《Tales of Aelion (Progression Fantasy & War)》


 Chapter 1

    Aelion Silverwind stood at the edge of the docks, watching as his parents¡¯ fishing boat disappeared beyond the misty horizon. His father, Edril, waved one last time before vanishing into the morning fog, and his mother, Sera, offered her usual, reassuring smile. Their ship, laden with supplies and equipment, was one of many that set sail each week to bring back food for the people of Aethercrest. It was their livelihood, their duty to the city, and now, for the first time, they had left Aelion behind.


    He was eighteen now, no longer a boy, but the absence of his parents left a strange hollowness in his chest. Just days ago, they had celebrated his birthday with a small dinner, a modest affair, but a happy one. They had promised to return before the next full moon, but until then, Aelion found himself alone. Alone and restless.


    The early morning breeze swept across the harbor, carrying with it the scent of saltwater and wood smoke. Aelion adjusted the strap of his quiver over his shoulder, fingers brushing against the worn leather. His bow, a gift from his father, felt light in his hands, but it served as a constant reminder of the expectations placed on him. He had been practicing for years now, hoping one day to join the Archery Guild like his father had once dreamed of doing before his injury. But time had slipped by, and Aelion¡¯s progress had been slow, too slow, it seemed.


    With nothing to anchor him to the harbor, Aelion turned and began to make his way into the city proper. Aethercrest was alive with the sounds of morning activity: merchants setting up their stalls, airships humming overhead, and the rhythmic clang of metal as the Prospector''s Guild tinkered with their latest inventions. The streets buzzed with life, an intricate web of technology and magic woven into the very fabric of the city.


    Aelion always felt a surge of pride walking through the city center. Aethercrest was unlike any other place in Eldravale. Tall, gleaming towers rose from the earth, their surfaces a patchwork of metal, glass, and crystal, all connected by bridges and walkways that crisscrossed the sky. Steam-powered machines whirred and clanked in the background, the handiwork of the Prospector''s Guild, who had long since integrated magic and technology to power the city. Lanterns, powered by shimmering arcane crystals, lined the streets, their soft light flickering even in the daylight.


    Despite his lingering loneliness, the city¡¯s energy filled Aelion with excitement. Today felt different, as if something important was about to happen.


    As he wandered through the narrow streets, Aelion found himself drawn toward the heart of Aethercrest, the city center, where the great square was often filled with merchants, performers, and visitors from across Eldravale. Today was no different. A large crowd had gathered, watching a group of acrobats twirl through the air, their movements graceful and synchronized. Bright fabrics of red and gold spun in the air like fire, captivating the audience.


    Aelion paused to watch, his green eyes following their every move. The sun hung high in the sky now, casting golden light across the performers and the cobblestone streets. He leaned against a nearby stall, allowing himself to get lost in the show. For a moment, the weight of his worries lifted, replaced by the carefree laughter of children and the joyous applause of the crowd.


    But as his gaze wandered, something caught his eye.


    In the distance, just beyond the performers, a series of tables had been set up, each one manned by representatives of the city¡¯s four guilds: the Archery Guild, the Arcane Guild, the Prospector¡¯s Guild, and the Warrior¡¯s Guild. Banners representing each faction waved proudly above the tables, and around them, a few young men and women were milling about, examining what the guilds had to offer.


    Aelion¡¯s heart skipped a beat. He knew what this meant.


    It was recruitment day.


    The realization hit him like a gust of wind. How could he have forgotten? For weeks, he had been thinking about it, dreaming about it, and now... now it was here. And today was the last day to sign up.


    He pushed through the crowd, weaving between onlookers and merchants, his heart racing. When he reached the row of tables, he saw that each one had a line of eager recruits, all around his age. Some carried weapons or magical trinkets, others tools or gadgets. All of them wore the same hopeful expression that Aelion felt rising in his own chest.


    Aelion¡¯s eyes locked onto the Archery Guild¡¯s table, where a stern-looking woman in a dark green cloak sat, her gaze sweeping over the small group of recruits. Behind her, the banner of the Archery Guild fluttered in the wind, depicting a silver arrow flying through a crescent moon. The woman¡¯s hair was pulled back in a tight braid, and her sharp eyes made her seem as though she could size up every potential recruit with just a glance.


    Aelion hesitated for a moment, his fingers tightening around the strap of his quiver. This was it, the moment he had been waiting for. Ever since he was old enough to understand the stories his father told him, he had dreamed of this. Joining the Archery Guild, training under the best, and becoming a master marksman like the great archers of old.


    But as he stepped closer, the doubts crept in. Was he ready? Would they even accept him? He had been practicing, but he wasn¡¯t as skilled as some of the others he had seen. What if they turned him away?


    He took a deep breath and approached the table. The woman glanced up at him, her expression unreadable.


    The representative looked at Aelion from head to toe and forced an overly happy smile. ¡°You look like you want to join the Archery Guild!¡±


    Aelion swallowed his nerves and straightened his posture. His voice was steady, though his heart was pounding.


    Aelion nervously spoke aloud, ¡°Yes, I must follow in my father¡¯s footsteps and complete his dream!¡±


    The woman studied him for a long moment, her eyes flicking to the bow slung over his shoulder. Then, with a nod, she reached into her satchel and pulled out a parchment. The recruitment form.


    ¡°You have potential, hopefully,¡± she said, her tone neutral but not unkind. ¡°Fill this out. If you¡¯re accepted, someone from the guild will visit your home tomorrow.¡±


    Aelion¡¯s hands trembled slightly as he took the parchment and quill, but he quickly bent over the table, filling out his information. His name, age, background, it all felt like a blur as he scrawled his answers, his excitement building with each stroke of the pen. When he was finished, he handed the parchment back, his breath catching in his throat as the woman rolled it up and placed it with the others.


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    ¡°There you go, I look forward to tomorrow. And uh, I hope you really consider me, I¡¯m sure somebody will recognize my last name.¡± Aelion spoke anxiously.


    ¡°Mmhmm¡­¡± The representative retorted, not caring whatsoever suddenly.


    He stepped back from the table, his heart still racing. He had done it. He had signed up for the Archery Guild. Now, all that was left was to wait and see if he would be accepted.


    As he turned to leave, a sudden wave of excitement and nervousness washed over him. His feet felt light, as if he could barely keep them on the ground, and he found himself wandering through the city in a daze.


    Aelion let his feet carry him aimlessly through the streets, his mind buzzing with thoughts of what tomorrow might bring. Would they accept him? What would his parents think when they returned and found out he had joined the guild? His mother would be proud, no doubt. His father... well, his father had always been a man of few words when it came to the Archery Guild. The injury he had sustained years ago still weighed heavily on him, even if he never spoke of it.


    As Aelion walked, he couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the city around him. Aethercrest was alive with wonder. The streets hummed with the low, mechanical sounds of arcane machinery. Airships sailed through the sky, leaving trails of steam behind them as they soared between the tall spires. The technology of the Prospector¡¯s Guild was everywhere, clockwork devices ticking in the corners of shops, enchanted streetlamps that flickered on as the sun began to set, and gears that turned in intricate patterns, powering the city¡¯s various mechanisms.


    He passed by one of the city¡¯s many fountains, its waters flowing through a series of glass tubes that spiraled up into the air before cascading back down into the pool below. Children played nearby, their laughter ringing out over the sounds of the city.


    The lanterns hanging along the streets flickered to life as dusk settled over the city, casting a warm, golden glow over everything. Aelion found himself walking toward the eastern district, where the guild halls stood proudly in the distance, their banners flying high. The thought of training there sent another surge of excitement through him. Tomorrow, he would know if his future was with them.


    By the time Aelion returned home, the sky was dark, and the streets were quiet. He opened the door to the small house he shared with his parents, the familiar scent of wood and herbs greeting him. His mother¡¯s plants lined the windowsills, and the fireplace still crackled with a low flame. It was a cozy home, modest but filled with warmth.


    Aelion set his bow by the door and slumped into a chair, the events of the day finally catching up to him. His body ached from walking, but his mind was still spinning. Tomorrow... he would know.


    He sat there for a long time, staring into the fire, wondering what the future held for him. Would he make it into the guild? Would he become the archer his father never had the chance to be?


    With a sigh, Aelion pushed himself up from the chair and made his way to his room. As he lay down on his bed, he stared up at the ceiling, the glow of the city¡¯s lights filtering in through the window. Outside, the faint hum of the airships could still be heard, a reminder of the world that never seemed to sleep, but after many moments, Aelion would succeed in finding slumber.


    In his dream, Aelion found himself standing in the thick of a forest, the trees towering high above him, their branches casting long shadows that danced across the ground. The air was thick and heavy, filled with the scent of pine and damp earth, but there was something else, too, an underlying tension, like the forest itself was holding its breath.


    And there, not far ahead of him, stood his father.


    Edril Silverwind, younger and stronger than Aelion had ever known him. His shoulders were broad, his stance firm, and his bow was drawn tight, an arrow nocked and ready to fly. The younger version of his father seemed more alive, more focused, than the man Aelion had seen growing up. His eyes, sharp, unwavering, were fixed on something in the distance, hidden in the undergrowth.


    Aelion tried to move toward him, to speak, but no sound left his lips. He could only watch.


    The scene shifted, blurred, and suddenly they were deeper in the woods. Aelion recognized it now, this was no ordinary forest. This was the fateful hunt. The hunt his father had spoken of only once, in hushed tones, late at night when he thought Aelion had been asleep.


    The mission that had ended his father¡¯s career.


    Edril had been tasked with eliminating a family of bobcats that had been terrorizing the side roads near Aethercrest, attacking travelers and disrupting trade routes. It should have been a simple mission, one suited for a seasoned archer. But something had gone wrong, terribly wrong.


    In the dream, Aelion saw it unfold before his eyes. His father crouched low in the bushes, his breath steady, his bowstring drawn taut. The bobcats, sleek, muscular, and deadly, moved through the underbrush with a predatory grace. Edril¡¯s focus was absolute, his aim true. He released the arrow.


    The sharp whistle of the arrow flying through the air was followed by a sickening thud as it struck the largest of the bobcats in the side. The beast snarled, its body twisting in pain, but it did not fall. Instead, it lunged, with a speed that took even the great Edril Silverwind by surprise. The other bobcats followed, their eyes gleaming with a feral hunger.


    Aelion watched in helpless silence as the scene played out, as though it were happening in slow motion.


    Edril managed to loose another arrow, striking a second bobcat, but it wasn¡¯t enough. The largest of the beasts, a massive, scarred male charged forward, its jaws wide. Before his father could react, the creature''s powerful jaws clamped down on Edril¡¯s right shoulder, the crunch of bone audible even through the dream.


    Aelion flinched, his heart pounding in his chest. The pain on his father¡¯s face was visceral, raw. Blood seeped through his clothes as the bobcat''s teeth tore through muscle and bone, the strength in Edril¡¯s arm faltering as he struggled to fight back. His bow fell from his grasp, the string snapping as it hit the ground.


    And in that moment, Aelion understood.


    This was the moment that had ended his father¡¯s career. The moment that had haunted him every day since.


    Edril managed to drive a dagger into the bobcat¡¯s side, forcing it to release its grip, but the damage was done. His shoulder was shattered, the tendons torn beyond repair. The other bobcats scattered, but the cost was too high.


    Aelion tried to call out, to warn him, to do something, but the forest was silent. He was nothing more than a spectator to his father¡¯s failure, to the tragedy that had shaped their family¡¯s history. His father¡¯s face twisted in agony, and he collapsed to the ground, clutching his ruined arm.


    The scene began to fade, the forest growing darker around him.


    Aelion jerked awake, his heart racing and his body drenched in sweat. His breathing was ragged as he stared up at the ceiling, his mind still tangled in the remnants of the dream. It felt so real, the sound of his father¡¯s bones breaking, the sight of the blood, the look of despair in his eyes.


    He sat up in bed, wiping the sweat from his brow as he tried to shake the feeling of dread that clung to him. The fire in the hearth had long since burned out, and the house was cold and still. Outside, the soft hum of the city had faded into the quiet of the night, but for Aelion, sleep would not come again.


    He could still feel the weight of his father¡¯s failure, the echo of it lingering in his bones. Was this his future, too? Would he be doomed to fail, just as his father had? Would he make some fatal mistake, something that would end his dreams before they even began?


    Aelion closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing thoughts. Tomorrow would bring answers. Tomorrow, the Archery Guild would decide his fate.


    But tonight... tonight would be long.

 Chapter 2

    Aelion woke with a start, the lingering images of his dream still clinging to the edges of his mind like dark shadows. His chest rose and fell with uneven breaths as he blinked up at the ceiling, the faint light of early morning creeping through the window. For a moment, he wasn¡¯t sure if he was still trapped in the dream, the vividness of his father¡¯s failure weighing heavily on him.


    He slowly sat up in bed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. The room was quiet, the fire long extinguished. The cold morning air had settled in overnight, and Aelion could feel the chill even through the thick blankets. He sighed, running a hand through his hair, feeling the tightness in his chest that the dream had left behind.


    His father¡¯s face, the pain, the anguish, it was still so clear in his mind. The crunch of bone, the blood, the feeling of helplessness. Aelion shuddered, trying to shake the memory away. But the more he tried to forget, the more it seemed to cling to him.


    It was just a dream. Nothing more. He told himself, but the words felt hollow.


    Pushing the blankets aside, he swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stood, his muscles stiff from a restless night. The cold wooden floor sent a chill through his body as he padded across the room toward the small kitchen area in the corner of his house. The kitchen was modest, with a simple stone stove, a few wooden shelves lined with ingredients, and a small table pushed against the wall. It wasn¡¯t much, but it was enough for one person, especially now that his parents were away on their fishing charter.


    The absence of their presence was like a dull ache that he couldn¡¯t quite shake. They wouldn¡¯t be back for weeks, and while Aelion was used to being alone when they were out at sea, it felt different now. Different because of the dream, different because of the weight of his uncertainty about the future.


    He moved through the kitchen with slow, deliberate movements, still trying to shake the sleep from his mind. He reached for the small metal pot that sat on the counter and filled it with water from a nearby jug. Setting it on the stove, he flicked his fingers, summoning a small flame that danced beneath the pot, heating it quickly. The magic came easily to him, though he had never been particularly interested in the more complex arcane arts. Just the simple, everyday spells his mother had taught him.


    As the water heated, he rummaged through the shelves, pulling out a jar of coffee grounds and a small pouch of ice shards from the freezer box his father had built. Within minutes, the pot began to whistle, steam rising from its spout. He poured the hot water into a small metal pitcher, added the coffee grounds, and let it steep for a few moments before tossing in the ice shards. The sharp crack of ice meeting heat filled the room, and soon, the rich scent of coffee filled the air.


    Aelion grabbed a small glass from the shelf and poured the iced latte, watching the swirling mix of coffee and cream settle into a smooth, dark brown. He took a tentative sip, the cold drink offering a small comfort in the quiet of the morning.


    Next, he cracked two eggs into a pan, their yolks a bright yellow that contrasted against the dark iron. The sizzle of the eggs hitting the hot surface filled the kitchen, and Aelion couldn¡¯t help but feel a little more grounded in the simple act of cooking. The dream, as haunting as it was, began to fade into the background.


    As the eggs cooked, he added a few slices of sausage to the pan, the aroma of the meat mingling with the smell of coffee and filling the room. It was a familiar breakfast, one his mother had made for him countless times before. A simple reminder of home, of stability.


    Sitting at the small table, Aelion ate in silence, his mind drifting back to the previous day. The excitement of signing up for the Archery Guild still lingered, but so did the nervousness. Today, someone would come. If he had been accepted, they would knock on his door with the news. If not... well, he didn¡¯t want to think about that.


    The hours stretched on, and as he finished his meal, Aelion found himself pacing the small room. He cleaned up the dishes, wiped down the counters, and then went to his room to inspect his outfit. Today had to be perfect.


    He laid out a simple black tunic and tan pants, the same ones he had worn the day before. The tunic was plain but well-made, a gift from his father on his last birthday, and it fit him well. The pants were worn but comfortable, the fabric soft from years of use. Aelion smoothed out the wrinkles in the tunic, running his fingers over the stitching as he carefully pulled it over his head.


    Standing in front of the mirror, he adjusted the fit, making sure everything sat neatly on his slender frame. His reflection stared back at him, the familiar sight of his white hair braided down his back, his green eyes sharp with focus. He looked the part of someone ready to join the Archery Guild, but the question remained, would they accept him?


    Time seemed to crawl by. He moved from one task to another, doing anything he could to keep his mind busy. He polished his bow, checked the condition of his quiver, and rearranged the books on the small shelf in the corner of the living room. But every now and then, he found himself glancing toward the door, his heart skipping a beat at the faintest sound.


    It wasn¡¯t until midday, when the sun had begun to rise high into the sky, that a knock echoed through the small house. Aelion froze, his heart leaping into his throat. For a moment, he stood still, unsure if he had imagined the sound. But then it came again, a firm, confident knock.


    He rushed to the door, his hand hovering over the handle for a second before he finally pulled it open.


    Standing on the other side was a young man, perhaps a few years older than Aelion, with a broad smile on his face. He wore the deep green cloak of the Archery Guild, its silver crest emblazoned proudly on the left side of his chest. In his hand, he held a rolled-up piece of parchment, the wax seal of the guild still intact.


    ¡°Morning,¡± the young man said, his voice cheerful, almost too cheerful for how nervous Aelion felt.


    ¡°Hi, my name is Zuro, an apprentice of this city¡¯s Archer¡¯s Guild. Sorry it took me some time to get here today, but we have great news,¡± he paused for dramatic effect, ¡°you¡¯ve been accepted into the guild! All you have to do is sign this contract and bring it with you to the guild before next week. Training starts soon, so don¡¯t wait too long!¡±


    Aelion¡¯s heart pounded in his chest as he listened, his eyes darting between Zuro¡¯s face and the parchment in his hand. He could barely focus, his thoughts spinning with anticipation.


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    Zuro handed him the parchment, and Aelion hesitated for a moment before carefully breaking the seal. The scroll unfurled in his hands, revealing a carefully written contract outlining the terms of his acceptance into the Archery Guild. His eyes skimmed over the words, but his mind could barely process them.


    It was real. He had been accepted.


    Aelion felt a rush of excitement surge through him, the weight of his doubts and fears lifting slightly. This was the moment he had been waiting for. The dream of joining the guild, of becoming an archer worthy of his father¡¯s legacy, was finally within reach.


    Zuro¡¯s voice pulled him back to the present.


    ¡°Now don¡¯t go on thinking these things are just for fun, we¡¯ve had much too many young men like ourselves try to do this just for money or a place to stay, it¡¯s hard work. So if you sign this, mean it.¡±


    Aelion nodded, though his thoughts were still buzzing with excitement. He took the quill that Zuro offered him and, with a steady hand, signed his name at the bottom of the contract. The ink dried quickly, sealing his fate.


    As soon as the quill left the parchment, Zuro smiled even wider.


    ¡°Congratulations Aelion, we hope to see you in a few days!¡±


    Aelion stood there for a moment, still holding the parchment, his mind racing with possibilities. He could hardly believe it, he was now a member of the Archery Guild. The nervous anticipation that had gripped him all morning gave way to a sense of purpose, of excitement for what lay ahead.


    Zuro clapped him on the shoulder, a friendly gesture that snapped Aelion out of his thoughts.


    ¡°Take care of yourself.¡±


    ¡°You as well, thank you so much!¡±


    Aelion watched as Zuro walked down the street, disappearing into the crowd of people that filled the city. The door closed with a soft click behind him, and for the first time since waking, Aelion felt a sense of calm settle over him.


    He was no longer waiting. The future was set in motion, and his journey was about to begin.


    Aelion set the signed parchment on the small table and sat down, staring at it for a long moment. The contract, simple as it was, represented everything he had been hoping for. But now that it was real, now that the excitement was starting to fade, the weight of what he had signed up for began to sink in.


    The training would be hard. The expectations are high. And though he had dreamed of this moment for years, doubt still lingered at the edges of his mind. What if he wasn¡¯t good enough? What if he failed, just as his father had?


    The thought of his father¡¯s injury flashed in his mind again, the memory of the dream still fresh. Aelion shook his head, pushing the fear aside. This was his chance, his opportunity to prove himself. He couldn¡¯t afford to think like that.


    Standing, Aelion walked to the window and looked out over the city. The afternoon sun bathed Aethercrest in warm light, casting long shadows over the streets. In the distance, he could see the spires of the guild halls rising above the rooftops, a reminder of what was to come.


    Tomorrow, his training would begin. And though the road ahead was uncertain, one thing was clear, Aelion would give everything he had to succeed. He would not let doubt or fear hold him back.


    Not now.


    #


    As the excitement of signing the contract slowly gave way to a quiet sense of reality, Aelion found himself sitting at the small table once more, staring at the parchment where his signature now marked his commitment to the Archery Guild. The house had fallen into a deep silence, the hum of the city beyond the windows barely registering in his mind.


    His thoughts turned, as they often did, to his parents. They weren¡¯t supposed to return for weeks, perhaps even longer depending on the success of the fishing charter. A part of him wished they had been here today, to see the parchment, to hear the news firsthand. He could picture the proud smile on his mother¡¯s face, the quiet nod of approval from his father. But for now, they were somewhere far off at sea, working hard to provide for the people of Aethercrest.


    Aelion stood and moved to the small writing desk in the corner of the room. There, tucked into a drawer, were a few sheets of parchment, a quill, and a small bottle of ink. He pulled them out carefully, setting them on the desk before lighting a small lamp to cast a soft glow over the paper.


    He dipped the quill into the ink and stared at the blank page for a moment, wondering how to begin. There was so much he wanted to say, so much he wanted them to know.


    Finally, the words came, and the quill scratched softly across the parchment as he began to write.


    Mother and Father,


    I hope this letter finds you both well and safe. I can only imagine the hard work you¡¯re doing, and I wish I could be there to help, but as you know, things have been changing for me here.


    I have some news I couldn¡¯t wait to share with you. Yesterday, I signed up for the Archery Guild, and today, I received confirmation that I¡¯ve been accepted. I signed the contract just hours ago, and my training begins tomorrow.


    It¡¯s a dream I¡¯ve had for so long, one I know you both understand well. Father, I know what happened to you all those years ago, but I believe that¡¯s made me even more determined to succeed. I¡¯m ready to take on this challenge and see where it leads. I know the training will be difficult, but I¡¯m ready for it. I have to be.


    I wanted to let you know before you return home, as I may not be here when you arrive. Don¡¯t worry if the house feels empty, I¡¯ll be at the guild halls, focused on my training. But I promise I¡¯ll come visit you as soon as I can. I can¡¯t wait to tell you everything in person and show you how much I¡¯ve learned.


    Please take care of yourselves out there, and know that I¡¯m thinking of you both. I love you, and I¡¯m proud to be your son.


    With all my heart,


    Aelion


    Aelion leaned back in his chair, letting the ink dry on the page as he read over his words. He hoped the letter would ease their minds, though he could imagine his mother worrying about him regardless. His father... well, his father might have mixed feelings about it all, but Aelion hoped that someday, he would see this as a second chance, not just for him, but for their family¡¯s name.


    He folded the parchment carefully, sealing it with a small piece of wax, before setting it on the table where they would easily find it when they returned. It would be weeks, perhaps longer, before they read the letter, but when they did, he hoped it would fill them with the same pride and hope he felt now.


    The thought of them returning home to an empty house tugged at his heart, but this was the path he had chosen. They would understand. They always had.


    The house fell back into silence as Aelion moved away from the desk. He extinguished the lamp, the room returning to the dim glow of the fading afternoon light. Tomorrow, everything would change. He would take his first steps into the life he had always dreamed of, into the guild his father had once aspired to join. And though doubt still gnawed at the edges of his mind, Aelion knew this was his chance.


    The letter would wait for them. And when they returned, they would know.


    He stood by the window for a moment longer, watching as the last rays of sunlight dipped below the horizon. The city beyond was alive with the sounds of evening, the hum of machines, the distant chatter of people, and the flicker of lights from the tall spires of Aethercrest. Somewhere out there, the guild awaited him.


    With a soft breath, Aelion turned away from the window and prepared for bed. It had been a long day, and though his heart still beat with excitement, the weight of the coming days settled over him like a heavy blanket. He lay down, his body tired but his mind still buzzing with the possibilities of tomorrow, for he would be taking his contract to the guild first thing in the morning.

 Chapter 3

    The early morning light filtered through the small window of Aelion¡¯s room, casting a soft, golden glow across the floorboards. He stirred beneath the blankets, the warm light gently coaxing him from sleep. His body was heavy with the remnants of a restless night, but today was different. Today, excitement buzzed beneath his skin, pushing away the lingering fatigue.


    His training with the Archery Guild would begin today.


    Aelion sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes and stretching his arms over his head. He could hear the soft sounds of the city beyond the walls of his house, the faint hum of airships, the distant clatter of metal and wood as merchants set up their morning stalls. It was still early, just after sunrise, and the city was waking, much like Aelion himself.


    He swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stood, feeling the cool wood beneath his bare feet. A quick glance at the table in the corner confirmed that the letter he¡¯d written to his parents the night before was still there, sealed and ready for when they returned. He smiled faintly, knowing that when they finally read it, they would understand.


    For now, though, he needed to prepare for the day.


    Aelion moved through his morning routine with a sense of purpose. He washed his face with cool water from the basin, the shock of the cold waking him fully. His reflection in the small mirror stared back at him, familiar yet different. Today, he felt like he was seeing a new version of himself, someone ready to take on the challenges ahead.


    After dressing in his black tunic and tan pants, the same ones he¡¯d carefully prepared the day before, Aelion grabbed his bow and quiver from where they hung on the wall. He ran a hand over the smooth wood of the bow, a comforting weight in his hands. It wasn¡¯t the finest weapon, but it had served him well over the years. One day, I¡¯ll wield something far greater. The thought sparked in his mind as he slung the quiver over his shoulder.


    His stomach growled softly, reminding him that he hadn¡¯t eaten yet. Normally, he would have prepared a quick breakfast, maybe a slice of bread with cheese or some fruit, but today, he decided to treat himself. After all, it wasn¡¯t just any day. It was the first day of his journey with the Archery Guild, and he deserved something special.


    Aelion couldn¡¯t help the small smile that spread across his face as he thought of the perfect way to start his day.


    #


    The streets of Aethercrest were bathed in a soft, golden hue as the sun rose higher, casting long shadows that stretched across the cobblestones. Aelion made his way through the bustling morning crowd, weaving between merchants and townsfolk going about their business. The city was alive with the sounds of carts rolling by, shopkeepers calling out their wares, and the hum of arcane-powered machines working in the background.


    Despite the busy streets, Aelion¡¯s destination was clear in his mind, his aunt Breckie¡¯s bakery. It wasn¡¯t far from his house, just a few blocks away, nestled in a cozy corner of the city¡¯s southern district. The bakery had been in his family for generations, passed down from his grandmother to Breckie, and it was known throughout the city for its delicious pastries and warm, inviting atmosphere.


    But for Aelion, there was one treat that stood out above all the rest: Breckie¡¯s cream puffs.


    As he approached the bakery, the familiar scent of freshly baked bread and sweet pastries filled the air, making his mouth water. The small shop was a charming sight, with its bright blue shutters and a sign that swung gently in the breeze, adorned with the image of a steaming loaf of bread. The door was propped open, allowing the warmth and smell of the bakery to spill out onto the street.


    Aelion stepped inside, the bell above the door chiming softly as he entered. The shop was cozy and filled with the comforting hum of activity, Breckie and her two assistants bustling behind the counter, trays of bread cooling on the shelves, and the glass display case filled with rows of pastries, pies, and tarts.


    Behind the counter stood Breckie herself, a stout woman with rosy cheeks and an ever-present smile. Her auburn hair was tied back in a neat bun, and her flour-dusted apron spoke of the long morning she¡¯d already spent baking.


    The moment she spotted Aelion, her face lit up.


    ¡°Aelion, is that you?! Oh my, you seem to have changed since the last time I saw you,¡± she looked him up and down, noticing the proper attire. She tsked in a teasing manner, ¡°What has you looking so stylish right now, mister? Better not be a girl, you¡¯re too young to worry about all that!¡±


    Aelion grinned, making his way to the counter. His eyes immediately went to the glass case, where the cream puffs were displayed in all their glory, perfectly golden, dusted with powdered sugar, and filled with sweet, creamy goodness.


    ¡°None of that aunt Breckie,¡± he responded chuckling, ¡°I start at the Archery Guild today, so I figured I¡¯d treat myself to your amazing cream puffs, and I also have to look professional, especially on my first day.¡±


    Breckie chuckled as she reached into the case and pulled out a cream puff, placing it on a small plate before handing it over. The smell alone was enough to make Aelion¡¯s mouth water, and he couldn¡¯t resist taking a bite right there in the shop. The soft pastry melted in his mouth, the sweetness of the cream filling perfectly balanced with the delicate crust. It was everything he had hoped for.


    For a few moments, Aelion savored the treat, the world around him fading away as the familiar flavors brought a sense of comfort and joy. This was his favorite part of the morning, a moment of pure indulgence before the challenges of the day began.


    After he finished, Breckie smiled knowingly, leaning on the counter.


    ¡°Ya know, your father used to piss me off with all of that Archery Guild crap. He would take the cupcakes I¡¯d bake and use them for target practice, and I won¡¯t act like I didn¡¯t tell our parents on him. However, he got really good, and supplied our family with the best venison every year until he met your mother. So, I hope you take after him, and make sure you stop by more often. I miss you kid, now take care and good luck!¡±


    Aelion nodded, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. His aunt had always been a source of comfort and wisdom, someone who could make even the most daunting challenges seem a little more manageable. He thanked her for the cream puff and for her words before making his way to the door.


    As he stepped out into the street, the morning sun had risen higher, casting a brighter glow over the city. Aelion¡¯s heart felt lighter, the lingering worries from the night before fading as he continued toward the Archery Guild.


    The streets of Aethercrest felt alive with possibilities as Aelion walked through the golden light of morning. The city was a marvel of both magic and technology, a blend of old and new that created a unique harmony. Tall buildings of stone and wood stood alongside sleek towers of metal and glass, connected by bridges and walkways that stretched across the sky. Airships hummed overhead, their mechanical wings glinting in the sunlight as they carried goods and travelers to distant lands.


    Aelion found himself gazing up at the towering spires, the intricate designs of the buildings catching the light in beautiful patterns. The city was an extension of its people, clever, innovative, and constantly moving forward. It was this sense of progress that fueled much of Aethercrest¡¯s success, and as Aelion walked through the streets, he couldn¡¯t help but feel proud to be a part of it.


    The Archery Guild was located near the eastern edge of the city, its grounds nestled at the base of a low hill that overlooked the forest beyond. The journey from Breckie¡¯s bakery to the guild wasn¡¯t long, but Aelion¡¯s anticipation made every step feel like it carried more weight than usual.


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    As he approached the guild, the sight of the grand entrance filled him with awe. A massive wooden statue of a bow stretched across the top of the guildhall¡¯s roof, its carved limbs reaching gracefully toward the sky. The details were exquisite, each curve and edge of the bow perfectly crafted, and along the sides of the statue were carvings of wild beasts, creatures that roamed the forests and mountains of Eldravale. The artistry of the carvings was so lifelike, it seemed as if the animals themselves could leap off the wood at any moment.


    The entrance itself was flanked by tall wooden pillars, each one carved with scenes of archers in various poses, drawing their bows, releasing arrows, hunting in the wild. The doors were made of heavy oak, polished to a rich sheen, and above them, the crest of the guild gleamed in silver, depicting an arrow flying through a crescent moon.


    Aelion took a deep breath, letting the sight of the guildhall wash over him. This was it. The place where he would train, where he would learn to become the archer he had always dreamed of being. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, a mix of nerves and excitement flooding through him.


    He stepped forward, reaching for the door, and as he pushed it open, the familiar scent of wood and leather greeted him, along with the low hum of voices and the faint sound of arrows striking targets in the distance.


    Inside the guildhall, the atmosphere was one of quiet focus and anticipation. Apprentices and seasoned archers alike moved through the large open space, their expressions set with determination as they prepared for the day¡¯s training. The walls were lined with racks of bows and quivers, each one carefully organized and maintained. The floor was made of polished wood, worn in places from years of footsteps, but still sturdy and reliable.


    Aelion scanned the room, his eyes searching for any familiar faces. He wasn¡¯t entirely sure where he was supposed to go, but before he could decide on his next move, a voice called out to him from across the room.


    ¡°Ay, Aelion,¡± to his right, Zuro from yesterday approached him, happy to see he made it so early. ¡°You¡¯re here early, seems this quarter¡¯s new recruits wanted to start as soon as possible. There¡¯s five of you, and you¡¯re all here already, guess they were waiting on you. They¡¯re gonna start with you guys soon, are you excited?¡±


    Aelion felt a rush of relief as he heard the voice, grateful for the direction. The nerves that had been building in his chest began to settle as he listened, his excitement growing once again.


    ¡°Zuro, it¡¯s all I¡¯ve been able to think about, though now I feel a bit bad that I was the last of the recruits to make it this morning. I won¡¯t let that get to me though, I¡¯m ready to see what all the hype is about.¡±


    As the conversation continued, Aelion could feel the weight of the day ahead pressing against him, but it was a good kind of pressure, one that pushed him forward, that made him want to prove himself. The archery training he had dreamed of for so long was finally within reach, and he was ready to give it everything he had.


    Aelion scanned the room, his eyes searching for any familiar faces. He wasn¡¯t entirely sure where he was supposed to go, but before he could decide on his next move, a voice called out  from across the room.


    "New recruits! To the training grounds! Line up outside!"


    The voice belonged to a tall man standing at the far end of the hall, his voice booming with authority. He wore the green and silver crest of the Archery Guild on his chest, and his sharp gaze swept over the room as if he were taking stock of each apprentice. He gave a quick wave to signal them to move outside.


    Aelion¡¯s heart leapt in his chest. This was it, the start of his training. He quickly turned to follow the others, falling into step with a small group of apprentices heading toward the side door that led to the training grounds. As they exited the guildhall, the warm morning light greeted them again, casting long shadows across the open training field.


    Aelion glanced around at the others as they walked. Including himself, there were five new recruits, two girls and three other boys. They all looked eager, though there was an underlying tension in the air. Everyone seemed to be sizing each other up, trying to get a sense of the competition.


