The sun rose steadily, casting its warm light over the winding dirt road ahead. Kalem adjusted his pack and patted Onyx on the side. "All right, big guy, let's keep moving. Who knows what we'll find today."
Onyx let out a soft snort in response, his hooves clopping against the ground as they continued their journey. The cart rattled behind them, its contents shifting slightly with every bump in the uneven path.
The land grew wilder as they traveled further from Greystone Crossing. Dense woods began to line the road, their canopy offering patches of shade that cooled the air. Birds flitted from branch to branch, their songs filling the silence between Kalem's occasional musings aloud.
A Stranger's Warning
Around midday, Kalem spotted an old man sitting by the side of the road, leaning against a mossy rock. His clothes were travel-worn, and a wide-brimmed hat covered most of his face. As Kalem approached, the man raised a hand in greeting.
"Ho there, young traveler," the man said, his voice raspy but warm. "Care to share a moment with an old soul?"
Kalem halted Onyx and stepped closer, curiosity piqued. "What brings you out here, sir?"
The man chuckled. "Resting these tired bones, that's all. Though I'd warn you—the road ahead gets tricky. Bandits have been seen near the river crossing up north. Best keep your eyes sharp."
Kalem nodded, his grip tightening on the cart's reins. "Thanks for the warning. Have you seen many pass through here?"
"Not many, no," the man replied, adjusting his hat to reveal sharp, bright eyes that seemed to see more than they let on. "Most keep to the safer roads. But you've got the look of someone who doesn't shy away from danger."
Kalem smiled faintly. "I try to be prepared for whatever comes my way."
The man grinned, showing a surprising number of intact teeth for someone his age. "Good answer, lad. Good answer. Safe travels to you."
With that, Kalem and Onyx pressed on, the old man's words lingering in his mind.
A Test of Patience
The road began to climb steeply as they approached a series of hills. Onyx trudged forward with steady determination, but Kalem noticed the bull's pace slowing slightly.
"Take it easy, boy," Kalem said, guiding them toward a flat patch of ground where they could rest. He pulled out a sack of feed and poured some for Onyx, watching as the bull ate contentedly.
Sitting on a nearby rock, Kalem reached for his water flask and took a long sip. He glanced down at his notebook, flipping through the pages filled with sketches and notes. His eyes landed on a rough map of the region, drawn from memory based on the travelers he'd spoken to.
"Looks like we're nearing the river," he muttered. He glanced at Onyx. "I'm guessing those bandits the old man mentioned will be nearby. We'll need to be ready."
Onyx raised his head briefly, as if understanding Kalem's words, before returning to his feed.
A Chance Encounter
By late afternoon, Kalem came across a small clearing where a group of travelers had set up camp. A fire crackled in the center, and the smell of roasting meat wafted through the air.
One of the travelers, a woman with short-cropped hair and sharp features, called out to him. "Hey there, stranger! Care to join us for a meal?"
Kalem hesitated for a moment before steering Onyx toward the camp. "Don't mind if I do. It's been a long day on the road."
As he settled near the fire, the travelers introduced themselves. They were a mix of humans and a race Kalem hadn't encountered before—short, stocky individuals with deep gray skin and eyes like polished stone. They called themselves Darakins, a mountain-dwelling people known for their resilience and craftsmanship.
Kalem listened intently as they shared stories of their journeys. One of the Darakins, a younger man named Rorik, showed him a beautifully carved stone pendant.
"Made this myself," Rorik said proudly. "Darakins have a knack for shaping stone. You'd be surprised what we can do with a little time and the right tools."
Kalem admired the pendant, his mind racing with ideas. "That's incredible work. I'm a smith myself, though I work more with metal than stone."
The group exchanged looks of approval, clearly impressed.
As the evening wore on, Kalem shared his own stories, including his goal of reaching Arcathis Academy. The travelers offered encouragement and advice, warning him of the challenges he might face while also expressing admiration for his determination.
The Journey Resumes
The next morning, Kalem bid farewell to the travelers, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. As he and Onyx continued down the road, the landscape began to change once again. The trees thinned out, giving way to open plains dotted with wildflowers and the occasional herd of deer.
Kalem found himself talking to Onyx more frequently, the bull's calm demeanor a comforting presence.
"You know, Onyx," he said one afternoon, "this whole journey feels like a test. Not just of my skills, but of who I am. It's strange... I never thought leaving the valley would feel this freeing."
Onyx let out a low grunt, as if in agreement, and Kalem chuckled.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Kalem set up camp near a quiet stream. He sat by the fire, gazing at the stars above, and allowed himself a moment of peace.
The road ahead was long and uncertain, but with each passing day, Kalem felt more prepared to face whatever challenges awaited him. With Onyx by his side and his dreams guiding him forward, he knew he was on the right path.