Chapter Eight: A Path Forward

  "Even in the depths of the world the nameless beings that dwell there dare not even whisper the name of he who destroyed the Under-King" - Quote about a certain sage.

  The morning sun filtered through the thin, worn curtains of Andros's modest room, casting gentle patterns on the wooden floor. The soft light danced over the rough-hewn furniture, illuminating the faded maps that adorned the walls. He sat up, stretching to release the lingering aches from his journey. The excitement of arriving in Velaryn had faded, replaced by a nagging sense of uncertainty. He had a small pouch of coins from Billy, but it wouldn’t last long if he didn’t find work soon.

  After a hasty breakfast of stale bread and an overripe fruit, he stepped out into the bustling streets. The market was alive with vendors calling out their wares, their voices a cacophony of enthusiasm and urgency. Colorful fabrics fluttered in the breeze, glimmering trinkets sparkled under the sun, and the tantalizing aromas of roasted meats and sweet pastries wafted through the air. Andros felt the weight of the city’s vibrancy against his skin, a mix of awe and anxiety washing over him. He took a deep breath, reminding himself of Billy’s advice to be cautious, even amid the excitement.

  He wandered through the crowded square, his heart racing as he scanned the faces of the bustling crowd. “Just a simple job,” he muttered under his breath. “Anything to keep me afloat.”

  His first stop was a nearby blacksmith's forge, where the rhythmic clang of metal resonated through the air, harmonizing with the crackle of the flames. He approached the burly blacksmith, a man whose hands were as rough as the iron he worked with. Sweat glistened on his brow as he hammered away at a glowing piece of metal, sparks flying with each strike.

  “Excuse me,” Andros began, trying to inject confidence into his voice. “I’m looking for work. I can help with—”

  The blacksmith looked up, his face weathered and gruff, eyes narrowing. “I need no help,” he grunted, returning to his work without a second glance.

  Feeling deflated, Andros continued on, trying other stalls and shops, but he was met with the same responses: dismissive waves or outright rejections. Each “no” stung more than the last, and the sense of desperation grew heavier on his shoulders. He couldn’t help but wonder if it was his lack of experience or simply that he didn’t belong in this city.

  After several hours of wandering, Andros found himself at the edge of the marketplace, where a notice board stood, its wooden frame splintered but sturdy. A small crowd gathered around it, reading announcements and job listings. With a flicker of hope, he pushed through the crowd and scanned the papers, his heart racing with the possibility of a breakthrough.

  “Help needed at Blackened Bun Bakery,” one read, its letters scrawled in messy ink. “Apprentice wanted.”

  His eyes caught a more unusual notice—a crudely drawn picture of a large gray shield, surrounded by illustrations of fearsome beasts, with bold letters proclaiming, “Slay Monsters, Get Rewards.” The address beneath it was scribbled hastily. His heart raced at the thought. Monster hunting. It was dangerous, yes, but it seemed to be the only thing he knew he could do.

  “I could probably find a normal job in a day or two if I kept at it,” Andros thought, feeling the weight of indecision settle heavily in his gut. “I’m finally free to choose. Do I really want to risk my life if I don’t have to?”

  He pondered his brief existence in this world, the crushing weight of obligation pressing down on him. He had been put to work and forced to survive, and he didn’t want to experience that again.

  “If this is what it takes to get stronger, then I have to take it,” Andros resolved, determination bubbling to the surface. “Then I’ll track down that geezer and show him what I can do.”

  Even after memorizing the address, Andros had to ask for directions multiple times before he finally stood in front of a large stone building. The structure loomed above him, its thick walls weathered by time, with an attached courtyard that appeared to double as a training yard. The sounds of clashing metal and shouts of camaraderie echoed around him. People in uniforms sparred with wooden swords, their movements precise and practiced, while others threw bolts of magic at well-worn targets that had been charred black.

  He took a moment to observe the controlled chaos, his heart pounding with excitement and nerves, before he decided to walk toward the door. As he made his way, a man stepped forward, his armor gleaming in the sunlight. He had a commanding presence, his deep voice cutting through the noise like a blade.

