The small, grassy knoll sloped out of the forest, cresting just higher than the tops of the trees. The sky was filled with blues and grays, an occasional drop of rain plinking onto a leaf or branch. Patches of light roved across the land where sunbeams descended through cracks in the clouds, their intensity the only sign it was still midday.
We crouched in the thick underbrush, peering closely at the small crevice yawning into the hillside. I twisted my staff in my hands, finding solace in the glassy rod's familiar touch. I stood beside the strongest hero and one of the great prodigies of the generation, yet my heart couldn't help but beat quickly.
"Ready?" Soltair asked, glancing at Trith.
She nodded, knuckles whitening as her grip on her sword hilts tightened. "Of course. They're just goblins, right?"
He nodded, eyes flashing with excitement, "We can't afford to mess this up. I've been waiting far too long for that."