    The first to catch Aelion¡¯s eye was a tall girl with bronze skin and piercing, amber eyes. Her dark hair was pulled back into a series of braids that trailed down her back, each adorned with small, silver beads that glinted in the sunlight. She carried a shortbow strapped across her back, and the way she moved, with silent precision, reminded Aelion of a predator stalking through the forest. She turned toward him with a slight nod, her eyes sharp but not unfriendly.


    ¡°I¡¯m Selara,¡± she said, her voice low but confident. ¡°From Caelumreach.¡±


    Aelion offered a small smile and nodded in return.


    ¡°My name is Aelion, I¡¯m from here, Aethercrest. Caelumreach? That¡¯s a very far move, but nonetheless, nice to meet you.¡±


    Walking just behind Selara was another girl, shorter and more delicate in appearance, but with an intensity in her eyes that suggested she was no stranger to competition. She had pale, freckled skin and copper-colored hair that fell in soft waves to her shoulders. She was dressed in a light tunic and leather boots, but unlike the others, she didn¡¯t carry a bow with her. Instead, she wore a pair of gloves lined with strange, metallic tips, and Aelion wondered what their purpose could be.


    ¡°I¡¯m Illirya,¡± she said, offering a small but genuine smile. ¡°From Aethercrest, like you.¡±


    Aelion nodded in greeting. Illirya had an air of calm confidence about her, though her slight frame and gentle voice belied her skill. Her eyes, a bright green, held a spark of curiosity as they glanced over Aelion¡¯s bow.


    ¡°Nice to meet you Illiyra, I like your gloves, they look intriguing. I bet those metal tips make for good protection to the bowstring, calluses sucks.¡±


    Behind them, walking with long, confident strides, was a boy with sandy-blond hair and bright blue eyes that seemed to sparkle with excitement. He wore a cocky grin on his face, as though he already believed himself to be the best archer in the group. His clothing was finer than most, suggesting he came from a wealthier family, and the bow slung across his back gleamed with polished wood and intricately designed carvings.


    ¡°Name¡¯s Caidren,¡± he said, his voice light but filled with self-assurance. ¡°From Moonglade. Best archer you¡¯ll ever meet.¡±


    Aelion raised an eyebrow but didn¡¯t comment. Caidren¡¯s confidence bordered on arrogance, but there was something about his energy that was hard to dislike.


    ¡°Names Aelion.¡±


    As the group made their way toward the training grounds, Aelion noticed the last boy walking behind them, his expression dark and brooding. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his jet-black hair tied back in a rough knot. Unlike the others, he didn¡¯t seem interested in conversation. His bow, a heavy longbow that looked more suited for hunting large game, hung loosely at his side, and his dark eyes scanned the group with a quiet intensity.


    When Aelion made brief eye contact with him, the boy''s gaze hardened, and he only offered a single word.


    ¡°Renar.¡±


    The name was spoken with a dismissive edge, as if he didn¡¯t care whether anyone remembered it. There was no further explanation, no introduction beyond that one word. Renar¡¯s cold demeanor and lack of interest in the others set him apart immediately, and Aelion felt a small knot of unease in his stomach. Something about Renar¡¯s presence was unsettling, and though Aelion couldn¡¯t quite place it, he knew that this boy would be trouble.


    ¡°Aelion¡± he retorted.


    The five recruits fell into a quiet line as they approached the training grounds. The field was expansive, stretching out beside the guildhall and framed by tall trees that cast dappled shadows across the grass. Targets had been set up in neat rows at varying distances, each one marked with colorful rings that glinted in the morning sun. Beyond the targets, a series of archery dummies stood, carved from wood and straw, their outlines resembling wild creatures, deer, wolves, and even larger beasts like bears and boars.


    Aelion felt his heart quicken as he looked over the training field. This was where it would all begin. The place where he would prove himself worthy of the Archery Guild, where he would test his skill against the others and push himself to his limits.


    As they reached the center of the training grounds, the recruits came to a stop, forming a loose circle. The instructor from earlier, the tall man with the booming voice, stepped forward to address them.


    He wore a stern expression, but there was a spark of approval in his eyes as he looked over the new recruits.


    ¡°Welcome to the Archery Guild,¡± he began, his voice deep and commanding. ¡°You have been chosen because you show potential, but make no mistake, potential alone will not be enough to succeed here. You will train hard, and you will be tested, both physically and mentally. The path of the archer is not an easy one, but for those who persevere, the rewards are great.¡±


    He paused, his gaze sweeping over each of them before continuing.


    ¡°You will face challenges, not just from your targets, but from each other. Use this competition to make yourselves stronger. Learn from your failures and from your rivals. There is no room for weakness here.¡±


    The man¡¯s words settled over them like a heavy cloak, the weight of expectation clear in every syllable. Aelion stood a little straighter, his hand resting on the bow at his side as he listened.


    The instructor nodded toward the field behind him. ¡°Take your positions at the white lines. We begin now.¡±

 Chapter 4

    The early morning sun continued to climb in the sky, casting a warm glow over the training grounds as Aelion and the other recruits approached their lines. The air was thick with anticipation, the soft rustling of leaves in the nearby trees the only sound as they waited for their first instructions.


    Aelion shifted his weight, his eyes flicking toward the targets set up at the far end of the field. They stood about fifty paces away, arranged in neat rows, each one marked with colorful rings that gleamed in the sunlight. The targets were still for now, but Aelion could see the mechanisms set up behind them, pulley systems that would eventually move the targets to test their accuracy against moving objects.


    He felt the familiar weight of his bow in his hands, but today, he wasn¡¯t allowed to use it. Instead, each recruit had been given a standard guild-issued bow and a quiver filled with simple, straight-shafted arrows. It was a level playing field, designed to test their skills without the advantage of custom equipment.


    Standing next to him was Renar, his broad shoulders tense and his expression cold as he stared straight ahead. Aelion glanced at him, hoping for a brief moment of acknowledgment, but when their eyes met, Renar merely huffed, his lips curling into something like a sneer. Aelion felt a surge of frustration rise in his chest but said nothing, choosing instead to focus on the task ahead.


    On the far end of the line stood Caidren, the blond-haired boy from Moonglade, adjusting his stance with a wide grin. His bow was already in hand, and he flashed a confident smile to no one in particular. Selara and Illirya stood between them, both focused and calm, their expressions serious as they prepared for the first round.


    Ahead of them, the instructor paced slowly along the line, his eyes sharp and assessing as he sized up each of the recruits. When he reached the center, he stopped and raised his hand, signaling the start of the first round.


    ¡°The first test will be a simple one,¡± he began, his voice loud and clear. ¡°Still targets. You will each have five arrows. Take your time, aim carefully, and strike as close to the center as possible. Accuracy is everything.¡±


    He gestured toward the rows of targets down the field. ¡°Take your positions. When you are ready, you may begin.¡±


    Aelion took a deep breath and moved forward, stepping up to his assigned line. The bow felt familiar enough in his hands, but the weight of the moment added an unfamiliar tension to his muscles. This was the first real test, the first chance to prove himself among the other recruits. He couldn¡¯t afford to fail.


    Beside him, Renar was already preparing his first shot, his movements fluid and precise. Aelion watched out of the corner of his eye, noting the way Renar held the bow with steady hands, his focus sharp and unshaken. There was a confidence to him that bordered on arrogance, but it was clear that Renar knew what he was doing.


    Aelion turned his attention back to his own target. He pulled an arrow from the quiver and nocked it carefully, his fingers brushing the bowstring as he drew it back. The target seemed farther away than it had just moments ago, but he forced himself to calm his nerves, steadying his breath.


    Focus. Just breathe.


    He released the arrow.


    It sailed through the air with a soft whistle, striking the target just inside the outer ring. Not the best shot, but not terrible either. Aelion frowned, already analyzing the angle of the shot in his mind. He could do better.


    Beside him, Renar loosed his arrow, and Aelion heard the solid thunk of it striking near the center of the target. He glanced over, his frustration growing when he saw Renar¡¯s perfect placement.


    ¡°There¡¯s no way you¡¯re a real archer right? Pathetic.¡±


    Aelion set his jaw and nocked another arrow, determined to focus. He took aim, adjusted his stance slightly, and released. The arrow flew straighter this time, striking closer to the center of the target. He felt a small surge of satisfaction as he reached for his third arrow.


    Around him, the other recruits were firing their shots in quick succession. Selara was doing well, her arrows landing consistently within the second ring of the target, while Illirya, though more deliberate with each shot, was finding her rhythm. Caidren, however, was struggling. His first arrow had landed outside the rings altogether, and his second hadn¡¯t fared much better. His usual cocky grin was gone, replaced with a look of growing frustration.


    Aelion loosed his third arrow, followed by his fourth and fifth. Each shot felt smoother than the last, and though he didn¡¯t hit the center, he was pleased with the improvement. When the final arrow struck the target, he lowered his bow and stepped back, breathing a sigh of relief.


    The instructor moved down the line, assessing each recruit¡¯s performance. When he reached Renar, he paused, nodding in approval at the nearly perfect placement of his arrows. Aelion glanced down at his own target, satisfied that he had at least landed all five shots within the rings.


    But as the instructor reached Caidren, Aelion could hear the faint murmur of disappointment. Caidren¡¯s arrows were scattered, with only two of the five hitting the outer rings. Caidren scowled, his usual bravado crumbling under the weight of his poor performance.


    ¡°No, hear me out, this bow isn¡¯t perfect. There is something wrong with it, see, you gotta believe me!¡±


    The instructor raised his hand once more, signaling the end of the first round. ¡°Good. Now, we move on to the second round. This will be more difficult. The targets will be moving, simulating an airborne target. You will each have five arrows again. Be mindful of your timing and aim.¡±


    Aelion swallowed, feeling the pressure build again. Moving targets were always harder, but he had practiced enough to know how to adjust. He only hoped his nerves wouldn¡¯t get the better of him.


    The instructor stepped aside, and with a flick of his hand, the mechanisms behind the targets began to hum to life. The pulley systems whirred, and the targets, now attached to ropes and levers, began to move slowly back and forth across the field. Their motion was smooth at first, but as the round progressed, Aelion knew the pace would quicken.


    He adjusted his stance, nocking his first arrow as he tracked the movement of the target. It was erratic, moving left, then right, then pausing briefly before changing direction again. Aelion narrowed his eyes, trying to predict the next move.


    He exhaled slowly and released the arrow.


    It flew toward the target, but the moment it left the bow, the target shifted. The arrow glanced off the edge of the second ring and sailed past. Aelion cursed under his breath, but he didn¡¯t have time to dwell on it. He quickly grabbed another arrow, determined not to repeat the mistake.


    Beside him, Renar was already drawing his bow, his eyes locked on the moving target with deadly focus. Aelion could see the concentration etched into his features, the way his entire body seemed to move in harmony with the bow. When Renar released his arrow, it struck the target cleanly in the second ring, and he barely reacted, moving on to his next shot with calm efficiency.


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    Renar chuckled, glancing at Aelion as he prepared his second shot. ¡°You won¡¯t get anywhere watching me, get on it with it.¡±


    Aelion bit back a retort and drew another arrow, this time taking an extra moment to predict the target¡¯s movement. He loosed the arrow just as it began to shift again, and this time, the arrow struck true, right in the second ring. It wasn¡¯t perfect, but it was an improvement, at least it matched Renar¡¯s first shot.


    All around him, the other recruits were firing their arrows. Selara remained steady, her arrows consistently hitting the target, though none reached the center. Illirya struggled with the moving targets, her arrows missing more often than hitting, though she seemed determined to improve. And then there was Caidren, who was faring even worse than before. His arrows were wildly off target, and his frustration was becoming more and more apparent with each miss.


    ¡°The bows here suck, they¡¯re made way better in Moonglade. Why did I have to come here to train? This city lacks proper etiquette, I swear.¡±


    Aelion focused on his final shot. The target moved faster now, swinging unpredictably across the field. He watched its pattern, waiting for the right moment. He nocked the arrow, drew the bowstring back, and released.


    The arrow flew straight, cutting through the air with a soft whistle. It struck the target in the third ring, not his best shot, but not his worst either. He let out a breath, feeling a mix of relief and frustration.


    When the final arrow was loosed, the instructor called an end to the second round.


    The recruits stood in a line as the instructor walked slowly down the field, examining the results. His expression was unreadable as he assessed each target, his eyes lingering on the placement of each arrow. When he reached Renar¡¯s target, he paused for a long moment, then nodded in approval. Four of Renar¡¯s five arrows had struck the second ring, with one even touching the edge of the center.


    Renar reacted with a slight nod of his head, a shit-eating grin plastered on his face as he looked at the others.


    The instructor continued down the line, stopping at Aelion¡¯s target next. His arrows were scattered across the second and third rings, solid, but not spectacular. Aelion felt a wave of mixed emotions wash over him. He had done well, but he knew he could have done better.


    When the instructor reached Caidren¡¯s target, there was no hiding the disappointment in his expression. Caidren¡¯s arrows were scattered wildly, with only one hitting the outer ring. Caidren crossed his arms over his chest, his usual cocky grin replaced by a scowl.


    Once the instructor finished his assessment, he stepped back in front of the recruits and addressed them.


    ¡°Renar scored the highest,¡± he announced, his voice carrying across the field. ¡°His accuracy was nearly flawless in both rounds. Aelion placed third, with consistent but not perfect shots. Selara is second, Illiyra is fourth. And Caidren... you have much to work on.¡±


    Aelion¡¯s heart pounded in his chest, a mixture of relief and frustration settling over him. He hadn¡¯t done as well as he¡¯d hoped, but at least he hadn¡¯t embarrassed himself. Still, there was a gnawing feeling in his gut, a sense that he needed to push harder if he wanted to keep up with Renar.


    ¡°I will practice more today, I will improve myself, sir!¡± Aelion spoke proudly.


    As the recruits stood in silence, the instructor gave them a final nod of approval.


    ¡°Rest up,¡± he said. ¡°This is only the beginning.¡±


    As the instructor dismissed the recruits, the group slowly began to break apart. Illirya and Caidren walked back toward the guild hall, their faces reflecting their mixed emotions, Caidren¡¯s scowl deep with frustration and Illirya seemingly lost in thought. The sound of their footsteps faded as they disappeared inside the building, leaving the training grounds quieter and more still.


    Aelion remained in place for a moment, his gaze fixed on the targets down the field. He had done well enough to avoid embarrassment, but the nagging feeling of falling short tugged at him. Third place wasn¡¯t bad, but it wasn¡¯t where he wanted to be. The words of the instructor echoed in his mind. This is only the beginning.


    Beside him, Selara stood, her amber eyes scanning the field with a quiet intensity. She hadn¡¯t been the best, but her performance had been solid, steady and focused. There was a calm confidence in the way she handled herself, and Aelion found himself drawn to it. As the others began to leave, Selara turned to him, her expression unreadable for a moment before a small smile touched her lips.


    ¡°Seems like the day''s just getting started,¡± she said, her voice low and steady.


    Aelion nodded, glancing toward the targets. The day was still young, and there was something about Selara¡¯s tone that suggested she wasn¡¯t quite ready to leave the field just yet.


    ¡°Thinking of staying?¡± Aelion asked, already knowing the answer.


    Selara shrugged, the silver beads in her braids catching the light as she did. ¡°I didn¡¯t come all the way from Caelumreach to settle for second place. If you¡¯re up for it, I could use some extra practice.¡±


    Aelion¡¯s lips curved into a faint smile. ¡°I wasn¡¯t planning on leaving just yet.¡±


    The two of them moved back to the training lines, their footsteps soft against the grass. The targets swayed gently in the breeze, and the training grounds felt almost peaceful now that the others had left. Aelion grabbed a fresh set of arrows from the rack and handed a few to Selara. She nodded her thanks, already positioning herself to shoot.


    They didn¡¯t speak much as they trained. There was a quiet understanding between them¡ªa shared focus, a desire to improve. Aelion drew his bowstring, aiming carefully at the moving targets. Each shot felt more deliberate now, the pressure of competition gone, allowing him to focus purely on the technique. His arrows flew straighter, finding their mark more often than not, though still shy of perfection.


    Selara was no different. Her movements were fluid, practiced, each shot coming with an air of precision. She was faster than him, her arrows flying in quick succession, but each one landed just inside the second ring, consistent but not flawless.


    The soft sound of arrows striking wood filled the air, punctuated only by the occasional rustle of leaves in the wind. The silence was comfortable, the presence of another skilled archer beside Aelion somehow motivating him to push harder.


    As they continued to practice, Aelion caught a glimpse of movement out of the corner of his eye. Turning slightly, he saw Renar walking back toward the guild hall, his broad frame casting a long shadow across the grass. He hadn¡¯t left with the others¡ªperhaps lingering for the same reasons Aelion and Selara had. But as Renar reached the entrance to the hall, he paused, turning to look back over his shoulder.


    Their eyes met.


    There was something cold and calculating in Renar¡¯s gaze, a silent challenge that passed between them in that brief moment. His lips twisted into a faint smirk, but it wasn¡¯t one of friendliness. It was as if Renar was sizing him up, already seeing him as a rival that would either have to be beaten or brushed aside.


    Aelion didn¡¯t flinch, meeting Renar¡¯s gaze with quiet determination. He wasn¡¯t sure what the boy¡¯s problem was, but he could feel the tension between them growing, an unspoken rivalry that had begun the moment they stood next to each other in the first round.


    Without a word, Renar turned and disappeared into the guild hall, leaving Aelion standing there, the weight of the interaction hanging in the air.


    Aelion grunted.


    Selara, having noticed Renar¡¯s departure but saying nothing, drew back her bowstring one final time and released. Her arrow flew straight, landing just outside the center ring. She exhaled slowly and lowered her bow, casting a glance at Aelion.


    ¡°Well,¡± she said, brushing a stray braid from her face, ¡°looks like we¡¯ll have some competition.¡±


    Aelion nodded, his eyes still lingering on the spot where Renar had stood moments ago. He could feel the challenge ahead, not just from the targets, but from the people around him. Selara was right, this was only the beginning.


    And he had no intention of being left behind.

 Chapter 5

    Weeks passed, and Aelion¡¯s days fell into a steady rhythm. Mornings were dedicated to grueling training sessions on the guild¡¯s fields, afternoons to studying technique, and evenings often found him practicing well after the others had retired. The Archery Guild had provided rooms for the new recruits, a small space of his own that felt as much like home as his house back in Aethercrest. He shared the hall with the other recruits, including Renar and Selara, and though they all walked the same path, each seemed set on outdoing the others.


    Renar¡¯s skill had proven consistent. No matter how much Aelion pushed himself, the gap remained. Renar always seemed to place his arrows a ring or two closer to the target¡¯s center, a fact he never hesitated to remind Aelion of in his silent, cutting way. Selara, too, was ahead, her shots nearly as steady as Renar¡¯s, though with a quiet humility that Renar lacked.


    But Aelion had improved, and he knew it. His shots were straighter, his aim truer. And while he hadn¡¯t yet claimed the top spot in their group, he felt his potential growing with each passing day. Each target he struck, each practice session he completed, filled him with a sense of purpose he had never quite felt before.


    On a cool, misty morning, Aelion sat alone in the guild¡¯s dining hall, nursing a simple breakfast of bread and honey with a steaming cup of tea. Sunlight filtered through the tall windows, casting an orange glow over the room, and the quiet hum of voices filled the air as the other recruits chatted over their meals. Despite the early hour, the hall was already buzzing with the energy of the day ahead.


    Aelion glanced around, catching sight of Selara seated a few tables away, deep in conversation with one of the senior apprentices. Renar sat at the far end of the room, his expression closed as usual, his gaze focused on the meal in front of him. Aelion looked away quickly, unwilling to invite any sort of encounter this early in the day.


    He returned his attention to his breakfast, savoring the warm, sweet taste of the honey. Just as he was about to take another bite, he noticed someone approaching his table. Looking up, he was surprised to see Caidren standing before him, a slight, almost hesitant smile on his face.


    Caidren¡¯s usual confidence seemed somewhat subdued this morning, his posture less assured than usual. There was a trace of reluctance in his eyes, as if he were unsure of what he was about to say.


    ¡°Fare morning, Aelion,¡± Caidren spoke after hemming, ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking all night about how I was to approach this. Well I guess I should jump straight to the point, I¡¯m not the best archer like I announced the day we met, and I need help. I only ever shot crossbows, which I was good at, so I assumed using a traditional bow would be simple.¡±


    Aelion set his cup down, raising an eyebrow in curiosity. He had seen Caidren struggle over the past few weeks, his initial confidence chipped away with each training session. The blond-haired recruit from Moonglade had consistently fallen short, his arrows rarely striking close to the target¡¯s center, no matter how hard he seemed to try.


    Still, Aelion hadn¡¯t expected Caidren to approach him directly, especially not with an attitude that bordered on humility.


    ¡°Wow, I must admit, I am not only surprised in your willingness to come to me, Caidren, but to choose me over Selara or Renar.¡±


    Caidren shifted on his feet, his gaze flicking to the side before meeting Aelion¡¯s eyes again. He took a deep breath, the reluctance giving way to determination.


    ¡°I chose you because you seem determined, kind, and to be the type to not judge me or humiliate me more than I already have managed myself. Not that I think Selara would do that, but Renar, for sure would scoff at me, making me feel inferior.¡±


    Aelion felt a small smile tug at his lips. He had been waiting for this moment, hoping Caidren would eventually put aside his pride and reach out for help. Despite the initial rivalry between them, Aelion respected Caidren¡¯s willingness to ask for assistance.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯d be glad to help,¡± Aelion replied, feeling a sense of satisfaction as he gestured for Caidren to sit. ¡°We can go over some basics now, if you like, and maybe meet on the field later.¡±


    Caidren nodded gratefully, pulling out a chair and sitting across from Aelion. The reluctance in his expression had softened, replaced by genuine interest.


    As they settled in, Aelion leaned forward, gathering his thoughts. Archery had always felt instinctive to him, but he knew there were countless intricacies that could make or break a shot. He started from the beginning, explaining the foundational principles that had helped him improve.


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    ¡°It¡¯s all about focus and form,¡± Aelion began, his tone serious but encouraging. ¡°You need a steady stance first and foremost. If your body isn¡¯t stable, your shot will waver before you even release it. Feet shoulder-width apart, knees relaxed, shoulders loose. It seems simple, but getting your body aligned makes all the difference.¡±


    He demonstrated with his own posture, showing how even the slightest misalignment could throw off a shot. Caidren watched carefully, his expression thoughtful as he adjusted his own stance, following Aelion¡¯s example.


    Once Caidren was comfortable with his stance, Aelion moved on to the next part¡ªhow to hold the bow and draw the arrow.


    ¡°Your grip needs to be firm but not too tight,¡± he explained, holding his hands in a way that mimicked drawing a bow. ¡°If you grip it too tightly, your arm will start to tense, and you¡¯ll lose control over your aim. Let your fingers hold the bow, not your whole hand.¡±


    Caidren attempted to mimic the motion, his fingers clenching around an imaginary bow. Aelion couldn¡¯t help but notice the tension in Caidren¡¯s hand, a stiffness that indicated just how uncomfortable he was with the technique. Caidren¡¯s natural instinct seemed to be holding too tightly, trying to control the weapon entirely through force rather than balance. The feeling of other people around them watching them would also tamper with his focus.


    ¡°Relax,¡± Aelion said, giving him a small nod of encouragement. ¡°Think of the bow as an extension of your arm, not something you¡¯re trying to wrestle into submission.¡±


    A small flash of frustration passed over Caidren¡¯s face, but he took a deep breath and tried again, this time loosening his grip slightly. Aelion smiled as he watched the improvement.


    ¡°Yes, exactly, once you get used to the positioning, it will become second nature. Not that I am an expert, but I can tell you that your posture right now is better than it was just a minute ago.¡±


    With the basics in place, Aelion moved on to the next part¡ªaiming and releasing.


    ¡°Your aim starts with your focus. Find a single point on the target and lock onto it. Don¡¯t just look at the whole target, pick one spot, and don¡¯t take your eyes off it,¡± Aelion instructed. ¡°Once you¡¯re ready, take a breath and release. Let the bow do the work.¡±


    He demonstrated again, mimicking the draw and release of a bowstring, the precision in his movement clear. Caidren watched closely, his brow furrowed in concentration as he processed the advice.


    ¡°Now, as for what you can do in your free time,¡± Aelion continued, leaning back slightly, ¡°it¡¯s about building muscle memory. That means practicing the same motion again and again until it becomes second nature. Spend time each day just going through the motions, even if you¡¯re not using the bow. Repetition is what turns a good archer into a great one.¡±


    Caidren nodded, the determination in his expression growing with each word. It was clear that he was serious about improving, his initial reluctance fading as Aelion explained the intricacies of the craft.


    After their conversation, Aelion could see that Caidren¡¯s confidence was beginning to rebuild itself, but this time with a more grounded foundation. It was one thing to have natural skill, but another entirely to have a clear understanding of the craft. And for the first time, Aelion felt that Caidren might be willing to commit to the work rather than relying solely on his own bravado.


    As they finished their breakfast, Caidren looked at him with a sense of newfound respect, the glint of rivalry replaced by something closer to camaraderie.


    ¡°Thank you Aelion, I can¡¯t even describe with words the level of gratitude I have for you now. I apologize for my cockiness coming into this guild, I see now that it had consumed me, making me out to be a wanker.¡±


    Aelion smiled, nodding in acknowledgment. ¡°Happy to help. It¡¯s not an easy path, but if you keep at it, you¡¯ll see the improvement.¡±


    Just as they were preparing to leave the dining hall, Selara entered, her gaze landing on Aelion and Caidren with a curious look. She raised an eyebrow, a small smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth.


    ¡°Look at you Aelion, breaking Mr. Caidren¡¯s assholishness. I see that you improved your stance, however, maybe now you can start competing against us big shots!¡±


    The three of them shared a laugh, the tension from their early days as recruits now softened by shared experience and mutual respect. The rivalry was still there, but it was tempered by a growing sense of unity, a bond formed through countless hours of training, shared meals, and the pursuit of a common goal.


    ¡°Alright, Caidren, and Selara, if you¡¯d like to join, let''s go practice on the targets outside. I need to master my shot so I can begin practicing shots while I am moving.¡±


    As they left the hall together, Aelion felt a renewed sense of purpose. Helping Caidren had reminded him of his own journey, of the struggles he had faced and overcome. It was a reminder that they were all learning, all striving for something greater. And in that moment, Aelion realized that his path wasn¡¯t just about beating Renar or proving himself. It was about becoming the best archer he could be, and helping those around him become better, too.


    With a final glance at the targets lined up on the training grounds outside, Aelion felt the fire of determination burning within his chest. To his side however, he felt sneering eyes staring at him. Renar. His arms crossed with a devilish set of eyes and a smug grin as he turned his back to them, walking towards the town and away from the guild. Aelion wondered what that was all about, but he shrugged it off, focusing on the task at hand.


    The road ahead was long, but he knew he was ready for whatever came next, his dying need to succeed his father¡¯s dreams, and now his own dreams would envelope him.

 Chapter 6

    Aelion sat in the dining hall, his hands carefully working to restring his bow. His gaze was fixed on the finely carved wood, each curve and line a memory of his father¡¯s skill and care. This bow was no ordinary weapon, it was a piece of artistry, and his greatest possession. The wood was polished to a warm sheen, and intricate carvings of wind and clouds swirled across the surface, a nod to their family¡¯s name.


    The hall was quiet, the hum of voices subdued as many of the recruits lingered over their morning meals, preparing for another day of training. Aelion sat with Selara and Caidren, the three of them sharing the easy silence that had grown between them over the weeks. He ran his fingers along the bowstring, tightening it with slow, deliberate movements, allowing himself a rare moment of reflection.


    His father had given him this bow on his sixteenth birthday, a promise that he was ready to begin a serious pursuit of the archery craft. Aelion could still remember the pride in his father¡¯s eyes that day, the way he¡¯d spoken about the Silverwind family¡¯s legacy and the tradition of archery that had defined them for generations. This bow was his father¡¯s hope, his encouragement, Aelion thought, releasing a light-hearted release of air.


    He glanced up, noticing Selara watching him, her amber eyes sharp with curiosity.


    ¡°That''s no ordinary bow, I can tell it''s crafted using elderwood, and those patterns etched into it, beautiful. It looks much better than the basic bows they give us here.¡±


    Caidren leaned over, looking at the intricate details carved into the wood with clear admiration.


    ¡°Where¡¯d you get that? Rich mommy and daddy money?¡± He chuckled, as if he thought he was actually being funny.


    Aelion chuckled, brushing off Caidren¡¯s comment with a smile. The three of them continued their conversation, the warmth of their companionship making the dining hall feel almost like home.


    But then, a sudden, piercing sound shattered the calm.


    The shrill wail of an alarm filled the air, echoing off the stone walls of the guildhall. Aelion froze, his fingers still on the bowstring, as a wave of unease washed over him. Around them, the other recruits exchanged glances of confusion, their expressions mirroring the fear that began to settle in his own chest.


    The alarm¡¯s blaring tone was unmistakable, this wasn¡¯t a drill or a minor alert. It was a call to arms.


    In an instant, the veteran archers who had been scattered around the hall sprang into action, their faces hardening with determination as they dashed toward the barracks. The heavy sound of boots echoed through the hall as they rushed past, their movements quick and efficient. Aelion watched as they began donning battle armor, their expressions tense, their eyes steely.


    The sight was both mesmerizing and terrifying. These were seasoned warriors, archers who had seen countless battles. For them to react this way meant something serious was happening, something that required every ounce of their strength.


    ¡°What do you guys think it is?! Are we gonna die?!¡± Caidren wailed.


    ¡°Calm down man, we need to wait and see what is going on before assuming the worst.¡± Aelion replied, though he certainly felt unsettled.


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s just a drill or test or something,¡± Selara shrugged, ¡°I don¡¯t think we need to worry.¡±


    Aelion¡¯s stomach twisted with anxiety. He¡¯d never seen the guild in such a state of chaos before. His gaze darted around the room, searching for Zuro, hoping that someone could explain what was going on. And then, as if summoned by his thoughts, Zuro appeared, his face pale and his eyes wide with fear.


    Zuro rushed over to them, his expression taut with worry. He seemed to be breathing hard, as if he had been running from one end of the guild to the other. When he reached Aelion and his friends, he took a shaky breath before speaking.


    ¡°You three! An attack on the northern end of the city has happened, don¡¯t ask me how, I don¡¯t know. But this is real, we don¡¯t even know who the attackers are or how they got in through our gates!¡±


    Aelion felt his pulse quicken, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. An ambush? In Aethercrest? The idea seemed impossible, and yet the urgency in Zuro¡¯s voice told him it was all too real.


    Before they could process the information, one of the veteran archers shouted from across the hall, his voice booming over the din.


    ¡°Recruits! Get to the southern gate, now! The city is under attack!¡±


    The words sent a chill through Aelion¡¯s spine. His instincts urged him to move, to act, but a part of him felt frozen, rooted to the spot by the sheer gravity of the moment. This wasn¡¯t training, this was real.


    ¡°Forget our things, we don¡¯t need them, but I will be taking my bow. Let¡¯s go, before things get too bad here.¡±


    The three of them broke into a run, joining the other recruits as they hurried toward the southern gate. The streets of Aethercrest were filled with a tense energy, townsfolk hurrying to find shelter while guards directed people away from the southern side of the city. The normally bustling city was now eerily quiet, save for the occasional shout of warning and the distant clash of metal.


    Aelion¡¯s heart pounded as he sprinted through the streets, his bow clutched tightly in his hand. His mind raced with questions, each one more pressing than the last. Who could be attacking? Why would anyone dare to strike at Aethercrest? But there was no time for answers, only action. As he sprinted through the streets, he noticed many fully equipped warriors, brandishing the popular aethersteel suits of armor, no regular arrow could just simply pierce them.


    When they reached the southern gate, the scene that met them was one of controlled chaos. The city¡¯s guards were stationed along the walls, their faces set with a resemblance of fear and lacked integrity. Above them, arrows whistled through the air, and Aelion caught sight of several figures moving in the distance, shadowy shapes that seemed to melt in and out of view.


    The instructor who had led their training sessions stood at the front of the group, his face a mask of concentration as he surveyed the recruits. He gave them a quick, assessing glance before addressing them, his voice cutting through the noise.


    ¡°You are here to defend Aethercrest,¡± he said, his tone unyielding. ¡°This is not a drill. You may be recruits, but today you will learn what it means to fight. Stay close, follow instructions, and do not, under any circumstances, leave your post.¡±


    Aelion and the others nodded, the weight of the moment settling heavily on his shoulders. He tightened his grip on his bow, glancing at Selara and Caidren beside him. They looked just as tense, their faces pale but resolute.


    The instructor turned to Zuro, who was standing nearby, his expression taut with worry. ¡°Take your group and position them along the wall. Prepare for incoming fire.¡±


    Aelion followed Zuro as they ascended the stone steps that led to the wall overlooking the southern side of the city. The wall provided a clear view of the land beyond, a sprawling landscape that was normally quiet and serene. But today, it was filled with the advancing forms of soldiers, an enemy force, their armor gleaming in the morning sun, their weapons raised and ready.


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    ¡°But I thought the attack happened in the north.¡± Aelion spoke nervously.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean they wouldn¡¯t come to the south gate as well. Think about it, strategy speaks for itself, we only have two gates in the city, the boats on the east, or escaping by aircraft.¡± Zuro replied quickly.


    Aelion felt his breath catch in his throat. The enemy soldiers moved with precision, their formation tight, their faces obscured by helmets. He had never seen anything like it. This wasn¡¯t a band of raiders or mercenaries, this was a trained, organized army.


    He took his position on the wall, nocking an arrow and drawing the bowstring back. His hands trembled slightly, but he forced himself to focus, taking steady breaths as he aimed at the advancing figures.


    The instructor¡¯s voice rang out from behind them, directing the recruits to hold their fire until the enemy was within range.


    ¡°Wait... wait...¡± he commanded, his tone steady but urgent.


    Aelion¡¯s eyes locked onto the closest figure, his mind focused on the rhythm of his breathing, the feel of the bowstring under his fingers. The weight of his father¡¯s bow felt reassuring in his hands, grounding him, reminding him of the skill and determination he had been building for years.


