Chapter 16

  Eldric tore across the grassy field, his feet barely touching the ground as he sprinted toward Aldcliff. The acrid scent of smoke filled his nostrils, stinging his throat with every ragged breath. His heart pounded like a war drum in his chest. Behind him, the others struggled to keep pace, but he didn’t care—he couldn’t stop, couldn’t think, couldn’t do anything except run.

  “What happened here?” Eldric sobbed as he approached the bridge leading to the city gates. The once-familiar structure now loomed like a grim monument to destruction, shrouded in thick, swirling smoke. He didn’t pause, didn’t hesitate, as he darted across the stone causeway. His eyes locked onto a shadowy figure crouching over what appeared to be a body, right in the middle of the walkway.

  Eldric’s steps faltered, his momentum slowing to an abrupt halt as he reached the scene. He stood frozen, his breath catching in his throat as disbelief washed over him like a tidal wave.

  “Eldric, wait up!” Fiora’s voice rang out behind him, her tone laced with panic. She skidded to a stop at his side, with Nyssa and Rendrick close behind. Fiora followed Eldric’s gaze, her eyes widening as she took in the sight before them.

  “No way…” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the crackling of distant flames.

  On the ground, Alicia lay motionless, her body battered and burned. Kneeling over her was Cerys, her trembling hands pressing desperately against Alicia’s chest as she attempted CPR. Tears streamed down Cerys’s soot-streaked face, her anguished cries blending with the chaos around them.

  Fiora’s eyes darted to the scene further ahead. Roughly ten feet away, three more bodies lay sprawled across the bridge. Each was covered in deep gashes and searing burn marks, their blood pooling on the cracked stone. A young woman knelt beside them, her long brown hair matted with sweat and blood. Her piercing red eyes burned with determination as she worked feverishly to tend to their wounds.

  But even she looked on the verge of collapse. Her leather armor was shredded, revealing skin bruised purple and smeared with fresh blood. A thin trickle of crimson ran from her nose and mouth, and her hands trembled as she struggled to remain upright.

  As Eldric and the others approached, the woman’s head snapped up, her gaze locking onto Eldric. Her eyes, filled with raw fury, seemed to pierce straight through him. Her lips twisted into a snarl as tiny arcs of lightning began to crackle along her fingers. She staggered to her feet, swaying slightly but propelled by sheer rage.

  “You!” she thundered, her voice trembling with a volatile mix of grief and fury. “This is your fault!”

  The lightning around her hands intensified, illuminating the smoggy air with a harsh, electric glow as she launched herself toward Eldric.

  "Help us, Morrigan!" Cerys screamed, her voice cracking as she interrupted the woman’s fury. “I can’t get her heart beating!” Desperation etched every word as she gestured frantically toward Alicia’s motionless body.

  Morrigan, mid-charge toward Eldric, hesitated. Her red eyes flicked toward Alicia, scanning the wizard’s lifeless form. For a brief moment, her anger wavered, a flicker of grief crossing her face. But it was short-lived. Her gaze snapped back to Eldric, her expression hardening as the bolts of lightning racing up her arms intensified into violent arcs that illuminated the smoke-filled bridge.

  “You did this!” she bellowed, thrusting her fist forward. A crackling bolt of energy surged toward Eldric, hitting him square in the chest.

  Eldric’s scream echoed through the valley as searing pain shot through his entire body. He collapsed to the ground, writhing in agony. The acrid smell of burning flesh filled the air, mingling with the smoke and ash around them. His vision blurred, and the edges of his consciousness began to fade.

  "Stop it! Please, stop!" Fiora cried, throwing herself at Eldric’s side. Her voice was a mixture of panic and pleading as she knelt over him, shielding him as best as she could.

  Morrigan’s glare shifted from Eldric to Fiora, her rage momentarily tempered. She released her magic, the crackling bolts dissipating in the air. Eldric’s screams ceased abruptly, replaced by ragged gasps for air. The pain subsided as quickly as it had come, and his senses slowly returned. He tried to rise, but his legs buckled beneath him. Fiora grabbed his arm, pulling him up and steadying him as he swayed on his feet.

