Torrack was no stranger to embarking on long, dangerous journeys. He had been through battles, faced powerful foes, and survived situations that would have killed lesser men. But this time, it was different. This time, the stakes felt higher, more personal. He was no longer chasing quests for coin or fame. He was seeking something that, until recently, he had never even thought he wanted: his sight.
After his encounter with Malkor, Torrack had found it impossible to think of anything else. The idea of seeing the world for the first time—of experiencing colours, landscapes, and people in a way he had in his previous life—gripped him with a fierce intensity. The more he thought about it, the more he realized how much he missed it. What had once meant nothing to him now felt like the key to everything. The dragon, if it truly existed, was his only hope, and he was determined to find it.
Torrack gathered his belongings, ensuring everything was in order for the long journey ahead. He had Kaelith and Lyra by his side, two companions he trusted completely. Kaelith had grown significantly in her abilities, able to control multiple tree branches at once with ease, and Torrack had come to rely on her strength and cunning. Lyra, his mysterious companion from within the ring, had always been his source of wisdom and guidance. Together, the three of them would make it to the dragon's lair, no matter how difficult the path might be.
The Brotherhood, his comrades for many months, wished him well, though they were concerned about the dangers of the journey. One of his brothers had even gifted him a dagger as a farewell present, a well-crafted blade that glimmered faintly in the light. Torrack wasn't one for weapons, preferring to rely on his fists and fighting skills, but he accepted the gift with gratitude. He had a feeling it would come in handy.
With a pouch full of coins, provisions for the road, and a map from Malkor guiding his way, Torrack was ready. He stood at the edge of the Brotherhood's hideout, taking one last look at the place that had been his home for the past few months. Then, without a word, he turned and began his journey.
The first leg of their trip would take them through the Great Forest, a vast, sprawling woodland that separated their district from the next. It was an ancient place, filled with towering trees and thick underbrush, and it was said that many creatures—both dangerous and mysterious—called it home. But Torrack had no fear. With Kaelith and Lyra by his side, he was confident they could handle whatever the forest threw at them.
As they entered the forest on the first day, the air around them grew cooler, the shadows deepening beneath the canopy of trees. Torrack could feel the presence of the forest, the life that pulsed through every tree, every plant. It was a strange sensation, one that reminded him of his aura-sensing abilities, but much more primal, more raw.
"We'll need to be on guard," Kaelith said as they walked, her eyes scanning the trees for any signs of danger. "There are beasts in this forest that don't take kindly to travelers."
Torrack nodded, though he felt a sense of calm. "We'll be fine," he said confidently. "I've dealt with worse."
The first day of travel was uneventful for the most part. They moved through the forest at a steady pace, stopping only to rest and eat. But as night began to fall, Torrack felt something shift in the air. The sounds of the forest grew quieter, the rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds fading into silence.
"Something's coming," he murmured, his hand instinctively reaching for the dagger at his side.
Kaelith's eyes narrowed as she scanned the darkness ahead. "I feel it too."
Moments later, a large beast emerged from the shadows, its eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. It was no bigger than an alpha wolf, but its presence was menacing, its fur bristling as it snarled at the intruders. Torrack had faced beasts like this before, creatures driven by hunger or territory. It wasn't anything magical, which was a relief, but it was still dangerous.
Without hesitation, Torrack drew the dagger, his body moving with a fluidity that came from years of training. The beast lunged at him, its jaws snapping as it aimed for his throat, but Torrack sidestepped with ease, bringing the dagger down in a swift arc. The blade struck true, sinking into the beast's side with a wet, crunching sound. The creature howled in pain, staggering back as blood oozed from the wound.
Kaelith moved quickly, using her powers to manipulate the nearby trees. Branches shot out from the ground, wrapping around the beast and holding it in place. It struggled against the restraints, but Torrack was already moving in for the kill. With a final thrust of the dagger, he ended the creature's life, its body falling limp as the forest returned to its eerie silence.
"We'll use the meat for food," Torrack said, wiping the blade clean. "And the fur will help keep us warm."
Kaelith nodded, already working to gather what they could from the beast's carcass. Torrack felt a sense of satisfaction as they prepared for the night. It wasn't the most dangerous foe he had ever faced, but it was a reminder that they were still capable of surviving whatever challenges lay ahead.
As they sat by the fire that night, eating the meat of the beast they had slain, Torrack turned to Kaelith. He had been thinking about something for a while now, and he knew it was time to share it.
"There's someone I want you to meet," he said quietly.
Kaelith raised an eyebrow, looking curious. "Who?"
Torrack hesitated for a moment before reaching out his hand. "Take my hand. You'll see."
Kaelith looked uncertain at first, but she trusted Torrack. She placed her hand in his, and the moment their skin touched, something shifted. A strange sensation washed over her, and suddenly, she could feel another presence—a presence that wasn't hers or Torrack's.
"Kaelith, meet Lyra," Torrack said with a small smile.
Kaelith's eyes widened in surprise as a voice echoed in her mind. Hello, Kaelith. It was soft, kind, and filled with a warmth that made her feel at ease.
"Lyra?" Kaelith asked, still trying to process what was happening.
Lyra laughed lightly. Yes. I've been with Torrack for a long time now, but you're the first person besides him that I've ever spoken to.
Kaelith blinked in amazement, her mind racing. She had known Torrack was different, that he had abilities beyond what most people could comprehend, but this... this was something else entirely.
"I didn't know you had... someone with you," Kaelith said slowly, still wrapping her head around the idea of Lyra.
Torrack is special, Lyra said gently. And so are you. I think we're going to be good friends.
Kaelith smiled, the initial shock wearing off. "I think so too."
For the first time, the three of them—Torrack, Kaelith, and Lyra—sat together, talking and sharing their thoughts. It was strange at first, but soon it became natural. Kaelith had a lot of questions for Lyra, and Lyra, in turn, was happy to answer. It was clear that Lyra had been longing for someone else to talk to, someone who could understand her in a way Torrack couldn't.
As the fire crackled and the stars twinkled overhead, the three of them formed a bond that was deeper than before. They were no longer just companions on a journey—they were a team. Torrack knew that whatever lay ahead, they would face it together.