The light of morning filtered through the thick canopy of trees, casting a soft golden glow over the forest path as the group made their way toward Drakemoor. The air was crisp and cool, with the scent of damp earth lingering after the night's rain. Their carriage rumbled steadily along the uneven dirt road, the wheels occasionally bumping over stones and roots. It was a simple vehicle, much like the one they had taken when leaving their town.
The roof offered some shelter from the elements, but the sides were open, allowing the chill morning breeze to sweep through. Lena pulled her cloak tighter around her shoulders, her gaze drifting toward the trees on either side of the path. There was something calming about the way the forest stretched out in every direction, its stillness a stark contrast to the tension that had settled over their group since the journey began.
Roderick sat beside her, his posture rigid as he scanned the horizon, eyes narrowed in concentration. His usual confidence seemed diminished in the face of what lay ahead, and Lena wondered if he, too, felt the weight of the unknown pressing down on him.
Across from them, Jarin sat on the floor of the carriage, his legs stretched out in front of him as he leaned against the wooden frame. With no proper seats inside the carriage, they were left to find comfort wherever they could. Jarin absently played with the folds of his coat, his fingers tracing patterns in the fabric as he stared out into the forest. His usual easy going demeanor was subdued, but he still tried to offer Lena a reassuring smile whenever he caught her eye. It was clear, though, that the journey weighed heavily on him, just as it did on all of them.
Edwin rode up front, his dark cloak billowing slightly in the breeze as he leaned forward, speaking quietly with the man holding the reins. Every now and then, he would glance back at the group, his expression unreadable, but Lena could sense his thoughts were elsewhere—focused on the road ahead and whatever dangers might be lurking in the shadows.
The carriage itself creaked with every turn of the wheels, its wooden frame weathered but sturdy, showing signs of long years of travel. The horses, though weary from the journey, moved at a steady pace, their breath visible in the cold morning air.
As they rode, the sound of the forest filled the silence between them—the rustle of leaves, the occasional call of a bird, the rhythmic clatter of the horses' hooves on the road. But there was an undercurrent of tension, a collective sense that something was waiting for them just beyond the bend, hidden in the mist of the morning. No one spoke of it, but Lena could feel it, like a storm gathering on the horizon.
As the carriage rumbled along the forest path, the steady rhythm of the horses' hooves provided a comforting backdrop to Lena's thoughts. She settled deeper into her cloak, pulling a worn-out book from her satchel. The cover was embossed with intricate designs, hinting at the tales woven within its pages. She opened it, and her gaze danced over the lines of text, losing herself in the stories of distant lands and brave heroes.
Minutes passed in peaceful silence until a light, playful touch disrupted her focus. Lena looked down to find Jarin's foot prodding her right ankle, the sole of his boot pressing lightly against her. She arched an eyebrow, a hint of mischief sparking in her eyes. Without thinking, she nudged back, her foot meeting his with a gentle push.
Jarin chuckled softly, his eyes glinting with playful challenge. He leaned in closer, using his foot to push against her leg again, this time with more insistence, as if to say, "Let the games begin." Lena couldn't help but laugh, her giggle escaping like a breath of fresh air in the tense atmosphere.
"I see how it is," she teased, her voice light. "Is this your way of distracting me from my reading?"
"Just keeping you on your toes," Jarin replied with a grin, nudging her again.
Feeling the playful spirit rising, Lena pushed back with equal force. The two began a lighthearted leg-wrestling match, their feet meeting and intertwining in a mock struggle.
"Stop being childish!" Roderick snapped from beside her, his voice cutting through their laughter like a sharp blade. His eyes were narrowed in disapproval, directed more at Jarin than at Lena. "We're in a serious situation here, not playing in a field."
"Aw, come on, Roderick," Jarin shot back, a playful tone lacing his words. "A little fun never hurts anyone, right? Besides, we could use the distraction." He nudged Lena's foot again, trying to egg her on.
Roderick's jaw tightened as he leaned forward, crossing his arms over his chest. "This isn't a time for games, Jarin. We don't know what dangers lie ahead. You should be focusing on that instead of acting like a fool."