  Rendrick and Nyssa wasted no time. Weapons drawn, they positioned themselves between Eldric and Morrigan. Their eyes were sharp, their stance unyielding, ready to defend their friend against another assault.

  Morrigan, seemingly satisfied for the moment, turned back to Alicia. Kneeling beside her, she placed trembling hands over her chest. Closing her eyes, she channeled a surge of energy into the fallen wizard. “Come on, not you too!” she whispered hoarsely, her voice laced with desperation.

  Alicia’s body jolted violently as the charge coursed through her. Her eyes snapped open, wide with pain and panic, and she let out a ragged gasp. Tears streamed down her face as she struggled to sit up, her body trembling with exhaustion. Cerys wrapped an arm around her, crying tears of relief as she helped Alicia to her feet.

  Alicia swayed, barely able to stand, and scanned the scene. Her gaze lingered on the lifeless forms of her fellow wizards scattered across the battlefield. The weight of their loss hit her like a hammer. She turned her eyes to the ruined skyline of Aldcliff, its towers reduced to rubble, the distant cries of her people cutting through the suffocating smoke.

  “How… how did this happen?” Alicia whispered, her voice trembling as she collapsed to her knees, overwhelmed by grief. Her sobs were quiet but raw, a stark contrast to the chaos around her.

  Morrigan, however, was not done. Rage flared anew in her eyes as she spun around to face Eldric. With a sharp crack and a burst of lightning, she charged at him once more, her movements swift and unrelenting. Rendrick and Nyssa braced for impact, but Morrigan swatted them aside effortlessly, her focus fixed solely on Eldric.

  For the first time in years, Eldric felt a familiar, inexplicable sensation—a flash of clarity, a split-second foresight. He saw her attack before it landed.

  As Morrigan’s hand shot out toward his throat, Eldric ducked low, narrowly evading her grasp. His hand instinctively found the hilt of his sword, and as he drew it, the blade began to glow with a brilliant blue light. Without hesitation, he swung at her neck, the blade whistling through the air.

  Morrigan froze mid-attack, startled by his agility and precision. She stepped back, her expression a mix of surprise and fury. Channeling her energy, she raised a shimmering barrier of magic around her body, hoping to deflect his strike.

  Their eyes locked. Eldric’s grip tightened on his sword, and Morrigan’s barrier crackled with energy as she prepared to retaliate. The tension between them was electric, the space between them charged with raw power.

  Eldric, anticipating Morrigan’s next move, adjusts the angle of his strike at the last second, aiming directly for her midsection. Morrigan remains arrogantly rooted in place, trusting her magical barrier to deflect the attack. But as the blade slices cleanly through her, her confidence evaporates. A sharp pain shoots through her abdomen, and her eyes widen in disbelief. She glances down, just in time to see Eldric’s glowing sword finish its arc, leaving a deep gash in its wake.

  Blood spills from Morrigan’s mouth as she staggers backward, clutching her wound. Her crimson-streaked face twists in fury. Blind rage fills her eyes as she snarls and charges at Eldric once more.

  Eldric sidesteps her with practiced ease, narrowly avoiding her grasp. But Morrigan recovers in an instant, pivoting sharply and lunging for him. This time, her hand locks firmly around his throat. She hoists him into the air as if he weighs nothing, her fingers tightening like a vice.

  “Die!” she growls, her voice guttural and venomous.

  Eldric’s body seizes as lightning courses through him, the excruciating pain stealing his breath and leaving him convulsing helplessly. His arms fall limp at his sides, and blood drips from his nose and mouth. The open wounds on his arms reopen, spilling fresh streams of red. His vision begins to blur, and his mind teeters on the edge of surrender. This is how it ends, he thinks, his thoughts growing hazy.

  Suddenly, a powerful voice roars through the chaos, shaking him from his descent into oblivion.

  “Drop him, Morrigan!”

  The command reverberates like a thunderclap, and Morrigan releases Eldric instantly, as if compelled by an unseen force. He collapses to the ground in a crumpled heap, gasping for air as the agony recedes.

  Fiora is at his side in an instant, cradling his head. “Eldric, are you okay?” she asks, her voice trembling with worry.

  Behind her, Rendrick and Nyssa position themselves in front of Eldric once more, weapons raised and eyes blazing with determination. Cerys and Alicia join the fray, standing beside Fiora as she helps Eldric.

