### **Forge of Fate**
**Chapter 10: The Road Ahead**
The next morning, Kalem awoke to the gentle light of dawn creeping over the horizon. His muscles ached from the previous day's ordeal, but the soreness was a reminder that he had survived. The crystal lay heavy in his pocket, its presence a constant reminder of the mystery that had brought him to this moment.
He stretched, shaking off the last vestiges of sleep, and began packing up his small camp. The embers of last night's fire were little more than ash now, and the cool mountain air sent a shiver through him. He had a decision to make—the city wasn't far, but before heading out, he would need supplies. More than that, he needed coin.
Kalem's father had taught him many survival skills before he disappeared, and one of them was recognizing the value of the wild herbs and plants that grew in these regions. While his mind buzzed with the importance of the crystal, practicality won out. A city wouldn't be kind to a penniless traveler, and the herbs around the mountain could fetch a good price in the market.
After a quick bite to eat, Kalem shouldered his pack and set off into the forest surrounding the mountain. His keen eyes scanned the ground for signs of herbs—patches of marathi grass, leaves of the faerlin flower, and the elusive star-petal, a plant that only bloomed near untouched springs.
The morning was cool and quiet, the sunlight filtering through the canopy above. Birds chirped overhead, and the forest floor was carpeted with moss and dew. Kalem moved with practiced ease, gathering plants and roots in a small pouch as he went. The work was calming, a steady rhythm that gave him time to reflect on everything that had happened.
The crystal weighed heavily on his mind. What was it? And what kind of power had it unleashed in that cave? His heart raced every time he thought of that creature, the way it had recoiled from the light of the crystal, as if it feared the very thing Kalem now carried. Whatever secrets it held, the crystal was no ordinary object.
By mid-morning, Kalem had gathered a decent collection of herbs—enough to sell for a few days' worth of food and supplies, at least. He tied up the pouch and secured it to his belt, satisfied with his haul. With one last look at the forest around him, he turned his attention back to the path leading down the mountain.
It would take him a few days to reach the nearest city, but the road was familiar enough. Kalem had traveled these routes before, making deliveries of tools and weapons to nearby villages. This time, though, his journey had a far greater purpose. The crystal needed to be appraised, and only a mage or scholar in the city would have the knowledge to do it.
The sun climbed higher in the sky as Kalem made his way down the mountain trail. His pack felt lighter with each step, as if the burden of uncertainty had been momentarily lifted by the decision to move forward. The thought of adventure stirred within him, the excitement of leaving behind the quiet life of the village for something larger.
Yet, despite the thrill of the unknown, doubt still lingered in his mind. Was he truly ready to leave his old life behind? Thom's words echoed in his thoughts, the warnings about his parents' obsession over rare materials. The memory of their disappearance had always been a shadow over Kalem's dreams of exploration. Could he really follow the same path, risking the same fate?
He shook the thought away, focusing instead on the road ahead. This wasn't about reckless curiosity—this was about survival. The crystal was dangerous, and he needed answers. Perhaps the city could provide more than just an appraisal. If the crystal held power, maybe someone would know how to control it. Or, at the very least, how to protect himself from whatever had nearly killed him in the cave.
By midday, the trail opened up into rolling hills, and Kalem could see the distant silhouette of the city walls on the horizon. It wasn't the grandest city in the region, but it was a hub for trade and travelers, with bustling markets and guilds. Most importantly, it was home to a renowned scholar, a man named Arithon, who had a reputation for understanding ancient relics and magical objects.
The city, known as Maelon, was also a crossroads of different cultures and races. Kalem had heard stories of its diverse inhabitants—Elves, Dwarves, and even the occasional Dragonkin. The idea of meeting people from so many different backgrounds stirred a sense of wonder within him. It would be different from the quiet life in his village, where humans were the majority and any form of magic was rare.
As he approached the city, Kalem's mind raced with plans. He'd need to find an inn for the night and sell his herbs at the market first. Then, he could seek out Arithon and show him the crystal.
But deep down, he knew that simply appraising the crystal wouldn't be enough. There was something more to it—a power that Kalem could feel stirring beneath the surface. What if the crystal was connected to his parents' disappearance? The thought nagged at him, tugging at the edges of his mind. If his parents had been searching for rare and powerful materials, it was possible that the crystal was part of the same puzzle.
Kalem quickened his pace, eager to reach the city before nightfall. The sun was starting to sink lower in the sky, casting long shadows over the hills as he descended into the valley where Maelon lay. The distant sound of activity reached his ears—the murmur of voices, the clatter of hooves, and the hum of life within the city walls.
As he neared the city gate, Kalem paused for a moment, taking in the sight of Maelon's towering stone walls. His heart raced with anticipation. This was it—the beginning of something new, something unknown. He tightened his grip on his pack and took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead.
With one final glance at the crystal in his pocket, Kalem stepped forward, leaving the familiar world of the mountains behind.
The city awaited, and with it, the answers he sought.