    Finally, the instructor shouted, ¡°Now!¡±


    Aelion released his arrow, watching as it sailed through the air and struck one of the soldiers, embedding itself in the man¡¯s shoulder. The soldier staggered, momentarily thrown off balance, but quickly righted himself, continuing forward with a face of a berserker. Around him, the other recruits loosed their arrows, a rain of sharp, deadly points that filled the air with a fierce hum.


    ¡°I hit him in the shoulder, another shot should take him down!¡± Aelion shouted, looking to his fellow recruits for reassurance.


    The enemy soldiers continued their advance, and Aelion quickly nocked another arrow, his mind racing as he tracked the nearest target. The training had prepared him for accuracy, precision¡ªbut nothing could have prepared him for the reality of battle, the visceral intensity of facing a real enemy.


    Beside him, Selara loosed an arrow, her movements swift and controlled. She hit her mark cleanly, the arrow striking the enemy soldier in the thigh, sending him to one knee. Aelion glanced at her, impressed by her composure, but there was no time for words.


    The enemy had closed in, and a second wave of archers on the opposing side raised their bows, retaliating with a hail of arrows that whistled through the air toward the city walls. Aelion ducked instinctively, feeling the rush of wind as an arrow passed just inches above his head.


    ¡°Brace yourselves! Cling to the walls and hit them with everything you got!¡± Zuro shouted.


    The recruits around him scrambled for cover, their movements frantic but focused as they continued to fire back. Aelion¡¯s heart raced, his thoughts a blur of instinct and training. He pulled another arrow from his quiver, his mind zeroing in on his next target, his fingers moving on their own as he nocked, drew, and released.


    An enemy soldier fell, struck by one of Aelion¡¯s arrows. But for every one that went down, more seemed to take their place. The battle raged on, and Aelion found himself caught in the rhythm of it, the tension in his bowstring matching the frantic beat of his heart.


    ¡°Who the hell are these people?! Their insignia doesn¡¯t resemble any of the four cities!¡± Caidren pointed out. The instructor scratched his chin, understanding that the recruit was right, but this was a mystery for later.


    The recruits fought with everything they had, their arrows flying true as they defended the wall. The weight of their duty pressed down on Aelion¡¯s shoulders, but he pushed through the fear, the doubt. He was here to protect Aethercrest, to prove himself worthy of his father¡¯s legacy.


    As the battle continued, Aelion felt thoughts of uncertainty, was life about to become one of war and death? He snapped out of this trance, realizing that even if it was, he would need to do everything possible to produce a better future for humanity. His aim sharpened, his movements became smoother, each shot an echo of the countless hours he had spent training. He glanced at the bow in his hand, feeling a deep connection to it, a bond forged through struggle and hope.


    This was what he had been preparing for, and he would not falter.


    The recruits held their ground as the enemy forces wavered, the tide of battle shifting with each passing moment. Aelion¡¯s resolve hardened, his focus unbreakable, even as warriors and archers of Aethercrest fell beside him.


    He would fight. And he would endure. No, they would fight, and they will give it everything they got.


    As the recruits and veteran archers continued their defense, arrows flying through the air in an unbroken stream, Aelion stole a quick glance over his shoulder. His gaze moved past the rows of archers lined along the wall and onto the familiar cobbled streets beyond. In the distance, a new group was approaching, moving with purpose and precision toward the southern gate.


    At the forefront were the mages, their robes billowing with each step as they walked in formation. The robes were crafted of rich, dark fabric embroidered with silvery thread that glinted in the sunlight. The designs woven into the cloth were intricate¡ªcelestial symbols, stars and moons, woven in delicate patterns that traced down the sleeves and around the hem. Aelion noticed that each mage¡¯s robe bore unique markings, subtle hints of their individual magical discipline. Some robes were adorned with symbols of fire, small crimson threads catching the light, while others bore cool shades of blue and silver, marking the wearers as masters of water and ice.


    Their faces were calm, resolute, eyes sharp with the unmistakable focus of those who wielded magic not just as a tool but as an extension of their very being. At their lead was the head mage, a tall figure with flowing midnight-blue robes trimmed in violet. She carried a staff etched with runes, the crystal at its tip pulsating softly with a pale, ethereal glow.


    The mages moved with a quiet but powerful grace, their presence alone radiating a sense of control and power. Aelion felt a surge of confidence as he watched them approach, their expressions unyielding as they prepared to join the fray.


    Behind the mages came the prospectors, their appearance starkly contrasting the flowing robes and mystical energy of their magical counterparts. Clad in sturdy leather vests reinforced with metal plating, the prospectors looked every bit the engineers of Aethercrest, their belts weighed down with a variety of tools and gadgets. Aelion noted the metallic glint of mechanical contraptions strapped to their belts, complex devices with gears, small pipes, and dials that clicked and whirred softly with each step. Some wore thick, circular goggles with tinted lenses, likely enchanted to provide protection from magical elements or to enhance their vision in battle.


    Their attire had a steampunk aesthetic, practical yet innovative, each prospector outfitted uniquely according to their specialty. One prospector carried a small hand-held cannon on his hip, a device with intricate etchings and a coiled fuse. Another wore a bracer fitted with small, rotating gears and a set of retractable, rune-inscribed knives. Despite their differences, they shared a singular purpose and focus as they approached the gate, their expressions grim but ready for the task ahead.


    The head prospector, a broad-shouldered man with a braided beard, wore a vest lined with metal plates and an assortment of small, powerful-looking vials strapped across his chest. He nodded at the head mage as they approached the southern gate, their presence unspoken but commanding.


    As the two leaders reached the gate, they exchanged a brief look before turning their attention to the archery instructor, who had already been directing the recruits and veterans on the wall.


    ¡°Open the gate,¡± the head mage called, her voice calm but unyielding. Her words carried over the sounds of battle, drawing the attention of everyone on the wall.


    The archery instructor turned, a momentary look of surprise flashing across his face before he stepped back, nodding his approval. With a swift motion, he signaled for the archers nearby to pull the iron lever that controlled the gate¡¯s massive bolts.


    Aelion watched as the mages and prospectors moved into position, lining up in formation just inside the now-open southern gate. The tension in the air grew thick, the silence heavy as they prepared themselves for the confrontation ahead. Aelion could feel his pulse quicken, the presence of the mages and prospectors filling him with a strange mixture of awe and envy.


    The head mage raised her staff, her voice ringing out over the field as she spoke to her group. ¡°Stand strong. Stand united. For Aethercrest.¡±


    Beside her, the head prospector adjusted his gauntlet, the gears clicking into place with a sharp, metallic sound. His gaze was steady, unflinching, as he addressed his own team.


    ¡°We¡¯ve defended this city before, and we¡¯ll defend it again. Ready yourselves!¡±


    With that, the mages raised their hands, the faint hum of magic crackling in the air around them as they prepared their spells. The prospectors, too, stood ready, their gadgets primed and their weapons at the ready. They stood as one, a line of strength and resilience, each warrior and mage prepared to face the oncoming enemy.


    Aelion felt pride swell in his chest. They were no longer just archers, warriors, mages, and engineers, they were the defenders of Aethercrest. And together, they would hold the line.


    The gate was open, and the battle awaited.

 Chapter 7

    The southern gate of Aethercrest was a fortress in itself, braced for the oncoming onslaught. Its curtain wall, thick and sturdy, stretched wide and high, reinforced by stone buttresses that seemed to dig into the earth itself, as if the city were planting roots of defiance against the invaders. Crenellations lined the top of the wall, each merlon providing cover for the archers firing down on the enemy. Below, the gatehouse stood at the heart of the defense, its portcullis lowered and drawbridge raised, while the moat that circled the outwork formed an additional barrier between Aethercrest and those who sought its downfall.


    Aelion and his fellow recruits held their positions on the battlements, nocking arrows with quick, practiced motions as the enemy forces continued their relentless advance. To Aelion¡¯s left, Selara loosed an arrow that struck a soldier in the shoulder, sending him staggering backward. Just below, the mages and prospectors waited behind the gatehouse, each prepared to unleash their own brand of defense as soon as the enemy pressed closer.


    The mages were poised, their war robes billowing in the wind, the runic embroidery along their sleeves glowing with latent power. Their leader, the head mage in midnight-blue robes trimmed with silver and violet, raised her staff and began a low incantation. Her words reverberated through the air, and suddenly a shimmering barrier appeared above the gatehouse, a transparent dome that pulsed with blue light.


    ¡°Shield of Aegris,¡± the head mage called out, her voice calm and resolute. ¡°It will hold the line¡ªarchers, keep firing!¡±


    The shimmering shield expanded, the blue light strengthening as arrows from the opposing forces struck it, dissolving into harmless sparks. Aelion watched in awe as the shield absorbed each impact, its magic shrugging off the onslaught.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen very basic use of magic before, but nothing of this level¡­ its simply amazing!¡± Aelion spoke proudly.


    As the mages held the shield in place, the prospectors moved into position, preparing their own unique arsenal. One prospector, a wiry man with a bracer full of small metallic spheres, pulled one free and twisted the top. With a flick of his wrist, he lobbed it into the midst of the enemy¡¯s front lines. The sphere exploded upon impact, releasing a thick, gray mist that quickly spread across the battlefield.


    ¡°Mist grenade! They¡¯re blinded!¡± he shouted, a triumphant grin spreading across his face as the enemy soldiers stumbled, their vision obscured by the dense fog.


    Another prospector stepped forward, this one wearing goggles with several different lenses. He pulled a cylindrical device from his belt, its exterior crackling faintly with electric energy. He twisted the top, and the device began to pulse with a blue light.


    ¡°Electrostatic grenade!¡± he yelled, tossing it into the fog-covered ranks of the enemy. There was a bright flash, followed by a crackling surge of electricity that arced through the mist. The enemy soldiers convulsed as the shock hit them, their bodies momentarily paralyzed as the electricity danced across their armor, leaving them vulnerable to the archers¡¯ arrows.


    Selara¡¯s jaw dropped with surprise, realizing the combination of mist and electricity working together. ¡°That was incredible, and now this is our chance to do what we do best.¡±


    With the enemy¡¯s advance momentarily stalled, the mages seized the opportunity to launch their offensive spells. The head mage lifted her staff, her eyes gleaming with fierce intensity as she called out an incantation.


    ¡°Scalding Vortex!¡±


    A swirling column of fire erupted in the air above the battlefield, its searing heat distorting the air around it. With a flick of her staff, the head mage sent the vortex hurtling forward, the flames twisting and spiraling as they descended upon the enemy ranks. The fire consumed everything in its path, leaving a trail of scorched earth and ash. Soldiers stumbled back, their armor glowing red-hot from the intense heat.


    Another mage stepped forward, her robes adorned with intricate patterns of blue and silver, symbols of water and ice woven into the fabric. She raised her hands, conjuring a stream of water that coiled and twisted in the air like a serpent. With a word of command, the water solidified into shards of ice, each one glinting with deadly sharpness.


    ¡°Shards of Valtara!¡± she cried, her voice sharp and clear.


    The shards shot forward like a hailstorm, piercing through the ranks of the enemy with chilling precision. Each shard struck true, leaving trails of frost on the ground as the icy magic spread through the battlefield.


    Meanwhile, the prospectors continued their assault, drawing upon their own inventive weapons. One of them, a prospector with a mechanical glove fitted with rotating gears, activated a switch on his gauntlet. The glove extended, producing a small launcher, and with a quick motion, he fired a series of small, glowing capsules into the air.


    The capsules burst above the battlefield, releasing a cloud of tiny, luminescent spores that drifted down over the enemy soldiers. As the spores made contact, they emitted a faint, greenish glow and began to release a pungent, nauseating vapor.


    ¡°Noxious spores!¡± the prospector called, his voice carrying over the sounds of battle. ¡°That should slow them down indefinitely!¡±


    The enemy soldiers stumbled, their faces contorting in discomfort as the spores clung to their armor, emitting a choking, sickening gas. The battlefield was now a chaotic mix of fire, ice, and smoke, the combined magic and technology of Aethercrest¡¯s defenders creating a formidable barrier that kept the attackers at bay.


    Despite the chaos unfolding before him, Aelion maintained his focus, nocking arrow after arrow as he aimed at the disoriented soldiers struggling below. Each shot felt more instinctive now, his training taking over as he adjusted his aim to account for the smoke and fog. He could hear Selara beside him, her arrows striking with deadly accuracy, her movements calm and precise amidst the bedlam.


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    As arrows flew and spells crackled around them, Renar¡¯s frustration seemed to reach a boiling point. He turned to Caidren, his expression twisted in contempt as they readied for another volley.


    ¡°You¡¯re trash at this,¡± Renar spat, his voice a venomous hiss. ¡°You should just turn and run, coward, before you drag us all down with you.¡±


    Caidren¡¯s face reddened, his jaw clenching as he held back a retort. His knuckles whitened on his bow, his gaze fixed firmly ahead, ignoring Renar¡¯s taunts even as they cut deep.


    ¡°Enough!¡± Illirya stepped between them, her quiet, reserved demeanor replaced by a fierce determination as she looked from Renar to Caidren. ¡°Save your strength for the battle, this is pointless!¡±


    But Renar¡¯s scowl only deepened. With a sneer, he reached out and shoved Illirya to the ground, brushing her aside like an unwanted distraction. Without a second glance, he moved forward, resuming his position on the wall and nocking another arrow, his eyes flashing with cold fury as he returned to the fight.


    Caidren glanced down, his irritation toward Renar briefly forgotten as he knelt beside Illirya, offering her a steadying hand. She took it, dusting herself off as she rose, her expression a mixture of hurt and anger.


    ¡°Why is this guy such a dick, we¡¯re literally on the same team. Come on, lets change positions and get away from this idiot.¡±


    Illirya gave a small nod, her usual composure returning as she steadied herself. Together, they moved away from Renar, finding new positions farther along the battlement, away from his spiteful presence.


    Suddenly, a voice boomed from below, cutting through the noise of battle.


    ¡°Everybody, together! We walk into the heart of their offense, let''s destroy them!¡±


    Aelion turned, catching sight of the head mage and head prospector standing at the gate, their figures poised and unyielding. They were making their way forward, intent on leading a charge against the enemy.


    The massive portcullis began to rise, the heavy iron gate clanking as it moved. Chains rattled, and with a loud thud, the drawbridge lowered, creating a direct path to the enemy forces. The head mage strode forward, her staff glowing with power, while the head prospector adjusted a lever on his gauntlet, his mechanical arm primed and ready.


    ¡°Stand ready!¡± the head mage commanded, her voice ringing out over the din. ¡°Prepare to strike!¡±


    Aelion felt a surge of adrenaline course through him as the mages and prospectors took their positions just beyond the gate. The mages stood with their hands raised, tendrils of energy coiling around their fingers, while the prospectors checked their gadgets, each preparing to unleash the next wave of defense.


    One of the mages, a tall man with dark robes bearing symbols of lightning, raised his hands, arcs of electricity sparking between his fingers. He brought his hands together, the energy building into a ball of pure, crackling light.


    ¡°Tempest Surge!¡±


    He thrust his hands forward, and a bolt of lightning shot across the battlefield, striking the ground with an explosive burst. The shockwave rippled outward, sending enemy soldiers tumbling as arcs of electricity crackled through the air, connecting from one soldier¡¯s armor to the next in a deadly chain reaction.


    Beside him, a prospector with a bracer of small, metallic grenades pulled a blue-tinted capsule from his belt, twisting the top before lobbing it into the midst of the enemy ranks. The grenade exploded, releasing a shimmering wave of frost that coated the ground and the soldiers¡¯ armor in a thick layer of ice, slowing their movements to a sluggish crawl.


    ¡°Cryo-burst!¡± the prospector called, his voice filled with grim satisfaction.


    Aelion watched in awe, the sight of the combined might of the mages and prospectors filling him with a renewed sense of hope for his city. They were holding the line, pushing back against the overwhelming odds with a fierce, unyielding strength.


    But even as they fought, Aelion knew the battle was far from over. The enemy forces continued to press forward, their numbers vast and unrelenting. For every soldier that fell, more seemed to take their place, their relentless advance showing no signs of stopping.


    Amidst the turmoil, Aelion felt a hand on his shoulder, pulling him back from the edge of the battlement. He turned to see the archery instructor, his face set with grim determination as he assessed the situation below.


    ¡°Aelion,¡± the instructor said, his voice low but firm. ¡°Gather the other recruits. You¡¯re needed elsewhere.¡±


    Aelion¡¯s heart pounded as he followed the instructor¡¯s gaze, watching as two large horse-drawn carriages pulled up behind them, their wheels grinding against the cobbled streets. The horses snorted and stamped their hooves, their riders steadying them as they prepared to move.


    ¡°The path will be cleared shortly,¡± the instructor continued, his tone urgent. ¡°When it is, you and the other recruits are to board these carriages and head for Moonglade. The city is under siege, and we need to spread word to our allies. You¡¯re to report to the Archery Guild there and await further orders.¡±


    Aelion swallowed, the weight of the command settling over him. He had never expected to leave Aethercrest under such dire circumstances, and the thought of abandoning the fight filled him with a sense of dread.


    ¡°But sir, you need as many bows as you can get to protect the gates. Plus with the northern entrance clearly facing a much more difficult battle,¡± he struggled to figure out the words he wanted to say, ¡°what if our presence ensures our city¡¯s victory?¡±


    The instructor¡¯s gaze softened for a moment, but his resolve remained unbroken. ¡°I know it¡¯s hard, but this mission is crucial. The people of Moonglade need to know what¡¯s happening here. The city¡¯s survival may depend on your success. The north is not of your concern, what is your concern is to adhere to your peers¡¯ demands. Now, I demand you and the other recruits to prepare yourself for these carriages. You must continue your training, you all fought hard today, but you must survive for not only Aethercrest, but for Eldravale.¡±


    Aelion nodded, his chest tight with the weight of responsibility. He looked over his shoulder at Selara, Caidren, and the other recruits, each of them wearing the same expression of trepidation and a mix of fear, except Renar. Together, they were about to undertake a journey that would carry the fate of Aethercrest in their hands.


    The instructor turned, shouting to the remaining defenders to hold their positions. He raised a hand to signal the mages and prospectors, who prepared a final assault to clear a path for the carriages.


    ¡°Ready yourselves!¡± he commanded, his voice ringing out over the battlefield.


    Aelion took a deep breath, the grip on his bow tightening as he braced himself for the journey ahead. The fate of Aethercrest and its people depended on them now, and he would not fail; they needed the backup from Moonglade, their city¡¯s most trusted companion out of the four major settlements.

 Chapter 8

    The air around Aethercrest¡¯s southern gate was heavy with the aftermath of battle. Hundreds of enemy soldiers lay strewn across the field beyond the gate, a grave reminder of the brutal clash that had ravaged the city¡¯s defenses. Distant shouts and the clang of weapons still echoed from the north, a reminder of the struggle still raging within the city. Aelion felt his heart pound as he surveyed the scene, knowing that the respite at the southern gate was only temporary.


    The recruits gathered near the gate, waiting for their orders. As the remaining defenders scanned the battlefield, two warriors approached the carriages, their armor streaked with dirt and blood. Each carried a look of hard-won determination, their eyes betraying the fatigue of countless hours in the heat of battle. One of them signaled to Aelion and the others, gesturing toward the waiting carriages.


    ¡°It¡¯s time,¡± the warrior said, his voice firm but weary. He held out a gloved hand, gesturing for the recruits to board. ¡°The way south is clear for now, but there¡¯s no telling how long that will last. You¡¯re to make for Moonglade.¡±


    Aelion glanced around at his companions, each of them bearing the same mix of determination and uncertainty. Selara stood with her bow in hand, her expression calm but intense. Caidren, though visibly shaken, straightened his shoulders, a flicker of resolve in his gaze. Illirya looked ahead, her usual silence replaced by a sense of focus, while Renar¡¯s face was set in its usual mask of disdainful confidence.


    The recruits climbed into the carriages, their bows at the ready. With a swift command, the warriors took their places at the reins, urging the horses forward. The carriages lurched as they began their journey, the rhythm of the hooves striking the cobbled road a reminder of their swift departure.


    The road south stretched before them, bordered by dense woods that cast shifting shadows across their path. Aelion¡¯s gaze swept over the trees, his eyes keenly searching for any sign of movement. Though they had left the battle behind, he knew they were far from safe.


    As they moved deeper into the forest, the noise of the city gradually faded, replaced by the softer sounds of the wild, the rustling of leaves, the occasional call of a distant bird. The road was rough, winding through trees that seemed to close in around them, forming a natural canopy that cast the path in a muted, green light. Aelion could feel the tension settling over the group, each of them gripping their weapons tightly, their eyes alert for any sign of danger.


    While lost in his thoughts, it came to Aelion¡¯s senses that his parents were still out on a fishing charter that was supposed to last months and wouldn¡¯t learn of what happened in the city until they came back. This meant that there was a slight chance they could come home to a city in ruins, and it would also mean they wouldn¡¯t be seeing Aelion for a long time due to the length of training.


    Aelion would shake these thoughts from his mind, as much as it saddens him, he is now a member of the archery guild of Aethercrest. He reminded himself of the agreements he made on his contract, this would practically become soulbound to him now.


    Selara sat beside him, her posture relaxed but her gaze focused. She had the look of someone born for the wild, her movements quiet and fluid as she scanned the forest. Across from them, Caidren kept glancing over his shoulder, his face pale with worry. Illirya, seated at the back of the carriage, clutched her quiver as if drawing strength from it, her usually calm expression now tinged with unease. Renar, however, seemed unfazed, his gaze fixed ahead, his face a mask of indifference.


    ¡°Hey Caidren, I just want to say that you did well back there, you held your own, and I saw that you even managed to land a few arrows on the enemies. I bet you miss home now though, but heads up, you¡¯re one of us now, and I got your back for life!¡± Aelion spoke with enthusiasm.


    Caidren looked up at him after taking it in, a smile crossed his face, with a newfound feeling of positivity he would simply reply, ¡°yeah, thank you Aelion!¡±


    #


    The silence around them felt ominous, broken only by the steady creak of the carriage wheels and the occasional snort of the horses. Aelion¡¯s mind wandered to the path ahead. Their destination was Moonglade, but the journey was long, nearly two days through unfamiliar terrain. The warriors guiding them had mentioned that they would stop at Vayne¡¯s Retreat, a small camp village nestled between Aethercrest and Moonglade, for the night. It was a place known to be safe, at least, it had been in the past.


    The thought of reaching Vayne¡¯s Retreat was a small comfort, though Aelion couldn¡¯t help but feel a prickle of apprehension. Vayne¡¯s Retreat wasn¡¯t far from the Eldra Ruins, the ancient city that had once been the heart of Eldravale before it was abandoned. Stories of the ruins were plentiful, tales of strange happenings and sightings of things that didn¡¯t belong in the natural world.


    About an hour into their journey, Aelion caught sight of movement in the dense underbrush just beyond the path. His body tensed, and he raised his bow slightly, his eyes scanning the treeline. There, half-hidden by shadows, was a figure cloaked in dark armor, watching them with a cold, unblinking gaze.


    ¡°Enemy scout,¡± Aelion muttered, his voice low but urgent.


    Selara followed his gaze, her eyes narrowing as she too raised her bow. The scout disappeared as swiftly as he¡¯d appeared, melting back into the forest without a trace. Aelion lowered his bow, frustration tightening in his chest. If the scout was reporting back to a larger force, they could be in serious danger.


    ¡°Scouts? Out here?¡± Selara whispered, ¡°I hope we find out who these people are and where they come from, this is just absolutely absurd.¡±


    The warrior at the front of the carriage overheard, glancing back with a grim expression. ¡°Stay sharp. That won¡¯t be the last of them.¡±


    The recruits exchanged uneasy glances, each of them gripping their bows a little tighter as they continued down the road. The forest grew darker as the hours passed, the trees twisting into strange, angular shapes that cast eerie shadows over the path. The silence became oppressive, and Aelion felt his nerves fray with each mile.


    #


    As dusk began to settle over the forest, the carriages crested a small hill, and a scattering of lights appeared in the distance. Vayne¡¯s Retreat lay nestled in a clearing surrounded by tall, ancient trees that seemed to stand guard over the camp village. The settlement consisted of several wooden structures¡ªsimple huts with thatched roofs and tents clustered around a central firepit. It was a small, rough-hewn place, but the warm glow of the fire and the faint hum of conversation brought a sense of safety.


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Aelion felt a wave of relief as they approached, though the sight of the guards posted around the perimeter reminded him that they were still very much in hostile territory. The carriages rolled to a stop just outside the village, and the recruits climbed out, stretching their sore muscles as they took in their surroundings.


    Vayne¡¯s Retreat had a quiet, almost timeless feel to it. The people here looked worn and wary, their faces shadowed by the dim light of the fire. Travelers and traders gathered around, their belongings stashed in small carts or on pack animals. Some were exchanging stories, their voices hushed as if afraid to disturb the peace of the forest.


    The recruits gathered around the fire, grateful for its warmth after the long, tense ride. Aelion took a seat on a rough wooden bench, his gaze drifting over the faces of the villagers. They seemed accustomed to strangers, their expressions calm but watchful as they glanced at the new arrivals.


    As they settled in, one of the warriors guiding them approached, his expression serious. He pointed northward, past the clearing and into the forest.


    ¡°We¡¯ll rest here tonight, but stay close to the fire and keep your weapons ready. This is as close as we want to get to the Eldra Ruins after dark.¡±


    Aelion¡¯s gaze followed the warrior¡¯s pointing hand, his eyes narrowing as he looked into the dense forest beyond the camp. He had heard stories about the Eldra Ruins, the ancient city that had once been the center of life in Eldravale, abandoned by the original society of people due to disapproving governing concerns.


    The warrior gave a curt nod before moving on to check the perimeter, leaving the recruits alone by the fire. Aelion shifted on the bench, his mind heavy with thoughts of the journey ahead. Despite the warm glow of the fire, a chill lingered in the air, and he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was watching them from the shadows.


    Illirya, who had been uncharacteristically silent, glanced around at the surrounding trees, her expression contemplative. ¡°Do you think the stories are true?¡± she asked quietly, her voice barely more than a whisper.


    ¡°They¡¯re definitely true,¡± Renar grunted, ¡°my pops and I explored it once just a year or so ago. We saw beasts that have never been mentioned in any books, tomes or classes. Have you ever seen a horse with a rhino horn and a devil¡¯s tail? Yeah, they¡¯re true, the place is fucked.¡±


    Their conversation fell into silence as the recruits gazed into the fire, each lost in their own thoughts. The crackle of burning wood and the soft murmurs of the villagers were the only sounds, and for a brief moment, Aelion felt a sense of peace.


    As the night deepened, Aelion¡¯s gaze drifted to the edge of the camp, where a figure stood alone, silhouetted against the firelight. The man was tall and lean, his face hidden by the shadows of a hooded cloak. Something about his posture caught Aelion¡¯s attention, a quiet intensity that suggested he was no mere traveler.


    Before Aelion could ponder further, the man stepped forward, his gaze sharp and assessing as he looked over the recruits.


    ¡°Talking about the ruins hmm? Interesting topic for a bunch of nosy kids like yourself to delve into. My name is Shax, and I¡¯ve lived here in Vayne¡¯s Retreat for nearly a decade, studying the Eldra Ruins and the mystery within it. Let me give you kids a piece of advice,¡± his glare becoming evil-like, ¡°don¡¯t you ever step foot in that domain if you know what is good for you, it will change you forever.¡±


    The man¡¯s words left an uneasy silence in their wake, and without further explanation, he turned and disappeared into the shadows beyond the camp. Aelion exchanged a glance with Selara, her eyes reflecting the same mix of curiosity and wariness he felt.


    ¡°Strange place, Vayne¡¯s Retreat,¡± she murmured, her gaze still fixed on the spot where the man had vanished.


    Caidren lightly chuckled, ¡°and to think you¡¯ve been there Renar, maybe that explains why you¡¯re always so stiff.¡±


    Renar looked him hard into his eyes and spit at his feet, refusing to give words as an acknowledgement to the tone of being checked.


    The night wore on, and the recruits took turns keeping watch, their nerves still on edge from the events of the day. Each shadow seemed to shift, each rustle of leaves bringing a new wave of apprehension. Aelion felt the weight of exhaustion settling over him, but he forced himself to stay alert, his hand resting on his bow as he scanned the darkened forest.


    Dawn came slowly, the gray light filtering through the trees and casting a soft glow over Vayne¡¯s Retreat. The villagers stirred, packing their belongings and preparing for another day. The recruits, too, gathered their things, their faces lined with fatigue but their spirits resolute.


    As they climbed back into the carriages, Aelion cast one last look toward the forest. The looming presence of the Eldra Ruins weighed heavily on his mind, a silent reminder of the mysteries and dangers that lay in the heart of Eldravale. He took a deep breath, focusing on the path ahead.


    The horses snorted as the warriors urged them forward, the carriages lurching as they began the final leg of their journey to Moonglade. The forest around them seemed less ominous in the light of day, though Aelion couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that their brief stop at Vayne¡¯s Retreat had changed something, leaving them marked by a shadow of some sort, maybe a curse of foreshadowing.


    As they moved further south, the familiar trees of Moonglade¡¯s border came into view, their branches glimmering with a soft, mystical light. The trees here grew taller and more graceful, their trunks twisting and spiraling upward in elegant forms, as if shaped by a patient hand over centuries. Silver leaves adorned their branches, catching the sunlight and casting a faint, ethereal glow across the forest floor, making the path feel almost enchanted. The delicate scent of wild herbs and blooming starflowers filled the air, their soft, luminescent petals tracing the winding road.


    Aelion felt a flicker of relief as they crossed into Moonglade¡¯s borders, the tranquil beauty of the elven realm a balm to the memories of battle and the eerie quiet of Vayne¡¯s Retreat. Here, the forest seemed alive, as if welcoming them. In the distance, he could make out the silhouettes of slender, arching bridges made from living trees, their branches and roots intertwined to form natural pathways high above the ground. Glowing crystals, placed carefully along the paths, illuminated the forest with a soft, silver light that blended harmoniously with the lush greenery.


    As they rode closer, Aelion could see small elven dwellings nestled within the treetops, their roofs crafted from woven leaves and adorned with dangling charms that chimed softly in the breeze. The buildings were crafted from the forest itself, each structure seamlessly integrated into the living landscape, their walls seeming to breathe along with the trees. Every detail, from the delicate latticework around windows to the spiral carvings etched into doorframes, exuded a timeless grace and elegance that spoke of Moonglade¡¯s elven heritage.


    The recruits tightened their grips on their weapons, each feeling a mixture of awe and apprehension. For most of them, this was the first time they had entered the realm of Moonglade, a city inhabited primarily by elves whose long lives had given them wisdom and strength but also a guarded reserve toward outsiders. They all knew Moonglade¡¯s reputation as a place of beauty and magic, yet there was an underlying wariness among the recruits as they prepared to face whatever awaited them within the city¡¯s mystical embrace.


    Aelion cast a final glance over his shoulder, his gaze lingering on the distant outline of Vayne¡¯s Retreat. Even as they entered the sanctuary of Moonglade, the memory of Shax¡¯s warning and the shadows of the ruins hung heavily in his mind, reminding him that their journey was only just beginning.

 Chapter 9

    The carriages slowed to a halt, wheels creaking softly as they reached the gates of Moonglade. The once-steady beat of hooves and the muted rattle of wood gave way to a deep, expectant silence. Aelion stepped down, his boots meeting the forest floor with a grounding weight, and took in a deep breath of Moonglade¡¯s cool, fragrant air. The scent was unfamiliar yet soothing¡ªa blend of moss, rain, and blooming flowers, carrying an underlying hint of something magical.


    The city gates rose high above them, framed by the natural architecture of Moonglade¡¯s forested surroundings. The silvery wood gleamed under the sun, each arch of the gate etched with detailed carvings that depicted lunar phases, vines, and animals in mid-movement. Around the gate, massive trees stood watch, their trunks twisting upward in silent reverence. Aelion felt awe settle over him, struck by how nature itself seemed woven into Moonglade¡¯s essence.


    ¡°Welcome to Moonglade,¡± murmured Caidren, his voice carrying a note of pride. Unlike the others, Caidren¡¯s expression showed only familiarity, the calm assurance of someone who had walked these paths countless times. Aelion noted the confidence in his stride and the glint of comfort in his eyes. For Caidren, Moonglade was home.


    Selara, however, appeared captivated. Her gaze wandered over every detail, from the tree-woven arches to the faint blue lights drifting gently around the gate¡¯s carved vines. She moved slowly, her eyes filled with wonder, as though she feared she¡¯d miss some secret hidden within the patterns of the wood.


    ¡°This place¡­ it¡¯s like stepping into a story,¡± she whispered, her voice barely audible.


    Aelion nodded in silent agreement. The city felt as if it breathed alongside them, each leaf and shadow a reminder that Moonglade was not just a city, but a sanctuary for the elves who had made it their home. He felt a calm that contrasted starkly with the tension that had gripped him since they¡¯d left Aethercrest.


    Standing guard by the gate were two elven knights, each clad in polished silver armor that gleamed faintly, as if imbued with its own inner light. Symbols of the moon and stars adorned their pauldrons, the silver engraved with meticulous precision. Their faces were set in serene focus as they watched the warriors who had escorted the recruits from Aethercrest, their sharp gazes assessing yet respectful.


    ¡°These recruits come under urgent orders,¡± said one of the Aethercrest warriors, his voice low but firm. He gestured to Aelion and the others. ¡°They carry news that requires an audience with Lyra Moonshadow, the leader of Moonglade¡¯s Archery Guild.¡±


    The knights exchanged a glance, their expressions growing serious. One signaled to a young elf nearby, a slender figure dressed in deep green robes embroidered with silvery vines, marking him as an official. The elf nodded and stepped forward, bowing slightly as he gestured for the recruits to follow.


    ¡°This way, please,¡± he said, his voice soft but clear. ¡°Lady Lyra will be notified and shall await you in the Archery Guild. It lies on the southern edge of the city.¡±


    The recruits fell into step behind him, following as he led them deeper into Moonglade. The city unfurled around them like a tapestry, its streets bordered by flourishing gardens and tall trees whose branches intertwined to form a natural canopy. The buildings, constructed from polished silverwood and accented with stones that glowed faintly in the morning light, seemed to blend seamlessly into the landscape, as if Moonglade had grown organically from the forest rather than being built within it.


