The rhythmic clatter of horse hooves against the dirt road had become a constant backdrop as Aryan's procession made its way through the lands under the Prastha family's domain. Days had passed since they left the estate, and the journey had been largely uneventful, with the peaceful landscapes of Aryan's homeland stretching out as far as the eye could see.
Aryan sat in his carriage, his gaze focused on the world outside. The countryside was beautiful, with rolling hills, lush forests, and sparkling rivers creating a picturesque scene. The air was fresh, and the sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over everything. Yet, Aryan's mind remained sharp and alert, knowing that danger could lurk even in the most serene settings.
His intuition proved correct on the fourth day of the journey.
The morning had started like any other, with the knights leading the way and the carriages following closely behind. The group was making good progress, the road ahead clear and smooth. Aryan was lost in thought, considering the various mantras he had been practising, when a sudden commotion up ahead caught his attention.
The carriage jolted to a stop, and Aryan quickly peered out of the window to see what was happening. Up ahead, the knights had drawn their swords, their bodies tense as they faced the dense forest that lined the road. The rustling of leaves and the low growls that filled the air signaled the presence of something dangerous.
Aryan's heart raced, but his mind remained calm. He had trained for moments like this, honing his mind and soul to remain steady in the face of danger. He focused his gaze, trying to discern the source of the disturbance.
Suddenly, a group of grotesque creatures burst forth from the underbrush, their monstrous forms snarling as they charged toward the procession. Their eyes glowed with malice, and their sharp claws glinted in the sunlight. These were not mere animals; they were monsters, likely drawn to the road by the scent of the travellers.
The knights reacted swiftly, their years of training kicking in as they formed a protective barrier around the carriages. Sir Cedric, the leader of the knights, barked orders to his men, his voice calm yet commanding.
"Hold the line! Protect Lord Aryan at all costs!"
The knights responded with a unified shout, their swords gleaming as they clashed with the oncoming monsters. The air filled with the sounds of battle—steel clashing against claws, the roars of the creatures, and the grunts of the knights as they fought to defend their lord.
Aryan watched the battle unfold with a mixture of awe and detachment. The knights were highly skilled, their movements precise and deadly. Within moments, they had taken down the first wave of monsters, their bodies littering the road.
But the danger was not yet over. More creatures emerged from the forest, their numbers greater than before. Aryan could see the determination in the knights' eyes as they prepared to face this new threat. They were outnumbered, but they showed no signs of fear.
For a moment, Aryan considered stepping out of the carriage to assist the knights with his own abilities. The mantras he had mastered could easily turn the tide of battle in their favor. But he quickly dismissed the thought. This was not his fight, and revealing his powers so soon would be unwise. He had no desire to draw unnecessary attention to himself, especially not in such a public setting.
Instead, Aryan remained in the carriage, his expression calm as he observed the knights at work. He knew that they would prevail, and indeed, they did. With a final, mighty effort, the knights dispatched the remaining monsters, their bodies collapsing in lifeless heaps.
The tension in the air slowly dissipated as the last of the creatures fell. Sir Cedric wiped the blood from his sword, his breath coming in heavy pants. He turned to the carriage, where Aryan watched with a measured gaze.
"All threats have been neutralised, Lord Aryan," Cedric reported, bowing slightly as he approached. "We can continue our journey without further delay."
Aryan nodded, his expression unreadable. "Well done, Sir Cedric. Your efficiency is commendable."
"Thank you, my lord," Cedric replied, a hint of pride in his voice. "We shall remain vigilant for any further dangers."
With the road clear once more, the procession resumed its journey. The knights took up their positions around the carriages, their senses heightened by the recent encounter. Aryan leaned back in his seat, his mind already moving on from the incident.
Over the next few days, the procession passed through several cities within the Prastha family's domain. Each time, they were greeted by the sight of towering walls, bustling marketplaces, and neatly kept streets. The cities seemed prosperous, their citizens going about their daily lives with an air of contentment.
From his carriage, Aryan observed these cities with a detached interest. They looked well-maintained, a testament to the governance of his family. Yet, while he appreciated the appearance of order and prosperity, Aryan knew that he did not truly understand the lives of the people within these cities. Their struggles, their joys, their daily existence—these were things he had no knowledge of, and for now, no interest in knowing.
His focus was elsewhere, on matters far more significant to him. The world outside might be vast and filled with unknowns, but Aryan's goals were clear. He had no time to concern himself with the intricacies of city life or the welfare of its inhabitants. There would be a time and place for such matters, but that time was not now.
As the procession continued on its journey, Aryan allowed his thoughts to return to his training. The incident with the monsters had been a reminder of the dangers that lurked in the world, but it had also reinforced his belief in the power of his mantras. With them, he could protect himself from any threat, no matter how fearsome.
But there was still much to learn, much to master. Aryan knew that his journey was just beginning and that the path ahead would require all of his strength and determination. He would continue to train, to hone his skills, and to unlock the full potential of the divine weapons he had summoned.
For now, though, he would focus on the task at hand—attending the Duke's daughter's banquet and navigating the social intricacies that came with it. The journey was far from over, and Aryan knew that he would need to be at his best to face whatever challenges awaited him.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the landscape, the procession finally approached the borders of the neighbouring empire. The journey had been long, but Aryan felt no fatigue, only a growing sense of anticipation.
Tomorrow, they would arrive at their destination. And with it, Aryan's journey into the wider world would truly begin.