The morning sun crept over the jagged peaks of Mount Aeloria, casting golden light across the valley of Lyndara. The air was crisp and smelled of dew-drenched wildflowers, but Kael couldn't appreciate the beauty. Not with the weight of destiny pressing on his shoulders.
His fingers tightened around the hilt of his sword—a simple, worn blade forged in his father's forge. It was no enchanted weapon, but it had seen him through enough battles to feel like an extension of himself. Today, though, it seemed almost pitiful in the face of the task ahead.
"Are you ready?" Eldrin's voice was calm but carried a note of urgency. The mage's long silver robes fluttered in the morning breeze, and his eyes gleamed with ancient knowledge.
Kael looked down the winding path that led to Gloomshade Forest. A sense of foreboding lingered over the trees, their twisted branches reaching like claws toward the sky. Beyond the forest lay the ruins of Elvarion—and the first of the legendary Blades.
"Ready as I'll ever be," Kael muttered.
"You don't sound convinced."
Kael shot Eldrin a glare. "Would you be convinced if your best chance at victory was a farmer's son with a second-hand sword?"
Eldrin's lips curved into a faint smile. "Destiny often chooses unlikely heroes, Kael. The Blades of Elvarion will respond to your courage, not your doubts."
Before Kael could respond, a rustling from the trees made them both tense. A flash of movement—a blur of green and brown—caught Kael's eye. He drew his sword, heart racing.
A figure leaped from the trees, landing gracefully on the path before them. She was tall and lean, with auburn hair braided down her back. Her sharp green eyes scanned them with suspicion, and a bow was already drawn, the arrow trained on Eldrin's chest.
"State your business," she demanded. Her voice was firm, steady.
"We're just passing through," Kael said cautiously, lowering his sword.
"Through my woods?" She raised an eyebrow. "Not without my permission."
Eldrin sighed. "We don't have time for this."
With a flick of his wrist, Eldrin summoned a glowing sigil in the air. The archer's eyes widened, and she loosed her arrow—but the projectile disintegrated before it reached its target.
Kael winced. "Nice diplomacy."
The woman didn't flinch. Instead, she lowered her bow with a grudging nod. "A mage of the Eldrin Order, I see. That explains the arrogance."
"Aria of the Wildwoods, I presume?" Eldrin said smoothly.
Her eyes narrowed. "How do you know my name?"
"We have much to discuss," Eldrin said. "And little time to waste."
Kael rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, this is off to a fantastic start."