Alan and his steed rode out of the kingdom, the horizon before them full of promise. But soon, their supplies ran out. Food and water became scarce, and with the steed's magical powers diminished, it needed nourishment to continue. Alan realized it would be difficult for the steed to keep going without food or water. He made the decision to walk, hoping to find a river or a source of sustenance. They trekked through rough, unforgiving terrain, the path growing steeper and the journey slower.
They walked for days, exhaustion taking its toll. Just when hope began to fade, they spotted a pond shimmering in the distance. It was late, and the sun was setting, casting long shadows across the land. With no other options, Alan decided to camp for the night, tying his steed to a tree before searching for fresh grass and something to eat.
The forest around him was eerily silent. The thick mud squelched under Alan's worn boots as he ventured deeper, but not a single blade of grass was in sight. The forest seemed devoid of life, the only sound being his own breath and the rhythmic thud of his steps. Then, he saw it—a soft, golden glow piercing the darkness. His instincts told him to approach cautiously, so he drew his sword and moved closer.
What he saw took his breath away. A magnificent bird, its feathers gleaming with gold, stood before him. Its golden-brown eyes locked with his, and Alan could feel an otherworldly energy radiating from it.
"Hello, my dear," the bird spoke.
Alan blinked in disbelief. "Who are you?" he asked, his voice low.
"I am Gamayun," the bird replied. "I am here to help guide you on your journey. It will not be easy, but with bravery and honesty, you will discover your true potential. You must go to the land of the fairies next."
"Where can I find this realm?" Alan asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Follow the narrow sea," Gamayun said, nodding. "Travel to the farthest point, and you will find a volcanic island. The realm of fairies lies beyond that."
With a graceful beat of its wings, Gamayun took flight, disappearing into the sky. Alan stood in awe for a moment before turning back to his steed. To his surprise, fresh grass had appeared around the animal. It was as if the magic of the bird had given them new hope. That night, Alan managed to catch a few small sardines from the pond—enough to sustain them for now.
The next morning, they set off again, the quest for the realm of fairies at the forefront of Alan's mind. They traveled through dense forests, across rugged terrain, and over treacherous ravines. Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, the journey a test of endurance. But Alan's determination, and the hunger for revenge that drove him, kept him going.
Finally, they reached the narrow sea. They found a small shoreline with a few boats docked at the edge, but none were large enough for both Alan and his steed. After searching, Alan managed to secure passage on a larger ship. The captain, however, warned him against heading to the volcanic island.
Still, Alan was resolute. He boarded the ship, and the journey to the island began. On the second night, a violent storm hit. The ship rocked violently in the waves, and it seemed as if they might capsize. But Alan's unwavering resolve and the captain's expertise saw them through the storm.
Weeks passed as they sailed through turbulent waters, the crew running low on fresh water and food. But just as they were beginning to lose hope, thick clouds of smoke rose in the distance. It was a sign that the volcanic island was near.
The ship docked on the island's shore, and Alan and his steed ventured into the hot, inhospitable terrain. The volcanic rock burned beneath their feet, but they pushed forward, eventually finding a small watering hole. Though it was barely enough to quench their thirst, it gave them the strength to continue.
Crossing the volcanic island, Alan found a chilling sight—bones scattered across the rocks. He remembered his father's warnings: "Scattered across the foreboding mountains and deep in the darkest caves of the volcanic island, lies some of the most dangerous creatures known to man. They are strong and wild, and their strength can break rocks like timber."
The journey grew more perilous as they climbed higher into the mountains. The air grew thinner, and the terrain more treacherous. At the peak, they encountered a woman, chained to a rock by goblins. Her name was Miss Savile. Moved by her plight, Alan attempted to free her, but the chains were so strong that his hands became bruised from repeatedly striking the stone. After several attempts, he finally succeeded in breaking the chain and freeing her.
Miss Savile, exhausted and grateful, explained that she had been captured by goblins when they raided her village. She asked Alan to help her return to her family in the valley below the mountain, where the goblins often came to hunt humans. Alan agreed, and they set off down the mountain.
But as they descended, they were ambushed by a group of goblins. The creatures hurled rocks at them, but Alan quickly sprang into action, drawing his sword and driving the goblins back. He fought fiercely, and with seven of their number slain, the goblins retreated, disappearing into the mountains.
Alan and Miss Savile reached her village, where the grateful villagers welcomed them with open arms. They had been plagued by goblin raids for years, and Alan's bravery had finally freed them from the threat. The villagers offered him shelter, and Alan agreed to stay for a while, knowing his journey was far from over.