Kael's mule followed the rider through the winding path along the riverbank, its hooves clicking against the uneven ground. The man's horse moved effortlessly, darting through thick patches of tall grass, while Kael struggled to keep up. The storm was coming, and the air had thickened, a heavy weight settling over the land. The clouds were no longer a mere backdrop to the journey—they were an ominous sign of what was to come.
The rider, sensing Kael's concern, glanced over his shoulder. "Keep up. The ford is just ahead. We'll cross quickly before the water rises any further." His voice was calm, but there was an urgency beneath the surface that Kael couldn't ignore.
The path narrowed further as they moved eastward, trees and thick underbrush crowding in on both sides. It felt like a world apart from the open fields and market town Kael had known. Here, in the wilds of the plains, there was no comfort of familiar faces or bustling markets. It was just the road—raw, unpredictable, and filled with unknowns.
"Why are you helping me?" Kael called out, the words tumbling out before he could stop them. There was a sharp edge to his voice, the frustration of uncertainty.
The rider didn't turn around but spoke in a measured tone. "You're on the road to something bigger. I can see it in your eyes. The guild's shipment is important to you. And it's not often I meet someone who knows the value of a reputation. I'd say you're like me in that way."
Kael's curiosity piqued, but he held his questions back. He wasn't entirely sure he trusted the man yet. Anyone who helped a stranger this readily could be either an ally or a thief in disguise.
The river ahead now was no longer just a trickle of water, but a fast-moving current, swollen from the rains of the past few days. The crossing point the rider had mentioned was barely visible through the thickening mist, but Kael could just make out a set of jagged rocks jutting out from the water, creating a precarious path across.
The rider slowed his horse to a cautious trot as they reached the edge of the water. He gestured to the rocks. "This is the only crossing left. If we wait any longer, it'll be too dangerous. Stay close. Follow my lead."
Kael's heart raced. The storm had darkened the sky, and the clouds swirled with menace. He knew if he didn't make it across now, the waters would rise, and the whole shipment would be lost.
He urged the mule forward, cautiously eyeing the path ahead. The rocks were slippery, and the river surged around them with dangerous force. Kael took a deep breath, his feet planted firmly as he guided his mule toward the rocks.
One step. Then another.
The current was strong, pushing against him, but Kael held steady. The mule hesitated, its legs uncertain on the uneven stones. Kael's heart skipped a beat as the animal's footing slipped slightly, but with a firm tug on the reins, he steadied it. The rider was already halfway across, his horse navigating the rocks with ease. Kael pushed forward, the water rising around his boots, but he didn't look back. He couldn't afford to.
When they finally reached the far bank, Kael's legs felt like jelly, but he kept his composure. The rider, now dismounted, was already checking the condition of his horse, making sure it was stable. He turned to Kael and gave a brief nod of approval.
"You made it," the rider said simply. "But don't get comfortable. We're not out of the woods yet."
Kael wiped the sweat from his brow and nodded. He was too relieved to speak.
The storm was still in the distance, but the wind had picked up. The thick clouds loomed ominously overhead, and the ground beneath their feet was already softening with the first drops of rain. The rider mounted his horse again, motioning for Kael to do the same.
"We need to move quickly if we want to reach the market in time," he said.
Kael climbed back into his cart, keeping his eyes on the road ahead. The storm, though still distant, was fast approaching. The path before him seemed more uncertain with each passing moment, and Kael's thoughts raced.
Who was this rider? And why had he helped Kael cross the river, despite knowing nothing about him? There was a certain mystery to the man, and Kael knew he wasn't going to get the answers without pressing him further. But for now, the journey had to come first. Questions would have to wait.
They continued onward, the wind biting at their skin as the sky darkened further. The road began to climb, and soon, they found themselves high on a ridge overlooking a vast plain. From here, Kael could see the southern market in the distance, its small collection of buildings rising against the horizon.
"We'll make it," Kael said aloud, more to himself than to the rider. The sense of urgency pulsed in him—he couldn't afford another delay. Not now.
The rider gave him a knowing look, but said nothing. They both knew the storm was still coming, and there was no telling what would happen when it hit.
But Kael didn't fear the storm. No, it was the road ahead that troubled him. The road less traveled. The unknown path that could make or break him.