  “Can I help you, young man?” he asked, his eyes scanning Andros's frame, assessing his worth.

  Andros straightened, squaring his shoulders. “I’m here to sign up, sir.”

  The man raised an eyebrow, a smirk ghosting his lips. “One does not simply ‘sign up’ for the Ashguard. You need to show you can handle it. After all, some of the monsters we face would break a regular man with a glance.”

  Andros felt the weight of those words settle over him, a mix of fear and exhilaration coursing through his veins. A flicker of determination ignited within him. “I’ll prove myself,” he declared, his voice steadier than he felt.

  “Looking for the Lieutenant?” a guard asked, eyeing him warily, arms crossed over his chest.

  “Yes. I’m interested in joining the Ashguard,” Andros replied, trying to sound more confident than he felt.

  “Follow me,” the guard said, leading him down a long hallway lined with weapons and armor. The walls were adorned with trophies of past victories: mounted heads of slain beasts, banners depicting glorious battles, and shields bearing the scars of combat.

  They entered a spacious room where a woman with sharp features and piercing eyes sat at a large wooden table. Maps and reports were scattered around her like fallen leaves. She looked up, assessing Andros with a critical gaze that felt like a blade against his skin.

  “I’m Lieutenant Renaud,” she said, her voice firm and unwavering. “What do you know about monster hunting?”

  “Not much,” Andros admitted, heat creeping up his neck. “But I want to learn. I can use magic, and I’m willing to train hard.”

  Renaud’s expression softened slightly, but her eyes remained steely. “Magic is useful, but it’s not everything. Tell me, have you ever faced a monster before?”

  Andros hesitated, recalling the encounter with the direwolf, its fierce eyes and sharp fangs glinting in the moonlight. “I’ve fought one before... with a friend. A direwolf.” He felt a twinge of embarrassment, unsure if that counted as enough experience.

  “A direwolf? Not bad for a rookie, if you aren’t lying,” she stated, her voice cutting through his uncertainty. “You’ll need to prove yourself before I can accept you. I need to see your potential.”

  “How?” Andros asked, feeling the weight of her scrutiny pressing down on him.

  “We have a small patrol heading out to investigate some disturbances near the outskirts of the city. If you can handle yourself against whatever we’re facing, we’ll talk.”

  Andros nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. “I’ll do it.”

  “Good. Meet the team at the training yard in 15 minutes. Don’t be late,” she commanded, dismissing him with a wave of her hand, her focus returning to the maps spread before her.

  As he left the barracks, a mix of excitement and anxiety bubbled within him. This was a chance to prove himself, to learn, and to earn a place in Velaryn. The sun shone brighter as he made his way to the training yard, his thoughts swirling with the possibilities that lay ahead.

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  Arriving at the yard, he found a group of individuals—some clad in armor, others in simple clothes—all focused on their training. The smell of sweat and determination filled the air, creating a palpable energy that charged the atmosphere. They noticed him as he approached, casting curious glances his way.

  “New recruit?” one of them asked, a tall man with a confident smirk and tousled hair that fell over his eyes.

  “Trying to be,” Andros replied, forcing a grin despite his nerves.

  The man chuckled, his voice warm. “Well, welcome I guess. Just remember: it’s not just about strength. You’ll need your wits too.”

  Andros nodded, feeling the weight of his resolve settle around him like armor. He was ready to face whatever lay ahead. This was his chance to carve a path for himself, to learn about his magic, and to confront the monsters—not just the ones lurking in the wild, but the fears and uncertainties that had shadowed him since his arrival.

  As the team prepared for their mission, Andros felt a sense of purpose igniting within him. He was no longer just a lost soul in an unfamiliar world. He was ready to fight, to learn, and to embrace the challenges ahead. This was just the beginning of his journey, and he would shape it on his terms.

