Charles' gaze dropped, his expression darkening further. "He grew restless. He wasn't content to stay here, hidden away in this forgotten place."
"He wanted more—needed more. He wanted to see the world, to explore what lay beyond the horizon. No one could blame him, but we all tried to convince him to stay. His family begged him. We told him about the dangers out there were far greater than anything he'd faced here. But he wouldn't listen. His mind was made up."
The room felt heavy with silence as Charles paused, gathering his thoughts. His voice trembled slightly when he continued.
"When he left, he didn't go alone. A group of warriors followed him—his friends, his admirers, those who believed in his dream. A dozen of them, all young, all brave, all strong for their age. They set out together, full of hope and ambition, determined to carve their names into history. For weeks, we heard nothing. Months passed, and we began to fear the worst. But then…"
