The sun was setting in the small village of Eldergrove when Leo, a curious ten-year-old boy, ventured outside to play. He watched as the villagers tended to their daily tasks, laughter and warmth filling the air. But then, a shadow loomed on the horizon.
Suddenly, a loud rumble echoed through the valley. Leo turned, heart racing, as dark figures emerged from the treeline—fierce and armored raiders charging toward the village. Panic erupted; mothers cried for their children, and fathers gathered weapons, ready to defend their homes.
Leo's breath caught in his throat as chaos unfolded. He saw Mrs. Hargrove, the baker, wielding a rolling pin with ice coating her hand, and Mr. Tamsin, the blacksmith, brandishing a blazing red sword. The villagers fought bravely, but Leo knew they were outnumbered.
Amid the chaos, Leo's instincts kicked in. He spotted a narrow path leading into the forest—a place where he often played hide and seek. Without thinking, grasping his little dagger tightly, he dashed toward it, glancing back to see the struggle intensifying.
As he reached the treeline, the sounds of battle faded into the distance. Leo slowed, heart pounding, and took a moment to catch his breath. The forest was a familiar sanctuary, its tall trees swaying gently in the wind, but today it felt different—more ominous.
He found a small hollow beneath a large oak and crawled inside, trembling. The sounds of clashing metal and cries of the villagers echoed faintly. He hugged his knees, wishing he could help, wishing he could fight.
Hours passed, and the forest remained still, but the fear inside him grew. Would the villagers be able to fend off the attackers? Would he ever see his friends again? Leo's mind raced, hope fading with every passing moment.
Just then, a rustle nearby caught his attention. He peered out from his hiding spot, and to his surprise, his mother was standing outside. His eyes filled with tears as he crawled out to her.
"Mom, you made it out! How did you find me? Where is Dad? Is the village okay?" Leo asked, his voice trembling.
As Leo looked at his mother, he saw she was beaten and had blood on her clothes. She crouched down, holding her arms open, tears running down her face. "Leo, I'm so glad you're safe. Right now, we need to get to the next town over to get help. Can you still walk?" Elowen said.
In her arms, he looked up and shook his head. A few hours of walking through the forest lay ahead; the next town was two days away by foot on the roads. It was also the safest route. Cutting through the forest would take just over a day on foot, but it was perilous.
After a few hours of walking, Leo and his mother, Elowen, reached a clearing about nine hours from the nearest town. Suddenly, they heard running behind them. Elowen quickly grabbed Leo and stepped in front of him to shield him as the sound of two blades clashed. Leo felt a surge of fear for his mother; he knew she could handle herself, but the large figures that emerged were unrelenting.