    Aelion watched in awe as they passed courtyards filled with colorful blossoms and open squares where the soft hum of conversation and laughter mingled with the music of small fountains. Moonglade¡¯s residents moved with a serene grace, their faces calm and thoughtful as they went about their day. Dressed in robes and tunics of green, silver, and deep blue, many wore delicate lunar symbols on pendants or clasps, small signs of their city¡¯s reverence for nature and the night sky.


    They crossed over wooden bridges suspended above clear, blue streams, each bridge crafted from living branches woven together to form sturdy walkways. Lanterns hung from the trees above, casting a gentle, silvery glow that lent a dreamlike quality to the scene. The gentle babble of the water and the soft crunch of their footsteps on the moss-lined paths made Aelion feel as if he were walking through a sanctuary.


    The deeper they ventured, the quieter the city grew. It was as if Moonglade¡¯s heart lay in its southern edge, a place where silence reigned and nature held sway over all things. Caidren moved with certainty, his familiarity with every turn and landmark evident in the ease of his steps. His face bore a look of quiet pride, and he cast an occasional glance back at the others, as if taking in their reactions to the city he called home.


    ¡°Beautiful, isn¡¯t it?¡± Caidren murmured, catching Aelion¡¯s eye as they crossed a grove lit by shafts of sunlight. ¡°Moonglade has always been a place of refuge, somewhere for those who seek peace and wisdom.¡±


    Selara, who walked beside them, nodded in agreement, her face filled with reverence. ¡°It feels¡­ alive. As though the city itself were watching over us.¡±


    Caidren smiled faintly. ¡°In a way, it is. Here, we don¡¯t build at the expense of nature¡ªwe live alongside it and the arcane life within it.¡±


    Aelion felt a pang of envy at Caidren¡¯s familiarity with such a place. Moonglade¡¯s elegance and harmony were in stark contrast to Aethercrest¡¯s strength and structure. It was a city that thrived not on fortification, but on natural unity with its surroundings. He felt a kinship with Moonglade¡¯s purpose, a reminder of what they fought to protect beyond the walls of their own cities.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    The streets grew wider and more spacious as they approached the city¡¯s southern edge, the buildings becoming sparser as forested groves and moonlit clearings replaced the city¡¯s bustling heart. Finally, nestled within a grove of elder oaks, the Archery Guild of Moonglade came into view.


    The Archery Guild was a vision of quiet majesty, its structure seamlessly woven into the grove around it. Unlike the stone and timber fortress of Aethercrest¡¯s guild, Moonglade¡¯s guild seemed to grow organically from the forest itself. The walls were formed by intertwining branches and roots, shaped by nature and magic to create a sanctuary that blended into the trees. At the entrance, an enormous silverwood bow was mounted above the archway, polished to a mirror-like sheen that caught the gentle light filtering through the trees.


    Aelion marveled at the design, his breath catching as he took in the carvings that adorned the bow. Scenes of hunters, animals, and constellations were etched into its surface, each detail precise and reverent, a homage to the elven connection to nature. The moons depicted in various phases glowed faintly, symbolizing the passing of time and the cycles of life.


    The other recruits, too, seemed taken by the beauty of the guild, though Caidren¡¯s expression remained calm and familiar. He moved with a steady stride, his gaze sweeping over the entrance as he took in the guild he had known since his childhood.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing like Aethercrest,¡± murmured Selara, her voice filled with quiet awe. ¡°It feels¡­ different. As if the guild itself were alive.¡±


    Aelion nodded, his heart stirred by the serenity that surrounded them. The guild felt sacred, a place where archers trained not only their skill but their connection to the world around them. Unlike Aethercrest¡¯s fortified guild, which emphasized strength and resilience, Moonglade¡¯s guild was a sanctuary, a place of contemplation and respect for nature.


    Illirya, who had been silent through most of the journey, moved to a fountain at the edge of the hall, her face softening as she took a seat near the crystal-clear water. The fountain was carved from a single block of moonstone, its water flowing softly, casting shimmering light over the mossy floor.


    Renar, however, appeared uncomfortable. His gaze was fixed on the floor, his expression unreadable. It was clear that the serenity of Moonglade¡¯s guild did little to calm his ever-tense demeanor.


    As they waited in the hall, a young elven apprentice approached and nodded respectfully. ¡°Lady Lyra has been informed of your arrival and will meet with you shortly. Until then, you are welcome to rest here.¡±


    The recruits nodded, and as the apprentice left, they took a moment to settle into the peaceful surroundings. Aelion felt a sense of calm wash over him, the soft hum of life in the guild offering a brief reprieve from the tension of their journey.


    Aelion has felt the need to ask since him and the others met, he felt now was the perfect opportunity. ¡°Hey so if every city has their own guilds, why did you come to Aethercrest?¡±


    ¡°The guild here was at maximum capacity and Aethercrest is the most trustful city, at least to the people that live here. It¡¯s nothing against Caelumreach or Glacier Peak, but from my understanding, our cities have similar political opinions and have always assisted each other when needed.¡± As Caidren finished speaking, he looked at Selara to ensure he didn¡¯t offend her in any way.


    ¡°None taken here,¡± she chuckled, ¡°though my family is from Caelumreach, my family moved to Aethercrest a little over a year ago due to better career opportunities for my parents. I joined the Aethercrest Archery Guild because I wanted to explore and not be tied down to working everyday at the same place at the same times.¡±


    As they waited, Aelion noticed that Caidren seemed particularly at ease, his posture relaxed as he observed his surroundings with quiet pride. Aelion could tell that being back home was probably a great feeling for Caidren, even if he had only been gone for a couple months at most. He too has already begun to miss his home with his parents at his side.


    ¡°It must be reassuring,¡± Aelion said, turning to Caidren. ¡°Coming back to a place like this.¡±


    Caidren gave a small nod, his face thoughtful. ¡°It is. Moonglade has always been a place of love, plus the food here is great too.¡±


    Selara, listening nearby, smiled softly. ¡°You¡¯re lucky, Caidren. Your home is unlike any place I¡¯ve ever known. No offense to Aethercrest but it is slightly similar to Caelumreach. Hopefully you both can see it with me one day and then you¡¯ll know what I¡¯m talking about.¡±


    Caidren¡¯s expression softened, though his gaze held a note of caution. ¡°Moonglade¡¯s beauty can be deceiving. Beneath the calm, we still have our battles to fight. Just as you have in Aethercrest.¡±


    Aelion fell silent, feeling the weight of their journey settle over him. Though Moonglade was a city of peace and unity, the threat they faced was universal. The serene beauty of the city was no shield against the darkness looming on the horizon, a reminder that they all bore the same responsibility to protect their homes and their people.


    As the conversation dwindled into silence, Aelion found himself drawn to the faint sounds of the guild¡ªthe soft trickle of water from the fountain, the gentle rustling of leaves, the occasional whisper of wind through the open hall. It felt like the city itself was breathing, a rhythmic pulse that mirrored his own heartbeat. For a moment, he closed his eyes, allowing the calm to settle over him.


    ¡°I never thought I would be capable of taking a life when I was a child, but here I am now. We protected the city at all costs, losing a piece of ourselves to mold the soul of our society. I hate to say I am saddened at destroying such evil, but there was no way and will always be no way that I will stand by as evil vile people of any race come into our homes and kill us. I refuse.¡±


    The minutes passed in quiet contemplation, each of them lost in their own thoughts. Aelion could feel a renewed strength building within him, a silent promise that he would do everything in his power to defend what he held dear. He felt a kinship with the guild, a place that, despite its peace, was ready to stand against any threat that dared to disturb it.


    A soft sound broke the stillness, footsteps echoing gently as someone approached. Aelion¡¯s pulse quickened, and he straightened, glancing toward the entrance. He knew that Lyra Moonshadow was near, and the weight of their journey felt heavier, sharpened by the urgency of the mission they carried.


    The recruits exchanged a glance, their expressions serious as they prepared to meet the leader who would decide the course of their next steps. This was the moment they had been building toward, the reason they had made the long journey south.


    Together, they took a collective breath, their resolve hardening as they awaited their audience with Lady Lyra Moonshadow.

 Chapter 10

    The dim light filtering through the woven branches of the Archery Guild gave the room a calm yet serious air as the recruits gathered, each feeling the weight of what awaited them. After a brief rest, they had been called by Lyra Moonshadow herself, summoned to the guild¡¯s meeting room to discuss the situation in Aethercrest and their future training in Moonglade.


    Aelion adjusted his quiver, his gaze sweeping over the room as he entered. The walls were lined with intricate carvings of past guild members¡ªgreat hunters, skilled trackers, and marksmen who had forged their names in Moonglade¡¯s long history. Small lanterns hung from the ceiling, casting a silvery glow that reflected in the dark wood of the long table at the center. Lyra was seated at the far end, her gaze thoughtful as she waited for the recruits to gather.


    Once they had all taken their places, Lyra nodded in acknowledgment. She remained silent for a moment, her piercing green eyes studying each of them in turn, as if assessing the strength and determination that had brought them here.


    ¡°Welcome to the archery guild of Moonglade, I¡¯m told you all have something grave to inform me. So just what exactly is going on in Aethercrest that resulted in five new recruits in my program?¡±


    Aelion felt a surge of tension as Lyra¡¯s gaze turned to him, the weight of her presence making him acutely aware of the role he played in delivering the message. She was calm, yet there was a subtle intensity in her eyes, a reminder of her deep commitment to Moonglade and its allies.


    ¡°Lady Lyra, Aethercrest has been attacked, ambushed, and is currently still undergoing relentless pressure. The five of us even assisted in protecting our southern gates from the intruders, as we have wounded or killed many of the foe who were intruding. From what we gathered, the enemy is unknown, no major settlement insignias have been found, and the city requires reinforcements as soon as possible.¡±


    Lyra listened intently, her fingers steepled as she absorbed each detail. When Aelion finished, she remained silent, a flicker of concern crossing her face as she processed the news. Finally, she leaned forward, her voice steady but resolute.


    ¡°Then it seems that Aethercrest will receive just that. I will send word to the other guilds and they will dispatch some of our people to your city. As for training, you will resume here.¡±


    The recruits exchanged looks of relief and gratitude. Although they had come to Moonglade to train, the reassurance that Aethercrest would receive support brought a sense of comfort, a promise that their home would not face the threat alone. Lyra summoned one of her attendants, giving him instructions to notify the other guild leaders and request immediate aid for Aethercrest. The attendant nodded and left swiftly, his footsteps echoing through the quiet hall as he disappeared down the corridor.


    Aelion felt a surge of respect for Lyra¡¯s decisiveness; she had not hesitated to stand by Aethercrest, recognizing the gravity of the threat and the importance of unity. The bonds between these two cities of Eldravale ran deeper than alliances; they were rooted in shared values and the mutual protection of their lands.


    ¡°Now as I said, with you all training here, things will be different. In Moonglade, we train separately from the other archers. You will each be given a prospector companion from our city to assist with the upkeep of your camps, and should any major injury happen, they can assist you there as well.¡±


    Aelion listened closely, intrigued by the idea of a more immersive form of training. In Aethercrest, their instruction had been rigorous, focused on technique, endurance, and precision, yet here, it seemed there would be an additional layer¡ªa need for survivability within nature and a readiness to confront the challenges of the wild.


    ¡°With this type of training it is peril that you equip yourself with the absolute necessities, and you will depart with minimum rations, as you should be hunting and foraging for yourselves.


    She paused, her gaze serious as she outlined the first task awaiting them. ¡°Your initial trial will require you to hunt an elk, a creature known for its agility, strength, and instinct for survival. You will journey alone into the forest, track the elk, and complete the hunt using only your wits and your bow. Each of you will face this task alone, and it will test your patience, skill, and understanding of the wilderness.¡±


    Selara and Illirya exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Though both were skilled with a bow, the challenge of a solo hunt was daunting, a true test of everything they had learned and an experience unlike any they had faced before.


    ¡°Upon completion of the elk trial, you will be given a silver elk path to brandish on yourself, proving your worthiness of that training.


    After a pause, Lyra continued, ¡°The final trial will be far more demanding. Once you have successfully completed the hunt for an elk, you will be tasked with hunting a black bear. This is a test not only of skill but of courage and fortitude. A black bear is a powerful creature, a force of nature, and you must be fully prepared¡ªphysically, mentally, and spiritually.¡±This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Aelion felt his pulse quicken at the mention of the final trial. A bear hunt was a formidable challenge, even for seasoned hunters. The trial demanded not only strength and skill but a calm mind and an ability to read the subtleties of the forest. It was a task that would push each of them to their limits, a test of their very essence as archers and warriors.


    Aelion¡¯s mind raced as he considered the implications of this arrangement. In Aethercrest, training had been an individual pursuit, but here, the presence of a Prospector Guild member added a new layer. The prospectors were known for their practical expertise¡ªengineers, craftsmen, and survivalists. Their skills ranged from constructing sturdy campsites to crafting tools and even basic weapons, skills that could prove essential in the dense, unpredictable wilderness of Moonglade.


    ¡°The prospectors are to not assist you in hunting whatsoever. They will not be following you around the wilderness, so be sharp, be ready, be precise.¡±


    Selara nodded thoughtfully, her eyes bright with interest. The idea of working alongside a Prospector intrigued her, a partnership that would blend their skills and allow each to focus on their strengths. Illirya, who was usually reserved, seemed more at ease as she listened, her apprehension softened by the knowledge that they wouldn¡¯t be entirely on their own.


    Aelion felt a surge of appreciation for Moonglade¡¯s approach to training. The partnership with the Prospector Guild was a reminder that no task, however daunting, needed to be faced in isolation. They were part of a network, a support system that extended beyond mere skill and technique, rooted in the understanding that true strength came from unity and shared purpose.


    Lyra rose from her seat, signaling that the meeting was drawing to a close. She took a step forward, her gaze steady as she addressed the recruits with a final word of guidance.


    ¡°I believe that with what Aethercrest taught you, you should be able to manage these feats. You should have honed in with your bows, and reflecting on your battle with the unknown enemy, I would assume that actually killing a living being, shouldn¡¯t be a problem. Now, good luck, may nature guide you.¡± Lyra waved her hand to dismiss the recruits.


    The recruits nodded, each absorbing her words in their own way. Aelion felt a renewed sense of purpose settle over him, a quiet resolve that solidified his determination to face the trials ahead. Though the trials seemed hauntingly difficult, he felt the weight of his responsibility and the importance of proving himself, not just as an archer but as a defender of Moonglade and Aethercrest alike.


    As they filed out of the meeting room, Aelion caught Selara¡¯s eye, noting the determination reflected in her expression. They exchanged a brief nod, a silent acknowledgment of the challenges they would face and the strength they would need to summon. Renar, quiet as usual, as he just stood with his arms crossed. Caidren seemed happy and ready however.


    Once outside the meeting room, the recruits were instructed to visit the guild¡¯s supply room, where they would gather the essentials needed for their journey into the wild. The room was lined with racks of bows, quivers, and lightweight packs filled with provisions and tools. Aelion scanned the supplies, carefully selecting a few items that he thought would aid him during the hunt.


    The supply master, an older elf with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor, guided each recruit through the items, explaining the purpose of each piece of equipment and offering advice on survival in Moonglade¡¯s wilderness.


    I highly suggest utilizing your hearing more so than your sight young man. The elk are great at blending in with the trees and ground. But most of all, have your patience ready, this is not a race.¡±


    Aelion gathered his gear, strapping a small pack to his shoulders and testing the weight of his bow. He felt a mixture of excitement and anticipation, knowing that he would soon be stepping into the unknown, facing the wilderness and testing his abilities in ways he had never before experienced.


    Beside him, Caidren adjusted his quiver, his face calm but focused. As a native of Moonglade, he seemed at ease with the prospect of a solo hunt, his connection to the forest evident in his steady movements. Illirya, though usually quiet, took a moment to examine each item carefully, her face set in determined concentration. Renar, however, appeared slightly restless, his gaze darting around the room as he packed his supplies with quick, efficient motions.


    With their gear secured, the recruits made their way to the edge of the guild, where a small clearing marked the starting point of their journey. The forest stretched before them, a vast, dense expanse of trees, underbrush, and winding paths that seemed to disappear into the shadows. A group of prospectors awaited them, and they all happened to appear the same age based on their features, but with elves you could never really tell. They chose which archers they would go with, and an elven boy with light green skin and blonde straight hair that reached his middle back would choose Aelion.


    One by one, the recruits prepared to set off, each glancing at the others with a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. Though they would be hunting separately, the bond they had formed during their journey to Moonglade would remain, a silent encouragement as they faced the trials alone.


    ¡°I hope to see you all back in the city with the silver elk patch. Good luck.¡±


    As Aelion turned to face the forest, he took a steadying breath, his fingers brushing over the smooth wood of his bow. The hunt would test his endurance, his instincts, and his connection with the natural world. He felt the weight of responsibility settle over him once more, a reminder that he was not only proving himself but honoring the bonds between Moonglade and Aethercrest.


    With a final glance over his shoulder, he stepped into the shadows of the forest, the canopy closing around him as he ventured deeper into the wild.


    ¡°My name is Nev, short for Nevarro. Pleased to meet you¡­¡± he paused for dramatic effect, giving Aelion a space to speak.


    ¡°Aelion, from Aethercrest, and likewise, nice to meet you.¡±


    They shared a look into the forest, the elf looked at Aelion, taking in his features. It was odd for a human to have white hair so young but genetically it was possible, in the sun it would have a slight yellow hue to it.


    ¡°Aelion, I think I may know the perfect spot for you to hunt for the elk. Though I can¡¯t help you physically, it would be the perfect spot to set up. May I show you the way?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely, as long as we don¡¯t break any rules, I would happily accept any assistance I can get. Thank you Nev.¡±


    The two set off in a direction away from the others, ensuring wherever they may go, it would be away from the other archers. Aelion looked forward to seeing this forest for himself, his parents would be proud of him.

 Chapter 11

    Aelion followed Nev down the barely discernible trail, each step seeming to carry them further into the untouched heart of Moonglade¡¯s wilderness. The canopy above grew denser as they walked, casting shifting patterns of shadow and tinted sunlight across their path. Branches rustled softly overhead, and the earthy scent of damp moss filled the air, grounding Aelion in the quiet intensity of the forest.


    He noticed right away that this path was different from the well-trodden trails near Moonglade¡¯s main roads. Here, the underbrush had crept back onto the trail, and patches of wildflowers and ferns grew undisturbed, suggesting that few feet had tread this way in some time. Nev moved with purpose, his steps light and his eyes sharp, as though he knew every bend and turn, every slight dip in the path ahead.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to take it that very very few people know about this spot, considering this path.¡± Aelion said.


    Nev smiled, glancing over his shoulder. His steps were quiet but assured, his posture reflecting a confidence born from familiarity with the forest.


    ¡°Yes, my parents brought me here when I was very young, and I visit it every so often. WIth that being said, I need you to promise me that you won¡¯t tell anybody about this place, because I don¡¯t want it ruined by kids or anybody really. It¡¯s a beautiful spot that I hold dear to my heart.¡±


    Aelion nodded, the intrigue building as they continued deeper into the woods. The two walked in comfortable silence for a time, the only sounds were their steady footsteps, the rustle of leaves, and the distant call of a night bird echoing through the trees. Eventually, the quiet rhythm of their walk drew them into conversation, a subtle ease settling over them as they shared pieces of their lives.


    ¡°So I figure since we¡¯re going to be working together here, and possibly out here for a week or so, you should know a bit about me. I grew up in Aethercrest, and my father was an archer, my mother a stay at home type of woman. My father was amazing, and was only one rank below from becoming the Archery Guild¡¯s leader, but he got injured bad, and it sort of ended his career sadly. So here I am, trying to live out his dreams, but take it the next step. I want to become not only Aethercrest¡¯s best archer, but the best in the continent.¡±


    Nev listened quietly, his gaze thoughtful as Aelion spoke of his father¡¯s past, of the injury that had ended his career and forced him to abandon his dreams. Aelion¡¯s voice carried a hint of sadness, but also determination, a reflection of the hope he held to honor his father¡¯s ambitions.


    ¡°Wow, I¡¯m sorry to hear about that Aelion. Honestly it takes a lot of strength to live out or succeed your parents, but if that is what you want to do, then I say go for it!¡±


    After a moment, Nev looked ahead, his expression hardening slightly, as though drawing strength from a memory. He spoke of his own past, his voice steady but laced with a quiet resilience.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m in the same boat to some level. My mother worked as a cleric or nurse, whatever you consider it. Her and a small group of others made the long trip to Glacier Peak many years ago, and she unfortunately got very ill, so ill that it would take her own life. And my father was just an ordinary vegetation farmer, I helped him with the crops every year until I could apply for and join the Prospector¡¯s Guild here in Moonglade. So my goal is two things, to learn how to utilize the prospector¡¯s science to control weather for a small area, and to become the best medicinal scientist to live.¡±


    Aelion felt a pang of empathy as Nev shared the story, the loss resonating deeply. There was a quiet sorrow in Nev¡¯s words, but his posture remained strong, his gaze unwavering as he spoke. It was clear that his mother¡¯s passing had left a mark, but it was also evident that Nev had transformed that pain into resolve, a purpose that now guided him.


    ¡°Nev, I couldn¡¯t imagine that. I¡¯m sorry, I bet your mother is so proud of you, whatever your beliefs may be, I reckon she is watching over you and will forever be a part of your journey.¡±


    Aelion admired Nev¡¯s strength. There was a quiet resilience in him, an unshakable determination to use his skills for the good of others. In many ways, Aelion felt a kinship with him, both of them striving to honor the memories of those they had lost by becoming something greater.


    #


    As they walked on, the canopy above began to thin, revealing glimpses of starlit sky. The air grew cooler, carrying the faint, fresh scent of running water. Nev paused at a bend in the trail, his gaze softening as he took in the path ahead.


    ¡°We¡¯re nearly there,¡± he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. Aelion nodded, his anticipation building as he followed Nev¡¯s lead. They turned the final corner, stepping into a small clearing that opened up onto a gently sloping hill.


    The hill rose above the surrounding trees, crowned by a single oak whose branches stretched outward, forming a natural arch over the landscape below. Beyond the hill, a narrow crick stream wound its way through the underbrush, its surface catching the light of the stars and the faint glow of the moon. From this vantage point, Aelion could see through the gaps in the trees for quite some distance¡ªa perfect spot for tracking and spotting any movement in the forest.


    Aelion took in the surroundings, marveling at the natural beauty of the place. The hill offered a sense of seclusion, a quiet space where the world felt distant, leaving only the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft murmur of the stream.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    ¡°This is so peaceful and beautiful, Nev this is perfect!¡±


    Nev nodded, a faint smile playing at his lips. There was a sense of pride in his eyes as he looked out over the forest. He moved with ease, his movements quiet and efficient as he began setting up their camp.


    He unfolded a camouflage tent, securing it near the base of the oak tree where the branches would offer cover from any unexpected rain. With practiced hands, he built a small fire, arranging the wood carefully before sparking a flame that glowed softly in the growing darkness. Once the fire was going, he placed a small cooking pot over the flames, setting it at an angle so it would heat slowly.


    Night had fully fallen by the time their camp was prepared, the sky above filled with stars that shimmered like scattered silver. Aelion and Nev sat by the fire, their faces lit by its soft glow as they prepared the rations they¡¯d been given¡ªa simple meal, but warm and satisfying after the long trek.


    As they ate, Aelion found himself reflecting on the day, on the journey that had brought them here and the trials that lay ahead. The quiet companionship between him and Nev brought a sense of calm, a reminder that despite the challenges, they were not alone in their journeys.


    ¡°This is an interesting trial, well the ways of archery out here anyway. How they do it in Aethercrest is more militaristic, being about precision and fighting like you were in a war, and less about survivability. I¡¯m really glad that we get to partner with a prospector too, because what you guys do is calculated and well thought out.¡±


    Nev nodded thoughtfully as Aelion spoke, his gaze steady as he listened. Though his role was to assist in camp maintenance and survival, Nev¡¯s dedication to the hunt was apparent; he viewed this trial as an opportunity to move along the ranks of the guild and eventually adventure more. Giving him opportunities that would show him more herbs and learn more science.


    With their meal finished, they sat in comfortable silence, the fire crackling softly between them as they watched the shadows dance along the edges of the clearing. The forest around them was alive with subtle sounds¡ªthe distant call of a night bird, the gentle rustling of leaves, the quiet flow of the crick stream.


    ¡°Everything here is different, the trees, color of the grass, everything. In Aethercrest we have this light green grass with thinner willow trees surrounding the outskirts of the city. Your trees here are thick and much taller than what we have. It honestly feels like a whole new world to me.¡±


    Nev smiled, his gaze drifting over the trees. He shared Aelion¡¯s appreciation for Moonglade¡¯s natural beauty, explaining that he had spent years exploring its hidden places, learning the rhythms of its creatures and the secrets of its plants. For him, the forest was not just a place to survive, but a living entity, a source of inspiration and endless mystery.


    ¡°Yes, from the legends I¡¯ve been told, when civilization split and we created the four settlements, the elves found ways to bond their arcane magic with the forest. Through time it evolved and it¡¯s as if the nature itself became able to utilize the mana of the deceased and what it was given from the living.¡±


    Aelion listened, his heart stirred by Nev¡¯s words. He had always admired the natural world, but Moonglade¡¯s forest held a unique charm, a sense of wonder that he hadn¡¯t experienced before.


    As the night deepened, Aelion felt his eyelids grow heavy, the warmth of the fire and the steady rhythm of the forest lulling him toward sleep. Nev added another log to the fire, the flames crackling softly as he glanced over at Aelion.


    ¡°Well hey, get some rest, I¡¯ll watch over us for the time being, I¡¯m gonna read and write in my journal for now. You should be ready for tomorrow.¡±


    Aelion nodded, grateful for the chance to rest. He adjusted his position, stretching out near the fire with his cloak pulled around him, the familiar weight of his bow resting nearby. As he settled in, his thoughts drifted to the elk he would track, to the forest that awaited him in the morning, filled with both promise and challenge.


    ¡°Thanks Nev, have a good night and just know I am very appreciative of everything you¡¯ve done today.¡±


    Nev nodded, his gaze thoughtful as he turned his attention to the forest. Aelion closed his eyes, feeling the tension of the day slip away as he allowed himself to drift into sleep. The last thing he heard was the quiet murmur of the stream, the gentle rhythm of the forest¡¯s heartbeat lulling him into peaceful slumber.


    #


    The soft light of dawn filtered through the trees, casting a warm, golden glow over the clearing. Aelion stirred, blinking against the early sunlight as he sat up, the cool morning air refreshing against his skin. The fire had burned down to embers, a faint wisp of smoke curling into the sky.


    Nev was already awake, sitting near the stream as he refilled the cooking pot with fresh water. He looked up as Aelion approached, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.


    ¡°Good morning Aelion, I¡¯m preparing some clean water for you to bring with you while you¡¯re out there. I also saved us some berries and bread from our rations last night.¡±


    Aelion stretched, feeling the energy of the morning settle into his limbs. He took a deep breath, savoring the crisp air and the quiet anticipation that hung in the clearing. Today would be the start of the trial, a test that would demand both skill and patience.


    ¡°Perfect.¡±


    Together, they prepared a light breakfast, savoring the last few moments of peace before Aelion set out. Nev offered a few last words of advice, his gaze steady and encouraging as he spoke.


    ¡°I highly recommend to observe the water, but go upstream a little more, and ensure you are very quiet, elk have insane hearing. Hopefully you can find one today, if not, forage any berries you can find and keep them in your spare pouch.¡±


    Aelion nodded, absorbing Nev¡¯s words as he readied his bow and gathered his gear. He felt a surge of confidence, a quiet assurance that he would face whatever lay ahead with courage and resilience.


    With a final nod to Nev, Aelion stepped toward the edge of the clearing, his eyes scanning the dense forest that stretched out before him. The path was uncertain, filled with both risk and reward, but he was ready. He would face the trial with all that he had, honoring the journey that had brought him here and the dreams that guided him forward.


    With a steadying breath, he stepped into the shadows of the forest, his heart beating in time with the pulse of Moonglade¡¯s wild beauty.

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 Chapter 12

    Aelion shifted carefully on the branch, steadying himself against the cool bark as he surveyed the dense forest below. It was early morning, the fifth day of his trial, and the familiar quiet of the forest stretched around him, broken only by the occasional rustling of leaves or the soft call of a distant bird. The air was crisp and clear, carrying a faint chill that kept him alert as he scanned the terrain for movement.


    Over the past few days, he had settled into the rhythm of the forest, learning its sounds, its silences, and the subtle cues that marked the presence of life in its shadows. He had managed to hunt a few rabbits and gathered a variety of berries to sustain him, his pack carefully balanced with his meager provisions. The small successes had strengthened his confidence, each one a reminder of his purpose and the patience the forest required.


    As the sun rose higher, casting soft beams of light through the canopy, Aelion felt his senses sharpen, his attention attuned to even the smallest signs of movement. He had climbed the tree before dawn, positioning himself to overlook the crick where Nev had said the elk might wander. Hours passed, the morning stretching into late morning, and though his muscles began to ache from the stillness, he remained focused, his hand resting lightly on his bow.


    Then, just as he began to wonder if he¡¯d have to return to the ground, a faint sound reached his ears¡ªthe gentle splash of water. Aelion¡¯s heart quickened as he carefully turned, his gaze locking onto a shadowed figure standing by the crick. There, in the faint mist rising from the water, was the elk.


    Its graceful frame stood outlined against the morning light, its head lowered as it drank from the crick, oblivious to his presence. Aelion felt a surge of excitement, tempered by the knowledge that this moment demanded absolute control and patience. He shifted his weight slightly, his fingers tightening on his bow as he nocked an arrow.


    He drew a deep breath, allowing his heartbeat to settle, his eyes focused on the elk¡¯s broad shoulder. It was the perfect angle¡ªone that would ensure a quick, clean shot if he executed it precisely. Slowly, he drew back the bowstring, feeling the familiar tension in his arms as he steadied his aim.


    ¡°I hope this is quick for you buddy.¡± Aelion whispered.


    As his breathing steadied, he released the arrow, his fingers snapping away from the bowstring in a smooth, practiced motion. The arrow sliced through the air, striking the elk with a soft thud as it embedded itself in the animal¡¯s shoulder. For a heartbeat, the forest was still, then the elk reared, startled, its powerful legs propelling it into the underbrush as it fled.


    Aelion wasted no time, dropping from the tree and landing softly on the forest floor. He moved swiftly, following the trail of broken branches and faint traces of blood that marked the elk¡¯s path. The forest seemed to close around him as he ran, his footfalls light and precise, his senses honed on the faint sounds of the elk¡¯s movement ahead.


    For nearly five minutes, Aelion pursued the elk, his focus unbroken. His surroundings blurred as he moved, his attention trained on the faint marks that guided his path. The elk¡¯s strides grew slower, its strength waning as the wound took its toll. Aelion could hear its labored breaths, the faint rustle of leaves as it staggered forward, determined but faltering.


    He pressed on, his breath steady, his mind clear as he closed the distance. The underbrush grew thicker, branches and vines tugging at his clothing as he navigated the narrow path. His heartbeat quickened as he sensed he was nearing the end of the hunt, the culmination of days of preparation and patience.


    Finally, he caught sight of the elk, its body partially obscured by a dense thicket of ferns. It had slowed to a near halt, its breaths heavy and labored as it leaned against a tree for support. Aelion approached cautiously, his bow drawn and ready in case the elk attempted to bolt.


    ¡°I¡­ did it, I really did it,¡± he spoke softly, ¡°you¡¯re a big guy you know that? So beautiful, rest easy.¡±


    With a final, careful step, he nocked another arrow, taking aim at the elk¡¯s heart to ensure a swift end. His shot was precise, and the elk fell, its body relaxing into the earth as its spirit returned to the forest.


    Aelion lowered his bow, a sense of reverence settling over him as he approached the fallen creature. He knelt beside it, taking a moment to honor the life he had taken, the creature¡¯s strength and grace a testament to the wild beauty of Moonglade¡¯s wilderness. He whispered a quiet prayer of gratitude, acknowledging the elk¡¯s sacrifice and the role it played in his journey.


    With a deep breath, Aelion set to work, his movements steady and respectful as he prepared the elk for transport. He carefully inspected the arrow wound, noting the accuracy of his shot and feeling a quiet pride at the skills he had honed over the years. The elk was a powerful creature, and though he had succeeded, the hunt had tested him in ways he hadn¡¯t anticipated.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    The task was grueling, requiring both strength and precision as he worked to secure the meat, hide and trophy head. He cut away only what he needed, knowing that any waste would be a disservice to the creature¡¯s spirit. As he worked, he felt a renewed sense of purpose settle over him, the quiet understanding that this trial was about more than skill; it was about respect, patience, and resilience.


    By the time Aelion finished preparing the elk, the sun was high overhead, casting warm rays through the trees and illuminating the forest floor. He felt the weight of fatigue in his muscles, but his heart was light with the satisfaction of accomplishment. Securing what he needed, he began the journey back to camp, his steps slower as he navigated the familiar path.


    The forest was alive with the sounds of midday, the gentle hum of insects and the distant calls of birds filling the air as he walked. Aelion took in the sights around him, appreciating the beauty of Moonglade¡¯s wilderness with a renewed sense of gratitude. The forest had tested him, but it had also taught him, revealing lessons that went beyond mere archery skills.


    As he neared the camp, he caught sight of the faint trail that led to the hill where Nev had set up their tents. Aelion smiled, his mind drifting to the conversations they had shared, the quiet understanding they had formed over the past days. Nev¡¯s guidance had been invaluable, a reminder that even in a solitary task, support and companionship held a quiet strength.


    When he reached the camp, he found Nev waiting near the fire, his posture relaxed but alert. Nev¡¯s face lit up as he saw Aelion approaching, his eyes reflecting a mixture of pride and approval. Aelion felt a surge of satisfaction as he set down the gatherings from the elk, his gaze meeting Nev¡¯s in a silent acknowledgment of his success.


    ¡°And just like that, I¡¯d say you passed the first test of our archery training. Congratulations Aelion!¡± Nev spoke with joy.


    Aelion nodded, feeling a sense of accomplishment settle over him as he sat by the fire. Nev set to work preparing the cooking pot, adding a few ingredients he had gathered from the forest while Aelion had been hunting. The scent of herbs and roots filled the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the fire.


