<b>[Scene Loading...]</b>


    <b>


    [Location: Leoncrest Castle - Old Forest]


    </b>


    <b>[Date: January 6, y. 486 of the Fourth Age]</b>


    The knife quivered in the tree trunk where it had struck, just inches from where Zeke''s head had been moments before. Time seemed to freeze as he stared at the weapon, then his instincts kicked in.


    He scanned the trees, spotting a figure in brown clothing standing about fifty yards away.


    The moment the attacker realized he''d been spotted, he turned and bolted deeper into the forest.


    "Get that knife!" Ingrid shouted, already sprinting after the figure. "Then follow me!"


    Zeke yanked the blade from the tree with a sharp tug and took off after her. The forest floor was treacherous – fallen branches, hidden roots, and unexpected dips made running at full speed nearly impossible.


    Ingrid moved like she''d been born in these woods, leaping over obstacles and ducking under branches without breaking stride.


    "Come on!" she called back, barely visible through the trees ahead.


    Zeke pushed himself harder, ignoring the scratches from thorny bushes and the sting of low-hanging branches whipping his face.


    He''d never been much for wilderness exploration growing up – the Godfrey estate had perfectly manicured gardens, not wild forests – but the thrill of the chase awakened something primal in him.


    When he lost sight of Ingrid completely, he paused, listening for any sound of pursuit. The forest had gone eerily silent. No birds, no rustling leaves – just his own heavy breathing.


    He slowed to a careful walk, knife held ready.


    "Ingrid?" he called softly.


    Movement to his left made him spin around, but it was just Ingrid returning. Her face was flushed from exertion, eyes sharp with frustration.


    "Lose him?" Zeke asked, already knowing the answer.


    "What gave it away?" she muttered, scanning the trees around them. "Yes, I lost him. His trail just vanished into thin air. Must have climbed a tree and jumped or something. Doesn''t take much time, but it''ll throw off pursuit every time."


    She gestured for him to follow. "Come here. Let me show you something."


    Ingrid led him through the undergrowth, pointing out barely visible marks in the forest floor – broken twigs, disturbed moss, the faintest of footprints that Zeke would never have noticed on his own.


    Following this trail, they soon reached a small rise overlooking a relatively clear section of the forest.


    "That''s the tree where the knife was aimed at you," she said, pointing to a distant oak.


    Zeke whistled, impressed despite the circumstances. "How far away is that?"


    "I''d estimate about 200 feet," Ingrid replied, eyes narrowed as she calculated. "And I''m pretty good with distances."


    "That''s one hell of a throw," Zeke muttered.


    "Or a good weapon," Ingrid added.


    Zeke pulled out the knife, examining it properly for the first time. It was beautifully balanced, with a blade that gleamed even in the dim forest light.


    The craftsmanship was unmistakable.


    "This is Arnette forge work, isn''t it?" he asked, handing it to Ingrid.


    She turned the weapon over in her hands several times, examining every inch of the blade and handle. "Definitely Arnette. See this mark here?"


    She pointed to a tiny stamp near the hilt. "North Forge – that''s their mountain workshop. High-end stuff, not something you''d find in the hands of a common bandit."


    She looked up at him, expression serious. "Why would someone throw a dagger at you, Zeke?"


    Zeke shrugged, trying to appear more casual than he felt. Truth was, there were plenty of people who might want him dead – anyone connected to those opposing House Godfrey, anyone who stood to gain from his failure at the Academy.


    But a direct assassination attempt in broad daylight? That was bolder than he''d expected.


    "Could be random," he suggested, not really believing it himself. "Wrong place, wrong time?"


    Ingrid snorted. "In my experience, there''s no such thing as random when it comes to knife-throwing."


    She knelt down, examining the ground more carefully. "Mind if I keep this?" she asked, holding up the knife. "I can run some tests back at the Academy, maybe learn more about who owned it."


    "Go for it," Zeke nodded. "What can you tell me about our mystery attacker?"


    Ingrid''s eyes narrowed as she recalled the figure. "Definitely male, based on stride length and depth of footprints. Heavy – I''d estimate around 200 pounds. Some of that could be armor or gear, but he moved too fast to be wearing much. The spacing of his prints suggests he''s tall, probably six and a half feet."


    She turned, pointing back the way they''d come. "He approached from the same direction we did, but I don''t think he was following us the whole time. More likely he spotted us elsewhere, then cut around to this position knowing we''d pass by."


