The dawn broke quietly over Briarwood, soft golden light across the village as Arin prepared to leave the only home he had ever known. His pack was light, containing only a few essentials: clothes, a small loaf of bread his mother had packed, and the sword, carefully wrapped in cloth and strapped securely to his back.
The house was still. His father had already left for the fields, unable to say a proper goodbye. It wasn't out of coldness—Arin knew his father just couldn't bring himself to face the reality of his son leaving for something dangerous and unknown.
His mother stood by the door, her face lined with worry but full of pride. "Are you sure about this, Arin?" she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Arin paused, looking around at the familiar kitchen, the hearth where so many meals had been cooked, and the worn wooden table where he had spent countless mornings with his parents. The weight of the decision was heavy on his heart, but the pull of the sword and the words of Master Kael left him little choice.
"I don't know what's going to happen, Ma," Arin admitted, stepping closer to her. "But I know that if I stay, I'll regret it. There's something out there, something bigger than all of us, and I feel like… I have to try."
His mother's eyes shone with unshed tears as she pulled him into a tight embrace. "Just promise me you'll come back."
"I promise," Arin whispered, though deep down, he wasn't sure what the future held.
Master Kael was waiting outside the village, his tall figure a stark contrast against the morning mist that still clung to the fields. He turned as Arin approached, his gaze sweeping over the boy as if to assess whether he was ready. There was a quiet understanding between them—this was no ordinary journey, and they both knew it.
"Are you ready?" Kael asked, his voice calm but carrying the weight of all that lay ahead.
"As ready as I'll ever be," Arin replied, trying to keep his voice steady.
With a nod, Kael turned and began to walk, his staff tapping softly against the ground. Arin followed, casting one last glance back at the village. The silhouette of his home grew smaller with each step, and soon Briarwood disappeared into the distance.
They walked in silence for a while, the sun rising higher as the landscape around them shifted from familiar farmlands to dense woods. Arin's mind was racing with questions, but he wasn't sure where to begin. Finally, he couldn't hold back any longer.
"Master Kael," Arin started, his voice breaking the quiet of the forest. "You spoke of a prophecy. About me and the sword. Can you tell me more? What does it really mean?"
Kael didn't answer immediately. He continued walking, his eyes scanning the path ahead as if lost in thought. After a few moments, he spoke, his voice low and measured.
"The prophecy is ancient, older than most living memory. It was written during a time of great turmoil, when the forces of darkness nearly consumed Eldoria. The Dragon Knights, protectors of the realm, were the last line of defense, wielding powerful artifacts created to fight the evil that sought to overtake the world."
Arin listened closely, his heart pounding as Kael continued.
"The prophecy foretold the rise of a new darkness, long after the Dragon Knights had vanished. It speaks of a boy, born with a glowing mark, who will find one of the Dragon Knights' weapons and use it to stop the return of this evil. You, Arin, bear that mark. The sword you found is one of the Dragon Knights' most powerful relics."
Arin swallowed hard, trying to process the weight of the revelation. "So, I'm supposed to fight this darkness? But how? I don't even know how to use the sword properly."
Kael glanced at him, a faint smile playing on his lips. "In time, you will learn. But the prophecy is not just about power or battle skills. It's about choices. The prophecy speaks of a leader, someone who can unite those willing to stand against the darkness, and lead them when all seems lost."
The words made Arin's stomach churn. "A leader?" He shook his head. "But I'm just a farm boy. I'm no leader."
Kael stopped walking and turned to face Arin, his gaze sharp and penetrating. "The greatest leaders are not always those who seek power. Sometimes, they are those who have greatness thrust upon them. Whether you like it or not, Arin, this is your path. You must choose how to walk it."
Arin was silent, the enormity of his destiny settling over him like a heavy cloak. He had imagined adventure, dreamed of doing something great, but now that it was real, it was terrifying. What if he failed? What if he couldn't live up to the prophecy?
Sensing Arin's doubts, Kael placed a hand on his shoulder. "Do not be afraid of what lies ahead, Arin. Fear is natural, but it must not rule you. I will help you, guide you, but ultimately, the choices you make are your own."
Arin took a deep breath and nodded, though the fear still lingered. "I'll try."
They resumed walking, and the path began to grow steeper as the woods thickened around them. The air grew cooler, and a sense of unease settled over Arin as they ventured deeper into the forest. Something about this place felt… wrong.
Suddenly, Kael stopped, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the trees. "We are not alone," he said quietly.
Arin's hand instinctively moved to the hilt of the sword on his back. "What do you mean?"
Before Kael could respond, a dark figure darted out from the shadows of the trees, moving with unnatural speed. Arin barely had time to react before the figure was upon them, but Kael was faster. With a flick of his staff, a bright flash of light erupted from its tip, throwing the figure back into the trees with a hiss.
Arin stumbled backward, his heart racing. "What was that?"
Kael's face was grim as he lowered his staff. "A shadowling. A creature of darkness. They've been watching us for some time now."
Arin swallowed hard, gripping the hilt of the sword tightly. "Are there more?"
"Undoubtedly," Kael replied, his voice calm despite the danger. "The darkness knows you've begun your journey, Arin. It will not wait for you to be ready."
Arin's mind raced. He had barely set out, and already the dangers were real. "What do we do?"
Kael's gaze was steady as he looked at Arin. "We keep moving. And we prepare. This is only the beginning."
As they pressed on through the forest, Arin's fear began to mix with determination. The weight of the prophecy was heavy, but he could feel something inside him shifting. This was his fight now—whether he liked it or not. And if the darkness was coming for him, he would meet it head-on.