Kaelan continued along the narrow path that wound through the wilderness. The forest grew darker the farther he traveled from his village. The tree branches curved like ancient hands reaching for him, while the rustling leaves and cries of nocturnal birds sent shivers down his spine.
He couldn't shake the image of the black dragon destroying his village. Every step took him farther from home, but closer to the questions weighing heavily on his chest. Why was he chosen? What secrets lay hidden in the old sword strapped to his back?
As night fell, Kaelan found a spot to rest beneath a large tree with roots jutting out of the ground. He sat on one of the roots, his body weary, but his mind restless. Gripping the old sword, he studied it in the faint moonlight. The engravings on the blade were faint, yet there was something about the sword that felt alive, as if it whispered to him.
Before he could ponder further, the sound of footsteps rustled through the bushes. Instinctively, Kaelan drew the sword, even though he knew he was untrained.
From the shadows of the trees, a man in a gray cloak emerged, a wooden staff in his hand. His face was hidden under a hood, but his sharp eyes glimmered in the darkness. The man stopped a few steps away, scrutinizing Kaelan intently.
"You carry the sword," the man said, his voice deep and raspy.
Kaelan raised the blade, trying to appear confident despite his trembling hands. "Who are you? What do you want?"
The man gave a faint smile and lowered his hood, revealing an aged face lined with wrinkles and eyes that radiated wisdom. "My name is Fenris. I have been waiting for someone like you."
Kaelan frowned, skeptical. "Waiting for me? What do you mean?"
"That sword does not belong to just anyone," Fenris said, stepping closer. "You are the heir to the bloodline of dragon slayers, though you have yet to realize it."
Kaelan stared at the sword, then back at Fenris. "Dragon slayers? That's just a legend!"
"Legends are not always untrue," Fenris replied. "And the dragon you saw in your village is only the beginning of something far greater. This world is awakening from a darkness that has slumbered for centuries. You, Kaelan, have a pivotal role to play in what is to come."
Kaelan shook his head, refusing to believe it. "I'm just a farmer! I know nothing about dragons or battles."
"That is why you must learn," Fenris said firmly. "I will guide you, but this journey will be fraught with danger. You must be ready to leave behind who you are now to become someone capable of facing the darkness."
Before Kaelan could respond, a cold wind swept through, causing the leaves around them to quiver. A distant rumbling began to echo, like the heavy footsteps of a giant shaking the ground. Fenris turned, his expression growing grave.
"They are near," he said quietly.
"Who?" Kaelan asked, panic rising in his voice.
Fenris looked at Kaelan with a sharp gaze. "Dragon hunters. They've been sent to stop you before you can discover your power."
Kaelan felt his blood run cold. "What do we do?"
Fenris raised his staff, peering into the darkness of the forest. "We run. But, Kaelan, listen closely: your journey will never be the same after tonight. In the shadows, greater secrets await you. And not all of them are allies."
Kaelan could only nod, fear and curiosity battling within him. He followed Fenris into the dark forest, leaving behind the last flicker of light he knew.
Deep in the darkness, the footsteps grew louder. And in the whispering night wind, faint words carried a chilling warning:
"The blood of the dragon slayer… must not live."