“They found another one a couple of days ago, Stem.”

Stem cursed. “Where was this one found?”

“Outside of some cave in the mountains.”

“Let me guess, there's a legend about the cave. Some terrible monster is hoarding some town's gold and this poor sod thought he would be the one to slay the dragon and save the town.”

“It was a she.”

“Excuse me?”

“It was a lady adventurer this time; not a he but a she.”

A storm of mild curses burst forth from Stem. “Why? Why do they continue to do this sort of thing Mileeta?” Mileeta sauntered across the small room and caressed her husband's head. Stem sighed and rested his head on her swollen abdomen, only to receive a playful kick from the life within. “I never meant for this to happen. . . .”

“Shhh now. It's hardly your fault. If people fancy an adventure and run off extempore it has nothing to do with you.”

“I started it. I set out on a journey and came back a hero. I got lucky Mileeta. You know that. I didn't know what I was doing. I was in the right place at the right time and now all these kids think adventuring is easy work and head out to their doom. When I left there were few who even thought of heading out for fame and fortune. I should have never come back. I should have found a different place to live, someplace where my newfound fortune would not have created so much trouble.”

“And leave me here, forever wondering what happened to you?”

Stem looked up into her eyes. “You know I couldn't do that.”

“I also know it's not your fault these kids are seeking fame and fortune. It's something they want to do and I doubt anyone is going to be able to stop them. Now, if you really want to do something to help out, you could reopen your survival school.”

Stem sighed. “Maybe you're right. Maybe I can't stop them, but maybe I can make them better prepared. Thanks hon.”