We left the palace on foot, all of us hooded. It was dawn, and the sun's rays bathed us in their light. The pendants that Caesar and I wore acted as shields, protecting us from the sun's destructive power.
Caesar wore a dull gray cloak with a hood draped over his shoulders, lending him a noble, almost heroic air. Beneath the cloak, he wore a light-colored tunic reinforced with leather straps, a belt holding various pouches and tools. A sword was sheathed at his side, marking him as a warrior or knight. His attire was both practical and slightly ornate, befitting someone of his importance and combat prowess.
I dressed similarly to Caesar. My dark hooded cloak and tactical, armored attire emphasized stealth and protection. The black leather outfit featured intricate armor plating on the shoulders and chest, with a layered, textured design. Long fitted sleeves, reinforced gauntlets, and sleek pants with straps and buckles added a utilitarian, rugged look. My boots were sturdy and combat-ready. I also carried the sword the queen had gifted me.
As we approached the gates to the kingdom, they were shut tight. Caesar glanced back at his once peaceful home, now threatened by the Wolf Clan. He sighed deeply, then turned and continued forward. Scar held my right hand, her head tilted down, and we followed Caesar, walking in stride behind him. We journeyed for miles, the sun's heat beginning to take a toll on our strength, even with the protection of the pendants. Scar, not wearing a pendant, was connected to my essence. The sun couldn't destroy her, but its effects drained her just as much as it did me.
"I'm sorry for trying to kill you. I thought you were an outsider," Caesar spoke, his voice stern but laced with remorse. His words broke the silence of our journey. Scar's grip on me tightened at the sound of his apology.
"Bad beast," Scar croaked in her small voice. Caesar turned back, surprised by what she said. He walked over to her with a grim look.
"I'm not a bad beast, you little monster. I'm a distinguished knight of the Blood Clan, so I suggest you shut your mouth, or I'll shut it for you," Caesar retorted, smirking as he turned back and continued walking.
"Master, he's bad beast," Scar's voice pitched slightly higher.
"Scar, you're not helping," I whispered, tilting my head toward her.
"I heard that!" Caesar called back, his voice echoing as he continued walking into the forest ahead. I placed my right hand on her shoulder, and we followed him into the vast woodland.
The sunlight filtered through the emerald canopy, casting golden streaks across the forest floor. Despite my limited knowledge, I could feel that the forest was brimming with magic. The air was thick with the mingling scents of blooming wildflowers and damp moss, while the distant sound of a bubbling brook harmonized with the soft hum of unseen creatures.
"Magical," I muttered in awe, taking in the beauty around us.
"This forest is called Dark Seether," Caesar explained as we walked deeper. "Beyond it lies the border between our land and the Wolf Clan. A river of infinite waters separates us from them."
"Quite an unusual name for a forest," I remarked.
"Yes, I've always found it odd too," Caesar replied. "But you see, this forest is home to Elven maidens as well as other diabolical creatures. As we say in our home, every heart has its dark root. Dark Seether is beautiful, but looks can be deceiving. So be careful, Jaze. Don't believe everything you see here."
"Understood," I replied, keeping a hand on Scar's shoulder as we continued our journey.
Caesar moved steadily through the forest, each step deliberate. With machete in hand, he swung the blade with practiced precision, slicing through vines and underbrush that blocked his path. The rhythmic swish of the blade echoed softly, punctuated by the occasional rustle of leaves glowing faintly with emerald light as they fell to the forest floor.
Sweat beaded on Caesar's brow, glistening in the dappled sunlight that filtered through the canopy above. His breaths were steady, each exhale a testament to his resolve. Behind us lay a trail of cleared vegetation—a faint scar upon the forest floor—while before us stood the untamed wild, a dense wall of green that seemed impenetrable.
Yet he pressed forward, undeterred. Each step pushed us deeper into the unknown, the forest grudgingly yielding to his determination. The air grew cooler, the earthy scents of the forest mingling as he ventured further into the heart of the wilderness, carving a path toward whatever lay ahead.
"Water," Scar spoke in a hushed tone, pointing to a small stream ahead. We both smiled and quickly rushed toward it. Caesar knelt down, opened his waterskin, and filled it with water. Scar and I knelt beside him eagerly. Scar, in her haste, bent over and licked at the water with her tongue. I couldn't help but giggle softly. Scar noticed and flushed, a glint of embarrassment in her eyes.
"Master, teach me to drink," she said in her soft, delicate voice. Her petite face, framed by long white hair with blunt-cut bangs, was full of innocent charm. Her green eyes seemed to plead.
I leaned closer to her, cupping my hands to scoop some water. I brought it to her mouth, and she drank it in one gulp. I scooped another handful and offered it to her again, which she drank eagerly.
"Water good," Scar replied with a sweet, innocent smile.
"While you lovebirds are at it, you should fill your waterskins. The journey is still long," Caesar said as he scooped water with his hands and poured it over his curly brown hair. He was good-looking, but his charm seemed to lie in his sturdy physique.
I filled both Scar's and my waterskins, and we jumped over the stream to continue our journey.
We were nearing an oddly clear path when a rabbit darted past Scar's leg.
"Food! Master!" Scar screamed, hurrying in a blur to catch the rabbit.
"Scar, no! It's a trap!" Caesar yelled. In an instant, a net shot up from beneath the ground, ensnaring each of us and lifting us high into the air. We dangled precariously from a tree, our minds reeling from the shock of the sudden capture.