"Look who's talking," Jarin retorted, his voice rising slightly. "You're the one sitting there with a stick up your—"
"Enough!" Roderick interjected sharply, his voice a low growl that silenced the playful atmosphere in an instant. "This is exactly what I mean. Do you think this is a game? The world isn't all fun and games, Jarin. Grow up."
Jarin's expression hardened, the amusement slipping away as he shot back, "And you think being all serious and glowering is going to help us? We're all feeling the weight of this journey, but pretending it's not happening isn't going to change anything."
Lena shifted in her seat, feeling the tension rise between them like a thick fog. She glanced between the two, her heart racing as she tried to diffuse the situation. "Guys, come on. We're all just a little on edge. Can we not—"
"No, Lena," Roderick said, his tone softening slightly as he turned to her. "You shouldn't be dragged into this. It's important that we stay focused."
Jarin scoffed, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "And what's your plan, Roderick? To sit there brooding until something happens? No one told you to come with Lena and me." His voice dripped with sarcasm as he shot Roderick a challenging look, his foot still playfully nudging against Lena's.
Roderick's expression darkened Jarin's words. "I didn't come to babysit you two, but someone has to keep us focused on the task at hand. We can't afford distractions."
"Oh, so now you're the guardian of our journey?" Jarin countered, crossing his arms defiantly. "Lena and I are allowed to enjoy ourselves without you looming over us like a storm cloud. We all feel the weight of this trip, but I refuse to let it stifle our spirits."
Roderick's expression darkened Jarin's words. "I didn't come to babysit you two, but someone has to keep us focused on the task at hand. We can't afford distractions. Besides, it was you who needed my help to get that carriage in the first place."
Jarin raised an eyebrow, his sarcasm dripping like honey. "Yeah, and that help got us into the river, didn't it?"
"Great idea, Roderick! Maybe we should take more lessons from you—like how to be a total killjoy!" Jarin shot back, his voice rising with indignation.
The tension between them escalated, each word punctuated by the rhythmic clatter of the carriage wheels. They were almost face-to-face now, their tempers flaring as they squared off, neither willing to back down.
Just as it seemed they might collide, Lena sprang into action, stepping between them. In her haste, her book slipped from her lap and fell to the floor with a thud, its pages splaying open. "Guys, please!" she exclaimed, her hands raised in a desperate attempt to defuse the situation.
Edwin's voice rang out from the front of the carriage, cutting through their argument. "All right, enough of this! We're stopping!"
Lena's heart raced as she bent down to retrieve her book, hoping to distract them from their escalating conflict. But Roderick and Jarin remained silent, still glaring at each other, the unresolved anger hanging heavy in the air.
Just then, the carriage came to a sudden stop, jolting everyone forward slightly. Edwin, who had been riding up front, turned around, a frown creasing his brow. "What's going on back there?" he asked, his tone a mixture of concern and annoyance.
Lena's heart raced as she retrieved her book. Roderick and Jarin remained silent, still glaring at each other, the "Nothing we can't handle," Roderick replied, trying to sound casual as he straightened up, though the tension still crackled in the air.
"Yeah, just a friendly debate," Jarin added with a forced smile, though his eyes still held a challenge. Lena stared at him as if he was another being.
Edwin raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "You two need to figure it out before we hit the next town. This isn't the time or place for arguments. We're in unfamiliar territory."
The tension hung in the air like a thick fog as Edwin's words echoed through the carriage. Lena exchanged worried glances with both Roderick and Jarin, each of them still simmering with unspoken frustrations.
Finally, Edwin cracked the reins, urging the horses onward. The carriage jolted forward, and the atmosphere gradually shifted from the charged silence to a more neutral hum as the trees began to thin out.
As they approached the town gates, the lush greens of the forest began to give way to the cobbled streets and wooden structures that marked the edge of civilization. The vibrant colors of painted shutters and flower boxes brightened the otherwise gray morning. A slight breeze carried the sweet scent of baked goods wafting from the bakery nearby, mingling with the earthy aroma of the surrounding woods.
"Look!" Lena pointed out the window, her mood lifting as she spotted a market bustling with activity. Vendors called out, their voices filled with excitement as they showcased their wares—shimmering fabrics, gleaming trinkets, and colorful fruits piled high on wooden carts.
