The wind carried a biting chill as I made my way through the Valatic Mountains, the rocky trail winding between steep cliffs and jagged ridges. The remnants of battle still clung to the land behind me—scorched earth, shattered weapons, and the faint scent of ash lingering in the cold air. It hadn't been long since the fighting ended, but already, nature was beginning to reclaim what had been lost.
I adjusted the strap of my pack and kept moving. The climb wasn't difficult, but the weight of my thoughts made every step feel heavier. The vision from the obelisk still echoed in my mind—the battlefield, the soldiers, the way I had fought. And then the figure in dark armor, his voice sharp and certain.
You were meant for more than this.
The words stuck with me. Was I really just another soldier? Or had I been something else entirely?
Before I could get lost in the thought, I caught movement ahead. A man stood near the path, leaning against a boulder with a relaxed posture. He was dressed in layered leathers and a heavy cloak, built like someone who knew how to handle himself in the wilderness.
He noticed me approaching and gave a nod. "Didn't expect to see another traveler up here. Not many take this route alone."
I stopped a few paces away, scanning him briefly before replying. "I could say the same about you."
He smirked. "Fair enough. Name's Jared." He extended a hand, and after a brief pause, I shook it.
"Vassek."
Jared glanced me over, his eyes lingering on my sword. "Military?"
I gave a short nod. "Something like that."
He didn't push further, just gestured toward the path. "I know a safer way down to the valley. You're welcome to walk with me if you're heading that way."
I considered it for a moment before nodding. "Lead the way."
We traveled in silence at first, the crunch of boots on stone the only sound between us. The further we descended, the thicker the air became, heavy with the scent of damp earth and pine. As the sun dipped lower, the mountains cast long shadows over the valley below.
Jared finally spoke again. "You look like you've seen your fair share of battle. That last battle didn't leave many untouched."
I kept my eyes ahead. "It's hard to avoid."
He let out a quiet chuckle. "Ain't that the truth."
We walked for a while longer before Jared led me toward a small shelter nestled against the mountainside. It was simple but sturdy, with enough space to keep out the wind. A few travelers were already gathered around a modest fire, their faces lined with the weariness of the road.
Jared glanced at me. "We'll make it to the valley by tomorrow evening. You should get some rest while you can."
I nodded and sat near the fire, the warmth a welcome contrast to the night air. As I settled in, I glanced up at the sky, the stars bright against the darkened peaks.
Tomorrow, I'd leave the mountains behind. But the real journey was only beginning.