    As they cooked, Aelion felt the weight of the hunt lifting, replaced by a quiet satisfaction and the warmth of shared achievement. The food they prepared was simple, but as they ate, he felt a renewed strength settle into his bones, a reminder of the patience the forest demanded and the rewards it offered in return.


    ¡°It was amazing Nev, and it was exactly how you called it. I just so happened to be in a tree branch right over there,¡± Aelion pointing to the direction of his whereabouts, ¡°and I heard its footsteps splashing into the water. Just north of me was this beautiful creature, and now, the rest is history.¡±


    Nev listened attentively, nodding in understanding as Aelion spoke. His presence was steady, a grounding force that balanced Aelion¡¯s reflective mood with quiet encouragement. They spoke of the forest, and Aelion felt a deeper respect for Moonglade¡¯s approach to training, the emphasis it placed on connection with the land.


    As dusk settled over the forest, casting long shadows across the clearing, Aelion and Nev stoked the fire, the flames flickering warmly as they settled in for the evening. The quiet rhythm of the forest wrapped around them, the sounds of crickets and the soft rustle of leaves creating a peaceful backdrop.


    Aelion felt a sense of peace as he gazed into the fire, his thoughts drifting over the past days. The trial had been demanding, but it had revealed a strength within him, a quiet resilience that had carried him through the long hours of waiting, the intensity of the hunt, and the reverence of the kill. He felt a kinship with Nev, a shared understanding of the weight they both carried, shaped by the past and driven by purpose.


    Later, as they prepared for sleep, Aelion lay by the fire, his thoughts drifting as he listened to the quiet hum of the forest. The events of the day replayed in his mind, the intensity of the hunt tempered by the peace of the forest¡¯s embrace. He felt a quiet pride, a sense of fulfillment that went beyond the physical success of the trial.


    As he drifted into sleep, his dreams carried him back to Aethercrest, to memories of his father and the quiet strength he had passed down to him. He also dreamed of the forest, of the lessons it had taught him and the challenges that lay ahead, the journey that would shape him into the archer he aspired to be.


    When he woke the next morning, the sky was painted with the soft hues of dawn, the promise of a new day reflected in the gentle light that filtered through the trees. Aelion felt a renewed sense of purpose as he stretched, his muscles sore but his spirit light.


    Nev greeted him with a nod, his expression one of quiet approval. The trial had tested Aelion, had pushed him beyond his limits, but it had also revealed a deeper strength, a resilience that would guide him forward.


    ¡°Morning Aelion, we¡¯re gonna have to report back to the city now so you can provide proof of your success.¡± Nev spoke softly, aware of the early morning.


    Aelion nodded, his heart filled with a quiet gratitude as he prepared for the journey back to Moonglade. He felt a sense of pride, not only for the success of the hunt but for the journey itself, the patience, and strength it had required.


    With the elk¡¯s materials in stow, they set out, the path winding back toward the city that awaited them. Aelion felt a kinship with the forest, a bond that had grown stronger with each step, each moment of silence and reflection. He was no longer merely an archer in training; he was part of something greater, a soon to be guardian of the wilderness and a protector of the bond between Aethercrest and Moonglade.


    Together, he and Nev walked through the trees, their footsteps quiet and steady as they returned to the city, carrying with them the spirit of the forest and the memories it had given them.

 Chapter 13

    The gates of Moonglade came into view as Aelion and Nev emerged from the forest trail, the soft glow of the city¡¯s silverwood architecture catching the midday light. Aelion felt a surge of relief, tempered by the exhaustion that weighed on his shoulders from the journey. The pack on his back was lighter now, but the memory of the elk hunt lingered heavily in his mind, a mixture of pride and reverence for the trial he had endured.


    As they passed through the gates, the serene hum of Moonglade¡¯s streets welcomed them. Elves moved gracefully along the paths, their robes shimmering with patterns of stars and vines. The distant sound of a lute carried on the breeze, mingling with the rustle of leaves overhead. Aelion allowed himself a moment to take it all in, his senses soaking up the calm energy of the city.


    ¡°Welcome back,¡± Nev said, his voice light but warm. ¡°Feels good to see those gates again, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    Aelion nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he glanced at his companion. ¡°I will always respect just how amazing this city looks at any time of day. I haven¡¯t been to Caelumreach or Glacier Peak yet, I wonder if those are just as whimsical.¡±


    Nev chuckled, his light green skin catching the soft silver glow of the surrounding trees. ¡°Hard to say another city is as beautiful as mine, but I will say you would probably think Caelumreach is similar to Aethercrest, but Glacier Peak, from my understanding is an icy mess.¡±


    The Archery Guild stood as it always had, a seamless blend of living wood and artistry, its massive silverwood bow arching gracefully above the entrance. Aelion felt a renewed sense of awe as he stepped inside, the faint scent of polished wood and herbs greeting him. He moved through the hall with purpose, Nev walking quietly at his side, until they reached the main chamber where Lady Lyra awaited.


    Lyra stood near a carved wooden table, her ebony hair cascading down her back and her deep green eyes piercing yet calm. She turned as Aelion entered, her gaze falling immediately to the bundle he carried. There was no need for words¡ªher slight nod of approval was enough to send a wave of pride through Aelion¡¯s chest.


    He approached the table, carefully unwrapping the trophy he had prepared: the elk¡¯s antlers and hide, cleaned and polished to honor the creature¡¯s life and spirit. The antlers gleamed faintly in the light filtering through the guild¡¯s open windows, a testament to the strength and grace of the animal.


    ¡°Congratulations, it seems you have completed the task. I am to assume you hunted the elk on your own, as I don¡¯t feel a shred of deception in your eyes. Well done, Aelion.


    Aelion listened intently, his posture straight as he absorbed Lyra¡¯s words. There was something deeply fulfilling about her approval, a recognition that he had taken his first true step toward becoming not just an archer, but a guardian of the wilderness.


    With a small motion, Lyra gestured for an attendant to step forward. The elf carried a small patch embroidered with silver thread, its design depicting the silhouette of an elk framed by delicate lunar patterns. The silver elk patch was a mark of achievement, one that symbolized Aelion¡¯s successful completion of the first trial.


    Lyra held the patch out to him, her gaze steady. ¡°Now, you shall sport this patch, showing your achievements thus far. However, your trials are not complete just yet as you¡¯re aware, I¡¯m sure.¡±


    Aelion took the patch with reverence, his fingers brushing over the intricate stitching. The weight of the moment settled over him as he handed it to another attendant, who began sewing it carefully onto his cloak. The silver thread caught the light as the patch was secured in place, a permanent reminder of his progress.


    When it was done, Aelion ran his fingers over the patch, a small smile breaking across his face. ¡°I am very proud to have completed this trial, and I look forward to the final one. Thank you.¡± If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Lyra nodded, a faint smile softening her sharp features. ¡°Yes, well as you know then, the last trial is the bear hunt. You may choose to have Nev here as your prospector again, or allow us to get a new one for you. What will you choose?¡±


    The words settled over Aelion like a weight, but not an unwelcome one. The bear hunt would be the ultimate test of his skill, endurance, and courage. He knew the stakes were higher, the risks greater, but he felt a quiet resolve building within him. This was the path he had chosen, the challenge that would define his journey.


    ¡°I choose to have Nev by my side once again.¡±


    Lyra stepped closer, her voice steady. ¡°Understand this please, bears are not to be toyed with. Ensure that if you find one and are going to be taking a shot, let it be straight to the heart or the head.¡±


    Aelion turned to Nev, gratitude flickering in his eyes. ¡°You did great for the elk trial, if you would like to join me for this, I¡¯d be most grateful.¡±


    Lyra inclined her head, her expression approving. ¡°Well you certainly have the blessing of both guilds to do this if you wish. Make sure you place your trust in one another, for the safety of your following days. Good luck to you two.¡±


    With the arrangements made, Lyra dismissed them, her final words lingering in Aelion¡¯s mind as they left the chamber. ¡°Now, go enjoy the city for the night, you haven¡¯t really had a free day in quite some time I¡¯d imagine. Off you go.¡±


    #


    The sun hung low in the sky as Aelion and Nev stepped back into the city streets, the soft golden light casting long shadows across the silverwood buildings. The quiet buzz of Moonglade¡¯s evening life surrounded them¡ªelves gathering in open courtyards, the gentle sound of laughter and conversation mingling with the music of a lute.


    Nev glanced at Aelion, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. ¡°I would like to show you around the city myself, it will be quite the spectacle if you would like.¡±


    Aelion nodded, his curiosity piqued. Together, they wandered through the city, their steps unhurried as they explored the winding paths and shaded glades. Nev pointed out landmarks and shared small stories about the city¡¯s history, his voice filled with quiet pride as he spoke of Moonglade¡¯s culture and traditions.


    They passed through a marketplace alive with soft chatter, the stalls displaying wares crafted from natural materials¡ªwoven fabrics, carved wood, and shimmering stones. The scents of herbs and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with the faint perfume of flowers from nearby gardens.


    Aelion paused at a small fountain, its water catching the light as it flowed over carved stone adorned with lunar symbols. He ran his fingers over the cool surface, his thoughts drifting as he took in the peaceful beauty of the scene.


    ¡°I see why the people here are proud to be from here. The culture and environment is enough to make one feel like they¡¯re in a dream, it truly is an unreal feeling.¡±


    Nev nodded, his gaze thoughtful. ¡°Yes, and imagine being a child running through these streets. Your imagination is always allowed to have freedom, and it¡¯s only amplified by the aforementioned mana that seeps through the very ground we walk on.¡±


    As the evening deepened, the city¡¯s lights began to glow softly, casting a silvery sheen over the pathways. Aelion felt a sense of calm settle over him, the peaceful rhythm of Moonglade offering a moment of respite before the trials ahead. He glanced at Nev, a silent gratitude in his expression for the companionship that had lightened the weight of the journey.


    They eventually found their way back to the guild, the quiet hum of the forest blending seamlessly with the sounds of the city. Aelion felt a renewed sense of purpose as they approached, his hand brushing over the silver elk patch on his cloak. The trial ahead would be demanding, dangerous, and perilous, but he was ready to face it, bolstered by the lessons he had learned.


    As they prepared to part for the night, Nev clapped a hand on Aelion¡¯s shoulder, his expression steady. ¡°Get a good night''s rest my friend, I¡¯ll be back in the morning to bring you to the next location, it¡¯s a bit further than the last trial, so be prepared.¡±


    Aelion nodded, his resolve firm. ¡°You as well Nev, I look forward to it.¡±


    With the quiet glow of Moonglade surrounding them, the two turned away from eachother, their footsteps light on the silverwood paths. Aelion felt a sense of anticipation building within him, the knowledge of the trial ahead mingling with the calm of the evening. For now, he allowed himself to rest, to savor the peace of Moonglade before the wilderness called him once more.

 Chapter 14

    The morning air was crisp as Aelion approached the path leading northwest from Moonglade, his cloak draped lightly over his shoulders and his bow strapped securely to his back. The sun was just cresting the horizon, casting a golden glow over the silverwood trees that bordered the city. He spotted Nev waiting ahead, standing casually with his pack slung over one shoulder and his eyes scanning the trail as though memorizing every detail.


    Nev waved as Aelion drew closer, his relaxed demeanor a stark contrast to the sense of anticipation humming through Aelion¡¯s veins. ¡°Good morning friend, you ready to take on a bear?¡±


    Aelion nodded in return, his steps steady as he reached his companion. ¡°Yes I am, though I will admit that I¡¯m kind of nervous, bears can be extremely dangerous. I will make due however.¡±


    The trail before them was wide but unmarked, weaving gently through the dense forest that stretched northwest toward the mountains. The air was cool, carrying the earthy scent of damp leaves and moss, and the forest around them thrummed with subtle life¡ªthe rustle of birds, the faint scurry of small creatures, and the distant whisper of wind through the treetops.


    As they walked, their steps falling into an easy rhythm, the silence between them was punctuated by bursts of small talk. Nev, ever the optimist, seemed determined to keep their spirits light despite the arduous journey ahead.


    ¡°Ya know, I¡¯ve seen the biggest idiots come back with a bear¡¯s head, so if they can manage to pull it off, I¡¯m certain that you can. At least you have a proper head on your shoulders.¡±


    Aelion chuckled, appreciating the distraction as they moved deeper into the woods. ¡°I appreciate that man, it makes me wonder where the other recruits are at, the ones I came to Moonglade with from Aethercrest.¡±


    Their conversation drifted to the border scouts they occasionally spotted along the way¡ªfigures dressed in green and silver, their movements silent and precise as they blended seamlessly with the forest. The scouts watched from the shadows, their eyes sharp and alert, a reminder that Moonglade¡¯s vigilance extended far beyond its city walls.


    ¡°These scouts are so good at their jobs, our city hasn¡¯t been attacked in ages by any bandits or really anybody at that. I hear that most of them are from the archery guild, and they are ten year veterans or older.¡±


    Aelion glanced up at the trees, catching a fleeting glimpse of a scout moving gracefully through the canopy. ¡°It must be their training throughout the forest that have made them much better at protecting your city, with the militarized methods of Aethercrest, there¡¯s no mistaking that our scouts lacked the same abilities that your scouts have. I hope that I can be as great as these scouts, if not better.¡±


    As the sun climbed higher in the sky, the forest began to shift subtly around them. The trees grew taller and thicker, their trunks gnarled and ancient, and the underbrush became denser, brushing against their legs as they navigated the winding trail. The terrain sloped gently upward, the first signs of the mountains that loomed in the distance.


    Aelion felt the weight of his pack pressing against his shoulders, a constant reminder of the supplies they carried for the days ahead. His mind wandered to the task before him, the bear hunt that would test not only his skill but his courage and resilience.


    ¡°Do you think I can become one of them someday? I guess I have some doubt in my mind, I remember training with Renar, I was always in third place behind Selara. So it makes me feel like my dream of becoming the absolute best isn¡¯t actually achievable.¡±


    Nev glanced at him, his expression calm but thoughtful. ¡°I remember growing up, my mother always told me that sometimes the people you see that are great, are only that. They¡¯re great, but not perfect. You also need to understand that a lot of people plateau and are stuck at a stand still, unable to progress any further. However, that doesn¡¯t mean that you will. Just because those few people that happen to be roughly the same age as you are better at this moment, that may not hold up in the coming days.¡±


    The conversation helped to ease the weight of the journey, their voices blending with the sounds of the forest as they pressed on. They paused only briefly to drink from a clear stream or to snack on the dried provisions they had brought, their focus on conserving energy for the long walk ahead.


    As dusk began to settle over the forest, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, the sound of rushing water reached their ears. Nev slowed, glancing back at Aelion with a faint smile. ¡°Look around now, we¡¯re almost there!¡±


    The trail opened onto a wide, flat surface nestled against the cliffside. Before them, a waterfall cascaded gracefully from a rocky outcrop, its waters tumbling forty feet into the river below. The air was cool and damp, carrying a faint mist from the falls that glimmered in the fading light. Aelion took a moment to take it all in, the beauty of the scene mingling with the sense of accomplishment that came with reaching their destination.


    ¡°This¡­ is perfect,¡± Aelion murmured, his voice barely audible over the sound of the falls. ¡°Time and time again, this place leaves me in awe.¡±


    Nev nodded, his eyes scanning the area with practiced precision. ¡°And again like with the elk, I brought us to the water. The bears here love to catch fish and prey on other wildlife that come by for a drink¡±


    The two set to work setting up their camp, their movements efficient and coordinated despite the fatigue that had settled into their muscles. Nev unfolded the camouflage tent, securing it against the rock face where it would be sheltered from the wind. He gathered dry wood from the surrounding area, careful to keep the fire small and unobtrusive.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    Aelion arranged their supplies near the tent, his hands steady despite the ache in his arms. He couldn¡¯t help but glance toward the waterfall every so often, its steady rhythm a soothing backdrop to their preparations.


    ¡°Like last time too, I got you on cooking and the upkeep, I¡¯ll make us a stew.¡±


    As darkness fell, they lit the fire, its warm glow casting flickering shadows against the cliffside. Nev placed a small cooking pot over the flames, adding a handful of dried herbs and roots he had brought along. The scent of the simmering broth mingled with the fresh, cool air, creating a sense of comfort that contrasted with the wildness of their surroundings.


    The stars emerged one by one, their light reflecting off the river below and casting a soft glow over the camp. Aelion sat near the fire, his cloak wrapped around his shoulders as he watched the flames dance. The journey had been long, but the sense of peace that came with reaching their destination was undeniable.


    ¡°I¡¯ve come to terms with it, I will complete my challenge and continue to move forward, I refuse to remain stagnant.¡±


    Nev stirred the pot, his gaze thoughtful as he glanced at Aelion. ¡°See now that¡¯s what I¡¯m talking about. I hate seeing people all down and out with themselves, head up and aim for the stars my friend.¡±


    The conversation drifted into silence, the crackle of the fire and the steady rush of the waterfall filling the quiet. Aelion felt a sense of calm settle over him, a moment of stillness before the intensity of the trial that lay ahead. He glanced toward Nev, appreciating the steadiness of his companion, the quiet strength that had guided them through the journey.


    Later, as the fire burned lower and the forest grew quiet, Aelion stood at the edge of the cliff, his gaze drifting over the river below. The moon cast a silvery light over the water, its reflection shimmering like a thousand tiny stars. The steady roar of the waterfall filled his ears, a reminder of the power and beauty of the natural world.


    #


    As the night deepened, they returned to the fire, settling in for the evening. Aelion felt the weight of the day in his limbs, but his spirit was light, bolstered by the knowledge that they had made it this far. The waterfall¡¯s rhythm lulled him toward sleep, its steady pulse a reminder of the strength and resilience that defined the wild.


    With a final glance at the fire, Aelion allowed his eyes to close, his thoughts drifting to the trial ahead and the quiet determination that carried him forward. The warmth of the fire and the steady rhythm of the waterfall soon lulled Aelion into a deep sleep. His body relaxed, his breathing steady, but his mind seemed to drift elsewhere, carried by unseen currents.


    Suddenly, he found himself standing in a vast, dark expanse. There was no ground beneath his feet, yet he stood as if balanced on the surface of water so still it reflected the starry void above. Each step he took sent faint ripples spreading outward, shimmering faintly like liquid starlight. He looked down and saw no reflection of himself, only an endless depth that mirrored the infinite sky above.


    The air¡ªor what he perceived as air¡ªwas heavy, laden with a sense of something unseen, ancient, and watchful. A faint blue light shimmered all around, glowing wisps floating lazily like fireflies in the night. They moved with an almost sentient purpose, circling him in slow, deliberate arcs.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Aelion called out, his voice trembling with uncertainty.


    The word echoed, each syllable reverberating outward in waves that seemed to go on forever. The sound filled the space, overlapping itself in haunting harmony until it faded into silence.


    ¡°Where am I?¡± he tried again, his voice carried farther than it should, the echoes wrapping around him like whispers from the void.


    The glowing wisps seemed to react to his voice, swirling closer to him, their movement like a gentle breeze coaxing them into motion. Aelion¡¯s heart pounded in his chest as the stars above began to shift, their positions aligning with a strange, deliberate symmetry. The air grew heavier still, as if the space itself were holding its breath.


    Then, without warning, a bright light pierced the darkness. A full moon, massive and radiant, materialized above him. Its silvery glow bathed the void in light, illuminating the shimmering surface below and casting faint shadows from the glowing wisps. The sight of it filled Aelion with both awe and unease, the beauty of the moment tempered by the strange pull he felt in its presence.


    The moon seemed alive, its light shifting and pulsing as if breathing. Aelion felt a powerful tug from it¡ªnot physical, but something deeper, a pull that resonated in his very core. He stumbled, his footing unsteady as the sensation grew stronger, his body beginning to rise against his will.


    ¡°What is happening?¡± he gasped, the words echoing wildly around him.


    The glowing wisps swirled faster, converging around his body and forming a vortex of blue light. Their motion grew more intense with each passing second, their ethereal glow enveloping him in a cocoon of energy. He tried to resist the pull, but his body betrayed him, lifting higher into the air as the moon¡¯s gravity seemed to claim him.


    His arms spread wide, and his heart pounded like a drum as the vortex of light tightened around him. The wisps'' glow became blinding, their spiraling motion so fast it seemed like a single beam of light stretching toward the moon.


    He cried out, his voice lost in the roar of the energy surrounding him. The light consumed his vision entirely, leaving him weightless in a void of pure brilliance. Then, everything went still¡ªsilent, blinding, and infinite.


    Aelion awoke with a jolt, his body trembling and his breath coming in shallow gasps. The pale light of dawn filtered through the trees, and the steady rush of the waterfall filled the quiet camp. He pressed a hand to his chest, his heart racing as though he had just run for miles.


    For a moment, he sat frozen, the vivid memory of the dream lingering in his mind like a shadow. He could still feel the pull of the moon, the weightlessness of the light, the echo of his own voice. It had felt so real, so intense, as though it had been more than a dream.


    A rustling sound drew his attention, and he turned to see Nev stirring from his bedroll, his expression calm and unhurried. Aelion ran a hand through his hair, trying to steady himself as he glanced toward the rising sun. Whatever the dream had been, it left him with an unsettling sense of purpose¡ªas though it had been a message, though its meaning eluded him.


    He took a deep breath, the cool morning air grounding him. The trial awaited, and though the dream lingered at the edges of his mind, he pushed it aside, focusing on the task ahead.


    For now, the mysteries of the dream would have to wait.

 Chapter 15

    The rhythmic sound of the river filled the quiet morning as Aelion crouched near the water¡¯s edge, his eyes scanning the currents for any signs of movement. A week had passed since he and Nev had arrived at their cliffside camp, and while the days had been filled with preparation and searching, the elusive bear had remained just that¡ªelusive.


    Aelion¡¯s thoughts drifted to his dream of the moon and its pull. The vivid imagery had haunted him ever since, resurfacing during quiet moments like this, when his mind wandered in the stillness. There was a connection there, something intangible and arcane, but he had no answers.


    ¡°Focus,¡± he whispered to himself, his voice barely audible above the river¡¯s gentle rush.


    It was late morning when Aelion finally spotted the beast. He had been walking upriver, the forest¡¯s damp earth soft beneath his boots, when a flash of movement caught his attention. He froze, his body tensing as he slowly turned toward the source of the motion.


    There, in the shallow water of the river, stood a massive brown bear. Its fur glistened with water as it pawed at the currents, fishing for its meal. The sheer size of the creature was enough to send a chill through Aelion¡¯s body, its hulking frame rippling with muscle as it moved with quiet, deliberate power.


    He reached for his bow, his fingers trembling slightly as he nocked an arrow. Every breath felt heavy as he steadied his aim, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the bear¡¯s shoulder. The shot had to be precise; anything less would only enrage the creature.


    ¡°This is it, time to make something of myself.¡±


    Drawing a deep breath, he released the arrow, the familiar twang of the bowstring cutting through the air. The arrow flew true, striking the bear¡¯s shoulder with a dull thud.


    But it wasn¡¯t enough.


    The bear roared, a deep, guttural sound that echoed through the forest, and turned its massive head toward Aelion. Its eyes burned with fury, its body tense as it launched itself toward him, water spraying around it as it surged from the river.


    Panic surged through Aelion as he scrambled backward, his heart pounding in his chest. The bear moved with terrifying speed, its massive paws tearing into the earth as it charged. He stumbled, nearly losing his footing as he reached for another arrow, his hands shaking as adrenaline coursed through his veins.


    His mind raced as he nocked the arrow, the memory of his dream flashing before his eyes¡ªthe still water, the glowing wisps, the pull of the moon. A strange sensation welled up within him, a mix of fear and something deeper, something he couldn¡¯t explain.


    The arrow in his hand began to glow faintly, a soft blue light pulsing along its shaft. Aelion¡¯s breath hitched as he stared at it, the energy unfamiliar but somehow comforting, like an extension of the dream that had haunted him.


    ¡°What is this¡­?¡± he muttered, his voice trembling.


    The bear leaped, its claws outstretched, and Aelion¡¯s instincts took over. He raised his bow, his aim guided not by thought but by an instinctive pull, and released the arrow just as the bear¡¯s claws raked across his thigh.


    Pain exploded through Aelion¡¯s leg, the bear¡¯s claws tearing through flesh and muscle as he cried out in agony. The force of the blow sent him sprawling backward, his bow clattering to the ground beside him.


    The glowing arrow struck its target.


    The bear¡¯s roar cut off abruptly as the arrow buried itself directly in the center of its skull. A burst of blue energy pulsed outward from the impact, the light momentarily blinding as it enveloped the beast. For a heartbeat, the forest was still, the energy dissipating into the air like fading fireflies.


    When Aelion¡¯s vision cleared, the bear¡¯s massive body lay motionless on top of him, its weight pressing him into the earth. Blood seeped from his thigh, the sharp, searing pain nearly overwhelming as he struggled to catch his breath.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    ¡°I¡­ I did it,¡± he whispered, his voice hoarse.


    Aelion¡¯s breaths came in short gasps as he tried to push the bear¡¯s weight off of him, his arms trembling from the effort. He managed to shift the massive body just enough to free himself, rolling onto his side with a groan. His leg throbbed, blood soaking through the fabric of his pants and pooling on the ground beneath him.


    ¡°Stay awake,¡± he muttered to himself, his voice shaky.


    He tore a strip of cloth from his cloak, tying it tightly around his thigh to stem the bleeding. The makeshift bandage held, but the pain was relentless, a constant reminder of how close he had come to death.


    The sound of hurried footsteps reached Aelion¡¯s ears, followed by Nev¡¯s voice calling his name. Relief washed over him as his companion appeared, his face a mixture of concern and urgency as he knelt beside Aelion.


    ¡°I saw everything from up the hill, what was that blue magic on your arrow? Are you a mage? By the two moons¡­ I should shut up, you killed the bear, amazing job my friend.¡±


    Aelion managed a faint smile, though his face was pale and slick with sweat. ¡°I honestly have no clue Nev, I had a dream the other night and there was an energy pulling at me, and that felt familiar. Anyways, can you help me with this?¡± Aelion asked pointing at his gashes.


    Nev wasted no time, his hands deft as he examined the wound and tightened the bandage. He glanced at the glowing arrow still embedded in the bear¡¯s skull, his expression unreadable.


    Nev¡¯s brow furrowed, but he nodded, his focus returning to Aelion¡¯s injury. ¡°We need to get you back to camp,¡± he said, his voice firm. ¡°Can you walk?¡±


    With Nev¡¯s help, Aelion managed to stand, his weight leaning heavily on his companion as they made their way back to camp. Every step sent fresh waves of pain through his leg, but he gritted his teeth, determined to stay upright.


    Before they would leave for the camp, Aelion ensured they would take the bear¡¯s head for a trophy, proving his accomplishment of the last trial. The weight of the head alone was enough to make a difference in the aching muscles of Aelion¡¯s body.


    The camp came into view just as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the forest. Nev guided Aelion to a makeshift bedroll near the fire, his movements careful as he helped him lower himself to the ground.


    Nev tended to the wound with practiced efficiency, using herbs and salves from his Prospector¡¯s kit to clean and dress it. The pain dulled slightly as the treatment took effect, though Aelion still felt the deep ache in his muscles.


    ¡°I got to say, you¡¯re quite lucky to even be alive. That bear could have easily torn into an artery or a major organ. You killed a big one.¡±


    Aelion nodded, his eyes drifting toward the fire as exhaustion began to take hold. ¡°Yeah I know, I should¡¯ve been more patient with my first shot, I hit it¡¯s shoulder instead of it¡¯s throat or head. I will say that was on me, a rookie mistake.¡±


    As the night deepened, the forest around them grew quiet, the sounds of the river and the crackling fire blending into a soothing rhythm. Aelion lay on his back, staring up at the stars as his thoughts drifted. The image of the glowing arrow lingered in his mind, a strange and unexplainable phenomenon that felt tied to something far greater than himself.


    He thought of the moon in his dream, its pull and its light, and the way it had seemed to awaken something within him. Was it coincidence, or was there a connection? The questions swirled in his mind, unanswered but persistent.


    ¡°I think I should go to the mages guild and tell them about what happened. It certainly isn¡¯t natural for an arrow to turn blue, my whole life I¡¯ve only wondered what it was like to possess arcane powers, but how do I know that was what it even was?¡±


    Nev listened quietly, his gaze thoughtful as he poked at the fire. ¡°Well I guess my piece of advice would be to return to Moonglade, complete the trials and become an authorized archer of Eldravale. Then after that I would start asking questions. You don¡¯t want people hearing of such a fairy tale-esque story and not believing it, they could easily shove you out of the system if you did that.¡±


    As the fire burned low and the stars above seemed to shimmer brighter, Aelion felt a sense of quiet resolve settle over him. The trial had tested him in ways he hadn¡¯t anticipated, pushing him to his physical and emotional limits. Yet, he had prevailed, emerging stronger and more determined than ever.


    His leg throbbed, a constant reminder of the battle, but the pain felt like a badge of honor¡ªa testament to his courage and resilience. He glanced at Nev, his companion¡¯s steady presence a source of comfort and strength.


    ¡°Hey, thank you for taking care of me too, and making all of this possible. I hope we can somehow continue to work together in the future.¡±


    Nev nodded, his expression happy. ¡°Absolutely Aelion, it¡¯s safe to say that you have been a great friend and I¡¯m glad to say I was a part of everything you¡¯re going to accomplish!¡±


    As sleep began to claim him, Aelion allowed himself to rest, the mysteries of the glowing arrow and his dream lingering at the edges of his thoughts. Whatever lay ahead, he knew he would face it with the same determination that had carried him through the trial.

 Act 2 - Chapter 1

    As the sun peeked over the corn tassels, a gentle breeze rustled the grass, signaling another ordinary day in the quaint farm town of Starch, where Ariah and Elias Silver called home. With harvesting season on the horizon, anticipation filled the air as the townsfolk prepared for their beloved festival¡ªa time of music, dance, and culinary delights.


    Starch operated not under the governance of a leader, but through the collaborative efforts of its residents, a bustling community where individuals exchanged goods and services freely. Among them was Dusty, the seasoned blacksmith who tended to the town''s weaponry and tools, earning his reputation as a stalwart pillar of society. Then there was the Paine family, led by the venerable Ivan "Old Man" Paine, overseeing the agricultural endeavors that sustained the village. And of course, the affluent Auken family, renowned traders whose ventures brought prosperity to Starch, in turn enriching the entire community.


    Now as for the Silvers, Adrian and Joy Silver were drafted into the war. To their own demise, they used to reside in Fairstad, which meant that King Artos gave himself permission to force civilians to fight for him, or they died. To this day, it is a mystery if Adrian and Joy are alive, luckily for their children however, they were well taken care of in their new home of Starch.


    But amidst the tranquility, distant screams shattered the serenity. Clad in dark attire, Ariah and Elias hastened towards Dusty''s shop, drawn by the urgent commotion echoing from the northern outskirts of town. Initially dismissed as the mischievous antics of the Paine boys, the severity of the situation soon became apparent as they joined the throngs of concerned townsfolk.


    Their arrival at Dusty''s coincided with his urgent summons¡ªStarch was under threat of attack. Hastily donning their lightweight armor, Ariah armed herself with a half-length battlestaff, a relic of Elven craftsmanship, while Elias, skilled in the art of stealth, readied himself for the impending confrontation.


    As they scanned the horizon, the ominous glow of torches illuminated the advancing horde, numbering in the hundreds. Elias''s intuition hinted at a different intent behind their approach, noting their attire and the billowing smoke emanating from Dockton. A sense of foreboding gripped the trio as they braced for what lay ahead.


    The crowd drew closer, sweat dripping from the fearful civilians who were inappropriately wielding weapons that they have never used. "Ariah, hold onto this horn and stay beside me. Elias, I want you next to me, we shall ride up just a little ways, no more than a kilometer to see what the problem is. You better blow that horn when I give you the signal and our townsfolk will come running in to help us." Dusty said.


    The three strapped some saddles to the horses that were idle next to the shop, they hopped on and off they went. "Please be careful Dusty" and "sound us off so we can help '''' could be heard from the town folk as Dusty, Ariah, and Elias rode off towards the oncoming crowd. A few minutes had passed and they reached their limit of distance and waited.


    "So the smoke that''s coming from Dockton is a bit worrying, and didn''t Mr. Auken say he was leaving to go there a few days ago? I hope he is okay, I''m really worried.'''' said Ariah.


    Dusty''s eyes lit up, leading the group of men was Mr. Auken himself. Stunned and shocked, Dusty said "We must go get him, he doesn''t look too shabby from here". They quickly made their way to the crowd, the yelling, screams and heat of the many torches grew stronger as they approached.


    "DUSTY, WE NEED TO KEEP MOVING, ORCS RAIDED DOCKTON AND SOME OF THEM WENT AS FAR TO EVEN CONTINUE CHASING US. THEY KIDNAPPED THE WOMEN AND KILLED MOST OF THE CHILDREN. WE MUST GO!" Mr. Auken yelled.


    "Orcs...." whispered Dusty.


    "What are our directions sir?" asked Ariah.


    Dusty seemed to be distraught and couldn''t think straight. For a minute, Elias would repeat the same question a couple times to the old man and decide he would give up.


    "Everybody, get to Starch and please do not trample anybody. Elias and I will protect those in the back from any of the orcs, you must keep running!" Ariah yelled while she got off of her horse.


    Elias surprisingly had an evil like smirk, it was not from the fact that innocent lives were being taken and ruined, but it was because he remembers the scar on his mothers face. His parents were on an expedition to the north-eastern portion of Saintsland called Star Forest, when the Orc tribe of Vexa had a surprise ambush. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    Luckily with the strength of numbers and power of mystical magic on the Silver''s side, they managed to defeat them and finish out their mission. Elias remembered this and couldn''t ever forgive the orcs, he has little understanding of the Celestial War, but he knows that they will kill him if he doesn''t kill them first, that alone was enough for him.


    The people of Dockton were safely making their way to Starch''s entrance, Dusty had finally snapped out of his delusion and came to terms with it. He hadn''t seen an Orc since they slaughtered his boat crew in the early years of the war. "HELP ME, HELLLLLP, THEY''RE TRYING TO TAKE ME AND MY BABY!" a woman screamed in the distance by the trees north of them.