Jarin leaned forward, eyes wide with curiosity. "Now that's more like it! I could use a distraction from all this seriousness." He shot a sidelong glance at Roderick, who merely huffed in response.
Edwin slowed the carriage as they approached the heart of the town, allowing the horses to trot leisurely along the cobblestones. The lively atmosphere was infectious, and even Roderick's posture relaxed slightly as they entered the town square. Merchants chatted animatedly, children dashed between stalls, and the sound of laughter filled the air—a stark contrast to the tension they had left behind in the carriage.
"Let's stretch our legs a bit," Edwin suggested, pulling the carriage to a stop beside a large oak tree. "We could use some supplies, and maybe you all could clear your heads."
As the carriage came to a halt, Edwin glanced at the map spread across his knees. He squinted against the sunlight filtering through the leaves of the oak tree. "According to this map, we've arrived at Willowbend, but I'm not so sure," he said, folding the map carefully.
They climbed down from the carriage and scanned the bustling town square. A mix of people milled about, some carrying goods, others engaged in animated conversation.
Lena's gaze fell on the older man seated on a weathered wooden bench at the edge of the square. His hair, a silvery-white, was long and unkempt, framing his face in wild, untidy waves. Deep lines etched across his sun-kissed skin spoke of years spent outdoors, his cheeks sunken slightly, hinting at a life filled with both hardship and wisdom.
He wore a simple tunic of faded blue, the fabric frayed at the edges, and a pair of loose trousers that had seen better days. His hands were gnarled and moved with surprising gentleness as he gestured animatedly to the children gathered around him.
"Let's ask him," she suggested, pointing toward the man.
Lena darted ahead, her excitement bubbling over as she reached the bench. "Excuse me, sir!" she called, glancing back at Jarin, who was a few paces behind her, and then returning her focus to the man. "Is this really Willowbend?"
The old man's smile widened, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he leaned back slightly. "Ah, Willowbend!" he exclaimed, the name rolling off his tongue like a cherished memory. "That was a long time ago, my dear. This town has since taken on a new name."
Jarin caught up with Lena, catching his breath as he leaned against the edge of the bench. "What's it called now?" he asked, curiosity piqued his interest.
The old man's expression shifted to one of nostalgia. "This place is known as New Haven now, dear boy. After the war, many names were changed, but the stories of Willowbend still linger in the hearts of those who remember."
Lena said " Thank you sir " the man just nodded his head
As Lena and Jarin finished their conversation with the old man, they turned to find Edwin and Roderick not far behind, having watched the exchange with keen interest. The bustling market square surrounded them, the sounds of laughter and lively bartering filling the air.
Lena rushed back to her companions, her eyes bright with excitement. "You guys, we just talked to him! He said this place used to be called Willowbend before the war, but now it's called New Haven!" She beamed, her enthusiasm infectious.
Roderick raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "Interesting, but it doesn't change the fact that we need to keep moving."
Edwin nodded in agreement, glancing at the sun inching toward the horizon. "Exactly. We should be leaving soon if we want to reach the next town by night. It's already late in the afternoon, and I'd rather not travel after dark."
Lena's excitement dimmed slightly as she realized the urgency of their situation. "But we just got here! Can't we at least grab some supplies first?"
"We can," Edwin replied, his tone measured. "But we need to be quick about it. I don't want us caught out there with the sun setting." He motioned toward the vendors nearby. "Let's gather what we need—food, water, anything that will make the journey more comfortable."
Roderick added, "We can't afford to lose time arguing about it. If we leave now, we might still have daylight for a little while longer."
Jarin glanced at Lena, sensing her disappointment. "Come on, Lena. We can make it quick. How about we get some pastries?"
Lena perked up at that, nodding enthusiastically. "Okay, let's hurry! We'll grab some food, and then we can get back to the carriage."
As the four of them moved towards the nearest vendor, Edwin kept a watchful eye on the surrounding area, aware of the need to stay alert.
As they moved closer to the stall, Jarin glanced at the pastries again, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I'll take three of those, please! One for me and one for each of you—except for Roderick, of course," he added with a teasing smirk.
Roderick shot Jarin an irritated glare, his patience clearly wearing thin. "How about you just focus on what we need instead of trying to make jokes?"
