The drums of war grew louder, a steady, menacing beat that reverberated through the hills and valleys of Lorthal. Smoke rose in the distance, black tendrils curling into the clear morning sky. The Dominion was closer than anyone had anticipated.
Kaelen stood in the center of the Mana Shrine, the faint glow of the crystal casting shadows across his determined face. He could still feel the strange energy from before—a trace of something ancient and powerful now coursing through his veins.
"Kaelen, we have to go!" Elara's voice broke through his thoughts. She gripped his arm, panic flickering in her green eyes. "The Dominion army is massive. We can't fight them!"
Kaelen pulled away, his jaw set. "I can't run, Elara. I won't. This is our home, and if we don't defend it, no one will."
Elara hesitated, torn between her fear and her loyalty. Finally, she nodded, though her expression betrayed her doubt. "What's your plan? We don't have an army, and the elder won't help."
Kaelen glanced at the crystal. Its faint hum seemed to echo his own heartbeat. "This crystal… It's more than just a relic. I don't know how, but I think it chose me. Maybe it can give me the strength to fight."
Elara's gaze softened. "Kaelen, you don't even know what it is. What if it's dangerous?"
"It doesn't matter," Kaelen said. "I'll take any risk to protect this village."
The Arrival of Dominion Forces
Outside, the first ranks of the Dominion army appeared on the horizon. Clad in dark armor and bearing banners emblazoned with a crimson dragon, they moved with the precision of seasoned warriors. At their head rode General Korrath, a towering figure whose aura radiated raw power. Rumors claimed he had defeated entire battalions with a single spell, and the sight of him alone was enough to send villagers into hiding.
As the army approached the square, Elder Brynor stepped forward, his cane trembling in his grasp. "Please," he called out, his voice wavering. "We mean no harm. Take what you want and leave us in peace."
General Korrath dismounted, his cold, gray eyes scanning the crowd. "Your peace means nothing to the Dominion," he said, his voice deep and commanding. "Surrender the mana crystal, or we will burn this village to the ground."
Kaelen's Stand
Kaelen emerged from the shrine, his hands clenched into fists. The crystal's faint glow seemed to follow him, its energy resonating with his defiance.
"You'll have to go through me to get it," he said, his voice steady despite the fear twisting in his gut.
The villagers gasped, and Elder Brynor turned to him in shock. "Kaelen, don't be a fool! You'll get us all killed!"
Korrath's lips curled into a smirk. "Brave words from a peasant boy. Do you even know who you're challenging?"
Kaelen stepped forward, his gaze unwavering. "I don't care who you are. This village is under my protection."
The general chuckled, drawing a massive blade crackling with red mana. "Very well. Let's see how long your courage lasts."
The First Clash
The ground trembled as Korrath charged, his blade slicing through the air with a trail of crimson light. Kaelen barely managed to dodge, the sheer force of the attack sending a shockwave that knocked him off his feet.
"Kaelen!" Elara cried, rushing to his side.
"I'm fine," he said, though his ribs ached from the impact. He scrambled to his feet, his mind racing. He couldn't match Korrath's strength, but the crystal's energy still lingered within him. Perhaps he could use it.
Kaelen closed his eyes and focused, reaching for the strange power he had felt before. It was like trying to grasp smoke, but as the general advanced, he felt something click—a spark igniting deep within him.
Korrath swung again, but this time, Kaelen raised his hand instinctively. A burst of blue energy erupted from his palm, colliding with the blade and sending both combatants stumbling back.
The crowd gasped, and even Korrath looked momentarily surprised. "Interesting," the general muttered. "Perhaps you're more than just a foolish boy."
A New Ally
Before Korrath could strike again, a figure appeared between him and Kaelen—a man cloaked in dark robes, his face obscured by a hood. The stranger raised a hand, and a wall of shimmering mana materialized, halting the general's advance.
"Who are you?" Korrath demanded, his eyes narrowing.
The stranger turned his head slightly, his voice calm but firm. "Someone who doesn't appreciate bullies."
Kaelen stared at the newcomer in shock. "Why are you helping me?"
The stranger glanced at him briefly. "Because you're the only one here foolish enough to stand up to someone like him. That kind of defiance deserves a chance."
Korrath growled, his patience wearing thin. "You think you can protect him? You'll regret this."
With a wave of his hand, the stranger unleashed a wave of mana that sent the general and his forces retreating. But the stranger's expression remained serious. "This isn't over. They'll be back."
The Path Forward
When the dust settled, the villagers emerged from their hiding places, murmuring among themselves. Elder Brynor approached Kaelen, his expression a mix of anger and fear. "You've doomed us all, boy. They won't stop until this village is ash."
Kaelen ignored him, turning to the stranger. "Who are you? And why did you help me?"
The man lowered his hood, revealing a weathered face and piercing blue eyes. "My name is Tarin, and let's just say I know a thing or two about fighting impossible odds."
Kaelen frowned. "What do you mean?"
Tarin smirked. "If you really want to protect this village, you'll need more than courage. You'll need training. And lucky for you, I'm willing to teach."
Kaelen's heart raced. This was the opportunity he had been waiting for—a chance to become stronger, to uncover the truth about the crystal and the power it held.
"I'm ready," he said without hesitation.
Tarin nodded, his expression serious. "Then let's get started. You have a long road ahead, Kaelen. And it's only going to get harder from here."
End of Chapter 2