heard the calls of adventure that made boys into men but him? He was a simple shepherd who was denied every time he tried to enlist or prove his skills.

His loyal dog Rover whined by his side to remind Jack to keep petting him.

"I know boy." Jack said as his hand rubbed his pets ear. Both of them were the best in the art of protecting the sheep from the dangers of the world. Looking over the sea of sheep for trouble may be not a glorious life but it put food on the table.

With a flick of his boot his staff leaped from the ground to his hand. "Come on Rover, I see that the young ones are getting too far from the flock."

Bark

Jack smiled as Rover raced to do his duty. Yes sir it may not be much but he was content with his life.

...

In the shadows of the woods three pairs of eyes plus one watched as the young man tended his flock.

"Are you sure he's the one you want commander? He doesn't look like much."

"He is or at least should be. The lady of the winter court was clear on whom to seek out for her. Look at his staff."

"That old thing? He must have picked it up or been given it by his father or master."

"Foolish girl, that staff radiates magic. Old magic was used to make it for the boy and must be why our lady wants him."

The voices go silent as the four limbs animal companion of the male started heading their way. They knew that they wouldn't be welcomed in this land of men because of their heritage and their land closing borders to many but the most importance of functions.

They slowly moved back into the forest even as they kept Vanos in sight. Once a place of worship it was now polluted with the stench of decaying nature, ash and men folk. It's walls of stone stood tall in defiance of nature and the sight of several poorly reconstructed towers that were once places of worship stun at their pride. But they were not here to sight see but to collect a man child of nineteen years.

...

Jack sneezed as he walked as he made sure all the sheep were accounted for. Looking up he winced as he saw how low the sun was drom the ground. "Come on Rover! Let's get 'em home!"