Lena quickly interjected, wanting to diffuse the brewing tension. "Actually, let's take four pastries!" she said, her tone brightening as she turned to the vendor. "One for each of us."
Jarin looked at her, his surprise melting into a grin. "You're just trying to make me look bad, aren't you?"
"Not at all! I just think everyone deserves a little something sweet," Lena replied, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Even Roderick."
Roderick sighed, his brow furrowing, but he couldn't entirely hide the ghost of a smile creeping onto his lips. "Fine, but let's keep it quick. We don't have time to linger."
The vendor, still smiling at their banter, quickly packed up the pastries, placing them into a small cloth bag. "Here you go, dears," she said cheerfully. "Four pastries, fresh out of the oven! They'll give you a boost for your journey."
Lena reached into her pouch, ready to pay for the pastries. Just as she was about to hand over the coins, Edwin stepped forward, placing the necessary coins on the vendor's counter before she could react.
"Allow me," he said with a nod, a serious expression on his face.
Lena blinked in surprise. "Edwin, I was going to—"
I know," he interrupted gently, a hint of a smile on his lips. "But I can't let a lady pay, can I?"
Lena felt a rush of warmth at his words, but she also frowned slightly.
Jarin nudged Lena playfully. "Looks like you've got your knight in shining armor," he teased.
"More like a man with a purse," Roderick quipped, his tone still serious.
Lena rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile. "Well, if that's the case, I hope he doesn't mind a little adventure along the way."
Just as they turned to head towards the next vendor selling fruits, a sudden commotion erupted from the far side of the market.
Screams pierced the air, sharp and filled with terror. Lena spun around, her heart leaping into her throat. Through the crowd, she caught sight of them—figures draped in dark, tattered cloaks, their faces hidden beneath deep hoods. In their hands, gleaming daggers flashed in the daylight as they moved through the marketplace, cutting down anyone in their path.
Chaos spread like wildfire. People scrambled to escape, knocking over stalls and baskets as they fled. The once lively market turned into a scene of blood and panic.
"What the—" Jarin muttered, his eyes wide in disbelief.
"We need to go," Roderick said, his voice tense, hand already moving toward the small pocket knife strapped to his side. "Now."
Lena's pulse raced. "What are they—?" But before she could finish the thought, Edwin was already moving.
"Run! Get to the carriage!" he commanded, his voice cutting through the confusion. Without another word, the group bolted towards where their carriage was parked near the edge of the square.
They weaved through the panicking crowd, the sound of metal clashing and desperate cries filling the air. Lena's heart pounded in her chest as she pushed forward, her mind spinning, barely able to process the horror happening around them.
But just as they neared the carriage, a dark figure lunged out of the crowd. The cloaked attacker grabbed Lena from behind, yanking her backward with a brutal force that knocked the air from her lungs. His dagger glinted dangerously close to her throat.
Lena gasped, her body frozen in shock. The cold, twisted grip of the attacker held her tight, the sharp blade pressed close to her skin.
But before she could even scream, Edwin was there.
In a blur of motion—so fast she barely registered it—Edwin's sword flashed through the air. One moment she was trapped in the cloaked figure's grasp, and the next, his body crumpled to the ground. Edwin's blade sliced clean across the attacker's throat in a deadly arc, and the figure collapsed at Lena's feet, his dagger clattering uselessly to the cobblestones. Blood pooled beneath the lifeless form.
Lena gasped for air, her chest heaving as she stared at Edwin, still frozen by shock. His face was calm—far too calm. He wiped the blood from his sword with an unsettling precision, his eyes scanning the square, always alert, always calculating. His expression hadn't wavered, as though this wasn't the first time he'd killed so swiftly, so decisively. Everything had happened in the blink of an eye. She hadn't even seen him move. One second, she had been on the edge of death; the next, her attacker was gone.
"Edwin…" Lena's voice trembled as she struggled to comprehend what had just happened. Her body trembled with adrenaline, her legs weak beneath her.
"Stay close," Edwin said, his voice steady but firm. His eyes didn't waver as he scanned the surroundings for more attackers, His posture remained tense, ready to strike again.
A cloaked figure lunged at them, Edwin's instincts kicked in. He moved swiftly, positioning himself between Lena and the attacker.