  “Alright, everyone!” Lieutenant Renaud called, her voice cutting through the chatter. “We have reports of strange activity near the eastern woods. There have been sightings of a creature causing disturbances—though we don’t know exactly what it is yet. We’ll move in formation and stay sharp. Watch each other’s backs.”

  Andros felt his pulse quicken at the mention of the unknown creature. There was an electric thrill in the air, a mix of anxiety and excitement as the group began to assemble. Renaud pointed at Andros, her sharp gaze unwavering. “You, new recruit. Stay close to me. I want to see how you handle yourself.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Andros replied, trying to hide the tremor in his voice.

  The team quickly organized themselves, splitting into two groups: one to scout ahead and another to guard the rear. Andros found himself in the middle, flanked by two seasoned members—Kara, a woman with a sarcastic tone and long, red hair, and Dorian, a broad-shouldered man with a quiet demeanor but a fierce determination in his eyes.

  “Don’t worry, rookie,” Kara said, shooting him a teasing smile. “As long as you keep up and don’t do anything stupid, we’ll be fine. Monsters usually prefer to eat the slow ones.”

  Andros chuckled nervously, trying to match her lightheartedness. “I’ll do my best not to be on the menu.”

  The group set off, the sun hanging high in the sky as they navigated the winding paths leading out of the city. The further they walked, the more the atmosphere shifted from the vibrant bustle of Velaryn to the quiet whispers of the surrounding woods. The trees grew denser, their branches intertwining overhead like a protective canopy.

  As they walked, Andros absorbed every detail: the rustle of leaves, the distant call of birds, and the occasional snap of twigs underfoot. This was different from the market chaos he had left behind; here, he felt the weight of the forest pressing in around him, an ever-present reminder of the danger that lurked beyond the trees.

  After what felt like hours, they finally reached the edge of the eastern woods, where the trees stood tall and ominous. Renaud signaled for the group to halt, her keen eyes scanning the area.

  “Stay alert,” she instructed. “We don’t know what we’re dealing with yet. Remember your training.”

  The patrol fanned out, the air thick with anticipation. Andros could feel his heart hammering in his chest as they ventured deeper into the woods. Shadows danced around them, and the occasional rustle sent a chill down his spine.

  As they moved cautiously, Andros couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched. Every glance at the underbrush sent his imagination into overdrive. What if it was a direwolf again, or something even worse?

  After a while, the group came to a clearing where the ground was churned up, the vegetation flattened as if something had passed through with great force. Andros knelt, examining the prints left behind. They were large and rounded, unlike any creature he had ever seen.

  “Looks like something big went through here,” Dorian observed, pointing to the prints. “But what could it be?”

  Andros scanned the clearing. “Whatever it is, it’s not natural. This looks like it’s been done recently.”

  Just as he spoke, a low rumble echoed through the trees, followed by a tremor that vibrated through the ground beneath their feet. The group tensed, eyes darting around as they readied their weapons. Andros felt a rush of adrenaline. This was it. The moment he had prepared for.

  “Renaud, what should we—” But before he could finish, a massive shape burst into the clearing, a creature unlike anything Andros had ever seen. It was enormous, standing at least twice his height, covered in what looked like a thick layer of vibrant green moss and fungi.

  “What in the world is that?” Andros gasped, his eyes wide as the creature reared back on its hind legs, revealing a grotesque, gnarled face, half-hidden by the foliage that grew over it.

  “Stay together!” Renaud commanded, her voice steady despite the chaos.

  As the creature advanced, the ground shook with each of its massive steps, and Andros felt a surge of fear mingled with awe. It looked like a bear, but it was unlike any bear he had ever seen, a nightmarish amalgamation of beast and plant.

  The creature let out a thunderous roar, a sound that echoed through the trees and reverberated in Andros’s chest. It lunged forward, swiping its massive paw. Dorian reacted first, rolling to the side just in time to avoid the blow, while Kara hurled a fireball at the beast, the flames illuminating the clearing in a bright flash.

  Andros’s instincts kicked in. He drew upon his fire magic, the familiar warmth flooding his veins. He directed his energy toward the creature, focusing on its massive form. He released a stream of flames aimed directly at the creature.

