Chapter 3: Meeting an Ally
The sun began to set behind the mountains to the west, painting the sky with shades of red and orange. Riven walked along a solitary path, his steps echoing in the stillness of the forest. Nyx was ahead, her silhouette fading in the distance as she explored among the trees. Though the day had been calm, tension still hung in the air, as if nature itself was watching him from the shadows.
Riven had been traveling for several weeks, but the fatigue never seemed to fade. His body was still adjusting to life outside his home, and though his early battles had forged him, the journey itself was a different kind of trial. During the day, his mind kept busy, but at night, when darkness fell, doubts began to creep in.
Suddenly, Nyx let out a low growl and stopped in her tracks. Riven's heart quickened as he saw the alert stance of his companion. Something wasn't right. It wasn't a wild animal that had put Nyx on edge.
In a matter of seconds, a figure emerged from between the trees. It was a man of medium build, with a face weathered by the sun, visible scars on his arms. He wore a travel cloak and a sword at his side, the blade faintly reflecting the dying light of the day. His expression was calm, but his eyes never stopped scanning Riven's every move.
Riven tensed his muscles and reached for the hilt of his sword. Though he had been training with his blade, the tension never went away when facing a stranger in hostile terrain.
—Don't worry, I'm not a bandit —the man said in a deep, steady voice. He seemed to know that a confrontation was in the air, and Riven couldn't help but lower his guard a little as he sensed the sincerity in his eyes.
—Who are you? —Riven asked, still keeping his distance.
—A traveler, nothing more. My name is Eryk. I've been following your trail for a while. It's not common to see someone your age with a beast like yours on this path.
Riven studied the man cautiously. While he didn't appear hostile, caution was still essential, especially in a world full of dangers.
—Why are you following me? —Riven asked, maintaining his distance.
Eryk smiled, but without malice. His eyes gleamed with a mix of experience and understanding.
—Curiosity is a great virtue. And I must admit, the presence of a beast like yours piqued my interest. I've walked many roads, but I've rarely seen a creature so... unique.
Riven felt Nyx's soft growl as she returned to his side, still alert. He gently stroked her fur, calming her down.
—Do you know anything about beasts? —Riven asked, a slight tilt of his head.
Eryk nodded slowly.
—I've learned a few things in my years of traveling. Beasts, like yours, are not mere animals. They are guardians, companions, allies. Some beasts form a deep bond with their humans, a relationship that goes beyond mere servitude. But there are also those who don't understand that bond. Sometimes, those humans end up being more of a burden to their beasts.
Riven frowned. He knew that Nyx was not just an animal to him; she was his companion, his support. But the way Eryk spoke made him wonder if he truly understood what that bond meant.
—What do you mean by "burden"? —Riven asked, feeling a slight discomfort.
Eryk studied him for a moment, weighing his words before speaking again.
—In many cases, humans don't treat beasts for what they are. They seek to use them as tools, forgetting that they are living beings with their own will. It's easy to fall into that trap, especially when you have such immense power at your disposal. The connection with a beast must be understood, not forced.
Riven nodded silently. He knew what Eryk was saying, but his bond with Nyx had been forged with respect from the start. He had never intended to see her as a mere means to an end, but as a companion on his journey. Still, the traveler's words left an unsettling feeling.
—I'll keep that in mind —he replied, though he wasn't sure he needed the advice. Nyx was already his ally, and he had no intention of changing that.
Eryk observed Riven for a moment before stepping closer.
—Now, I've spoken to you about beasts, but I have more to offer. The road to the capital is dangerous. Not just because of bandits, but because of the creatures that roam these lands. If you want to make it there safely, you'll need more than your sword.
Riven looked at him, raising an eyebrow.
—What do you mean?
Eryk smiled with a certain wisdom.
—I mean tactics. Battle isn't always won with brute strength. In many cases, cunning and control of the terrain are more valuable than skill with a sword. I can teach you a few tricks to make the journey safer. And who knows, perhaps we can be allies on this path.
Riven hesitated for a moment. He hadn't planned on forming alliances so quickly, but something about Eryk inspired trust. He seemed to have vast experience, and though his pride told him he could travel alone, reason reminded him that it might be wiser to accept his offer.
—Alright —he said finally, sheathing his sword—. I'll accept your help.
Eryk nodded with a broad smile, pleased with the response.
—Good choice. Before you go, why don't you stay the night? It's not safe to travel at night, and I'll show you some of the tactics I mentioned. There will be time to talk about all of that while we eat.
Riven agreed, though deep down he knew his journey wouldn't be easy. During dinner, Eryk taught him about the advantages of terrain, how to use shadows to his benefit, and how to move without being detected. He showed him how to study animal tracks and how to spot subtle signs of the presence of bandits or monsters.
Nyx, though curious, stayed close to Riven, watching Eryk with a certain skepticism. It wasn't easy for her to trust a stranger, but Riven stroked her back, giving her reassurance.
—Beasts like Nyx are as intelligent as any human —Eryk commented while watching the fox—. If you learn to listen to her, you'll learn much more than any sword can teach you.
Riven was thoughtful as he looked at Nyx. There was something in Eryk's words that made him reflect. Nyx was not only his companion; she was his guide. He had learned to trust her instincts, but perhaps there was still much to learn about that connection.
Eryk continued teaching him more about the art of war, but also about life beyond the known paths, about the politics played in capitals, the factions vying for power, and the invisible threats lurking in the shadows. As the hours passed and the fire dwindled, Riven understood that his journey would be much more complex than he had imagined.
By the end of the night, as the fire died and the night wind whispered through the trees, Riven looked at the man he had just met, a possible ally in a world full of shadows and secrets.
—Thanks, Eryk —he said, his voice low, though he wasn't sure what to expect from this new alliance. But for now, it seemed like the best option.
—You don't have to thank me —Eryk replied—. This is just a part of the road. The real challenge lies ahead.
**End of Chapter 3.**