  Cerys kneels next to him, pulling a small vial from her satchel. She uncorks it and presses it to his lips. “Drink this now!” she commands, her tone urgent.

  Eldric winces at the sour taste that floods his mouth, nearly gagging on the pungent liquid. But almost immediately, a warmth spreads through his body, and the pain begins to fade. He looks down in astonishment as his wounds close, leaving smooth, unbroken skin behind.

  “What…?” he mutters, running his fingers over his newly healed arms. His strength returning, he scrambles to his feet, his eyes darting around for Morrigan.

  She stands several feet away, her furious gaze fixed on a new arrival.

  The man is ancient, his long white beard flowing over his robes, which shimmer faintly with golden runes. He holds a simple staff carved from dark wood, the top adorned with a glowing crystal that pulses rhythmically. He is the embodiment of every wizard Eldric had ever imagined in his childhood stories.

  “Morrigan,” the old man says, his voice commanding and calm, “you’ve caused enough destruction. Stand down, or face the consequences.”

  The old man’s white hair cascades down his back, blending seamlessly with the flowing beard that frames his weathered face. His dark blue cloak, adorned with intricate silver embroidery, sweeps the ground as he moves, a black cape billowing faintly behind him. He leans heavily on an elaborately carved wooden staff, the ornate curves and runes glowing faintly, as though the staff itself were alive. Each step is labored, his frail body threatening to falter, but his piercing green eyes radiate an intensity that belies his age.

  Eldric watches the ancient wizard approach, transfixed by the sheer power and wisdom that seem to emanate from him. The staff taps rhythmically against the ground, its sound oddly comforting amid the chaos.

  “It is not his fault, Morrigan,” the old man says, his voice low but firm, carrying a tone of weary authority.

  Morrigan whirls to face him, her red eyes blazing with fury. She storms up to him, standing just inches away as her chest heaves with emotion. “Lord Jamdak,” she spits, her voice trembling with rage, “it’s his fault they came here!” She points a shaking finger at Eldric, her hands crackling faintly with residual magic. “It’s his fault we had to fight them! Do you know what we’ve lost because of him? If you had just handed him over, maybe our cities would still stand! Maybe hundreds of thousands wouldn’t have had to die!” Her voice breaks, tears spilling down her face as she cries, “He must pay!”

  Lord Jamdak stands unmoved, his expression a mask of calm resolve. “It is not his fault,” he says again, each word deliberate and unwavering. He steps past Morrigan, ignoring her protests, and makes his way toward Eldric. His staff clicks softly against the charred bridge beneath him, his presence commanding the attention of everyone present.

  The old wizard halts just a few feet from Eldric and turns slightly to address Morrigan over his shoulder. “He has no idea what those cloaked wizards want with him,” Jamdak says evenly, “and he is not to blame for their actions.” His green eyes bore into Morrigan, daring her to challenge his judgment.

  Morrigan clenches her fists, her shoulders trembling as she looks away, biting back more tears.

  Satisfied, Lord Jamdak shifts his focus to Alicia. “And you,” he says, his voice tinged with weariness. “Why did you not inform me that those two were coming?”

  Alicia, leaning heavily on Cerys for support, takes the flask extended to her and drinks deeply. She tosses the flask toward Morrigan, who catches it without a word. Alicia inhales sharply, straightening as best as her battered body allows.

  “Why didn’t I tell you?” she begins, anger flaring in her voice. “Because you would have done nothing.” Her eyes narrow as she fixes Jamdak with a hard glare. “You’ve kept me, and all of us, in the dark about critical information regarding these matters for far too long. I had no choice but to act. So, I did what I believed was right.”

  Jamdak regards her silently, his expression unreadable as he waits for her to continue.

  “I called for the other wizards’ help,” Alicia presses, her frustration spilling out. “You tasked us with protecting him, and that’s exactly what I did. I protected Eldric.” Her voice quivers with a mixture of defiance and despair. “But they were stronger than we imagined. I’ve never seen power like that before in my life. To think… that just two wizards could nearly bring our entire republic to its knees.” She shakes her head, her fists clenching at her sides. “But we succeeded. We kept him out of their grasp.”

