The forest seemed quieter as they moved away from the Whispering Grove. The air, though still heavy with the scent of earth and ancient trees, felt less oppressive. Kael glanced back, half expecting to see the Keeper watching them, but the grove was already hidden by the dense foliage.
"You did well," Thane said, breaking the silence. Shadowfang padded alongside him, its ears swiveling to catch the faintest sounds. "Not many can face their fears and come out stronger."
Kael felt the phoenix's warmth pulse in agreement, but he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in his chest. "The shadow—what I saw—it wasn't just fear. It was something more. It knew things… about me, about my bond."
Thane nodded grimly. "The Trials are like that. They pull at the threads of your soul, unraveling truths you may not even realize yourself. But if the Keeper deemed you worthy, it means you're stronger for it."
Kael sighed, the weight of Thane's words settling on his shoulders. "What now?"
"Now?" Thane smirked, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. "Now we keep moving. The Venators won't give us much breathing room, and the Wilds are still dangerous. We need a safe haven."
---
Signs of the Venators
The day passed in tense silence. Kael noticed signs of movement in the forest—a snapped branch here, faint tracks in the dirt there. Shadowfang's hackles rose every so often, and even the phoenix grew restless, its feathers ruffling as if sensing unseen eyes.
"They're close, aren't they?" Kael asked.
Thane stopped, crouching to inspect a set of tracks in the mud. His face darkened. "Too close. These tracks are fresh. A scouting party, most likely."
"Do you think they know where we are?"
"They're Venators," Thane said grimly. "They don't track like normal hunters. They don't follow footsteps or broken twigs. They follow energy—yours and the phoenix's bond, specifically."
Kael clenched his fists. "Then they'll find us no matter where we go."
"Not if we throw them off." Thane rose to his full height, his sharp gaze scanning their surroundings. "But we'll need to act fast."
---
An Ambush in the Wilds
They set their trap in a narrow ravine, the walls steep and lined with thorny undergrowth. Shadowfang moved silently, placing small wards along the edges of the path—runes that glowed faintly before disappearing into the dirt.
"Stay close," Thane instructed. "When they come through, they'll be disoriented. That's when we strike."
Kael nodded, his heart pounding. He crouched behind a boulder, the phoenix perched on his shoulder. Its flames were dim, but Kael could feel its readiness through their bond.
The wait was agonizing, each moment stretching into an eternity. Then, faintly, the sound of footsteps reached Kael's ears. He tensed, peering over the edge of the boulder. A group of figures moved through the ravine, their dark cloaks blending into the shadows.
Venators.
Their leader, a tall figure with a mask resembling a snarling wolf, paused, his head tilting as if listening to something. He raised a hand, and the group halted.
"They know something's wrong," Kael whispered.
Thane's voice was calm. "Let them think that. Just hold."
The Venators moved cautiously, their weapons drawn. As they passed over the wards, a sudden burst of light erupted from the ground. The air filled with the sharp crackle of energy as the wards activated, sending arcs of electricity through the ravine.
Shadowfang leapt from the shadows, its teeth flashing as it tore into one of the Venators. Thane followed, his blade moving with deadly precision. Kael hesitated, the phoenix shifting anxiously on his shoulder.
"Now, Kael!" Thane shouted.
Kael focused, drawing on his bond with the phoenix. He felt the surge of energy between them, the fire building in his chest. With a shout, he released it, a wave of golden flame sweeping across the ravine. The Venators scattered, their cloaks singed and their formation broken.
But the leader remained unmoved. He stepped forward, raising a hand. A dark, swirling energy formed in his palm, and Kael felt a chill run through him.
---
The Venator Captain
The leader's voice was calm, almost mocking. "You've grown bold, boy. But fire alone won't save you."
Kael gritted his teeth, his fists clenching. The phoenix shrieked, its flames flaring in defiance. "Who are you?" Kael demanded.
The man tilted his head, his mask glinting in the faint light. "I am Captain Ryn of the Venators. And you, little tamer, are a prize far too valuable to let slip away."
Ryn unleashed the dark energy, a swirling vortex that ripped through the air. Kael threw up his arms, bracing for impact, but the phoenix acted first. It spread its wings, creating a barrier of fire that absorbed the attack.
Thane darted forward, his blade aimed at Ryn's chest, but the captain blocked it effortlessly with a shadowy blade that materialized in his hand. The two clashed, their movements a blur of steel and shadow.
Kael struggled to focus, his bond with the phoenix pulsing erratically. He felt its fear and determination, but also something else—a deep, burning anger.
"Kael!" Thane shouted, his voice strained. "We can't win this fight. We need to retreat."
Kael hesitated, torn between the urge to stand his ground and the realization that Thane was right. Ryn was too powerful, his presence suffocating.
"Fall back!" Thane barked, breaking Kael out of his stupor.
---
A Narrow Escape
Kael and the phoenix unleashed one final burst of fire, forcing the Venators to scatter. Shadowfang lunged at Ryn, snapping at his arm, giving Thane just enough time to grab Kael and pull him toward the edge of the ravine.
They scrambled up the steep incline, the sound of pursuit close behind. The phoenix flew overhead, its flames flickering weakly as it tried to light their path.
By the time they reached the forest above, Kael was gasping for breath. Shadowfang growled, its fur bristling as it stood guard. Thane turned, his face grim. "We bought ourselves time, but they'll regroup quickly."
Kael nodded, his mind racing. "We can't keep running like this. Ryn… he won't stop."
Thane placed a hand on Kael's shoulder, his grip firm. "Then we'll find a way to stop him. But not here. We need allies, Kael. And I think I know where to start."
Kael looked at him, his exhaustion tempered by determination. "Where?"
Thane's expression hardened. "The Skyhold. If there's anyone who can help us, it's the tamers of the high peaks. But getting there won't be easy."
Kael nodded, his resolve firm. "Then we'll make it. Together."
As they moved deeper into the forest, Kael felt the phoenix's warmth steadying him. The path ahead was uncertain, but for the first time, he felt ready to face it.