The sun cast a golden hue across the winding dirt path as Kalem's cart creaked along, pulled by a beast that could easily be mistaken for a creature out of legend. The bull, gifted by Vornar as a parting gesture, was a massive creature with sleek, black fur and broad horns that curved outward like polished obsidian. Despite its imposing size, the animal was calm, its steady gait perfectly suited to the uneven roads Kalem now traveled.
"Definitely not an ordinary bull," Kalem muttered under his breath, glancing at the creature. Its dark eyes seemed almost intelligent, as if it understood him.
His cart, though modest, was loaded with tools and weapons he had forged in the days leading up to his departure. Axes with razor-sharp blades, sturdy hammers, and finely balanced knives sat in organized rows alongside chisels, pliers, and other practical tools. Each item bore the hallmark of Kalem's craftsmanship—practicality over ornamentation, built to endure and serve.
The journey had started smoothly, the unpaved roads bordered by stretches of tall grass and the occasional cluster of oak trees. Birds chirped overhead, and the rhythmic clop of the bull's hooves was oddly soothing. But Kalem wasn't used to the openness. The valley had always surrounded him with its rugged cliffs and dense forests; now, the vastness of the world felt both exhilarating and daunting.
The first village he came upon was a small settlement nestled between rolling hills. Modest stone cottages with thatched roofs surrounded a central well, and children played in the dusty square. As Kalem rolled into town, heads turned, curiosity sparking in the eyes of the villagers.
Setting up a simple display near the village square, Kalem arranged his wares with precision. Within moments, a small crowd gathered, their interest piqued by the sight of finely crafted tools and weapons.
A burly farmer approached first, inspecting a heavy axe. He ran his calloused fingers along the blade's edge, nodding in approval. "Good weight. Looks like it'll last me a lifetime," he said.
Kalem nodded. "It's tempered steel. Should cut clean and hold its edge for years, as long as you don't let it rust."
Another villager, a wiry carpenter, picked up a chisel and tested its sharpness against a block of wood. His face lit up as the tool bit cleanly into the grain. "You're a fine smith, lad. Where'd you learn this trade?"
"Mostly self-taught," Kalem replied, a hint of pride creeping into his voice. "I had good materials and plenty of practice."
As the villagers examined and purchased his goods, Kalem found himself not just trading but connecting. Each sale came with a story—a farmer needing a new plow, a hunter looking for a reliable knife, a mason searching for better tools.
By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, Kalem's cart was noticeably lighter, and his coin pouch had grown heavier. He set up camp just outside the village, his bull grazing peacefully nearby. The fire crackled softly as Kalem ate a simple meal and reflected on the day.
"This isn't so bad," he murmured to himself, sketching ideas for new tools in his journal.
The days that followed followed a similar pattern. Each village and town Kalem passed through brought new faces, new challenges, and new opportunities. He quickly earned a reputation as a reliable craftsman, his wares sought after not for any magical properties but for their sheer quality.
One evening, in a bustling roadside market, Kalem met Harlon, a stout trader with a booming voice and a keen eye for business.
"You've got a good hand for the forge, lad," Harlon said, inspecting a set of knives. "Where are you headed?"
"Arcathis Academy," Kalem replied, his voice tinged with a mix of excitement and uncertainty.
Harlon raised an eyebrow. "Aiming high, aren't you? Well, let me give you some advice. Stick to the main roads. The wildlands are no place for a lone traveler, no matter how strong your bull is or how sharp your blades are."
Kalem nodded, grateful for the advice. He made a mental note to stay vigilant as he continued his journey.
Despite the occasional challenges—muddy roads after a sudden rain, a broken cart wheel that took half a day to fix—Kalem found himself growing more confident with each passing mile. The open road, once intimidating, began to feel like home.
By the end of his second week, Kalem had learned more about the world than he ever thought possible. From merchants, he heard tales of sprawling cities where airships floated above gilded spires. From travelers, he learned of kingdoms embroiled in wars over resources and alliances forged in secret.
Each encounter added to his growing understanding of the larger world, and with every passing day, Kalem felt the weight of his decision to leave the valley lift slightly.
The road stretched on, promising more challenges, more stories, and more discoveries. And Kalem, with his cart of tools and his faithful bull, felt ready to face whatever came next.