The morning sun crept over the peaks, casting golden light onto the dense forest at the foot of the mountains. Kael adjusted the strap of his satchel and took his first step onto the narrow, winding path. With each step, the world of Eldenford grew smaller behind him, and the unknown stretched endlessly ahead.
The Celestial Compass in his hand hummed faintly, the needle unwavering as it pointed deeper into the wilderness. The sense of purpose it gave him was intoxicating, even if he had no idea what lay ahead.
By midday, Kael found himself in a clearing where the forest gave way to a bubbling brook. He crouched to fill his flask, but the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. He wasn't alone.
"Lost, are we?" a voice called out from the trees.
Kael spun around, his hand instinctively going to the knife at his belt. A woman stepped into the clearing, her leather armor scuffed and her dark hair tied back. She carried a bow slung over one shoulder and had a smirk that suggested she'd been watching him for some time.
"Not lost," Kael said, straightening. "Just… traveling."
"Traveling where?" she asked, arching an eyebrow.
Kael hesitated. He didn't want to reveal too much about the compass or his mission. "To the mountains," he said simply.
The woman laughed, a sound that was both amused and skeptical. "The mountains, huh? You don't look like someone who's prepared for what's up there. Bandits, wild beasts, worse things if you believe the old stories."
"I can handle myself," Kael replied, though his grip on his knife tightened.
The woman stepped closer, her eyes narrowing. "That's a fancy trinket you've got there," she said, nodding toward the compass.
Kael instinctively hid it behind his back. "It's just a family heirloom."
"Uh-huh," she said, unconvinced. "Well, heirloom or not, you're going to need help if you're heading into those mountains. Lucky for you, I know the way."
"And why would you help me?" Kael asked, suspicious.
The woman shrugged. "Let's just say I've got my own reasons for heading up there. The name's Lira, by the way."
Kael hesitated. He didn't trust her, but he also couldn't ignore the fact that she seemed experienced. Finally, he nodded. "I'm Kael."
"Pleasure," Lira said, extending a hand. When Kael didn't take it, she chuckled and turned toward the path. "Suit yourself. Let's get moving before nightfall."
Reluctantly, Kael followed her. The path grew steeper, the air cooler, and the trees thicker as they ascended. Lira moved with the confidence of someone who had traveled these trails before, and despite his reservations, Kael found himself grateful for her guidance.
As the sun dipped low on the horizon, they came across a makeshift campsite—charred wood from an old fire and a few scattered belongings.
"Looks like someone's been here recently," Lira murmured, kneeling to examine the ground.
Kael's stomach tightened. "Do you think they're still around?"
"Maybe," Lira said, standing and scanning the shadows. "We'll keep watch tonight. Whatever's up here, it's better to face it awake than asleep."
They built a small fire, careful to keep it low, and took turns keeping watch. As Kael stared into the flickering flames during his shift, he couldn't shake the feeling that the compass had led him here for a reason.
The night was eerily quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves. Kael's thoughts wandered to the stories he'd heard as a child—of lost travelers lured into the mountains by promises of treasure, only to vanish without a trace.
He glanced at the compass, its faint glow steady and unyielding. "What are you leading me to?" he whispered.
Behind him, the forest seemed to hold its breath.
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