    In a snap of the finger, Ariah, Elias and Dusty quickly darted for the trees. After running through the trees for about a minute, they came across an open area surrounded by trees. There stood five Orcs circling a woman who had appeared to be well beaten, holding a screaming infant. "Vexa wants revenge, Vexa wants stupid King Artos to see what we are going to do to his people, his family, and his land!" grunted the Orc leader.


    "Please don''t hurt my baby, the people of Dockton don''t even follow the king or share his views. I''m sorry he did what he did to you guys, but we had nothing to do with it!" whimpered the distressed woman.


    "Vexa do not care, Vexa wants to send a message to all humans in this country you call Saintsland. By my hand, Vexa will murder you and eat your child like he is the meat of the boar." proclaimed the Orc. During the time of short conversation between the woman and the Orc, Ariah, Dusty, and Elias positioned themselves in a way that they could all attack in different positions.


    The Orc lifted up his flaming spiked club, it was the worst decision that Orc could''ve made. "Casting Aquatic Needle Threader" Ariah whispered. The mana was dispersing from Ariah''s fingertips, the blue streams that flowed became that of water. The streams had a really thin snake-like appearance, Ariah aimed her fingers towards the hovering Orc. The spell she just used can be used like controllable bullets or for healing and patching up damage. Within an instant, the mana released at deadly speeds, one of the needles pierced through the Orc''s left ear and through the eye of the Orc standing beside him.


    At this point, Ariah had just used an extreme amount of mana, for her reserves were fairly low to begin with, this was something she knew she had to work on. All that remained were the remaining three Orcs, they watched, completely stunned as the two that were falling to the ground were profusely bleeding from their skulls, dead.


    Elias knew this was his time to to fight, he quickly stood up and released mana into his feet to run at a speed about twice his normal sprinting pace. With his two tanto blades equipped, he jumped at the Orc closest to the woman and child and used his technique called the X-Slash. He split the head of the orc in four quarters with one move.


    However, an orc managed to get a good swing in, pummeling Elias to his back. Dusty came prepared as he loaded four arrows to his bow, the arrows being used were the same material as Ariah''s battlestaff, elven tree. He crafted the arrows by the bark alone and also added on an arrowhead made of trinite. This type of stone consists of three different gems, and it can be any gemstone. They prove to be useful because one of the gems inside the stone may be more effective against a surface than the others, it''s a good blend of power.


    At this moment, Dusty was using a finger to aim the two sets of arrows for different trajectory. He then released, time felt slow for Ariah watching her twin being ganged up on, knowing he may be losing his life within the next second. Dusty released the bowstring, Ariah was watching hesitantly and the bowstring was vibrating from the power. The four arrows were set up perfectly, to both Orcs they were struck in the back of the skull by one arrow and another right in the center of their spines. They were both moving towards Elias'' fallen body, they then collapsed and their lifeless bodies landed on him.


    "Ariah, you go help the woman, I''m gonna help Elias, these Orcs are too heavy for a young lady like yourself, c''mon!".


    Ariah helped the woman stand up with her baby intact, "ma''am everything will be okay now, can you give me your name?" she asked.


    "S...So...Sonia" she whimpered. Dusty got the bodies off of Elias and noticed a particular insignia on the patch of the Orc''s top. It had a red colored X behind a black stained V, Dusty would cut this off of the Orc to have it looked at.


    Elias got up, he had a large bruise and some wounds on his back from the spiked club that he was hit by. "You were reckless boy, your attack held no strategy besides a rush of blades. If it weren''t for my arrows, you''d be as good as Orc chow right now! Elias, you really need to start thinking, you''ve never killed anything or anyone prior to this. I understand your anger, but that move could''ve left you and this poor woman dead".


    Dusty was clearly upset, but importantly he was scared too from his previous encounters with Orcs.


    "Sir, i''m sorry, it''s just that m...my mother and her, her, her scar it messed me up as a kid, I HATE ORCS, I HATE THEM SO MUCH, THEY NEED TO DIE, THE LOT OF THEM!" Elias yelled.


    "Okay guys, Sonia here is injured, we need to get her to the village now, we need to heal her wounds." Ariah said. They all grabbed their belongings and made their way to the horses where they would gallop back to the safety of the Starch.

 Act 2 - Chapter 2

    An official headcount was done for the many men that had come into Starch. Lucky for them, they came just days before the festival. The Paine family shockingly was prepared to take on such a task, they would have enough stock to handle the extra 182 people. Many families'' lives were destroyed the day before, nobody could wrap their heads around it as they just sobbed and wept.


    "She''s in a better place now." and "I wish I could tell her I love her just one last time" could be heard by many of the now-widowed men.


    "Ariah, I''ve been trying to figure it out, but I can''t seem to even comprehend why the Orcs in Vexa would kill just the women and the children. There has got to be a reason, I can''t imagine that anybody here is going to enjoy the festival now, especially after this monstrous display of cruelty. I feel like we must do something and get some answers." Elias said.


    "I think I saw something weird with Dusty last night, just before he moved the bodies off of you, he cut off some kind of patch from the Orcs torso. I don''t know if you noticed, but he has been quiet today, so we should go to his shop and talk to him." Ariah replied.


    The two would wrap up their dinner plates and start to exit the tavern. The tavern was the most well-kept establishment in Starch, it was typically used as a lunchroom for everyone, but at this point, due to its size, they kept everyone from Dockton in there.


    "Attention! Attention! My dear neighbors of Dockton, my heart is with you in these heavy times. My name is Ivan Paine, the owner of Paine Farms. I could not imagine the emotional suffering you poor souls have been dealt. As I know what I want to do for you folk will not fix your hardships,¡± Ivan exclaimed, pressing his palms together, ¡°I do know it will fix your empty stomachs. I have prepared meals for everyone here and everyone in Starch. I wish that everyone will be cooperative and patient with one another, Starch is a town of love and prosperity. Please, enjoy the food, and your stay!"


    As many know in Starch, Ivan Paine has a lot of children. Next thing you know, his 18 kids started bringing in platters of assorted foods. Plates covered in various pasta dishes, potatoes, corn, and all sorts of general foods and drinks that the Paine family grows and makes. Ivan was known for being humble and also fairly wealthy, considering. He sold and traded extra harvest to Dockton for many years, he not only made money off of it but brought home a lot of fish to put in Lake Celia, the nice-sized body of water right by them. See, he knew that had he done that for years, Starch would be set for fishing and not require a trip to the Clausa Ocean, east of them.


    Ariah and Elias had just gotten to Dusty''s shop, they went inside to see him sitting at a table with a large mug of beer, the insignia from the Orc, and a written letter that he was writing himself, while drunk. "This patch... it''s not the same one that I recognize. Ariah, Elias, we may be in big trouble." Dusty said while hiccupping. "These Orcs that we fought, they were saying Vexa this, Vexa that, Vexa bullshit. The ones I fought back in my day had a skull-like symbol on it but I never got their name. All I know about those damned Orcs is that they live over on the island of Grumudar. I got no idea why those green-skinned bastards live by a volcano, but whatever kills em'' faster." Dusty then chugged the rest of his drink.


    "Dusty, If you don''t mind me asking, I see you were writing a letter here, what is it about?" Elias asked.


    "Well guys, you see, I used to be a blacksmith over there in Fairstad before the little King Artos took over. I knew of an old crew who would go on adventures and expeditions. They go by  The Crows. This was before all of Saintsland was primarily human and before Artos drove them out. Luckily for The Crows, they only operated during the night when most couldn''t see them. They are a particular race called Kenkus, have ya ever heard of em''?" spouted Dusty.


    "No sir, the only races we know of are Humans, Orcs, Elves, and the Shiftlings," replied Ariah.


    "Welp, I wrote this letter asking for their assistance, but I''m not even sure if they''re still working. Once they were driven out by those pitiful knights of Fairstad, they made me aware that they were going down to the Aros Isles south of us. It''s like a line of islands. If I had a map, I''d mark it for you, but unfortunately, I lost my old one while moving here to Starch. I just want more information on these Orcs to avoid this happening again. The Kenkus have the appearance of a humanoid crow, they typically do not stand taller than 5 feet, don''t undermine their power though, they are kind people but are special as assassins. In the meantime, I''ve been thinking.¡± Dusty said, his fingers tapping the table with heavy thuds.


    ¡°You two are the only people here in Starch worthy of protecting themselves in battle, we need to fortify and train our people. We also need to start building new homes for the people of Dockton, I highly doubt most of em'' are going to want to go back to that place, it would need to be completely rebuilt if I had to guess. So what do ya say, starting tomorrow, you two train people with various weapons for defense, and I will gather some folk to work on new houses and expand our people." Dusty requested. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    Ariah and Elias both looked at each other and nodded their heads. In complete twin-like synchronization, they said proudly "Sir, it would be an honor to help the town of Starch!". Dusty stroked his black and white beard, stood up, and shook the twins'' hands. "It''ll be getting late here soon, why don''t you guys go home and come up with a plan of action, I''ll meet up with you in the morning to get things going." Dusty said.


    #


    The sun had risen, Ariah and Elias woke up in their small stone home, the fireplace was just embers at this point. They stayed up for hours the previous night trying to create a plan, and they finally did. Since Dusty was the supposed leader of Starch, they wanted to meet with him and Ivan Paine to gather everybody.


    They worked on the formula together, they knew that they required at least 160 people to make their plan work for each sector that they would require to ensure the work to safety ratio. They left their home and headed to the tavern for breakfast, as they walked in, immediately they spotted Ivan and Dusty speaking with each other. It was miraculous how tall Ivan stood over Dusty, he easily was 6'' compared to Dusty''s 5''2 stature.


    Ivan must have gotten his hair chopped overnight, he went from shaggy long hair to slick back brown hair. The twins made their way over to Dusty and Ivan, "Ay lads, we''re letting everyone finish their breakfast before we give the announcement. We fear some may not like it, but at this point, we have to work together and be stronger." Ivan said.


    "Absolutely sir, Ariah and I set up a solid foundation which should get everyone cross-trained with various weapons, you''re right we need to be strong and be able to ensure the safety of this town. I''m hoping for mine and my sister''s sake, that we can find a mage to help us with our magic, it''s hard to come across it out this way." Elias replied.


    "Well, let us get through this together and I''m sure I may know somebody who can point you in the right direction." Dusty said.


    Ten minutes have passed, the twins ate their breakfast quickly to be ready for the announcement. Assorted meats, bread, and juices were the meal for the morning, luckily for the Paine family and Starch, their supply was plentiful.


    Ivan grabbed his trusty cowbell and started ringing it off to grab the attention of everybody. "Attention everybody, if everyone could, please come outside and meet us out in the open field behind the tavern! We have a huge announcement and need everyone from and in Starch to be there, please get everyone that you can from the homes to come out as well, thank you!".


    Within minutes, it became the talk of the village. People were confused and very concerned about what it was that Ivan wanted to talk about. Thankfully, everybody in Starch followed up and met behind the tavern in the large open field. Ivan, Ariah, Dusty, and Elias could be seen standing on top of many hay bales, they were not only trying to stand out but make sure they could see everyone in the crowd. Everyone was silent and staring at them, Dusty would be seen raising his fist high and mighty for all to see.


    "It has come to my attention that Saintsland and potentially Starch is in grave danger! People of Dockton, as the longest living member of Starch, we extend our arms to you folk to live here in Starch! Those of you who wish to return to the burned down Dockton and rebuild the town, you may do so. I have here with me Mr. Ivan Paine, the owner and establisher of the company Paine Farms. These two younger folks next to me would be the mystic battlemage Ariah Silver, alongside her is her twin, rogue specialist Elias Silver! It will be my job to help direct the new residents to assist in building new homes for each and everyone here. For now, that is all I will state on my end, the planning will fall in the hands of the Silver twins, as for Ivan here, he is requesting to give jobs to anybody who wishes to assist in expanding his farm and livestock. Here is Ariah and Elias Silver!".


    The crowd was clapping and for the first time some smiles were seen, the twins were amazed by the people in front of them and their strength to be here today. Elias looked out into the crowd and spotted Sonia and her baby, giving a valiant wave as she blew him a kiss of encouragement. Ariah and Elias followed Dusty''s approach by raising their fists into the sky, shockingly, everyone in the crowd did the same thing.


    Ariah would start by yelling "People of Starch, as we all know, the Orc forces in Grumudar will stop at no end to ensure the death and suffering of our people! It is time that we learn the basics of combat and protection!" The crowd was yelling with pumping fists of agreement.


    Elias would follow up with "Ariah and I, we''re twins who were taught high-level combat skills at a very young age. Though we may not look the part given our youthful age, we plan to instruct and teach you all with the knowledge that we have. We constructed a plan to divide you guys into four groups so we have specialties among our defense." Again, the crowd cheered with excitement, you could tell that the widows were wanting revenge.


    "Out of 160 people in Starch, we want to have four sectors. As we know, magic is hard to come by, Elias and I were gifted mystical powers at birth, so we do traditional defense here. These four styles will be split by the 160 participants and divided into four quarters." Ariah said with the crowd listening intensely.


    "Lastly, this will comprise a line of shielded defense, archery, front line warriors, and assassins. Tomorrow we will meet here at the same time of day, any participants are free to come. We will evaluate you and select your role so we may ensure the best bodies for the best positions. We want to ensure 100% safety for this town if something were to happen." said Elias. The twins would give their nod of agreement and shout together


    "The future of Xero and Starch depend on us, join us in unity!"


    The crowd was shouting louder than ever with the agreement. The day would turn to night, songs would be sung, and drinks would lead to drunkenness. This day gave the twins more to look forward to, more than they ever felt before.

 Act 2 - Chapter 3

    The open field that the large announcement took place in became a boot camp area where the 160 civilians would learn to fight and protect. Ariah took on training the archery and shield defenders while Elias was going to be training the swordsmen and rogues. It was perfect for both, those were the classes they excelled in when they were being brought up. When you look into the field, you could see many haybale-like posts with targets, barrels full of practice swords with the weight of real swords, and shields lined up on a hanging post for them to stay safe.


    The only struggle the twins have dealt with was the amount of yelling and talking that they weren''t accustomed to. Knowing that a majority of the people they were training had never held a weapon for battle before, also added on the extra stress to correct any wrongs. With the population of Starch almost doubling, everyone knew they could become an easy target for raids, especially without the supervision of Artos'' knights.


    "Ay it''s my favorite twins! How is everything going on over here? Dusty and I have a very good start on the new homes, we already got the foundations and plot laid out for everyone and their new homes. Seems to be they all are okay with our bartering system over petty coin." Ivan said while approaching.


    "So far so good, we got ourselves in a good position where the defenders and swordsmen train together to understand movement better. This is also getting them used to moving around with unfamiliar equipment, I just need to make sure my rogues are getting enough training." Elias replied.


    Ivan could see Elias'' face was filled with questions and doubt. "If I had to guess, training a technical assassin is quite odd during daytime so you focus on dawn or night time for them, right?" Ivan inquired..


    "You''re on the mark as usual Ivan. I got them getting used to moving through forests. Ariah and I ensure the forests are clear of any dangerous beasts or potential enemies, I don''t want another incident with Gryphuars coming down to fly us into the air and plunge us to our death. The only person who can protect themselves from that type of fall is Ariah because of her Aquatic spells." Elias chuckled, he had a grin of humor with his arm and hand behind his head.


    An idea clicked into Ariah''s head, she knew she had to start getting more acclimated to the heavy mana spells. This was her opportunity to try one she hasn''t tried since learning it as a youngling. "Elias, your guys are getting used to movement, but I doubt they have ever had an end goal for a lesson. What if I spawn an Aquatic Clone of myself and we give a prize to the Rogue who is able to catch and destroy it!¡± Ariah spoke enthusiastically with her arms spread out to dramatize her want to do this. ¡°Think about it, it would be fun and I can get some practice in for myself, I''m tired of swinging swords and holding shields."Ariah exclaimed.


    Ivan had one eyebrow perched up as if an idea came to mind, he began to run towards Dusty''s shop, "I''ll make the prize, you two make that happen!". Ariah and Elias watched as he ran and looked at each other at the same time "That settles that!" they both said while laughing. They couldn''t recall a time where they saw Ivan Paine run, ever.


    "All rogues create a circle around me, I want each and everyone one of you to hear me out, as well as my sister. This is the first time she will be helping us. Not only did she come up with a great idea, but you will finally be able to go on a chase!" Elias yelled. The rogues could be heard whispering among each other in confusion.


    "Guys, it may sound odd at first, but you will be chasing me." Ariah said. Humorous giggles and perverted looks of some of the guys locked onto Ariah, she had black tight leather clothes with her shiny and wavy silver hair, she always managed to compliment herself in style. "I wouldn''t find me attractive if I knew this girl could take out every person around her in one spell." She knew what they were doing, so she started contracting mana into the air. The rogues were starting to panic as Elias was laughing. He knew his sister was a badass, but she just made about ten of the so-called men, piss themselves.


    "It''s simple, if you perverts think you''re gonna get a chance to lay a finger on my actual body, you''re in the wrong, instead it will be another version of me, in the dark." Ariah said almost demonically. She was twisting her hands around one another, concentrating a lot of mana into one spot, a bright blue and white glow revolving around one another. "Casting Aquatic Clone, Agility Style" Ariah said softly. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    The mana lifted up without her control, it started floating from her feet to her head. What was once a light glow, turned into light stronger than the two suns up close. Once the light had faded, an exact, slightly transparent model of Ariah had formed. The rogues gasped as they had never seen anything like it before! "Now this is what you will be going up against, don''t worry boys, she won''t hurt you, but she sure will be damn hard to catch. It''s simple, the person who finds, catches and defeats my clone, will get a prize." The talking started again, Elias moved closer to Ariah and whispered "This is gonna be fucking awesome."


    The group moved over to the edge of the forest after they ensured no other entities were there that could harm anybody. Ariah''s aquatic clone went to the entrance and started slowly heading into the dark shadows of the trees. A very slight glow from the two moons managed to pass through the density of the forest plants, but the twins were so used to it that nothing felt too dark for them.


    Nestled on the outskirts of Starch, beyond the tranquil farmlands and winding dirt roads, lay the foreboding embrace of the dark forest. Its canopy, a dense tapestry of ancient trees, loomed overhead, casting an eerie shadow that seemed to swallow the sunlight whole. Towering oak and elm trees, their gnarled branches reaching skyward like skeletal fingers, created a natural barrier between the town and the unknown depths within.


    Venturing deeper into the forest, the air grew thick with a damp, earthy scent, mingled with the faint aroma of decaying leaves and moss. Shafts of sunlight struggled to penetrate the dense canopy, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow upon the forest floor, where tangled roots snaked across the ground like twisted serpents.


    Within this shadowy realm, the undergrowth teemed with life, an intricate web of ferns, brambles, and creeping vines that seemed to writhe and twist with a life of their own. A chorus of unseen creatures filled the air with their melodic sounds, a cacophony of chirps, rustles, and distant calls that echoed through the dimly lit woods.


    "Alright, now that the clone made its way in, I want every rogue to line up equally. When my hand points to the woods, you go, DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!" Elias said assertively. The rogues nodded their heads once, Elias'' hand slashed towards the darkness of the forest. The rogues darted off with a will to win for once, but there was one rogue who stayed back. "Hey, you''re supposed to go now, '''' Elias said to the man.


    "Yeah, I know, I''m strategizing, and I''m going to win. You twins probably never have noticed me here in town, I''m quiet, shy and don''t care for festivities. However, I''m finally feeling a sense of urgency to use my powers for the safety of this town. My name is Rokas Aros, descendant of the creator to the Aros Isles south of Saintsland. Ariah, Elias, my research and predictions are showing that a major change to the world is bound to happen, I wish to join you in making that happen. Casting Nightshade Cloak." Rokas said as he became one with the darkness, his form almost glitching and fading into nothingness.


    The twins were staring at each other, Ariah still had to focus on the mana of her clone. About 10 minutes had passed and she felt her mana pulse getting weaker, she was running out quickly. With her perspective becoming that of the clone, she was using the agility form of the clone to run vertically up trees, perfect dives, and far leaps to escape the rogues whilst they chased her. Thinking she was safe in a tree branch, a throwing knife pierced the clone''s shoulder, going in and out the other side, this damaged the mana focus Ariah had. However, she would manage to instantaneously jump from the branch and into the darkness once again, evading her attacker. Then suddenly, while running, Rokas revealed himself and slashed into the clone, dissipating the form of the clone completely.


    "Ariah, are you o..." Elias was asking before Ariah fell to her knees.


    "Elias, he got the clone already, I can see what my clone was seeing, Rokas got my clone so quickly, I couldn''t even see the others. There is something different about him, being a descendant of the Aros family must be a big deal to mages. They erected the islands by pure magic will, we need his help, at least I do, bad. Alright, I¡¯m exhausted, that¡¯s that." she would say while taking deep breaths.


    The rogues all came out and circled the twins, Rokas was standing alongside as if nothing phased him. "It seems we have a winner, a long time member of Starch who goes by the name of Rokas.


    "Would you please step forward." Elias said while staring directly at him. "Rokas, you have won the prize which will be presented to you tomorrow. Everybody, Ariah was examining your performances and we both agree that you have come a long way since we have started the training. Your movement has gotten a lot better, and we even saw that Charles of Dockton managed to damage the clone, you almost won until the clone got away, good job. I want everybody to meet us tomorrow for brunch at the tavern, we have a large announcement to make."


    Everybody made their way to their homes or their temporary beds, but Ariah, Elias, and Rokas stayed back to talk.


    "Look, I''m sorry if I scared or worried you guys, but what I was saying wasn''t false. I need your help as much as you need mine. I am grateful that you guys turned out to be who I was hoping you''d be, Starch is going to be well protected now. However, you two can not, and I mean it when I say can not stay here for much longer. The world is shifting and a great power has caused unruly things to happen. I understand you two are awaiting your parents arrival, but we need to set off and settle some serious world changing matters. Who knows, this may bring you to your parents sooner, what do you say? Wanna talk about it more while heading home?" Rokas asked the twins.


    "By all means, let''s do it! I''m ready for adventure and I believe Starch will do well here. We shall make the announcement tomorrow at brunch, reward you with your prize, and start getting ready for our endeavors." Elias replied. The three set off for their homes, knowing it may be one of the last nights sleeping there. This stirred up many emotions for the twins, but they were ready to become great. They sensed a change in the world, it only seemed right to find the answers to the many quirks of Xero.

 Act 2 - Chapter 4

    The sun was shining beautifully, coated in clouds and fog from the rain of the night. Footsteps could be heard coming towards the Silver home, the door creaked open ever so slowly, "Hello? Are you guys awake?" whispered a shy Rokas. Elias and Ariah were still sleeping, Elias was moving a little in his sleep and murmured "Ari, can you shut the door? You didn''t close it all the way last night."


    Rokas was peeking one eye into their small home and saw the bed Elias was sleeping on but couldn''t see Ariah. "You''re so annoying, why don''t you get up and close it next time" she replied while slamming the door shut. Rokas was hit by the door harshly and the twins could hear his body tumble onto the ground beside their door. The twins looked at each other, frantically jumped out of bed and quickly opened the door.


    "You know, I thought you two were the sort to be awake early. I brought these books so we could study what lies ahead on our journey, but now, I have this gash on my forehead, and it hurts, bad." Rokas groaned as he was holding the wound with his hand.


    Ariah got close to Rokas and moved his hand and said, "Let me help you, casting Aquatic Restoration". A sphere of rotating water mana swiftly penetrated the wound, it graciously brought the large bump down to a minimum and also stopped the bleeding.


    Elias grabbed a wet rag and cleaned Rokas'' face off, "what were you planning to show us in these books? I''m sorry this happened, I hope her healing spell helped." he said with a tone of regret.


    "Before I get into that, Ariah, you''re a healer too?! Not to be weird but I thought something was special with you two, so I was kind of stalking you and Dusty when everybody was coming here from Dockton. When y''all were in the woods setting up the attack on those Orcs, the spell that Ariah used is taught to high-ranking mages of the Artos Military. So that led me to wonder, how did she learn that spell, where are the parents to these twins and why have they been left in small-town Starch to fend for themselves?¡± Rokas asked intuitively, then he would point a finger up with a dramatized look of understanding, ¡°The answer clicked right away, please do not be offended, but you twins are unmarked humans. Other known as non-reported births because King Artos doesn''t believe that twins should be allowed to be born. The other reason for your parents being quote on quote missing is because they serve the military of which they despise, but they are forced into it." Rokas said straightforwardly.


    The twins stared at the boy, surprisingly they started smiling and thought that he was very astute for someone of similar age. Ariah would reply "I don''t believe we have much to debate, you have your facts right, strictly based on watching us. With that being said, it is time that we learn what else you know, because we will be leaving after the festival ends today as a farewell goodbye, for now anyway to our town folk. So, let''s get to it."


    #


    With the morning sun painting the sky in hues of gold and amber, Ariah, Elias, and their loyal companion, Rokas, stepped out from the confines of their modest home. The twins'' residence, nestled amidst the quiet lanes of Starch, exuded a sense of warmth and familiarity, yet today, an air of anticipation tinged their departure.


    As they strolled through the now bustling village, Ariah''s bright eyes swept over the familiar faces that populated the gravel streets. Merchants hawked their wares, their voices mingling with the cheerful chatter of townsfolk going about their daily routines. Elias, ever observant, took note of the lively energy that pulsed through the heart of Starch, a testament to the resilience and camaraderie of its inhabitants.


    With Rokas bounding happily at their side, they wound their way through the throngs of people until they reached the town''s bustling tavern¡ªa hub of activity nestled at the heart of Starch. The tavern''s inviting glow spilled out onto the street, beckoning weary travelers and locals alike to its welcoming embrace. As they pushed open the heavy wooden door, the sound of laughter and merriment washed over them, mingling with the aroma of hearty fare and ale.


    Taking their seats amidst the lively crowd, Ariah, Elias, and Rokas settled in for a moment of respite, eager to partake in the warmth and camaraderie that flowed freely within the walls of the tavern. Here, amidst the spirited banter and jovial atmosphere, they found solace and kinship¡ªa reminder of the bonds that bound them to their beloved village of Starch.


    Ariah, Elias, and Rokas were seated in the tavern at a round table seated for three. The lit torches around the interior kept a nice tone for reading with the beautiful red and white rugs that lined the flooring, Ariah would look around the room and know she would miss her favorite town.


    "Alright, I think it''s time I introduce you two to more creatures than you have seen before. Now I know you have seen gryphuars, crows, livestock animals, and the occasional bear-spider, but this book here contains mythical creatures unlike the others aforementioned. The creatures I am speaking of are descendants of the moons and suns themselves. Inside them contains gem shards that can be used to power weapons with new spells or unlock new physical powers. Truth be told, I have unlocked one of the said powers, I managed to find a very rare moonbat when I traveled south to Swampstead." Rokas said proudly. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    "What power did you receive? By the two moons, that''s insane!" Elias said excitingly.


    "To most, it may seem lame, but I obtained controllable distant hyperacusis, which means I can hear conversations, footsteps, and sounds in general at an exceedingly far distance compared to most. This will likely prove to help us in our adventure. With this being said, we need to hunt some of these creatures so you guys can find what powers you need." Rokas responded.


    "So this large, old and dusty book you have, it has the mark of the Artos Military. If I''m correct, isn''t it illegal to have this in your possession? To be honest, I took you as an outsider who didn''t make it out much." Ariah asked.


    "Well since we will be traveling together, I suppose you two can know about who I am. As you already know, I''m a descendant of the Aros family which founded many new magic spells and forms of magic. King Artos knew about us long before his reign as the Saintsland leader, let¡¯s just say his identity isn¡¯t what you think it is. This book that I have here is called The Creatures of Unknown, written and passed down by my kin. My father knew that had my birth been discovered, I too would be drafted into the military as magical knowledge and be appointed as head of the Mages Guild, run by the military. My father, Kane Aros, gave this book to me and told me to come here to tell Dusty a secret code so he knew of my residence and need for protection. Unfortunately, when I asked my father why I had to run, I had found out that the Artos family is a branch off from the Aros family. If you didn''t know, the king''s formal name is Runescar Artos, his father and mother changed their last names, illegally, so they didn''t carry the Aros tag, knowing they''d be targets of those who oppose magic. The Aros Isles were formed as a scapegoat location for my blood family to hide, Runescar knew of the area but never knew how to access it due to a magical barrier. I''m sorry for ranting, however at this point, this is all I know so far." Rokas explained shy-like.


    "Rokas, I''m very sorry to hear that your history is as immense and deep as it is. I couldn''t imagine the weight you''re carrying, we hope to help you in any way possible, you picked the right people to be alongside on this journey. There isn''t much to say about the situation, but we do have little time. We should dig into this book, acknowledge the information, and learn which creatures we should find first. I see there are a lot to choose from here, what would be the easiest route for a decision?" Elias asked.


    "Well, may I be honest about my studies from watching you two during the Orc fight?" Rokas requested.


    The twins both nodded their heads and simultaneously responded, "Yes!"


    "Elias, your fighting could be used greatly, I see that you utilize air and gravity to propel yourself using the mana in your feet, an amazing speed comes from you. Though your up-close battle can be tweaked with more precise planning, you have no distant styles. We need to find you a Gravity Toad. Lucky for you they are right in Swampstead''s marsh, as hard as they are to defeat due to their floating-like abilities, they can control the gravity to objects they touch, this would prove effective with an idea that I wish to save for later." Rokas said while staring into Elias'' eyes.


    "What about me Rokas, I just have to know!" Ariah asked excitedly.


    "Ariah, when you casted your Aquatic Needle Threader, I was in shock that you used it as an offensive maneuver. The fact that you technically double-casted the spell using each hand is phenomenal for someone as young as yourself. However, your mana reserves are low, due to your age and arcane stature, your body cannot contain high mana amounts. Rather than gaining an ability, we need to technically enchant an item so you can have faster mana regeneration. At the peak of the mountains south of Starch is a small pond filled with mystical mana. We could craft a mana flask that refills by the power of the moons and the suns. The enchantment is called Power Rejuvenation which I know how to craft, luckily. So we won''t need to defeat a difficult monster of any sort, but we will have to traverse the steep cliffs and cold climate. So what do you guys say, we should enjoy the festival today, and see Dusty before we leave to pack the necessities, are you in?" Rokas asked.


    "Let''s do it!" the twins yelled with joy.


    Savoring the warmth of the morning sun filtering through the tavern''s windows, Ariah, Elias, and Rokas indulged in the morning''s special breakfast¡ªa hearty meal that invigorated both body and soul. As they savored each bite, laughter and light-hearted banter filled the air, a comforting symphony that echoed the bond shared between siblings and their faithful companion.


    With satisfied smiles and contented hearts, they washed down their meal with mugs of fragrant tea, the soothing warmth seeping into their bones. Amidst playful jests and fond reminiscences, they lingered in the cozy embrace of the tavern, relishing the simple joys of companionship and camaraderie.


    But as the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting long shadows across the village square, the time came to bid farewell to the welcoming haven of the tavern. With a final exchange of affectionate quips and a pat on Rokas¡¯ head, Ariah, Elias, and their loyal companion ventured back out into the bustling streets of Starch, ready to face whatever adventures awaited them beyond its familiar confines.

 Act 2 - Chapter 5

    The people of Starch took pride in their independence from any opposing military. They simply wanted peace and prosperity, without the pain of war or controlling forces. What was at one point a vacant field of dead trees and some living, Dusty and his surviving crew members decided the boating life was no longer an option for an ideal living. With the war shifting and the militaries growing stronger, it was time they created a home to lay low from enemies and focus on removing themselves from a pitiful society.


    It took approximately ten years for Dusty and his crew of five men to flatten a section of the secluded forest. He knew that Lake Celia was nearby so obtaining water was no issue within the future, and all the trees they had just chopped down proved useful for building their new homes. It started with just five little houses, Dusty''s house eventually became what is known as Dusty''s Hammerhead, a blacksmithing store he started. For years they lived in the forest alone, they were showing no progression, just surviving amongst one another. This gave Dusty an idea which would change his life and those surrounding him forever.


    He would set out to Fairstad and Forgeville to try to find civilians to join him in creating this small town. His focus was to find people who were uninterested in the new age political views, knowing they were tired of the racism and power trip that King Artos possessed. The disgust that many humans had for him was more evident than you would think. However, the people he converted to his beliefs is exceedingly worrisome. It would be safe to say that no more than one quarter of the humans dislike him, you look at the odds and they''re outnumbered. Dusty, however, didn''t care about numbers, he knew if he took out a portion of the people who were uninterested in politics, that he would benefit both parties. It would make space in those towns to replace the residents with people who would join King Artos'' cause. Then for Dusty, it gave him an extra set of hands to have a town of their own with no leader and little to no disturbance from the military.


    These plans that Dusty would go through with, would lead Starch to have the population and the success that they have. He wasn''t the leader but he inadvertently became one to the people. Dusty even went as far as to even sign a peace treaty with King Artos in his castle in Fairstad to ensure the safety of Starch and to keep the quaint village free of any attempts of corruption by the Artos military or propaganda.


    In the heart of the quaint village of Starch, beneath the dappled shade of towering oak trees, a crowd of townsfolk gathered eagerly, their faces alight with anticipation. At the forefront stood their esteemed leader, Dusty, his weathered features illuminated by the soft glow of twilight. With conviction and passion, he will be delivering a stirring speech, his words resonating with the spirit of unity and resilience that defined their community. There was a chest that was next to the podium and it seemed that Dusty would have something in his hand behind him. The crowd was murmuring and the volume of the voices gradually became less and less until it came to a sudden stop when the right fist of Dusty crossed his chest, to his heart his fist was held.


    His eyes were closed, all eyes were on Dusty when he would start speaking a stern tone, "My dearest friends, family, and associates of Starch, today is the one day per year that we gather together as one. Though everyday we are always together, I wish to truly experience a night of excitement, great food, outstanding music, and most of all, time with this town. Our people and our community have undergone the wrath of orcs, King Artos¡¯ military spitting on the people of Starch or Dockton, and so much more. But we will continue to prevail!"


    The people began roaring in happiness, trumpets and drums were being played as if a hero was giving a speech to change the world. As Dusty spoke of the trials they had faced and the triumphs they had achieved together, a swell of cheers and applause erupted from the crowd, a resounding chorus of support and admiration for their beloved leader. In that moment, amidst the camaraderie and solidarity of their shared purpose, the people of Starch stood united, bound by the bonds of friendship and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.


