As they prepared to move again, the wolf suddenly stopped and turned its head toward the north, ears perked. Elara followed its gaze, her brow furrowing.
"What is it?" she asked softly.The wolf growled low in its throat, and from the shadows of the trees emerged a figure—a man, cloaked in darkness, leaning on a staff. Elara's heart skipped a beat as she recognized the old seer, Neel."You," she breathed, stepping back in shock. "How did you find us?"Neel smiled faintly, his ancient eyes gleaming in the dim light. "The winds carry more than just whispers, Elara. The boy's power is growing, and so too is Zodd's desperation.
.I had to find you before it was too late."Elara looked at him warily. "Why are you here?"Neel took a step closer, leaning heavily on his staff. "I'm here to help you, to protect the boy. The prophecy is clear—Aric is the chosen one. But he's not ready yet. He needs time, and Zodd will give him none."Elara frowned. "And why should I trust you? You've served Zodd for years."Neel's smile faded. "I served Isikor, not Zodd. I've seen what he's become, the darkness that's consumed him. He's no longer the king this land needs. Aric is the future, and I will do everything in my power to see that he fulfills his destiny."Elara hesitated, but something in Neel's eyes, in his voice, made her believe him. She glanced at Aric, who stood silently, watching the exchange with wide, curious eyes.
"What do we do now?" she asked, her voice low.Neel glanced up at the sky, where the first light of dawn was beginning to break through the trees. "We head north, to the mountains. There, in the ancient temples of the old gods, Aric can train, away from Zodd's reach. But we must move quickly. Zodd's men will not stop until they have him."Elara nodded, gripping Aric's hand tightly.
"Then we go."And with that, they set off into the forest, the celestial wolf leading the way, Neel's staff tapping softly against the earth, and the weight of destiny heavy on all their shoulders.