"Yori!" Islar yells out, attempting to grab the attention of Yori, who was focused on practicing his sword arts in his family's courtyard. Yori felt like he was on the verge of a breakthrough the moment before, fully in the zone and sensing the blade cutting at just the right angles. Islar was his younger brother and lacked situational awareness. His yell jolted Yori, preventing any chances of progress being made in advancing the sword art he inherited from their father.
Yori spun around, irritation flashing in his eyes. "What is it, Islar?" he snapped, sheathing his blade with a practiced motion.
Islar shifted nervously, realizing he had interrupted something important. "I'm sorry, Yori. But there's someone at the gate asking for you. He says it's urgent."
Yori's annoyance softened as he saw the genuine concern in his brother's eyes. With a sigh, he nodded and followed Islar to the courtyard gate. Standing there was a tall figure cloaked in a dark hood, the face obscured in shadow.
"Who are you?" Yori demanded, stepping forward to get a better look.
The figure removed the hood, revealing a weathered face with piercing blue eyes. "My name is Kael," the stranger said in a deep, gravelly voice. "I bring news from your father."
Yori's heart skipped a beat. Their father had been missing for months, leaving no trace behind. "What news?" Yori asked, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions brewing inside him.
Kael glanced around, ensuring they were alone before speaking. "Your father has been captured by the Shadow Guild. They plan to use his knowledge of the ancient sword arts for their own dark purposes. You must come with me if you want to save him."
"No," Yori said. "My father told me I must advance to the expert realm before I'm permitted to leave home. Find someone who's sufficiently strong to take this role."
Yori paused, suspicion growing. "How do I know you aren't from the Shadow Guild and trying to trick me?" Yori probed. "You certainly appear suspicious. How can I trust you? Why should I trust you?"
Kael's expression remained calm as he reached into his cloak and produced a small, intricately carved wooden pendant. Yori's eyes widened in recognition. It was the symbol of their family, one that his father always carried with him.
"This pendant was given to me by your father as a sign of trust," Kael explained, handing it to Yori. "He told me to find you and deliver this message. He knew you might be reluctant, so he left a note for you as well."
Kael pulled out a parchment and handed it to Yori. With trembling hands, Yori unfolded the note and read the familiar handwriting of his father:
*"My dear Yori,*
*I understand your hesitation and your commitment to your training. But the situation is dire. The Shadow Guild's plans are far-reaching and dangerous. Trust Kael as you would trust me. He is a friend and an ally. Time is of the essence.*
*Remember the lessons I taught you, and believe in your own strength.*
*With all my love,*
*Father."*
Yori's resolve hardened as he finished reading the note. He looked up at Kael, his suspicion replaced by determination. "Very well. I'll go with you, but Islar must stay here and inform the village elders of our father's situation. If this is a trap, they'll know where to find me."
Kael nodded in agreement. "We leave at dawn. Prepare yourself, Yori. The journey ahead will be perilous, and we must be ready for anything."
Yori glanced at his younger brother, who was watching with wide eyes. "Take care of things here, Islar. I'll bring Father back."
Islar nodded, a mixture of fear and admiration in his eyes. "Be safe, Yori."
As the night settled over the courtyard, Yori felt a renewed sense of purpose. His training had prepared him for this moment, and now he would face whatever challenges lay ahead to save his father.