    "Tomorrow, we will be waving goodbye to two of the most valiant friends that I have now known for many years. Ariah, Elias, I owe you two a large thank you, for assisting me and our lovely folk here. Without the defensive guidance you two had to offer, I wouldn''t feel too safe around here with how the world has been changing. I knew at some point you two had to move on, but I have a strong gut feeling you will change the world forever. If you guys would please, welcome Starch''s amazing and powerful twins, Ariah and Elias Silver!" Dusty yelled.


    The clanging of weapons on metal shields, trumpets, drums, yelling, chanting and the overall sounds gave the two twins more love than they had felt ever. Ariah would walk up to the podium first with Elias at her side.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Comrades of Starch, you all seem to amaze me! Given the extraordinary hardships, you all held your heads high. A lot of you trained very hard. A lot of you built the beautiful new homes that you can now live in safely. A lot of you are now a part of Starch and her memories. By the two moons, I was happy I could guide you all and assist in any way that I could. Thank you for your grace. Now, if you could, please give some cheers for my brother Elias, he has something amazing planned for someone special." Ariah said proudly.


    Again, the sounds were severely loud, you could tell that with these few hundred humans, there was an army of peaceful and loving people.


    "How amazing is this, we trained together, built together, and ate together. Ariah and I must say our goodbyes under circumstances that can and will change the world. With that being said, after a particular event that was hosted between my rogues last night, we decided we needed a commanding leader who could strategize and utilize what you folks have to the best efficiency. I am going to call up to the stand the winner of Ariah''s clone chase, if you could, I''d like a warm applause for Starch''s new commander, Charles of Dockton!" yelled Elias.


    Charles made his way to the little stage and podium, confused because he believed he hadn''t won. He gave a proud bow to Elias and Ariah, the twins would go to each side of Charles and hold his arms up, declaring him as the winner. Charles was suited with a clean red button up shirt, his arms were toned out to the veins, and his pants had about eight separate pockets for holding various tools. His hair was jet black and spiked which gave him the appearance of speed.


    Elias would go back up to the podium to say, "Charles, you left last night after we had said Rokas was the winner, it turns out the knife that was lodged in the clone was yours, Rokas happened to throw another knife into the same spot. Had your knife moved about just one inch further, the clone would''ve popped like a balloon. Rokas will be joining us on our adventures, but I saw some serious leadership potential in you from the notes you were constantly taking, so, I present to you this chest. Please open it up!"


    Charles would unlock the chest, and pull out a trench coat made of shiny black leather, trimmed in Starch''s color of burgundy red. What also came within the chest was a commander''s patch, and a burgundy red belt, crafted to host many weapons and tactical items. Charles would put on the clothes, he turned around with his arms out, looking out into the crowd. He was yelling with excitement, happiness, and he finally felt strong. Charles would go up to the podium and stare for a minute.


    With a deep voice for a young adult, Charles would continue to say, "I''ve never been one for crowds, I have so much to say and now so much to do. I thank you, Ariah and Elias for selecting me to be commander. I know you will be placing it in my duties to find the future captains of each division which I will gratefully do. I''d like to also thank Mr. Ivan Paine for making the transition to live here so seamless, as well as cooking some of the best food I''ve had." he said while chuckling. "Now let''s all do ourselves a favor, queue the music, load those keg barrels with booze, and let''s make history here in Starch tonight!"


    The crowd yelled and screamed with pleasure, everyone started to scatter to the many food and drink stations located around the town. This was a night to remember, the music would become the most memorable tunes for the twins to hear for a long time. The festival commenced, and the people were in it for the long run.


    With the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the quaint village of Starch, the atmosphere shifted from anticipation to jubilation. Lanterns twinkled merrily overhead, casting a soft, inviting light that bathed the cobblestone streets in a warm embrace. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of sizzling meats and savory spices, mingling with the sweet scent of freshly baked pastries and sugary treats.


    Tables adorned with vibrant tablecloths and overflowing with an array of delectable dishes lined the village square, inviting villagers to indulge in a feast fit for royalty. Roasted meats glistened temptingly, their juices dripping onto platters piled high with steaming vegetables and fragrant herbs. Bowls brimmed with hearty stews and savory soups, their rich aromas wafting through the air and stirring the senses.


    In the center of the square, a makeshift stage had been erected, where musicians and performers regaled the crowd with lively tunes and captivating performances. The beat of drums and the trill of flutes filled the air, beckoning villagers to kick up their heels and join in the festivities. Couples twirled and spun across the makeshift dance floor, their laughter mingling with the music as they reveled in the joy of the moment.


    At the edge of the square, makeshift stalls had sprung up, offering an assortment of libations to quench the thirst of the revelers. Barrels of ale and cider stood ready to be tapped, while rows of bottles sparkled enticingly, promising exotic concoctions and refreshing beverages to delight the palate. Villagers gathered around the stalls, exchanging stories and laughter as they raised their glasses in celebration.


    Children darted through the crowd, their faces painted with the excitement of the evening''s festivities. They eagerly sampled the array of sweets and treats on offer, their laughter ringing out like bells in the warm summer air. In every corner of the square, the spirit of camaraderie and joy was palpable, binding the villagers together in a shared celebration of life, love, and community.


    As the night wore on and the stars twinkled overhead, the festivities showed no signs of slowing. Villagers danced and sang long into the night, their hearts full and their spirits soaring as they basked in the magic of the moment. For in this small corner of the world, amidst the laughter and the music, the people of Starch found solace, joy, and an unbreakable bond that would endure for generations to come. Ariah and Elias happily indulged in the various treatments placed upon them, the night would be long, yet quick, and filled with enjoyment.

 Act 2 - Chapter 6

    Bottles were smashed, kegs tipped over on their sides, chalets and mugs left to sit for the night on the gravel roads of Starch. Many men lay on the cold hard ground throughout the village, just about everybody in the village attended the festival last night. The one person that nobody had seen was Rokas.


    The Silver twins were just awakening, the light was shining through their red stained glass window and landing directly on the face of Elias. He grunted "Yep, I''m happy this will be the last time that happens, at least hopefully for a long time."


    The twins were never fond of rude awakenings, but this time of year was exceptionally irritating for Elias because of the positioning of their window with the sunrise. Ariah got a good kick out of it as she was giggling with her blanket covering her head. Both Ariah and Elias had headaches that felt like a hammer hitting their skulls. Every heartbeat reminded them of the drums that banged the night prior.


    "Elias, I think it''s safe to say we''re never going to drink again right? We should probably get up and meet with Rokas, wherever he may be." Ariah mumbled.


    The twins both sat up and looked at each other with synchronization. Their eyes had a yellowish glow that could prove that they had drank more than they could handle, their faces said it all as they glared at one another with an almost grumpy appearance, each of them seeing double of one another for a few moments.


    "You know, I think I need to go eat more food in one sitting than I have ever had before, care to join?" Elias asked while rubbing his temples.


    "Yeah, no doubt, this is rough." Ariah replied.


    The two sported their new outfits, Dusty must have put them in their home the night before. The clothing was all black with silver trim, Elias had a trench coat with the logo of Starch embroidered with red thread on an arm sleeve. Ariah''s new flashy clothing sported the same colors but it was a two piece corset outfit. The logo was seen on the right leg where a pocket was.


    "Alright, I''m definitely rocking with this, let''s go sis, we can''t miss breakfast. Otherwise, we will never get over this hangover before we see Rokas, and god forbid he sees us as pathetic as we are on the day of our departure." Elias said with some humor.


    *KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK


    The twins stared at the door, worried because it was very loud and obnoxious.


    "Don''t worry, it''s me guys!" Rokas yelled through the door. "Please don''t smash my face this time, respectfully." He chuckled afterward.


    Elias proceeded to open the door slowly this time, the shock that appeared on his face was that of a horror film. Rokas'' hair had been cut off and a barrage of various paints was wiped across all areas of his face. His clothes were muddy and stained by obvious booze.


    "Dude, you were absolutely wasted, I can tell. What the hell happened to your hair?" Elias asked while scanning his body and face.


    "Well you guys couldn''t see me because I was originally in a mask playing instruments and dancing. I decided if I''m going to leave Starch finally, I am going to be the person I''ve always wanted to be, and hell, I clearly managed to do so." Rokas replied with a large smile.


    The three would begin laughing hysterically, Elias like before, would grab a washcloth for Rokas. He wetted it down and handed it to Rokas to remove his drunken branding. After a few wipes, the face paint rubbed off and Rokas would then just have very short hair, which was different for anybody to see.


    "Your speech was amazing guys, really, I can''t wait to set off for our adventure, in the meantime however, we can all agree we need food. After that, then we shall go about packing for this adventure." Rokas said after catching a breath.


    "Thank you! It''s weird to feel, I guess, popular? I never expected either me or Elias to be viewed as leaders. Now, let''s go get food and then we need to discuss who will go first in the expedition. Either we''re going for the mountains or we''re going into Swampstead, either way I am excited." Ariah responded.


    The unlikely pair would head to the tavern to get some grub. Everyone who was sitting at tables, were profusely hungover. So many men were sloppily eating away at their plates. It wouldn''t be long before the three would devour the food they got. Shortly after the three would exit the tavern, stomachs were full and many goodbye were said to them as they exited.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "Well lucky for you two, I already packed everything necessary for our journey. I got a bag in my home which has everything for all of us. We should take turns carrying it so we can all have a physical rest while walking." Rokas said to the twins.


    "Sounds good to me, let''s get this show on the road once and for all!" Elias replied excitingly.


    In the picturesque village of Starch, the morning sun cast its golden rays across the cobblestone streets, painting the quaint houses in hues of warm amber and inviting gold. A gentle breeze danced through the air, carrying with it the fresh scent of blooming flowers and newly mown grass. The leaves of the ancient forest trees that bordered the village swayed in harmony, their branches reaching skyward as if in joyful celebration of the day''s arrival.


    Above, the azure sky stretched endlessly, dotted with fluffy white clouds that drifted lazily across the expanse. The sun''s rays filtered through the foliage, dappling the ground below in a mosaic of light and shadow. Birds sang sweet melodies from their perches high above, their cheerful trills adding to the symphony of nature''s song.


    As villagers went about their morning routines, the air buzzed with the anticipation of another beautiful day in Starch. From the now bustling market square to the tranquil lanes lined with quaint cottages, the village hummed with life and vitality. And overhead, the forest trees swayed happily in the breeze, their verdant branches whispering secrets to the wind as they welcomed the dawn of a new day.


    They made their way to Rokas'' home which was conveniently a few houses down from Dusty''s shop. Rokas ran inside to grab the bag, it was relatively small and the twins were confused as to how everything will fit in there.


    "So how do you suppose all of our gear, food, and miscellaneous items will fit in here?" Ariah said with a sort of snob-like attitude.


    Rokas looked into her eyes with no emotional appearance and replied with "Casting Molecular Expansion... Just like that actually." He then had a smile with a wink and his head tilted towards Ariah, giving her the same snotty attitude. "No worries, you haven''t been around any of the magic that my family possessed, hell, maybe one percent of Saintsland has actually seen it. Consider yourselves lucky because we''re gonna do some awesome shit. So this spell allows the items to shrink in size based on the interior of the bag. However, the weight of said items does not change, it is just condensed into a smaller version, visually and physically I suppose. It''s quite confusing, but please, try to lift this bag Elias."


    Elias went to go pick up the bag, unexpecting the weight it had. He actually had to use a bit of muscle to throw it over his shoulders. "I call carrying it first" Elias exclaimed.


    The three exited Rokas'' home to see a couple people waiting outside. It was Dusty, Ivan, and Sonia holding her baby. Dusty held his arms out to the twins, they hugged one last time as a group. Ivan shook the hands of all three of them. Sonia simply had tears in her eyes, her baby was wide awake.


    "His name is Kade, you saved not only my life, but you saved his, thank you, especially you, Elias." Sonia said with sadness. She took a step closer to Elias to give him a kiss on the cheek, and he blushed. His cheeks went back to that same color they were this morning, when he was as hungover as a sailor. No more words were said, the gang of three nodded their heads in respect and started walking out of the southernmost gate.


    "My sweet little baby brother getting his first kiss, how adorable!" Ariah said with a childish voice, mocking Elias.


    "My sweet little baby sister is still not getting her first kiss, how funny!" Elias responded with the same tone as he stuck his tongue out. Ariah nudged his arm jokingly.


    They made quite a ways from the gate of Starch and found themselves walking into the front of the forest opening. The twins hadn''t been out this way before in their lives, but for Rokas, this part was a walk in the park. The only problem for him was the mountain, he hadn''t been to the top yet, and he was basing his ideas from a rumor his father told him as a child. That mana pool was going to make or break Ariah, he just had to be right.


    "I''ve been thinking, since this Gravity Toad that we need to defeat is actually going to be quite difficult, we may need Ariah''s magical backup. Elias, would you be offended if we went to the peak of the Southern Saint Mountains to get Ariah''s item first?" Rokas asked.


    "Absolutely not my friend, I won''t lie, I was looking forward to that just as much as fighting this toad. Let''s get to it, no looking back from here!" Elias responded.


    As the trio of adventurers walked through the familiar streets of Starch one last time, a bittersweet nostalgia hung heavy in the air. Rokas, Ariah, and Elias exchanged heartfelt farewells with their fellow villagers, their steps slow and measured as they savored each moment. The bustling energy of the festival still echoed in their minds, but now a new journey lay ahead, beckoning them toward the unknown.


    With a final glance back at the village they called home, Rokas, Ariah, and Elias pressed onward, their resolve unwavering as they approached the southernmost exit of Starch. Beyond the threshold awaited the looming shadow of the dark, bleak forest, its secrets and mysteries shrouded in darkness. But with determination in their hearts and a shared sense of purpose, they stepped into the unknown, ready to embrace the challenges that lay ahead.


    As they ventured deeper into the dense foliage of the forest, the air grew thick with anticipation, the silence broken only by the rustling of leaves and the distant call of nocturnal creatures. With each step forward, Rokas, Ariah, and Elias drew closer to their destination, their spirits undeterred by the daunting path that lay before them. For beyond the veil of the forest awaited Swampstead and Lake Celia, promising adventure, danger, and the possibility of new beginnings. And so, with courage in their hearts and the bonds of friendship to guide them, they ventured forth into the unknown, ready to carve their own path in the world beyond.

 Act 2 - Chapter 7

    Two days have passed, and the only visual the group could see of the sky was through the gap of leaves. Rokas had noticed that the sky was turning darker and understood that the weather was about to change. Southern Saintsland rarely had rainstorms, and when it happens, it is typically a very harsh amount of rain for a short period of time. It took just a couple of minutes of traversing the weary trail for the sound of raindrops, hitting the leaves and branches above them.


    "You don''t happen to have a spell that could dry us off, would you Rokas?" Elias asked with a hint of humor. Rokas''s list of spells were expansive, but no spells existed of that nature to his current knowledge. Rokas responded with a tisk and they continued walking. The one trail they were on had lasted many miles and Elias was getting tired of carrying the bag.


    "Would either of you be willing to carry this bag for a bit? I can finally say that I''m over it."


    Ariah held her hand out to gesture to hand it over to her. Elias did so, and she didn''t realize the weight of the bag until she threw it over her shoulder. With each step it felt as if she was sinking an inch or two into the now muddy path that they had to follow. They had just a few miles to go before the day would turn to dusk and the group would set up camp.


    "You know, I hope you two didn''t expect this to be a fun journey through to the end. This is what adventuring is actually like, expect the unexpected or the unexpected will expect you. A little quote from my father. I haven''t been down this path since I captured my powers, so I pray to the two moons that nothing has changed, or we may be in for a treat." Rokas said. He knew he had to start setting some reality into the two jolly twins. He never understood why they were always so happy.


    "Fine by me, I like a challenge, it keeps me on my feet. However, the more I''m on my feet, the less I enjoy the challenge. I''d say we''re getting close to setting up camp right?" Elias asked. He kept tripping up on tree roots that were sticking out of the mud like a sore thumb. He always bared the idea of looking up when walking to show confidence and pride, but this was an exception, he finally started to watch the ground.


    "How''re you doing back there sis? You''ve been quiet." said Elias.


    "I have no idea, I''m not used to this and I''m already missing our little home. At this point I''m just glad we are almost ready to relax. We have walked countless miles in the couple days that we have been walking. I have tripped more times than I can count, and these bugs are ginormous. I pray that Rokas finds a little spot to tent up, I need some rest." Ariah replied while panting.


    The three would walk about another two miles before coming upon a nice little clearing in the middle of some old pine trees. Considering their location, they have started to make their way around Lake Celia, Starch¡¯s main resource for water. For the first time since they had entered the eerie forest, they noticed this small area had flowers and various foliage. Finally some vibrant colors to help with the gloominess of their current journey.


    "Alright, looks like this is our spot to set up, hand me the bag Ariah." Rokas said with his hand sticking out.


    "Okay, but it''s your turn tomorrow to carry this bag first since you didn''t even touch the damn thing." Ariah responded miserably. Rokas took a hold of the backpack full of their inventory and started casting a spell after dumping their miniature objects on the ground.


    "Casting Physical Reversal." Rokas''s palms glowed a bright white. It was visible, one could watch the items slowly expand to their original size, to the twins, it was extraordinary.


    The three would then set up their own tents made up of refined wooden poles and leather cloth. Elias would stack some logs for Rokas to light so they could keep warm over the night alongside the campfire. Once everyone settled and they were sitting around the campfire, smiles could be seen for the first time since their initial entering of the woods. Rokas had brought some packaged fish to cook over the fire which smelled great to the three after being so hungry. They ate their meal and drowsiness was upon them.


    "Welp, I think it''s time to call it a night, there''s not much to say, this is going to take some getting used to, I''m just tired." said Ariah as she groggily fragged her feet to her tent.


    In the heart of the forest, where the dense canopy blocks out the moonlight, darkness reigns supreme. The shadows seem to stretch and coil, swallowing the surrounding trees in an inky embrace. The only source of illumination is the flickering campfire, its warm glow casting long, dancing shadows that dance across the forest floor. Elias and Rokas sit across from each other, their faces illuminated by the fire''s dancing flames. The crackling of burning wood punctuates the silence of the night, echoing through the stillness like a haunting melody. Around them, the forest seems to come alive with mysterious sounds: the rustle of leaves, the hoot of an owl, the distant howl of a wolf. Despite the darkness that envelops them, Elias and Rokas find solace in the warmth of the fire. However, Elias was bouncing his leg as he sat on the wooden log placed for him, Rokas took notice of this.


    "What''s on your mind?" Rokas would ask after watching for countless minutes.


    "We haven''t ever been away from Starch on our own without some kind of adult. You''re the same age as us, and oddly I feel somewhat unsafe but also protected because of your history. I''m not sure how to feel, maybe I''m just anxious, or maybe I''m not made for this. You must''ve heard Dusty the night of the attack, I moved without thinking, I''m immature, and what if that gets me killed?" Elias replied with a faint sound of depression.


    "Elias, look, the amount of traveling I have conquered on my own is one of my strong suits for sure. I have seen and experienced many instances that I would find dangerous to the average person, but you two twins make a powerhouse for combinations that you likely haven''t ever imagined. I''m here to help you two grow, I may not be much older, and I may not be the strongest mage in Saintsland, but I will assure you of one thing, the stars have been aligned, and you two are destined for greatness. The Silvers are the future of Xero''s prosperity." Rokas would respond with haste.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    It was Rokas'' goal to make the twins understand that they unfortunately don''t have time to mope and worry. They were capable of extraordinary powers unknown to the universe, it just took a good pep talk to make them start looking up again.


    "If you don''t think what I''m saying is true, look at what you two did for Starch. You had every man, woman, and child on their feet filled with hope. It''s certainly not everyday that two teenagers, who are almost adults, can make that impact on stubborn old heads. Plus, I don''t believe Dusty would have allowed you guys to leave if you were too weak, think about it." Rokas said in reply to his previous statement.


    "Okay, maybe you''re right, we should probably get some rest, I''m sure we have quite the hike tomorrow." Elias replied.


    The two boys nodded their heads with respect and headed towards their tents. The sounds of crackling fire were becoming faint as the flames simmered down alongside the wind. Just as the boys got to their respected tents, cracks of some twigs beyond the neighboring trees could be heard.


    "psst! Elias!" Rokas whispered. Elias turned to look at Rokas as he was motioning with a finger to his mouth to the notion of be quiet. He followed it up with motioning his hands to his side like he was grabbing at metaphorical blades on his side. Elias understood what he was saying as he slowly gripped the handles to his tanto blades. Elias knew it could be dangerous so he channeled mana to tap into Ariah''s sleep-driven mind to warn her of danger, an odd power only capable due to twin telepathy. Her eyes opened suddenly, but her body moved with silence as she exited her tent.


    The three of them would be hunched by the front of their tents, they heard the branch cracking and leaf rustling getting closer with each second. With limited vision, the three were fearful about what could be beyond their human sight. A deep growl and snarls could be heard, then the dark furry paws of a Bearilla appeared in front of Rokas. In a moment''s instant, four others followed the first, and the trio would be outnumbered to this rare species of savage animals.


    "Rokas, what are these things?!" Elias asked frantically.


    "These are Bearillas, Xero has a weird way of extraterrestrial-like beings made up of two species. To the other continents, these are just gorillas or bears. I''m not quite sure how these came to be about, but I do know they are ferocious and they seem to be hungry, we may be their meal." Rokas replied.


    The beasts got into positions surrounding the trio, pawing at the ground below them tearing apart the flowers while doing so. What made them so intimidating was the fact that they had the front paws of a bear, back feet of a gorilla, claws of a demon, and the teeth of jagged swords. The trio had to think, they had no clear vision of the Bearillas, but the Bearillas could see them.


    "Can you think of any weaknesses Rokas? I think we''re about to become a late night snack, and with this fish in my gut, mixed with anxiety, I''m gonna throw up and end up dead." Ariah said.


    It took Rokas a moment of silence for an idea to come to mind, the chances of survival were low due to lack of preparation, but Rokas was a mastermind when it came to procrastination.


    "I got it! We just need a couple uncooked fish, and I need one of you to grab them from the sealed bags next to the campfire, and throw them off into the trees to buy us time, hurry though, they may charge so be ready you two!" Rokas would command.


    Using his aforementioned telepathy, Elias told Ariah he would scurry to the fish, and that he needed her to watch his back while he cut the packages open. She nodded toward his direction in approval of the situation. She knew that one of her stronger spells had to be put to use, they had three of the five Bearillas inching towards them in particular.


    Elias would ready his body for one of his fastest movements he ever could''ve made. "Casting Light Step" Elias would say softly. Mana pulsing through his feet could be seen by the under glow to his boots. His body went into a ready position similar to the start of a track run, and his body moved at the speed of light. This spell can only be used for so long before exerting a large amount of mana, but luckily in his case, he just needed ten steps. He grabbed his two tantos and quickly sliced into the packaged fish, Ariah quickly followed behind. The three Bearillas would join side by side and begin sprinting toward the twins head on, while the other two Bearillas facing Rokas, began running towards him.


    Elias quickly picked up the two bags of fish and threw them beyond Rokas into the trees, this would distract the two Bearillas into going off into the woods. Meanwhile, the other three that were about to pounce on the twins, knew what they wanted to eat. "Casting Mud Wave!" Ariah yelled. She formulated her mana into the ground below her, knowing with the rain from earlier and the water she can produce would create the perfect spawn of distraction. She waved her hand from the ground grabbing the molecular weight of the magic mud and launched it into the faces of the Bearillas. The mud wave stood approximately seven feet high prior to it crashing into the faces and bodies of the mythological creatures.


    Blinded by the mud that was now creeping into their eyes, the Bearillas were enduring a rampage of anger and the want to kill. Elias quickly took advantage of the situation by watching until one sat still to paw at its face. He would then use the mana in his feet again to boost his speed, running towards the beast, he jumped highly above it, and while hanging upside down, he stabbed both of his tantos into the top of its head.


    Ariah would capitalize on this moment and would immediately start a magic chant, "Casting Ice Pin". Using just one finger to accumulate and form her magic, a four foot long, thin, yet sharp icicle-like object floated above her open palm over her head. Awaiting her command, Ariah brought her arm back as far as she could reach and launched her hand towards the direction of the beast. The ice pin, like a dart, would strike the Bearilla directly through the side of the skull and out of the other side, converging itself with the tree beyond the now fallen creature.


    There stood one last Bearilla, this one had managed to remove the mud from its eyes. After realizing what the twins had done to its family, it ran off in the direction of the fish that was thrown far into the trees. Rokas had felt exhausted from the many various spells he had to use throughout the day and led on with an obnoxiously slow, yet loud clap for the twins. "You two just did very well! If that isn''t a testament that it''s in your blood, I don''t know what is." He would say to the twins.


    Ariah and Elias were breathing heavily, it wasn''t a large amount of physical exhaustion, it was their adrenaline being at a peak and significantly lowering, they were on edge. Just when they thought they had caught a break, a large rumbling was felt through the ground beneath them.


    "Is that an earthquake in Southern Saintsland?" Ariah would ask.


    An atrocious low pitch roar would be heard from the direction of the Bearillas escape, it was loud enough to continue shaking the ground. Suddenly, hundreds of light rays spanning off in a multitude of directions would appear through the foggy trees and into the sky. Trees would fall, rocks would crumble, where the beasts were last known to run off in, was now an open field of debris. The remaining three Bearillas, formed into one. The trio was now faced with a forty foot monster, with lack of knowledge, they all felt as if they were meeting their last day of being alive. All they could think was ¡°how the hell did they just do that?!¡±

 Act 2 - Chapter 8

    Staring into the vicious eyes of the beast before them, the unlikely trio was at a major disadvantage. Somehow, some way, three of the Bearillas managed to form into one body, with three heads, it still had bear-like paws, and the feet of your ordinary gorilla. The roar of this monster was unlike any that Rokas had heard in his past adventures, and he couldn''t even begin to imagine how something of this nature is even possible. The question remained, was it natural magic, or is this a coordinated attack?


    "What is the plan of action? I can already tell Ariah is getting low on Mana, so she may be good for just one more spell, but you have been doing random magic all throughout the day. I''m really accepting the fact that we are going to die right now." Elias said with frustration and fear.


    "Well I do have a plan for that, my friend." Rokas responded as he quickly ran over to his bag. He reached into the vial pouch on the side of the bag, and grabbed three vials filled with a bright green liquid. The monster started to snarl and walk towards the trio.


    "Hurry, drink these, they''re called potions of grace. They will allow us to run for much longer, much faster, and you will notice that tripping is quite impossible. We will leave everything behind, and come back for it when it is safer, that is, if it is still here. I was hoping to use these potions for the mountain, but it seems we''re going to have to head for the throat of the mountains now!" Rokas said to the twins. He grabbed the handle to the bag and began running southeast, the other two would follow suit.


    The three-headed Bearilla would take notice of this courageous act, and the head in the middle leaned forward while squinting. It took a deep breath, smoke was coming from out of its nostrils, and it spat fire in their direction. The flames were larger than the bonfires hosted at Starch''s festivals. They were no match for the volume of fire that this creature was able to produce. The trees that covered the forest, protected the trio whilst running. However, that was just the first time that the monster had used its flamethrower tactic, one or two more times, and everything on the ground near trunk level would be decimated.


    Ariah took note of the power, she knew no water she threw at the monster could bare any weight against the mighty flames it possessed. "HEY! CLIMB!" She yelled to the other two boys. The potion of grace ultimately allowed them to break gravity as they sprinted up the tree in perfect unison and balance. They would begin jumping tree to tree, branch to branch to escape this monstrosity. The Bearilla breathed in once again, as would the other two heads. The trio could hear the thunderous-like inhale that the beast would take, they knew something very bad was about to happen.


    The trio knew the Bearilla was in pursuit for something powerful, and they acknowledged staying in the trees the whole time would also lead to their demise. Elias, by the luck of his vision, spotted a large boulder just about twenty feet from them. "Boulder below! Hurry, we may be toast!" He yelled to Ariah and Rokas.


    As the trio leaped toward this boulder off of the trees they were on, the evolved Bearilla released a devastating exertion. The head in the middle again, released flames from its throat while the two heads between it, blew out an oily mist. This combination would amplify the effect of the flames tenfold. The trio was falling towards the boulder, and they were bracing to land in front of it. They all looked back as they saw the flames rushing towards them, the fire produced would cover and eliminate all the brush, foliage, and trees in the area. They dove behind the boulder just as the flames would follow behind them and decimate the grass and char the dirt around them.


    "The air is practically polluted, we need to cover our faces and get the hell out of here. There is no going back, we are just simply not strong enough to face this beast!" Elias yelled. They nodded their heads and got in position as if they were ready for a race. Once the pressure of the heat was dwindling down and the flames were done being blasted at them, they would take off for the run that would make or break them.


    #


    After an hour of running, they were exhausted, thirsty, and most of all, drenched. The mud throughout the forest caused quite the splashes among the three, and they knew there was no going back. They had limited resources available to them, just some empty flasks, and the feeling of hopelessness. Elias was bent over trying to catch his breath, Ariah laid on the muddy ground, and Rokas stared into the night sky, praying.


    "I hate to say it pal, but praying would have been more effective prior to the attack. What are we to do?! There is no way we''re gonna survive this one, we won¡¯t be making it back to Starch without some kind of encounter, as well as starving to death. Everything around us is toxic, useless, and DIRTY!" Elias screamed in frustration.


    "Don''t be blaming Rokas for this! There is no way this is his fault, if anything we should be joining him you bozo. Get over yourself and help us think. Look in the direction that he is looking as well while you''re at it!" Ariah yelled back to Elias. Her tone was firm and aggressive, you could tell she was the one with wits.


    Staring directly south-east, the peaks of the mountains could be seen with fading clouds circling above. The two moons sat at opposite sides of the sky, but one was right above the icy figure.


    "By the two moons, guide us, as we venture to our destination. Hopeless we may be, our courage stands with you. We wish to survive and conquer the steep journey we must pursue. With power." Rokas said softly with his eyes shut, his hands were connected making two circles with his fingers. This resembled the two moons and his worship to them.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    "Well, what should we do now? We all need sleep, and he is looking at that mountain as if he is ready to climb it." Elias said desperately.


    "We sleep in the trees, when morning time comes, we will trek the mountain sides, collect Ariah''s mana flask, and then make our way down. After that, we must do what we can to capture some resources needed to survive, which we will also do while adventuring. For now, we sleep... we sleep." Rokas responded with a sudden drop to the ground. He was snoring as loud as Mr. Paine''s hogs. Elias picked him up, used the little mana he had left to power jump into a tree. It was bedtime.


    #


    The nighttime came to an end as the sun started to rise. Beams of light scattered through the forest of many trees and foliage alike. You could see the dew on the leaves as they sparkled ever so gently. Rokas had already awoken and watched vigilantly to ensure their safety while the others woke up.


    "Wakey wakey you silver-haired twins. We got a venture to make, and we better make it as fast as possible, we''re already out of supplies due to last night''s events."


    Ariah and Elias started to wake up with a big stretch. Elias was stretching so hard his legs started to shake as he inevitably fell from the tree. Luckily, he landed on his feet and not his face. Ariah looked around the forest and felt odd, her body was well rested, but she still felt short of mana. This would concern her but she would remain silent about the issue.


    Ariah hopped down from the tree, rolling as she hit the ground, and went to talk to Rokas.


    "I''m ready when you are, I think we should just avoid any trouble, it''s better that we just get my mana flask without any fighting," she said.


    Rokas was giving her a look with a twinge of suspicion and replied "Let''s get going then, make sure you guys didn''t leave behind any objects, and ensure there is no blood anywhere, or those creatures could very well trail us."


    Nobody seemed to be bleeding luckily, the only objects missing were the ones they lost back at the fire. As unfortunate as it was, the group would start walking through tall bushes and begin paving their own trail. As exhausted as they were, they already were feeling underprepared and desperate, Elias was undoubtedly already wanting to go back to the farm. It had only been a day and Ariah was already wondering how Starch was doing without them. The townsfolk had grown strong since the orc raid on Dockton, they just had to keep persevering.


    "Guys, look!" Ariah yelled.


    She was ahead of the boys and a clearing started to show. It was evident that they were in a forest, but just about half a mile south, you could see a drop off on the land they were walking on. Forward they went until they came across a beautiful sight to see. Being used to nothing but woods and farmland, the twins finally got to witness the mountains in the distance, as the town called it, except they weren''t that far from it.


    The drop-off led down about twenty feet, where rocks and a small river flowed. Blue-striped fish were leaping around, to the left a doe and two fawns were drinking water from the river, but as they looked around they began to look up. This is when they noticed how much of a hike they have, regardless of the beauty around them, the ugliness of exhaustion weighed heavily on their conscience.


    "Alright, so, it is clearly mid-day and we have limited time to get where we need to go. I predict that if we manage to not engage in any kind of danger, we can get to the mana pond in roughly three to four hours." Rokas said with confidence. He gazed at the mountain that he had once traversed with his father, this time, he felt like he had a new family, and he would do anything to protect them.


    The twins nodded their heads with readiness, and onwards they went, jumping from rock to rock to get over the river. Rokas noticed quite the straight shot path to the pond, they would follow this path for some time.


    Roughly an hour passed, from forest paths to hiking on the mountain, and they had to start climbing quite steep landforms. Thankfully for them, the windiness was less than expected and snow didn''t seem to appear until halfway up the rocky terrain. They were now high enough to be over the trees, they sat for a minute to peer over the forest landscapes. Without any hesitation, Elias quickly looked for Starch, he wanted to see if he could spot the tall grain mill, which he did.


    "Sis, look! I can see Starch from here!" Elias yelled with cheerfulness.


    Ariah walked up beside her brother, they put their arms around each other''s shoulders and just stared. For the first time since they had left their comfy abode, they felt a wave of calmness and happiness. Granted the grain mill was all they could spot from so far away, but they were happy to know their small town was safe from harm''s way. Rokas stared at the twins, he never questioned what it would be like to have siblings, but now he has.


    Elias turned his head to see Rokas staring at him and Ariah, he noticed his face was appearing quite sad.


    "What''s wrong? Is everything okay? Elias asked calmly.


    "It might sound stupid, but I don''t really have any family. Seeing you two so close and loving with one another really makes me wonder what having a brother or sister would be like." Rokas responded.


