The morning air was crisp, carrying with it the faint scent of dew on wild grasses. Kalem stretched as he packed his camp, the routine becoming second nature. Onyx watched him, chewing lazily on a patch of grass.
"All right, big guy," Kalem said, securing the last of his belongings onto the cart. "Another day, another stretch of road. Let's see where this one takes us."
The journey continued peacefully for most of the morning. The road twisted and turned, occasionally offering glimpses of rolling hills or distant woodlands. Kalem found himself reflecting on the advice and stories he had gathered from the people he'd met so far. Each encounter left a subtle impression, shaping his understanding of the larger world.
Around midday, Kalem reached a crossroads where the road forked into two distinct paths. A weathered signpost stood at the junction, its markings faded but still legible.
The left path was marked "Bramble Hollow," leading toward what appeared to be a forest shrouded in mist. The right path read "Stonefield Plains," an open expanse with rolling fields stretching into the horizon.
Kalem stepped down from the cart and studied the sign. Onyx let out a soft grunt, as if offering his own opinion.
"Well, Bramble Hollow looks... ominous," Kalem muttered, scratching his chin. "But it might be faster if it's a shortcut. Then again, open plains mean fewer surprises."
He checked his map but found little information about either path. With no clear advantage, he decided to consult his instincts—and Onyx.
"What do you think, buddy? Left or right?" Kalem asked, gesturing to the paths.
Onyx responded by snorting and taking a step toward the left path.
Kalem raised an eyebrow. "Bramble Hollow it is, then. Let's hope you're not leading us into trouble."
The path into Bramble Hollow quickly grew darker as the canopy of trees thickened overhead. A cool mist clung to the air, muffling sounds and creating an eerie atmosphere. Kalem kept a firm grip on Onyx's reins, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger.
The forest was alive with subtle noises—the rustle of leaves, the distant call of birds, and the occasional creak of branches swaying in the wind. Yet, something about the stillness felt unnatural.
"Stay sharp, Onyx," Kalem murmured, his hand resting on the hilt of his spear.
They traveled for what felt like hours, the mist growing denser with each passing mile. Just as Kalem began to consider turning back, the trees parted to reveal a small clearing. At its center stood an old stone marker, moss-covered and etched with strange symbols.
Curiosity tugged at Kalem as he approached the marker, studying its carvings. The symbols were unfamiliar but carried an aura of importance. He traced a hand over the stone, feeling a faint hum of energy beneath his fingertips.
"This... doesn't seem like an ordinary marker," Kalem muttered. "But what is it marking?"
Onyx let out a low grunt, pulling Kalem's attention back to the clearing. The bull's ears flicked, and his gaze fixed on the surrounding forest, as if sensing something Kalem couldn't see.
Before Kalem could investigate further, a voice called out from the shadows. "You've got a sharp eye, stranger. Not many notice the old markers anymore."
Kalem turned quickly, his spear at the ready. A figure emerged from the mist—a lean man dressed in patchwork leathers, his sharp features framed by dark hair. His eyes gleamed with curiosity as he sized up Kalem.
"No need for that," the man said, raising his hands in a gesture of peace. "I mean no harm. Just passing through, like you."
Kalem lowered his weapon slightly but didn't let his guard down. "Who are you?"
"The name's Corwin," the man replied, offering a crooked smile. "And you are?"
"Kalem," he said simply.
Corwin nodded, his gaze drifting to Onyx. "That's a fine beast you've got there. Not often you see a bull like that on the road."
Kalem glanced at Onyx, who seemed unfazed by the stranger's presence. "He's been a good companion."
Corwin's expression turned thoughtful as he gestured to the stone marker. "You know what that is, don't you?"
"I was hoping you could tell me," Kalem admitted.
"It's an old waystone," Corwin explained, stepping closer. "Markers like these were used centuries ago to guide travelers through dangerous areas. They're said to be enchanted, though most of their magic has faded over time."
Kalem frowned. "Dangerous areas?"
Corwin chuckled. "Relax, friend. The worst you'll find here are wild beasts—and maybe a bandit or two, if you're unlucky. Stick to the path, and you'll be fine."
Though Kalem was initially cautious of Corwin, the man's easygoing demeanor and apparent knowledge of the area made him a valuable companion for the moment. They walked together for a while, exchanging stories about their travels.
Corwin was a wanderer by trade, selling information and trinkets to those he met along the road. He seemed intrigued by Kalem's destination, though he didn't press for details.
As the day wore on, the forest began to thin, and the mist gradually lifted. They reached the edge of Bramble Hollow just as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the landscape in shades of gold and orange.
"Well, Kalem," Corwin said, shouldering his pack, "this is where we part ways. The plains ahead should be smooth traveling for you and your bull."
Kalem nodded. "Thanks for the guidance."
Corwin smirked. "Stay sharp, kid. The world out here has a way of surprising you."
With that, the man disappeared into the forest, leaving Kalem and Onyx alone once more.
As Kalem set up camp on the edge of the plains, he couldn't help but reflect on the day's events. The encounter with Corwin had been unexpected, but it served as a reminder that the road ahead would be full of surprises—some welcome, others not.
He patted Onyx on the side as the bull settled down for the night. "You've got a good sense for people, you know that?"
Onyx let out a low grunt, earning a chuckle from Kalem.
The stars began to appear overhead, their light casting a serene glow over the landscape. Kalem lay back on his bedroll, staring up at the sky. The world felt vast and full of possibilities, and for the first time in a while, he allowed himself to feel a spark of excitement for the journey ahead.