As they set off down the road, the village of Briarwood slowly disappeared behind them, the last glimpses of the thatched rooftops fading into the trees. The sounds of the village—the faint chatter of neighbors, the clatter of carts—grew distant, replaced by the quiet rustle of leaves and the occasional chirp of birds. Arin felt the weight of the moment settle over him like a heavy cloak. The farewells had been harder than he expected, and though his friends had been supportive, the pain of leaving them behind was sharp.
Kael walked beside him in silence, giving Arin space to process the emotions that stirred within him. Arin couldn't help but glance back occasionally, as if hoping to catch one last glimpse of the village, but it was gone now, hidden by the thick woods. His heart ached, but at the same time, he felt a strange sense of relief. He had said his goodbyes, and now, there was no turning back.
The road ahead stretched on, winding through the dense forest. It would be days, maybe even weeks, before they reached their next destination—wherever that was. Arin hadn't asked, and Kael hadn't offered. But it didn't matter. What mattered was the journey itself, the path that was slowly unfolding before him.
They walked in silence for some time, the peaceful rhythm of their footsteps broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves underfoot. Finally, Kael spoke, his voice low and thoughtful.
"Leaving one's home is never easy," he said. "But you have done well, Arin. Not many have the courage to walk away from everything they've known for the sake of something greater."
Arin nodded, though he wasn't sure if what he felt was courage or just necessity. "I didn't want to leave," he admitted, his voice quiet. "But I know I had to. Even if I'm not ready."
"Few are ever truly ready for what destiny demands of them," Kael said, glancing at Arin. "But readiness comes with experience, and experience comes from taking the first step. You've taken that step, and that's more than most can say."
Arin sighed, shifting the weight of the sword on his back. "I just hope I don't let everyone down. My family, my friends… even the village. They're all counting on me, but I don't even know what I'm supposed to do yet."
Kael's expression softened, and he gave Arin a reassuring look. "You won't let them down, Arin. I can see it in you. The doubts you carry are natural, but they don't define you. What defines you are the choices you make, and you've already made the most important one—to accept the call of the prophecy."
Arin looked down at the path in front of him, Kael's words echoing in his mind. It was true—he had chosen to accept the path laid before him. He had left the safety of his home and taken up the sword. And though the road ahead was uncertain, he knew he couldn't turn back now. There was no other choice but to move forward.
"Where are we going next?" Arin asked, his curiosity finally getting the better of him. He had followed Kael without question, trusting the wizard's knowledge and wisdom, but now that the village was behind him, he wanted to know more about their destination.
Kael slowed his pace slightly, as if considering how much to reveal. "We are headed toward the city of Seraphia, the capital of Eldoria. There, we will find allies who can help us, as well as resources that will aid you in your training."
"Seraphia?" Arin repeated, a flicker of excitement lighting up inside him. He had heard stories about the capital—stories of grand towers, bustling markets, and the legendary Magic Academy where powerful mages trained. "I've always wanted to see it."
Kael smiled faintly. "It is a place of great wonder, but also great danger. The capital is not as safe as it once was. The shadow of the coming darkness stretches far, and even Seraphia has begun to feel its effects."
Arin's excitement faded slightly at Kael's words. "Danger? You mean the darkness has already reached the capital?"
"Not fully," Kael said, his tone grave. "But there are whispers—rumors of unrest, strange occurrences, and dark magic creeping into the corners of the city. That is why it is important we reach Seraphia soon. The prophecy speaks of gathering allies, and there are those in the city who will be crucial in the fight against the darkness."
Arin nodded, absorbing the information. The idea of dark magic creeping into the capital sent a chill down his spine, but he pushed the fear aside. They were heading into danger, yes, but they were also heading toward something larger—a purpose, a fight that would determine the fate of Eldoria.
As they walked deeper into the woods, the path growing narrower and the trees taller, Arin found himself thinking about what lay ahead. Seraphia, the Magic Academy, and whatever allies Kael had spoken of—it was all unknown to him, but it also represented hope. Hope that he wasn't alone in this, hope that there were others who would stand with him against the darkness.
The day passed slowly, the sun climbing higher and higher before finally beginning its descent. As evening approached, Kael led them off the main path to a small clearing where they could set up camp for the night. The forest was quiet, save for the occasional rustling of leaves or the distant call of a bird.
After setting up a small fire and settling in for the night, Arin stared into the flames, lost in thought. His mind raced with images of Seraphia—of grand towers and ancient libraries filled with knowledge of the Dragon Knights and the prophecy. But alongside the excitement, there was a gnawing sense of unease. The darkness was real, and it was coming. He had seen it in the form of the shadowling, and Kael's warnings only confirmed what he feared.
"Kael," Arin said after a long stretch of silence, "do you think I'm really the one the prophecy speaks of? That I'm supposed to stop the darkness?"
Kael didn't answer right away. He watched the fire for a moment, his face illuminated by the flickering light, before turning to Arin with a thoughtful expression. "Prophecies are often riddles, Arin. They don't always make sense when you first hear them. But I believe in the power of the mark you bear, and I believe the sword chose you for a reason."
Arin looked down at his hand, where the faint glow of the birthmark still pulsed softly beneath the skin. He had grown accustomed to the warmth it emitted, though he still didn't fully understand its meaning.
"You may not feel like the one destined to fulfill the prophecy," Kael continued, "but that doesn't mean you aren't. Greatness is not about knowing the future or having all the answers. It's about rising to meet the challenges in front of you, no matter how impossible they seem."
Arin nodded slowly, letting Kael's words sink in. He wasn't sure what the future held, or if he would ever be ready to face the darkness, but he knew one thing: he had taken the first step, and he wasn't walking this path alone.
With that thought, Arin lay down by the fire, the stars twinkling above him through the gaps in the trees. The journey was just beginning, and though he didn't know where it would lead, he felt a small glimmer of hope flickering inside him.
Tomorrow, they would continue on to Seraphia. Tomorrow, the next chapter of his journey would begin.