Kael stood on the ridge, looking down into the valley below. The cold winds of the mountains still clung to his clothes, but the air here was different—warmer, almost humid, as if the land itself had held onto the heat of an earlier time. Before him stretched the hidden valley of Eldros, a place spoken of only in whispers, and for good reason. It was a land locked in myth, protected by ancient magics and inhabited by a people long believed lost.
Behind him, Borin and Elara approached, both of them silent as they took in the sight. It was Elara who finally broke the silence, her voice tinged with disbelief.
"This place... I thought it was just a legend."
Kael nodded. "Many did. But this is where we'll find the lost heir."
Borin grunted. "If they still live."
Elara shot him a look but didn't argue. The journey to find the last of the true bloodline had been perilous. It had taken them deep into the wilds of Drakenor, and now, to this valley, where ancient stories told of a forgotten tribe and the heir to a throne that had been lost for centuries. The descendant of the First King of Drakenor.
"This valley was hidden for a reason," Kael said, his eyes scanning the distant structures that seemed to rise from the valley floor like ancient monuments. "It won't be easy to gain their trust."
Elara, always the cautious one, raised her staff and let its faint glow illuminate the narrow path down into the valley. "We'll need to tread carefully. These people have been cut off from the world for a long time. They may not see us as allies."
Borin tightened his grip on his hammer. "Or they'll see us as enemies. Let's be ready for that, just in case."
Kael nodded, leading the way down the rocky slope. The path was narrow, and as they descended, the vegetation grew thicker, the trees taller and denser. It was as if the valley itself was hiding its secrets, guarding them jealously from the outside world. The air here felt heavy, thick with the weight of magic.
As they reached the valley floor, Kael could feel eyes on them. Hidden figures moved between the trees, silent as shadows. The lost tribe was watching. They knew they were no longer alone.
"Stay close," Kael whispered to his companions, his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his sword.
They moved slowly, cautiously, through the dense undergrowth. The structures Kael had seen from the ridge were closer now, ancient stone buildings half-buried in vines and foliage, as if nature itself had tried to reclaim them. But these ruins were not abandoned. Faint movements in the distance hinted at the presence of the tribe.
Suddenly, without warning, a dozen figures emerged from the trees, surrounding them in an instant. They were clad in armor of bone and leather, their faces painted with symbols that Kael did not recognize. Their eyes, however, were sharp, and their weapons—long spears and curved blades—were ready.
Kael held up his hands, signaling peace. "We mean you no harm. We seek an audience with your leader."
For a moment, there was only silence. The warriors remained unmoving, their eyes scanning Kael and his companions with suspicion. Then, one of the warriors—a tall figure with silver hair and a scar across his cheek—stepped forward.
"You trespass in our lands," the warrior said, his voice low and dangerous. "Why should we not kill you where you stand?"
Kael met his gaze, unflinching. "We seek the lost heir of Drakenor. We believe they are among your people."
The warrior's eyes narrowed. "The heir is not for you to find, outsider."
Borin's hand twitched toward his hammer, but Kael raised a hand to stop him. "We are not here to claim the heir. We're here to help. The Dark Lord's forces are ravaging the land. Drakenor needs its true ruler."
The warrior studied Kael for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, without another word, he turned and gestured for them to follow. Kael glanced at Elara and Borin, who nodded silently, and together they followed the warrior deeper into the valley.
As they walked, Kael couldn't help but feel the weight of history pressing down on him. This place was old, older than the kingdoms of men. The air buzzed with ancient power, and the trees seemed to whisper secrets long forgotten. The lost tribe was a relic of the past, but their importance in the present could not be denied.
Finally, they reached the heart of the valley, where a massive stone temple rose from the earth, its walls covered in intricate carvings. Standing at the entrance was a figure clad in robes of deep blue, their face hidden beneath a hood. The warrior who had led them bowed before the robed figure, then stepped aside.
The figure in blue lifted their head, revealing a woman with piercing blue eyes, eyes that seemed to see straight into Kael's soul. "I am Seralyn, high priestess of Eldros," she said, her voice carrying a weight of authority that left no room for doubt. "Why do you seek the heir of Drakenor?"
Kael took a deep breath. "The land is dying. The Dark Lord's armies are sweeping across the kingdoms. Drakenor needs its true leader to unite the people and lead them to victory."
Seralyn's eyes flickered with emotion, but her face remained impassive. "The heir you seek is not a warrior, not yet."
Borin spoke up. "We'll make them one if we have to. There's no time for waiting."
Seralyn studied them for a moment longer, then nodded slowly. "Very well. You will meet the heir."
She turned and led them into the temple. The air inside was cool, and the walls were lined with torches that flickered with blue flame. At the far end of the chamber stood a single figure, a young man no older than Kael, his dark hair falling over his eyes as he studied the floor. His clothes were simple, and there was nothing about him that screamed royalty—no crown, no armor, no weapons.
Seralyn stepped aside, revealing him fully. "This is Aric, the last heir of Drakenor."
Kael's heart skipped a beat. This boy was the key to their salvation? Could he truly be the one to unite the kingdoms and lead them against the Dark Lord's armies?
The young man, Aric, lifted his gaze, meeting Kael's eyes with a mixture of fear and determination. "I know why you've come," Aric said, his voice steady but uncertain. "But I'm not sure I'm the leader you're looking for."
Kael stepped forward, his voice calm and reassuring. "You may not believe it yet, but you are the rightful heir. And with our help, you will become the leader this land needs."
Aric's eyes flickered with doubt, but he nodded slowly. "If what you say is true, then I have no choice but to try."
The future of Drakenor now rested on the shoulders of this young heir, and Kael knew that their journey was far from over. The road ahead would be long, and the battles they faced would test them all.
But for now, they had found the lost heir—and with him, a glimmer of hope.