Zar woke before dawn, his excitement mingling with a touch of anxiety. He knew this journey was essential to his plans, but the uncertainty of the road ahead weighed on him. He gathered his belongings, making sure everything was in order, and headed to the meeting place where Borin and his carriage awaited.
Borin greeted him with a nod. "Ready to go, lad?"
"Yes, I'm ready," Zar replied, trying to keep his voice steady.
They set off as the first light of day broke over the horizon. The carriage, though not luxurious, was sturdy and comfortable enough for the journey ahead. Zar settled in, watching the familiar landscape of fields and forests pass by. He couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement mixed with apprehension.
As they traveled, Borin proved to be a talkative companion. He shared stories of his travels, tales of strange lands and encounters with various creatures. Zar listened intently, absorbing as much information as he could. Every piece of knowledge could be useful in his quest for power.
By midday, they stopped to rest and eat. Borin had packed provisions, and Zar contributed some of the food he had brought. They sat by a small stream, the sound of running water providing a peaceful backdrop to their meal.
"So, lad," Borin said between bites, "what's driving you to the academy? It's not often we see someone so young and determined."
Zar chose his words carefully. "I want to become stronger. I have ambitions, and I believe the academy is the best place to start."
Borin nodded thoughtfully. "Ambition's a good thing, but it can be dangerous too. Be careful who you trust."
Zar merely nodded, his mind already calculating his next steps. He knew he had to stay alert and cautious. Trust was a luxury he couldn't afford.
As they resumed their journey, the terrain began to change. The fields gave way to denser forests, the path becoming narrower and more rugged. Borin expertly navigated the carriage, but Zar could sense the growing tension in the air. The journey was becoming more perilous.
Towards the end of the day, they encountered a group of travelers heading in the opposite direction. They exchanged brief pleasantries, and Zar noticed the wary glances they gave Borin and his men. It put him on edge, but he kept his suspicions to himself.
Nightfall came, and they set up camp. Borin and his men built a fire, and they all sat around it, sharing stories and keeping watch. Zar found it hard to sleep, his mind racing with thoughts of the academy and the dangers that lay ahead.
Just before dawn, Zar woke to the sound of hushed voices. He lay still, straining to hear the conversation between Borin and his men.
"He's got a good stash of money," one of the men said. "We could take it and leave him in the next town."
Borin's voice was firm but not entirely reassuring. "We can't just rob him outright. But we can charge him more than we agreed. He won't have a choice but to pay if he wants to reach the academy."
Zar's heart pounded in his chest. He had anticipated potential dangers but hadn't expected betrayal from those he trusted to get him to the academy. He needed to be smart about this.
The next morning, Zar acted as if he hadn't heard anything. He played along, keeping his demeanor calm and collected. As they continued their journey, he tried to come up with a plan to deal with the situation.
By midday, they reached a small town where Borin said they needed to rest and resupply. It was clear Borin was setting the stage to demand more money. Zar knew he had to be ready.