High above, the moon cast down its beams across the forest that surrounded Eldoria, forming a canopy of shadows to both protect and hide Kael and Aria from view of any danger lurking in the darkness. Though his senses were on high alert, every rustle and crackle of the undergrowth had Kael tense with anticipation.
Aria led with a confidence that spoke of familiarity with her steps. The tightness of their mission was one thing, but Kael still couldn't avert his eyes from her calm demeanor. She trod with ease through paths twisting before them as though she knew these woods very well.
"We'll keep following the river a bit," Aria spoke in a low voice into the night. "That should help mask our scent, maybe throw off any trackers."
Kael nodded his head tighter in a grip on the amulet. The soft glowing was gone, though the mere glow felt like an assured presence: power was within, and he carried responsibility on his shoulders. He glanced over at Aria, curiosity bubbling up inside of him.
"You said you're part of the Crimson Guard," Kael began, trying to keep his voice low. "What exactly is your role in all this?"
Aria's pause was momentary; her eyes went afar, as though she recalled memories from another era. "The Crimson Guard was formed many centuries ago to protect the secrets of the amulet and ensure the prophecy is fulfilled. Each member of the guard is trained not only in combat but also in strategy and ancient lore of Aeloria. I am here to guide and protect you, Kael, to help you unlock the amulet's power and turn it against the Shadow Guild."
Her words soaked into Kael like a stone settling, heavy onto his mind. "And you, what's your story?"
Aria hesitated, then let out a sigh. "I was born into the Crimson Guard. Both of my parents were in it, and gave their lives to protect the cause. I grew up on the stories about the prophecy and the hero who one day would save Aeloria. When old enough, I began my training. All my life has been but training for this very moment."
Kael looked at her with fresh respect. "That is a lot of responsibility."
Aria held his eyes with those blue, very serious eyes. "It is. But it is an honor also. The prophecy is our hope, Kael. And now, it's in your hands."
It was her serious words that accelerated Kael's heartbeat. He quivered with a sense of fear mixed with determination. This was not a destiny he had asked for, but now that it was upon him, he knew he couldn't turn away from it.
They resumed the journey, and the only sound was that of uncomfortable silence, with the surrounding sounds of the forest. After some time, they came to the river. Its water was flowing gently, reflecting moonlight in ripples like those of silver. Aria squatted beside the bank and filled a small flask with water.
"We will rest here for a little while," she said, passing the flask to Kael. "Drink up. We will need our strength later."
Kael took a grateful sip, the cool water refreshing his parched throat. He sat on a nearby rock, watching while Aria scanned their surroundings—the ever-vigilant companion.
"Where are we heading?" Kael asked, curiosity once again getting the better of him.
"To the sanctuary of the Crimson Guard," Aria whispered in return. "Deep within the Heartlands, well away from prying eyes. There we will find our answers, and the guidance that shall be important for us."
Kael nodded, a sense of relief washing over him. He wasn't alone in danger and uncertainty. Aria's presence was a comfort, a steady beacon in the tempest which had engulfed his life.
They had barely sat down by the river when a far-off howl resounded through the forest. Kael's body was strung taut, his hand automatically reaching for his dagger at his belt. Aria's eyes narrowed as her body tensed with readiness.
"Shadow wolves," she whispered. "We need to keep moving."
As they went further, the howling became louder, more frequent. All around them, it seemed to close in, thick, dark, heavy, weighing upon them. But Kael seemed to harden under the will. He was ready to meet anything in front of him, knowing that he could do anything as long as he had Aria by his side.
Breaking dawn scantly cast its pale hue across the forest as Kael and Aria emerged at the edge of an endless opening. Far into the clearing, wedged against the face of a gigantic mountain, stood a building, cuttingly fitted into the scenery—a citadel of stone and tree, old and invincible.
"Welcome to the Crimson Guard sanctuary," Aria said, her voice tinged with a hint of pride. "Our journey is far from done, Kael. But here, we'll find the strength and knowledge we need to press onward."
Kael gazed at the sanctuary, his chest filling with a sense of wonder and anticipation. For him, this was only the beginning. The real adventure would soon unfold, and he was ready to meet it head-on.