  The fire struck the bear-like creature, causing it to roar in angry

  “It’s resistant to fire magic!” Renaud shouted, frustration in her voice. “We need to flank it! Andros, stay close to me!”

  The creature roared again, swiping at them with its clawed paw, and the team scattered. Andros stayed by Renaud’s side as she shouted orders, directing the others to move into position.

  Kara hurled another fireball, aiming for the creature’s eyes, but this time it dodged, the flames singeing the air where it had just been. Dorian was on the opposite side, trying to distract the beast with loud shouts and swift movements, drawing its attention away from Andros and Renaud.

  Dorian attempted to move in and swing at one of the joints on one of its back legs, but it noticed him and slashed at him with its claws. His sword hit the dirt with a soft thunk as he fell backward holding a bloody sword arm. It moved it to finish him off. But Andros didn’t give it the choice.

  He concentrated, channeling the air around him. With a subtle motion of his hand, he directed a gust of wind that caught the creature off guard, pushing it slightly to the side. It roared in confusion, momentarily distracted by the unseen force. The creature stumbled, its mossy body swaying as it struggled to regain its footing. Renaud seized the opportunity. “Now! Attack!”

  Kara launched another fireball, hitting the creature squarely in the side. This time, the flames caught hold of the moss, igniting it in a burst of orange and yellow. The creature howled in pain, shaking its body violently as smoke billowed around it.

  “Keep the pressure on!” Renaud shouted, moving in closer, her sword drawn and ready. The others joined in, attacking from different angles. Dorian circled around, his weapon flashing as he struck at the creature’s legs, while Andros focused on maintaining the wind to keep it off balance.

  But the creature was fierce, swinging its massive paws and snapping its jaws in a desperate attempt to shake them off. Andros felt a wave of panic wash over him as the creature’s fury grew, but he steeled himself, drawing on his magic.

  They struck again, a coordinated effort this time. Andros conjured another gale to disrupt the creature's balance, while Kara and Dorian struck with precision, their blows finding their mark. Renaud moved in close, her eyes fierce with determination.

  As one, they launched their combined assault. Andros unleashed a blast of wind, Kara hurled a fireball, and Dorian aimed for a critical strike. The creature roared as the combined forces hit it simultaneously, the sound echoing through the woods like thunder.

  With one final push, the bear-like creature stumbled backward, collapsing to the ground with a heavy thud.

  Breathing heavily, Andros watched as the creature lay still, the remnants of magic crackling in the air around it. The forest fell silent, the only sound the rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds.

  “Is it… is it dead?” Andros asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

  Renaud approached cautiously, her sword still drawn. She knelt beside the creature, examining it closely. “Oh it's definitely dead.” she confirmed, her brow furrowed. “This is no ordinary monster. It’s a bear with a mushroom affinity. It's pretty rare to see a monster with an affinity different from their own. We’re lucky it wasn’t another type of beast affinity, that could have been even more unpredictable.”

  Andros felt a sense of relief wash over him. “What do we do with it now?” he asked.

  “We’ll secure it and take it back to sell for parts,” Renaud said, rising to her feet. With the team rallying around, they worked together to secure the mushroom bear. Andros watched, still trying to grasp the reality of what they had just faced.

  As they made their way back to Velaryn, Andros’s mind raced with thoughts of the battle, the creature, and the mysteries lurking in the woods. He had faced danger head-on, but now he couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning. The world was more complex than he had ever imagined, and he was right in the thick of it.

  Lira said, falling into step beside him. “I’d say you did pretty well for your first hunt.”

  “Thanks,” Andros replied, a small smile breaking through. “I guess I didn’t embarrass myself too much.”

  “Not at all,” she grinned. “Just remember, there’s always more to learn. And if you ever need any advice, I’m your girl.”

  Andros felt a surge of gratitude and excitement. He had found a place among them, a team he could rely on as they ventured into the unknown. The journey was just beginning, and he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, with newfound friends by his side.