The assailant rushed forward, aiming a vicious swipe at Edwin's side. With a fluid motion, Edwin sidestepped the strike, bringing his sword down in a powerful arc. He caught the attacker's wrist, forcing the dagger from his grip before delivering a sharp elbow to the man's jaw.
The cloaked figure staggered back, momentarily disoriented. Seizing the opportunity, Edwin lunged forward, thrusting his blade into the attacker's midsection with precision. The figure crumpled to the ground, gasping, and Edwin stepped back, scanning the square for any further threats.
The dagger from the fallen figure lay at Lena's feet, its blade still slick with blood. She stared at it for a moment, her stomach twisting at the sight, her hands trembling uncontrollably.
Roderick was barely holding off one of the cloaked figures, his face tense with concentration, his movements sharp but defensive. The attacker's strikes were relentless, faster than Roderick had anticipated, and each time he blocked a blow, he was forced to stumble back.
Jarin, a few paces away, was fending off another attacker with his bare fists. His punches were wild, driven by desperation, but they lacked the precision needed against such skilled foes. He wasn't prepared for this. None of them were. Jarin barely dodged a strike aimed at his throat, and in his panic, he swung hard, catching the attacker in the jaw with a lucky punch. It bought him only a second of reprieve before the cloaked figure recovered, his dagger slicing through the air once more.
"Get up!" Jarin shouted at Lena, his voice hoarse as he threw another wild punch. His fist connected with his attacker's stomach, but it wasn't enough. The cloaked figure staggered but quickly regained his balance, advancing with deadly intent.
Lena scrambled to her feet, her head still spinning. She fumbled for her own dagger, gripping it tightly as she glanced around. Roderick was barely holding his own, his smaller blade glancing off the figure's strikes. Blood was dripping down his forearm—he'd been nicked more than once, though the wounds weren't deep. His face was set in grim determination, but it was clear he couldn't last much longer.
Jarin, meanwhile, was bruised and panting, using his fists to fend off two cloaked figures. His movements were frantic but brave, each punch buying him just a bit more time.
"We can't keep this up!" Jarin yelled, his voice strained as he ducked another swipe from a dagger. "We need to go!"
Edwin moved again, faster than Lena had ever seen. His blade danced through the air, cutting down another figure as they lunged at Jarin from behind. His face was unreadable, cold as steel, as he dispatched the enemy with a precision that sent chills down Lena's spine.
"Get to the carriage!" Edwin barked, his voice sharp and commanding. "I'll hold them off!"
Roderick was still fighting off another assailant, but the raiders were closing in from all sides. They were outnumbered.
With a swift motion, Edwin blocked another incoming strike, cutting down the attacker just as they were about to stab Jarin. His movements were like a blur, too fast for Lena to fully comprehend. His expression remained calm, but Lena could see the focus in his eyes, the way he calculated every strike, every step.
Lena and Jarin exchanged a quick glance, both panting from the effort. Without wasting another second, they ran toward the carriage, dodging more cloaked figures that had appeared from the crowd, their daggers flashing in the sunlight.
The moment they were all aboard, Edwin cracked the reins, urging the horses forward. The carriage lurched into motion, speeding away from the chaos in the square. Lena, breathless and shaken, could only watch as the cloaked figures faded into the distance, their dark forms swallowed by the smoke and dust of the market.
But the fear in her chest remained, her heart still pounding as Edwin glanced back at her, his expression unreadable. The speed and cold precision with which he had dispatched their enemies left her unsettled. She had always known Edwin to be calm under pressure, but this… this was something else.
"Are you all right?" Roderick's voice broke through her thoughts. He leaned close, his voice low but filled with concern. His hand hovered just above her arm, hesitant but protective, his own arm bleeding from the earlier skirmish.
Lena nodded, though the trembling in her hands gave her away. She met Roderick's gaze, seeing the worry etched in his face. He was bruised, bloodied, and exhausted, but he hadn't left her side. And for a moment, she felt safe—despite everything that had just happened.
But as the carriage raced down the path, the eerie chanting of the cloaked figures echoed faintly behind them, a dark reminder that the danger was far from over.
And Lena knew, deep in her bones, that this was only the beginning.