    Elias and Ariah walked towards Rokas and hugged him, Elias was rubbing his fist over his head being playful.


    "Look, you don''t need to wonder what having a sibling is like, you have us, and as long as you promise to give us all of you, we will give you all of us. We can get through life and our adventures together. In my book, you have been one of the kindest and most open-hearted people I''ve met, even though I haven''t met many people, I feel safe with you." Ariah said to Rokas


    Rokas peered into the twins¡¯ eyes, his own eyes tearing up at the thought of finally finding a family to call his own. He nodded his head with a confident grin and took a deep breath. ¡°Alright then, you have a deal, relatives and family are two different things, you two will be my family, for life.


    Then, the trio looked further ahead, realizing they had made terrific progress on their journey. They all took in one last sight of the world beyond them and would resume their adventure to the mana pool.

 Act 2 - Chapter 9

    ¡°Rokas, are we there yet?¡± moaned Elias. Evidently he was exhausted from this journey already, and it has only been a few days since they left their hometown of Starch. He was dragging his feet in a child-like manner, making huffing and puffing sounds.


    Rokas stopped and looked back at Elias with a grin of good news. ¡°Why don¡¯t you look up? Then you can tell me if we¡¯re almost there,¡± he said back, picking the pace of his walking up. Just over one last climbable patch of rocks and there it was, the peak of the mountains. Nobody really spoke of what civilization would refer to these mountains by, at least not to Ariah¡¯s knowledge. They were on the homestretch, and in mere minutes they will be reaching their goal.


    ¡°Hey do either of you happen to know what they call these mountains? I seem to be quite uneducated on Xero¡¯s geography¡­¡± Ariah said shy-like. She was embarrassed that she only knew of the main cities of Saintsland, Starch, and Dockton. It just never occurred to her that there is more to the world than the points of interest that people reside in. She would remember this moving forward, trying to take mental notes of anything she can learn.


    ¡°Yes, actually these mountains are called the Sinkro Mountains, discovered and traversed by an infamous rogue named Drake Sinkro.¡± Rokas would reply astutely.


    ¡°What exactly made this rogue so infamous?¡± Elias asked.


    ¡°Well you see, in the early days of Saintsland, before King Artos began his reign, Drake was quite the thief. Any home worth stealing from, best believe he scouted it out. Before the humans banished the other races from Saintsland, he often sold the wares and collectibles to the orcish tribes that would have villages in the north-east. The elves and humans became aware of this after sometime, and began a pursuit to catch him¡­¡± Rokas said with dramatic effect. ¡°Then, after being caught in a village, he ran down the whole eastern border until he got here. Nobody wanted to traverse this deadly terrain with minimal gear and supplies, so they just gave up.


    The twins looked at eachother curiously and replied in unison ¡°THEN WHAT?!¡±


    Rokas chuckled, ¡°This mana pool we are about to find will answer that exact question, however, how I know of this tale is because Drake would eventually meet my father. So naturally I would read about it in his journal when it was given to me, my father named the mountains after him for making such a prestigious effort to piss people off.¡± Ariah and Elias were in shock that Drake managed to receive any kind of respect to have a whole mountain area named after him.


    ¡°No worries though, legally these mountains have no name, but to my family¡¯s legacy and knowledge, we call them the Sinkro Mountains. Now, enough of that, follow me!¡± Yelled Rokas.


    The trio navigated up the remaining path to the peak of the mountain, a claw-like shape of stone being the true peak hovered over a small flat clearing. A light level of snow covered the rocky ground beneath them, and to their amazement, it didn¡¯t seem to be too chilly. Sure it was a bit windy, and cold enough to maintain snow or ice, but it didn¡¯t bother them one bit. Upon ascending the final steps, at the base of the claw formation was the mana pool.


    It was smaller than the twins anticipated, but the stone walls connected to the ground with almost a bowl-shape compartment that the blue glowing mana water was held in. Above this was a stalactite, and at its sharp end, it emanated the same blue glow that the mana water had, it was even partially transparent, giving it a gemstone appearance. Upon examination, the blue liquid dripped from the stalactite and into the bowl.


    ¡°This is beautiful, Ariah said softly, ¡°how does this even work? My parents have only really taught us how to harness the magic within ourselves, but never explained where it came from. This too, this is pure nature, just like our physical bodies.¡±


    Rokas looked at Ariah and tracted her attention, pointing to the sky. The two moons hovered them to the north, his smile was inspired by the science behind arcane energy. ¡°The two moons, Ariah. Our powers, our ability to channel the arcane energy within ourselves is brought out by those magnificent celestial formations. I¡¯m still trying to learn of the science behind it, but it¡¯s a beautiful thing. I can¡¯t imagine what would come to be of our world if they happened to disappear.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re saying that the two moons are the only thing giving us magic powers?¡± Elias inquired, his right hand lightly scratching his head in confusion.


    Rokas looked to Elias and clasped his hands together, ¡°No, at least I don¡¯t think so¡­ I believe our sun is the core, the two moons distribute mana in two different forms, light and dark. Those who utilize light mana, typically have clean souls, unbound by evil and sin. Meanwhile, users of dark mana are likely to be those who are taken over with greed, gluttony, and power. This is basically what my father told me, so sorry if it isn¡¯t as straightforward as you hoped it to be.¡±Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    The twins stared into the cosmos, the two moons sitting diagonally from each other. The sun was beginning to set to the south, as the light around them started to fade to the blue hues of the moon¡¯s radiance, the stalactite began to glow ever more brightly. Rokas would approach the mana pool and look up at the glowing stone. ¡°Lastly, our world has had many meteorites that have succumbed to gravity, but they seem to be infused with various gems and magical energies. Again, a science I cannot explain. However, the tip of this stalactite happens to be a meteorite, which slowly drips this blue mana water into the pool here.¡±


    As Rokas was explaining, he grabbed an empty potion flash that he kept hidden in a toolbelt around his waist under his leather coat. The twins hovered around the mana pool as Rokas dipped the flask into the liquid, filling it about 3/4ths of the way. He then gently placed the glowing flask onto the ground and kneeled in front of it. ¡°Casting Celestial Restoration.¡±


    Blue and purple wisps descended from the night sky and entered the open flask by its top, fusing itself with not only the liquid, but the flask itself. The light within was altering brightness as it did so, making the astonished faces of the twins fade in and out of darkness. Then suddenly, it stopped. The water inside now had the same blue glow with purple sparkles that shared the appearance of the stars in the cosmos.


    ¡°Alright, so now, whenever you empty this bad boy, come dawn time roughly, you will see it begin to refill naturally. Do not, and I repeat, DO NOT lose this flask, or we will have to come all the way back to this damn place. And quite frankly, my legs just don¡¯t feel like doing this for a long time, so just don¡¯t fuck up please?¡± Rokas said softly with his hands in a begging pose. ¡°Now, drink it!¡±


    Ariah engulfed herself in the liquid¡¯s beauty, by the grace of the celestial gods, she can refill her mana quickly and efficiently. She put the top end to her lips, and lost herself in the magnificence of the flavor. Instantaneously her body would succumb to its mana refilling, an absolutely refreshing beverage for somebody who had used a lot of their power to prevail and get to the top of the Sinkro Mountains.


    As Ariah takes multiple sips from the blue mana flask, a tingling sensation washes over her, suffusing her body with a newfound energy and vitality. With each breath she takes, the air seems to shimmer with a vibrant hue, filling her lungs with a revitalizing essence that invigorates her spirit. As the mana courses through her veins, she feels the soreness in her muscles melt away, replaced by a sense of strength and resilience. Suddenly, the world around her seems to come alive with vivid clarity, every sight, sound, and sensation amplified to an exhilarating degree. The breeze becomes a symphony of nature''s song, the dappling sunlight filtering through the canopy above a mesmerizing display of light and shadow. With a smile on her face, Ariah revels in the newfound vitality that the mana has bestowed upon her, embracing the joy and wonder of the world around her with open arms.


    Elias and Rokas approach the shimmering mana pool with excitement, their eyes alight with anticipation as they cup their hands together to scoop up the liquid. As the cool, azure fluid touches their skin, a surge of energy pulses through their bodies, invigorating them from within. With each sip, they feel a sense of renewal wash over them, their senses sharpening and their spirits lifting. The mana-infused water seems to awaken something deep within them, infusing them with a renewed vitality and strength. As they gaze into each other''s eyes, they share a knowing smile, grateful for the rejuvenating power of the mana pool and the bond of friendship that unites them in their shared journey.


    Ariah began to take notice in the instantaneous restoration of her potion flask, the liquid naturally restoring itself. The trio stood around each other and Elias held up a hand to speak, ¡°I believe it is in our best interest to rest here, there is not enough light for us to descend to the throat of the mountain, and quite frankly I don¡¯t want to break a leg.¡±


    Rokas and Ariah nodded their heads in agreement, Rokas inquired the twin¡¯s feelings on drinking the mana water, to which was evidently positive as they looked joyful again. ¡°So, Elias, we still need to capture a gravity toad for you to enchant your boots, but with no supplies I don¡¯t belie..¡± Elias held a hand up to make Rokas pause.


    ¡°Brother, I know, it isn¡¯t safe for us to go into Swampstead to do that right now. I say we attempt to find where we were attacked to find your bag, and honestly go back to Starch so we can restock or make new plans.¡± Elias said with an understanding, he knew that the lack of food and other things could be dangerous.


    Ariah stretched her arms and looked out into the land of Saintsland once again and tiredly spoke. ¡°Yep, I¡¯m calling it, it is time for some damn sleep, I can¡¯t keep looking this pretty as a young adult soon to be.¡± This happened to be the literal truth, as their birthdays were just weeks away. Ariah and Elias were bound to turn 18 years old, they haven¡¯t seen their parents since they were 13, and they think about it often.


    ¡°Wow sis, it really has almost been five years since we saw mom and dad. I hope they¡¯re still alive¡­¡± Elias softly spoke. Rokas didn¡¯t know what to do except put his arms around the shoulders of the twins when he would inquire the question ¡°what¡¯re your parents names?¡±


    With Ariah on his left, and Elias on his right, they spoke in unison as they usually do, ¡°Amelia and Sebastian Silver.¡±


    Rokas looked both of them in their ever so serious faces and giggled. ¡°Okay you two do that so much that it¡¯s actually creepy sometimes! But seriously, I know we will find them, just like how I know we will find my father. I never knew my mother, and that''s okay, but I swear on my life we will find them all. There just has to be a reason we were all brought to Starch around the same time.¡±


    As a group they lost themselves in the mountain breeze, the dripping of mana water from the stalactite, the darkened land beneath them, and the swaying waters of the ocean to their east. Slowly they laid beneath the claw-like stone peak for cover and sleep, the night went on with the only light being the two moons and glowing mana water. Tiresome they were, the three of them quickly fell into slumber, preparing for the adventure back to Starch.

 Act 2 - Chapter 10

    As the morning mist dissipates and the sun begins its ascent, Rokas, Ariah, and Elias emerge from their slumber atop the mountain peak. With eyes still heavy with sleep, they witness the celestial spectacle unfolding before them. The sun, a radiant orb of light, bathes the land in its golden embrace, while the two moons bid their farewell to the night, descending below the horizon in the distant south. Surrounded by the tranquility of nature''s beauty, the trio feels a sense of peace and serenity wash over them. With renewed determination, they prepare to face the challenges that lie ahead, their hearts filled with the promise of a new day.


    ¡°I¡¯m starting to get hungry damn it¡­¡± Elias¡¯ voice dry and low, still trying to adjust himself to the morning. It had indeed been over a full day since their last meal, being the fish they consumed before the Bearillas frightful attack.


    Ariah stretched and placed both of her hands at her waist, standing over Elias as he sat up. ¡°Well, well, well, who woulda¡¯ guessed Elias would be the first to complain about hunger? And to think, we couldn¡¯t even go twenty minutes this morning without a complaint from you. C¡¯mon, get up, we gotta start heading back.¡±


    The oddity that is twin telepathy would show that the two were both evidently hungry. By merely looking at one another they would both ask what are we going to do about this?


    ¡°Hey! You two, dits and brawn, there are berries aplenty down by the water that we passed on our way to the mountain¡¯s base. Let¡¯s just begin by going there first, sound like a plan?¡± Rokas intervened. He has begun learning that this sort of thing between the twins is likely to happen often. He knows it is usually lighthearted bullshitery, but focus is needed, and a leader is required. Rokas mentally views himself as the driving force of this trio team of theirs, so it is up to him to fill that role.


    Ariah and Elias turned their heads to him, ¡°fine,¡± and ¡°alright¡± was murmured between the two in a pouty expression. Elias stood up and brushed his clothes off, the specs and pebbles that stuck to it noticeable and annoying. And thus, the trio returned to where they climbed up and would begin their descent down the calm and mystical Sinkro Mountains.


    #


    As the trio descended from the towering mountain peak, their path winding through rugged terrain and rocky pathways, they were greeted by the sight of a lush forest spread out before them. Towering trees, their branches reaching skyward in a verdant canopy, cast dappled shadows upon the forest floor below. The air was filled with the sweet scent of pine and earth, an almost nostalgic scent for Rokas, as the forest was where he grew up as a young child.


    At the base of the mountain, a gentle breeze stirred the leaves of the forest, causing them to wisp by the trio as they took in the scenery. Amidst the emerald green foliage, a light water creek meandered its way through the landscape, its crystal-clear waters glistening in the sunlight. The sound of trickling water added a soothing melody to the tranquil surroundings, inviting the trio to rest and refresh themselves before continuing on their journey.


    With a few hours before the sun reached its peak, Rokas, Ariah, and Elias found themselves captivated by the beauty of the forest ahead. The lush canopy overhead offered respite from the midday sun, casting cool, dappled shadows upon the forest floor. Birds chirped merrily in the treetops, their melodious songs echoing through the air. As they followed the gentle curve of the creek deeper into the forest, they couldn''t help but feel a sense of wonder about the remaining duration until they found the juicy berry plants. But it was in that moment of wondering that they would pass the last line of trees to the opening that they had seen before.


    ¡°Come, over here!¡± Rokas shouted, running hastily across the water creek with splashes of happiness and young fun.


    As Rokas crossed the water, his keen eyes were set on a cluster of blueberry bushes nestled amidst the undergrowth. Drawn by their vibrant hue and promise of sweetness, he approached the bushes with cautious curiosity. Upon closer inspection, he found the branches laden with plump, juicy blueberries, their deep indigo skin glistening in the dappled sunlight. Each berry was a small treasure, perfectly round and bursting with flavor, promising a delightful burst of sweetness with every bite. Rokas reached out to pluck a ripe berry from the bush, marveling at its velvety texture and the way it yielded to his touch. With a smile of satisfaction, he popped the succulent berry into his mouth, savoring the explosion of flavor that danced upon his tongue.


    With Rokas praying upon the cluster of blueberry bushes, Ariah and Elias raced to catch up, their curiosity piqued by his discovery. Breathless with excitement, they joined him amidst the bushes, their eyes widening in astonishment at the abundance of plump, ripe berries before them. Without hesitation, they began to pluck the berries from the branches, their fingers stained with the deep indigo hue of the fruit as they eagerly popped them into their mouths. Each berry burst with sweetness, a delicious reward for their journey through the forest.


    As they feasted on the bountiful harvest, Rokas suggested that they pocket some of the berries to munch on later during their travels. With deft fingers, they carefully gathered a handful of the ripest berries, tucking them away in their pockets as a delightful snack for the road ahead. With their hunger mildly sated and their spirits lifted by the taste of the forest''s bounty, the trio continued on their journey, their hearts light and their steps quickened by the promise of adventure that lay ahead.


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    #


    As the trio ventured further along the path they had walked before, a sense of unease began to settle upon them like a heavy shroud. Gradually, the vibrant greenery of the forest gave way to a landscape marred by devastation and destruction. Burnt trees stood like silent sentinels, their charred branches reaching towards the sky in a haunting display of nature''s fury. The once lush foliage now lay in smoldering heaps, the acrid scent of smoke lingering in the air as a grim reminder of the fire that had ravaged the land. Ariah, Elias, and Rokas exchanged concerned glances, their footsteps slowing as they took in the desolate scene before them. With each step, the severity of the destruction became more apparent, casting a shadow of foreboding over their journey. As they pressed on, their hearts heavy with sorrow for the loss of life and beauty, they vowed to keep their eyes peeled for that monstrous Bearilla that dealt this damage.


    ¡°And to think, we almost became burnt up blackened corpses alongside the nature here.¡± Rokas whispered.


    Elias¡¯ eyebrows lifted in shock, ¡°Wow, that was probably one of the most dark things I have heard from you so far. What gives, are you good?¡± he inquired.


    Rokas let out a deep breath and cracked his neck. ¡°Yeah, you see, this is just a lot. My family is a family that protects, preserves, and values nature to the highest degree. To think that this happened simply because we were attacked by some damned Bearillas is outrageous. Truthfully, I didn¡¯t even know that they could transform or use any kind of magic. The celestial magic¡¯s dark energy must have embedded itself inside animalistic creatures. I thought it only worked on humanoid species, guess I was wrong¡­ but..¡±


    ¡°OVER HERE! I SEE THEM OVER HERE!¡± A voice shouted ahead of them. The trio looked up to see that a party of ten people from Starch was wandering Swampstead. Then the last to show themselves, coming from a location farther than anyone was Dusty.


    ¡°By the moons! You are okay!¡± Dusty yelled with a tear rolling down his right cheek. He bear hugged the three in disarray and solace. ¡°We thought something really terrible happened to you three. I woke up to people shouting that a large fire was consuming the forest and I knew it was in the direction that you went. I just knew something fishy was up!¡±


    The trio managed a giggle due to the fact that it was because of their fish over the fire that started the whole commotion in the first place. Dusty looked into each of their eyes, bewildered and asked ¡°what''s so damned funny that you are laughing at my fear?¡±


    ¡°Ole¡¯ man Dusty, do we have a story for you, but before I begin that, would any of you happen to know of a black and blue knapsack-like bag that was left on the ground anywhere?¡± Ariah asked, and as she did, one of the villagers that joined the search party lifted it in the air to show that he had in fact found their bag. Rokas breathed a sigh of relief, so much was in that bag, some items even beyond valuable that it was purely sentiment. His father had given him that bag when they parted ways, when Rokas had to leave for Starch.


    And so, the ten people of Starch with Ariah, Elias, and Rokas began walking through the charred landscape that was once a lively forest. They told them of the hardships, the battle with the Bearillas, the ascension of the Sinkro Mountains, and they shared the juicy blueberries that they had stuffed in their pockets. Nobody could believe the story of the Bearillas and how they conjoined themselves into one strong magical foe, but they all still were incredibly keen to their surroundings, as if they just heard a horror story.


    A couple days would pass, and everybody would camp together, eat together and tell stories together. Even though Ariah, Elias, and Rokas weren¡¯t in Starch, just the company of their people made the trek back significantly better, their emotions amplified with companionship. The Starch folk told them of how well the town guards were doing and that they had plans that they were going to discuss with them once they got back.


    After some time on the third day of hacking and slashing their way back home, the opening of the forest cleared its way, the entrance to Starch was just ahead. Many townsfolk gathered at the gate, awaiting their arrival. Cheers and clapping rushed over everybody once they saw that the valiant Ariah, Elias, and Rokas had made it home.


    The celebration was short lived as Dusty gathered their attention, speaking to them in a huddle formation. ¡°You three need to get to my shop immediately, unfortunately, there is no time for rest.¡±


    They knew the severity of Dusty¡¯s voice was not to be toyed with, they listened and reacted. Waving to their people as they ran by with no time to chat, they would cut through the village by avoiding the regular gravel paths, heading straight for Dusty¡¯s shop. Once they got there, they were greeted by six of the town guards. Two archers, two rogues, and two knights. With respect, the six of them kneeled to the trio with a fist to their chest.


    ¡°Oh get up you guys, we¡¯re not gods or anything.¡± Ariah said embarrassed.


    ¡°We are happy to see you all made it back, we saw the flames and smoke that one night and¡­¡± a knight was cut off by the door opening. It was Dusty and Charles, the young man that they appointed as commander of Starch¡¯s legion.


    ¡°We meet once again, my friends!¡± Charles said excitedly. The twins and Rokas greeted him with firm handshakes and their fists to their heart. ¡°We have a great ordeal that we need to discuss, I¡¯ve gone over it with Dusty already. Since he is the mastermind behind it all, I will let him tell it.¡±


    Dusty cleared his throat with lofty hems and paused for a moment, ¡°It¡¯s Dockton, some of the people want to go back and assess the wreckage.¡±


    ¡°Okay, so what do you need from us?¡± Rokas asked diligently.


    Dusty nodded his head, ¡°yes, I want you three and the six of these guards to accompany a few of Dockton¡¯s townsfolk as they search the town for any possible survivors and also so they can properly bury anybody that may have passed away there.¡± He was evidently keen on the idea, but wasn¡¯t positive if the three of them would be interested in a possible scene that could be best described as horrific.


    ¡°We will do it, by the two moons we will get answers and results, you have my word!¡± Elias replied.


    ¡°That settles it then, you will be accompanied by these six guards for protection and order. You guys must leave tomorrow however, as the people requesting this to be done have grown incredibly anxious with all of the recent events. Meet back here after breakfast and I will ensure the same message gets to the townsfolk,¡± Commander Charles said with positive leadership.


    The guards followed Charles as he exited Dusty¡¯s shop, the trio remained as Dusty sat at the table with the note that he was writing back when the Orcs had attacked. ¡°Before you guys leave, take this. Eventually, I need you three to get to the Aros Isles, Rokas, I know you can lead the way.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir!¡± Rokas responded.

 Act 2 - Chapter 11

    As the first light of dawn bathed the quaint village of Starch in a warm, golden glow, Ariah and Elias Silver set out on the familiar path towards Dusty''s Shop. The air was crisp and still, carrying with it the promise of a new day and the weight of impending adventure. With each step, the siblings felt a sense of anticipation building within them, their hearts quickening with excitement for the journey that lay ahead. The smell of dew-covered grass mixed with the faint scent of fresh bread from nearby homes, creating a comforting yet energizing start to their mission.


    As they approached the shop, they were greeted by the sight of the six Starch guards, their stoic expressions illuminated by the soft light of the rising sun. These seasoned warriors, clad in armor adorned with the emblem of their village, stood ready to join Ariah and Elias on their venture to Dockton. With a nod of acknowledgment, the twins exchanged glances, their determination mirrored in each other''s eyes as they prepared to embark on their quest to uncover the damages of Dockton, and to possibly save anybody who was left behind.


    ¡°Guards!¡± Ariah said loudly. The six of them acknowledged her presence and got into their cordial greeting stance. Dusty peered through his window, a bright smile spreading across his face. He quickly made his way outside with a basket of assorted goods and wares for the party to bring with them.


    Dusty approached the twins, putting a fist to his mouth as he cleared his throat and spoke with as much nobility as possible. ¡°Elias, Ariah! Good morning to you two. I have ensured your guards had eaten their breakfast and I prepared some food and water for you in this basket. I know you are in a hurry, so I''ll finish my piece¡ªgood luck and make it back safely, please?¡±


    The twins chuckled at this because they were used to Dusty being raw in his speech and demeanor. ¡°Oh, you don¡¯t gotta do all of that, Dusty. We¡¯re not royalty, nor do we want to be treated as such. Hold the fort down for us while we are gone. And as for the food and water, it is much appreciated, my friend.¡± Elias responded, a light grin following as the sunlight gleamed across his clean-shaven face. Elias had been growing his hair out, now tied into a short ponytail. The twins gave Dusty a group hug, made from love and compassion for the big oaf''s attention to caring. After a quick glance between the three, they greeted their guards once again, the exit just behind them.


    As Ariah, Elias, and the six Starch Guards made their way towards the exit of the village, a solemn hush fell over the group, punctuated only by the soft crunch of gravel beneath their boots. The path ahead stretched out before them, its once well-trodden surface now bearing the stark absence of any new footsteps or wheel tracks. It was a haunting reminder of the recent events that had befallen Dockton, a village now shrouded in tragedy and uncertainty. As they ventured forth, the weight of their mission hung heavy in the air, each step forward a testament to their determination to uncover the truth and bring justice to those who had suffered at the hands of the raiders. With every passing moment, the path grew more desolate, yet Ariah, Elias, and the guards pressed on, the lightly wooded forest just ahead.


    The journey to Dockton could take half the day on foot, which is why they chose to leave so early. They hoped to return that same night, wielding any answers or hints as to why the orcs had decided to ambush the poor independent town of Dockton.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m going back to this place. If my parents were alive to see and know what had happened, they would be jumping out of their trousers.¡± Shina''s voice was filled with a mix of disbelief and sorrow. Elias placed his hand on her shoulder, showing empathy, knowing all too well the pain of losing parents, and sensing the fear that lingered in the air, for they didn¡¯t know what to expect upon arrival.


    ¡°HEY! DID YOU GUYS FORGET SOMETHING, OR SOMEONE?!¡± A familiar voice echoed from behind.


    They all looked back, and in immediate response, the twins spoke in unison as they always did in moments like these, ¡°Fuck, Rokas!¡±


    Rokas sprinted along the path to catch up to the group, stopping with his hands on his knees, panting. ¡°Ya know, I get that I slept in, but come on, did you seriously forget about me?¡±


    Ariah felt a heavy amount of guilt. ¡°Rokas, we are so terribly sorry. Wow, I cannot believe we forgot. It¡¯s just that we are incredibly anxious and have a lot on our minds. I promise you it is nothing against you. I hope you understand. Here, have some water!¡±


    Quickly snatching the ceramic bottle from Ariah¡¯s hand, Rokas emptied it to the last drop. Thankfully, this was just one of the many bottles they had prepared for the trip. Placing the empty bottle into his satchel, Rokas gestured his acceptance of their apology and began walking ahead of the group as they stared at him with happy surprise.


    As the group resumed their journey to Dockton, the world around them slowly came to life. The early morning light bathed the landscape in a gentle, golden hue, casting long shadows that danced with the sway of the trees. The path ahead was flanked by dense forests, their tall, ancient trees rustling softly in the morning breeze, whispering secrets of ages past. Birds chirped melodiously, greeting the new day with their songs, while the scent of dew-kissed earth and blooming wildflowers filled the air. The occasional rustle in the underbrush hinted at unseen creatures scurrying about their morning routines. The sound of a nearby brook added a calming cadence to their steps, the water gurgling over smooth stones as it made its way to join larger streams and rivers. Despite the weight of their mission, the natural beauty surrounding them offered a momentary reprieve, a reminder of the world¡¯s enduring serenity even in times of strife.


    With the luck of flat roads and paths to follow ahead, the adventure for the party should see them arriving upon sunset, still with enough time to investigate.


    Hours passed, and they found themselves in the home stretch of Dockton. Off in the distance, the party could see the remnants of a once-bustling shore town. The sun reflecting off the eye-catching ocean waters past it gave the place an eerie irony, considering its current state.


    ¡°To think of the few times we have been here with Dusty, I would have never imagined that the amazing fish dinner we had would be the last time we enjoyed our time here. The orcs will pay¡­¡± Elias broke the silence, his voice filled with a quiet determination. The sound of tired footsteps crunching into the unbothered gravel below them was like a clock ticking, each step marking the time coming to an end for the initial walk to the town.


    ¡°Hey, we never asked for your name earlier. My apologies,¡± Ariah asked the silent guard who had spoken earlier in the day.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    She spoke with hesitation, ¡°Shina, my name is Shina.¡± She looked to the ground, a flicker of fear in her eyes.


    ¡°Look up, Shina. There is no need for any fear or negativity that may linger in your mind. My name is Rokas, and I have been to your family''s shop quite a few times in the town center. Hell, that¡¯s where I got most of my socks and coats from.¡± Rokas chuckled, his arms behind his head. ¡°Anyways, your family may have left behind some kind of memorabilia if it wasn¡¯t destroyed. I say we should try and find their old shop or your home here and see if we can find something, sound good?¡±


    A glimmer of hope shone in Shina¡¯s eyes, and a bit of a smile appeared as she thought of seeing her old home once again. She prayed that the damage done wasn¡¯t enough to take their family remnants from her.


    The welcoming wooden archway with a sign attached that had the word "Dockton" hung in front of the group. The backside of the archway and sign were tainted with black dust from the burning of the town. The once-trodden dirt paths that made up most of Dockton¡¯s roads were also littered with the blackness of smoke dust.


    ¡°By the two moons¡­¡± Rokas sighed. As everybody looked around, the perspective of Dockton left an immense distaste for what remained. This would unfortunately lessen the hope that Shina possessed mere moments ago.


    Elias cleared his throat to gain the party¡¯s attention. ¡°I believe it is in our best interest to split up into two groups. There are nine of us. Rokas, you take four of the guards including Shina. Ariah and I will work with the other two guards and scatter around looking for anything dead or alive. I¡¯m certain we will have plenty of burials that we will have to do.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± The six guards shouted with the Starch Guard salute.


    Rokas, Shina, and the three other guards began to walk straight to the town center where most of the trading, bargaining, and local events took place. Elias, Ariah, and their two guards started on the southernmost perimeter, scouting through the burnt homes and small shops. A gust of harsh wind began to thrust through the town as they started their search, like an oddity acknowledging their presence.


    ¡°These poor people, I wish I could¡¯ve been here in their time of need. A brutish ambush by the orcs during the day¡­ how did they reach the town without being noticed by ship?¡± Rokas asked aloud.


    ¡°They didn¡¯t come here on orcish ships. They had somehow managed to take two Saintsland galleons. There were hundreds of them onboard, cloaking themselves with their enemy''s garbs. It¡¯s sickening and cowardly,¡± Shina responded.


    ¡°So you had seen them board the docks then?¡± Rokas inquired.


    Shina looked to the sky, her eyes shut, a tear rolling down her left cheek, and her black hair flowing in the wind. ¡°Yes, I was one of the first to notice who they were. It isn¡¯t often that the Saintsland army ever docked here unless they were just using us as a resting point to reach the elven lands, but the orcs didn¡¯t reveal themselves or blow their war horns until about a hundred of them were already on the ground. We scattered in fear, screaming as arrows were shot from the ships, orcish shamans casting spells from the deck, and their warriors slaughtering our people.¡± She stopped speaking, her lips trembling at the memory of the terrifying moment.


    Rokas looked at Shina with utmost sympathy. ¡°Say no more. Let us make it to your shop first. Just know I am very glad you survived and made it to Starch in time. Though I am unsure why they would attack an independent town like Dockton, I would like to believe those brutes of a species don''t require much reasoning for their vicious ways. Come on, let us find some semblance of peace.¡±


    They were closing in on the town center when they realized that there were still barrels of produce, old fish, and vegetables plagued the air with their stench. Shockingly, no bodies could be seen. However, the splatters of dried blood stained various parts of the ground and walls of shops or homes. Arcane runic spells were etched into many of the buildings'' walls. This was an onslaught; these orcs had something to prove, but not to the humans.


    As Rokas, Shina, and the other three searched the town center, the other group discovered a home that miraculously appeared untouched by the sketches of battle. The door was locked and barricaded, windows covered; something was being hidden here, and the twins wouldn¡¯t be fooled into believing otherwise.


    Ariah attempted to use her needle threader spell to pick the lock to the front door and hopefully bash through the barricaded entrance, but with no luck, it seemed there was also a magical barrier placed on the home. Upon further searching, Elias found a wooden trap door covered by crates and barrels on the backside of the house. This opened with ease, the first thing to go their way since they entered the wretched town.


    ¡°Hey, you guys might wanna see this!¡± Elias spoke with urgency. Ariah and the two guards rushed to his side, peering into the dark abyss of the trapdoor. One of the guards pulled out a torch and queued the other guard to light it with their flint and stone. With the torch now lit, the guard dropped it into the darkness. It fell for about five seconds before the thud of the torch hit the stone floor beneath them. ¡°Weird,¡± Elias whispered.


    There had to be something down there, or someone. Only time could tell as they started climbing down the ladder one by one. Ariah, Elias, and their two soldiers descended the creaking wooden ladder, each step echoing through the narrow shaft as they made their way down. The dry air grew thicker, almost oppressive, as they descended, carrying with it a faint, acrid scent of earth and stone. The further they went, the more the air seemed to leech moisture from their skin, leaving their throats parched and their lips cracked.


    The stone walls that framed the shaft were rough-hewn, their surfaces jagged and uneven, carved hastily by ancient hands. Tiny fissures and crevices crisscrossed the stone, housing small deposits of dust and grit that had collected over the years. Every touch against the wall left a fine layer of gray residue on their fingers, a testament to the centuries of neglect.


    As they reached the bottom, their boots crunched softly against the packed dirt floor of the empty room. The room itself was stark and bare, its earthen floor undulating slightly with the contours of the underlying rock. The smell of soil was stronger here, mingling with the musty odor of age-old mildew, creating an atmosphere that felt both stale and ancient.


    In the dim light, cast by two flickering torches mounted on either side of the room, shadows danced erratically across the stone walls. The flames'' movements cast an eerie, wavering glow, highlighting the rugged textures and casting deep, shifting shadows in the crevices. The torches themselves were crudely made, their bases thrust into iron sconces that were rusted and corroded, their flames sputtering and hissing as they consumed the limited air.


    The lone door stood directly opposite the ladder, its wooden surface scarred and weathered. Heavy iron bands reinforced its structure, each rivet a dark spot against the grain of the wood. The door seemed almost alive in the torchlight, its surface appearing to pulse and breathe with the flickering flames.


    The room was silent, save for the occasional pop and crackle from the torches, and the soft, echoing drip of water from somewhere far above. This silence, combined with the oppressive dryness and the weight of the stone walls, created a palpable tension. It was as if the room itself held its breath, waiting for the intruders to make their next move.


    ¡°These torches are lit? I thought Dockton had been left vacant since the attack, or at least you would assume so¡­¡± Elias spoke softly.


    Running her fingers down the wood door, trying to detect any magic, Ariah tried gaining sight of what was beyond the door by the small cracks that shuttered through. ¡°I couldn¡¯t agree more, but perhaps this was a villager that had this hidden for cases like this. What should we do, knock or just let ourselves in?¡±


    As she let the words out, one of the guards that accompanied them brought himself to simply kick open the door, and with a thundering crack they laid eyes on a cartography room with nobody inside.

 AUTHOR UPDATE

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