Chapter 5 – Journey to The Unknown
The morning air was crisp, filled with the fresh scent of pine and earth. Kaavi checked their supplies meticulously, his experience making him acutely aware of the importance of preparation. His dark cloak blended seamlessly with the forest shadows, and his sturdy boots were well-suited for the trek ahead. He adjusted the straps of his backpack and retrieved Artur’s sword from the closet, handing Viktor a small knife. The boy’s face, though still shadowed by recent sorrow, now bore a flicker of determination.
Kaavi knelt to Viktor’s level, his gaze steady and reassuring. “Are you ready, Viktor? Remember, stay close and stay alert.”
Viktor nodded, his young face a mix of eagerness and apprehension. “I’m ready. Where are we going?”
Kaavi stood up, his gaze shifting northward. “We’re heading north to an old northern kingdom. It’s a pce few ventures to, but it’s safe and will serve as a good pce for you to train.”
With a final gnce at the cabin, Viktor followed Kaavi into the dense forest. The path grew narrower and more treacherous, with roots and underbrush threatening to trip them at every step. The air grew cooler and damper as the thick canopy above blocked out much of the sunlight. Kaavi’s senses were heightened, his mind constantly alert to any nearby presence.
Suddenly, Kaavi stopped abruptly, raising his hand to signal Viktor to halt. His eyes scanned the surroundings, his senses on high alert.
“Something’s not right,” Kaavi said in a low voice. “Stay behind me.”
Viktor’s eyes widened, a mix of fear and curiosity evident in them. “What is it? Are we in danger?”
Kaavi’s expression hardened. “We’re being followed. I sensed it when we entered this forest, but now I’m certain.”
Viktor’s heart pounded. “Are they here now?”
Kaavi focused on the thoughts of the bandits lurking in the shadows. “Yes,” he replied, his voice steady but tense.
From the shadows, a group of rough-looking bandits emerged, their leader stepping forward with a menacing grin. The leader, a burly man with a scar running down his face, eyed Kaavi and Viktor with predatory interest.
“Well, well, what do we have here? A lone traveller with a child? You picked the wrong path, old man,” the bandit leader sneered.
Kaavi remained calm, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. “We’re just passing through. We don’t want any trouble.”
The bandit leader ughed harshly. “Too te for that. Hand over everything you have, or we’ll take it by force. And make it quick; we don’t have all day.”
Kaavi’s eyes narrowed. He couldn’t afford to give up their supplies—it would be a death sentence with no nearby town or vilge and the closest one nearly ten days away. He quickly assessed the situation, noting the number of bandits and their positions. Determined not to use his powers and draw unwanted attention, he decided to fight without them.
With a swift motion, Kaavi unsheathed his sword, positioning himself between the bandits and Viktor. The bandits, momentarily taken aback by Kaavi's swift reaction, quickly recovered and charged. Kaavi’s movements were fluid and precise, a dance of parries and strikes honed by years of training and experience.
The leader was the first to attack, swinging a rusted axe at Kaavi’s side. Kaavi ducked, his sword fshing as he delivered a sharp cut to the man’s arm. The bandit howled in pain, staggering back. Another rushed forward, attempting to take advantage of the opening, but Kaavi anticipated the move. He sidestepped, his bde carving a clean arc through the air, slicing into the bandit’s thigh. The man colpsed with a grunt.
Kaavi’s mind raced—he needed to finish this quickly before the fight drew more unwanted attention. Two more bandits rushed him at once. He parried one’s attack while kicking the other square in the chest, sending him sprawling. The csh of metal rang through the air, the sheer force of each strike rattling through Kaavi’s arms.
Meanwhile, Viktor clenched his knife, his fingers trembling. He wanted to help, but fear rooted him in pce. Then, he saw an opening. The leader, still recovering from Kaavi’s earlier strike, turned his back to him. Summoning all his courage, Viktor hurled a rock with all his might. The impact against the leader’s temple made him stumble.
Kaavi seized the moment. He spun, driving his sword into the leader’s shoulder, twisting the bde with precision. The man let out a strangled cry before colpsing to his knees, panting heavily. Blood dripped onto the forest floor; the scent sharp in the cold air.
The remaining bandits hesitated. Without their leader, their resolve wavered. Kaavi exhaled slowly, the intensity of the battle weighing on him. “Leave,” he ordered, his voice low and deadly. “Unless you want to end up like your leader.”
The bandits exchanged gnces before scrambling away, dragging their wounded with them. Silence settled over the clearing.
Kaavi turned to Viktor, his face a mixture of pride and concern. Viktor stood there, panting from the adrenaline, his eyes wide with a mix of fear and pride.
“You did well, Viktor. But remember, only act when it’s absolutely necessary. Your safety is my priority,” Kaavi said, pcing a reassuring hand on Viktor’s shoulder.
Viktor swallowed hard; his breath still unsteady. “I... I just wanted to help. I didn’t want you to fight alone.”
Kaavi sighed, ruffling Viktor’s hair lightly. “I understand. And you did help. But this world is cruel, Viktor. Battles like these will not always go our way. You need to be stronger. Smarter.”
Viktor looked down, his hands tightening into fists. “Then teach me. Teach me to fight like you.”
Kaavi studied him for a long moment before nodding. “I will. But first, we move. We need to put distance between us and this pce.”
As they continued their journey, the forest gradually gave way to a small valley where a quaint vilge nestled amidst the greenery. The vilge was surrounded by lush fields and dotted with small, rustic houses. The sight of civilization brought a sense of relief to both Kaavi and Viktor, a welcome contrast to the dangers they had faced.