    "Which means...?" Zeke prompted.


    "He knows these woods well," Ingrid concluded. "Well enough to predict our path and set up an ambush point with good visibility. And if he happened to spot you out here, it suggests your paths cross regularly. Most attempted murders aren''t random encounters – they happen because people move in the same circles."


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    "That''s comforting," Zeke said dryly. "What made you spot him anyway? I didn''t hear or see anything until you tackled me."


    "Training," Ingrid said simply. "My family taught me to develop a sort of sixth sense for danger. When something feels wrong, I don''t question it – I act."


    Zeke nodded, grateful for her quick reflexes. "We should head back," he suggested, glancing at the darkening sky. "Before our friend decides to try again."


    The walk back to the Academy was tense, both of them constantly scanning their surroundings. When they finally passed through the Training Woods and reached the main grounds, Zeke felt like he could breathe again.


    "I''ll see what I can learn about this," Ingrid said, holding up the knife. "And I''ll let you know as soon as I find anything."


    With that, she headed toward the student workshops, leaving Zeke alone with his thoughts. He should have gone straight to his room, but his feet carried him toward the library instead.


    If anyone might have answers, it would be Adrian.


    The library was quiet, most students already at dinner or back in their dormitories. Adrian sat at his desk near the entrance, surrounded by stacks of ancient-looking texts and scrolls.


    He looked up as Zeke approached, a smile forming that quickly faded when he saw Zeke''s expression.


    "What can I do for—" his voice faltered. "Zeke? Are you alright?"


    "Someone just tried to kill me," Zeke said without preamble, keeping his voice low.


    Adrian was on his feet instantly, leading Zeke to a secluded alcove where they wouldn''t be overheard. As Zeke related the events in the forest, the old librarian''s face grew increasingly grave.


    "You were lucky Ingrid was with you," Adrian said when Zeke finished.


    "Though I wouldn''t have been out there in the first place if she hadn''t invited me," Zeke pointed out with a wry smile. "Guess that sword cuts both ways."


    "I don''t blame her at all," he added quickly. "There''s no way she could have known. I just..." He ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. "I''ve been so focused on the Trials, I figured if anyone wanted me dead, that''s how they''d do it. A duel gone wrong, a training accident – not a knife in the back while I''m out for a walk."


    "I''ll see what I can discover," Adrian promised. "I have sources throughout the Academy that might know something. But Zeke, you need to report this to the Headmistress."


    Zeke groaned. "Do I have to? For all I know, she was behind it."


    "I doubt that," Adrian said firmly. "Florence doesn''t like you, but she''s not foolish. A dead student brings unwanted attention and questions. A student who fails a Trial is just a notation in a ledger."


    He leaned forward. "Besides, if your attacker is connected to the Academy, it''s best to establish that you report threats rather than hide them. Makes you a less appealing target."


    "You make a good point," Zeke conceded. "Doesn''t mean I''m looking forward to that conversation."


    "She''s not as terrible as you think," Adrian said with a small smile.


    "Once you convince her you''re not a waste of space, maybe," Zeke replied, standing up.


    As he turned to leave, Adrian called after him. "Oh! One more thing."


    "Yes?"


    Adrian''s expression softened. "I received word yesterday that fifty of the old House Levayne books are being returned from House Hobbson''s archives."


    Zeke paused, surprised by the news.


    "They included a note stating that as long as we remained allied with House Godfrey, they wished to have us as allies as well," Adrian continued, voice thick with emotion. "Both houses have launched research teams to study each other''s archives. I foresee a great period of intellectual cooperation in the future."


    He smiled warmly. "Thank you, Zeke. Whatever you did, it worked."


    Zeke returned the smile and bowed slightly. "Glad to hear it." He hadn''t expected Professor Harold to act so quickly on their conversation, but he was pleased nonetheless.


    The trek to the Headmistress''s office felt longer than usual, each step bringing Zeke closer to a conversation he''d rather avoid. Still, there was no getting around it.


    He knocked on the imposing door, bracing himself as it swung open with its customary booming sound.


    Headmistress Florence sat behind her desk, quill flying across parchment as she worked. She looked up as he entered, eyes narrowing in recognition.


    "You know, Godfrey, most students only visit this office once or twice during their entire Academy career," she remarked dryly. "While your determination to break records is admirable in some twisted sense, this is one I don''t recommend pursuing."


