Luke and Alden sat around the campfire in the forest. They were heading to the western border to check reports of strange activity. The fire crackled softly, but Luke felt uneasy, like something was watching them.
Alden sharpened his sword. "You did well in the last fight," he said. "But don't get too comfortable. The demons are getting smarter and stronger."
Luke poked at the fire with a stick. "Why are they attacking so much now? It feels like they're working together."
Alden's face grew serious. "You're right. I've been fighting demons for years, and this isn't normal. Someone or something is controlling them."
Luke's stomach tightened. "What could control demons?"
"I don't know," Alden said quietly, "but if we don't figure it out soon, the kingdom will fall."
A Mysterious Man
The next day, the forest became darker and thicker as they traveled. Luke suddenly stopped, his hand on his sword.
"Do you feel that?" he asked.
Alden nodded, scanning the trees. "We're not alone."
Out of the shadows stepped a cloaked man. His eyes glowed faintly, and he stood calmly, as though waiting for them.
"Who are you?" Alden demanded, raising his weapon.
The man held up a hand. "I mean no harm. I've been waiting for you, Luke."
Luke blinked. "Me? How do you know my name?"
The man smiled. "There's more to you than you know, young warrior. The demons are drawn to you because of what you carry inside."
"What do you mean?" Luke asked, confused.
"Your destiny is greater than you realize," the man said. "But to defeat the demons, you must first discover who you truly are."
Luke's grip on his sword tightened. "I'm just a blacksmith's son."
"Are you?" the man replied with a small smile. "Or is that just the life you've been told?"
Before Luke could ask more, the man turned and walked away, disappearing into the forest. "When the time is right, you'll find me again. Until then, beware of the shadows. They're watching."