The journey north was grueling, but the further they traveled from the heart of Isikor, the more Elara felt a sense of hope.
The mountains loomed in the distance, their jagged peaks covered in snow, an imposing barrier that promised both safety and hardship. The old gods were said to dwell in those mountains, their temples hidden among the cliffs and caves.
If they could reach them, Aric would be able to hone his abilities, to learn the ancient ways before Zodd's forces could catch up to them.As they walked, Neel spoke of the old gods, telling Aric stories of the celestial beings that once ruled over Isikor before the age of kings. "The gods gave us the land," Neel said, his voice soft and reverent.
"They gave us the trees, the rivers, the winds. And they gave us their protection. But man, in his greed, has forgotten them. That's why Zodd fears you, Aric. You are the reminder of the power the gods still hold over this world."Aric listened intently, his wide eyes taking in every word.
He was beginning to understand his connection to the earth, to the elements around him. The wind seemed to follow his every step, the trees leaning in as if to hear him breathe.
As the group ventured deeper into the wilds, the terrain grew harsher. The air thinned, becoming crisp and biting, while the dense trees of the forest gave way to steep cliffs and rocky paths.
Aric, though young, seemed to thrive in the challenging environment. His connection to nature only deepened with each step, and the celestial wolf remained ever vigilant by his side, as though drawn to the boy by an unbreakable bond.
Elara, however, felt the weight of their journey more heavily. Her strength was being tested in ways she hadn't imagined.
Each day felt like a struggle, not just to keep moving, but to protect Aric from the dangers lurking on the edges of their path, and from Zodd's ever-present shadow that loomed in her thoughts.Neel led the way, his old body surprisingly nimble on the treacherous paths.
Despite his frailty, there was a fire in the seer's eyes ,a determination that spurred them forward. He spoke little now, only when necessary, as though each word carried too much weight to be spoken without thought. But his presence alone reassured Elara that they were on the right path.
At night, they camped under the stars, the celestial wolf standing guard while Aric practiced his control over the elements. Elara marveled at the ease with which her son could summon the wind or coax the trees into bending to his will.
He was growing stronger, but it frightened her how quickly the power came to him. There was no telling how far Zodd would go once he realized the full extent of Aric's abilities.
One evening, as the campfire crackled, Neel sat beside Elara, his gaze distant as he watched the flickering flames. "He is unlike any I have seen before," Neel said, his voice a low rasp.