    "I wouldn''t be here if it wasn''t important, Headmistress," Zeke replied, standing straight. "Adrian de''Levayne suggested I speak with you immediately."


    "And what, pray tell, might be so urgent?" she asked, still writing.


    "Someone tried to kill me today," Zeke stated plainly. "I was in the Old Woods with Ingrid Stormhall when someone threw a knife at my head."


    The Headmistress''s hand froze mid-sentence, her gaze sharpening. "The Old Woods?"


    "Yes," Zeke confirmed. "Ingrid compiled a description of the attacker – tall, heavy-set, dressed in brown."


    "Six and a half feet tall?" she demanded, setting down her quill.


    Zeke blinked in surprise. "Yes, exactly. How did you—"


    "I will send for Stormhall immediately," the Headmistress interrupted, all pretense of disinterest gone. "You may leave."


    "With all due respect, Headmistress, I think I deserve to know what''s going on," Zeke countered. "Someone just tried to kill me."


    "And why, pray tell, would that be your concern?" she asked, voice dripping with sarcasm.


    "Well, for starters, I''d like to know if he''s specifically after me or just some madman in the woods," Zeke replied, refusing to be intimidated. "Those are two very different problems."


    The Headmistress seemed to weigh her options, lips pressed into a thin line. "If I tell you, and I discover you''ve shared this information with anyone, I will have you on the first carriage back to whatever remains of your estate. Is that clear?"


    "Crystal," Zeke replied.


    She leaned forward slightly. "We believe he is an escaped convict from the Capital. Reports began shortly after the first snowfall – tracks were more visible, and he stood out against the white background. We organized a search but found only abandoned hideouts."


    Her voice lowered. "When we contacted the Capital, we learned of a jailbreak in late November. Several prisoners escaped, and one particular fugitive had been imprisoned for murdering numerous young adults. The description matches what we''ve pieced together, suggesting he''s been hiding in the Old Woods, watching for an opportunity. You''re the first person he''s actually attacked, to our knowledge."


    Zeke exhaled slowly, processing this information. "Why hasn''t the student body been warned?"


    "And cause mass panic?" The Headmistress raised an eyebrow. "We''ve increased patrols and taken precautions. The last thing we need is hundreds of terrified students, or worse, foolhardy ones venturing into the woods hoping to capture him themselves."


    She had a point, Zeke had to admit. He could easily imagine some of the more competitive students turning it into a contest.


    "I understand," he said finally. "I won''t speak of it."


    "See that you don''t," she replied, picking up her quill again. "Not even with Stormhall. Don''t write about it, don''t discuss it. As for the Old Woods – I shouldn''t need to tell you to avoid them, though I suspect our fugitive will relocate after today''s failed attempt."


    She paused, her expression softening almost imperceptibly. "Thank you for reporting this promptly. Many students would have kept it to themselves. Now go, and be vigilant."


    Zeke left the Headmistress''s office feeling strangely relieved. If the knife-thrower was indeed an escaped prisoner rather than an assassin specifically targeting him, that was something of a comfort.


    Still, questions nagged at him. How had a known murderer evaded capture for so long? Why attack Zeke specifically? And why did the Headmistress seem so certain about the attacker''s identity without even speaking to Ingrid?


    As he descended the tower stairs, he nearly collided with Victoria, who was climbing up with purpose in her stride.


    "Careful, Godfrey," she warned, sidestepping gracefully. "What''s got you so distracted?"


    "Just Academy stuff," he replied vaguely, remembering his promise. "Heading to see the Headmistress?"


    "Council meeting," she confirmed. "Student representatives from each year. Probably boring administrative nonsense."


    "Probably," Zeke agreed, wondering if the meeting might actually be about the fugitive. "Have fun with that."


    In the main hall, he found Ralph waiting near the dining room entrance.


    "There you are!" his roommate called. "I was about to eat without you. Where''ve you been all afternoon?"


    "Just exploring," Zeke said, the half-truth coming easily. "Getting to know the grounds better."


    "Find anything interesting?" Ralph asked as they entered the dining hall.


    Zeke just smiled and shook his head. "Nothing special. Just needed some fresh air."


    <b>[Scene Close]</b>


    <b>[Earned Emblems:]


    Heart of the Warrior


    Endurance</b>


    <b>[Active Quests:]</b>


    <b>


    [Back to Normal: Go about your ordinary business without telling anyone of the attack]</b>


    <b>


    [Unseen Shadows: Remain vigilant for further threats]</b>