  Her voice trails off, leaving a heavy silence in the air as her words sink in.

  “Wrong!” Jamdak bellows, his voice a thunderous roar that echoes across the desolate landscape. “You may have been correct in sending Eldric away, but you were wrong, gravely wrong, to keep me in the dark! Your arrogance has led to the annihilation of the Great Cities!” He steps closer, pointing his staff accusingly at Alicia. “And now, because of your rogue deployment of our army, we are faced with an even greater threat!”

  Alicia stiffens, her gaze darting between Jamdak and Eldric, confusion etched across her bruised and battered face. “What is he talking about?” she finally asks, her voice shaky.

  Eldric steps forward, his expression cold and unrelenting. “Why on earth did you send an army to attack Oaklea?” he demands. “And on the very day they announced negotiations for peace with the Great Cities?”

  Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  Alicia’s eyes widen in panic, the accusation hitting her like a physical blow. “I did no such thing!” she snaps, her voice tinged with desperation. “Our army was here, dying at the hands of Syra and Eira!” She narrows her eyes suspiciously at Jamdak, her tone shifting to one of suspicion. “The real question is why Oaklea would even believe we intend to negotiate peace when the council has voted against it on multiple occasions over the past three years.”

  Jamdak’s face hardens, his green eyes blazing with fury. “Because if the council had its way, it would drive this world into extinction!” he thunders. “I did what had to be done! The council is na?ve, foolish, and blind to the bigger picture. The five of you constantly disregard my counsel, senselessly putting innocent lives in harm’s way!” He sweeps his staff in a wide arc, gesturing at the destruction around them.

  “Case in point,” he snarls, jabbing a finger into Alicia’s chest. “Your insubordination today has not only cost us our home and hundreds of thousands of innocent lives but has also succeeded in provoking our greatest enemy. And now, we stand here at our weakest!”

  Alicia recoils, her voice trembling with hurt. “I did not send those troops!” she insists, tears brimming in her eyes. “I would never—”

  “Say what you will,” Jamdak interrupts harshly, his voice cutting through her protest. “But I can assure you that Prince Thornevale will not take kindly to what he perceives as an assault on his kingdom. He promised his people peace, and he will deliver it—no matter the cost.” He slams his staff into the ground, the thud reverberating ominously. “They will retaliate, Alicia. And thanks to you, we have nothing left with which to fend them off.”

  The weight of Jamdak’s words hangs heavily in the air. Alicia’s shoulders slump, guilt carving deep lines into her face. She stares at the smoldering ruins of Aldcliff, the devastation a harsh reminder of what has been lost. Yet, beneath her guilt, confusion flickers like a stubborn flame.

  “What do we do?” she pleads, her voice barely above a whisper, looking to Jamdak for answers.

  Jamdak shifts his piercing green eyes toward Morrigan, his expression a mixture of disappointment and urgency. “You and Alicia have cost our people dearly,” he begins, his voice heavy with authority. “If either of you hopes to redeem yourselves, then listen carefully. You will take Eldric and his companions to Valifield. Once there, you must secure the village and prepare it to receive our refugees. Fortify it against potential attacks and send word to me as soon as it is ready.”

  He pauses, the weight of his words settling over the group like a storm cloud. “Cerys and I will remain here. We will rally the survivors and do what we can to repel Prince Thornevale’s inevitable assault. Once we have done all we can here, we will march to meet you.”

  Fiora steps forward, her hands trembling with frustration. “We’re just going to pull out?” she demands, her voice shaking. “That’s it? Abandon the Great Cities after everything we’ve fought for?”

  Jamdak fixes her with a stern, unwavering gaze. “Yes,” he replies firmly. “You must leave. It is the price we must pay to ensure survival. The Great Cities are lost, but our people are not. That is what matters now.” His tone softens slightly as his gaze intensifies. “We need you alive as well, Fiora. All of you.”

  Eldric clenches his fists, his heart sinking. The weight of Jamdak’s words feels unbearable. So, all of this really is because of me, he thinks bitterly. If I had been here, I could have given myself up and saved them… saved everyone.

  A low, mournful horn bellows in the distance, its call reverberating through the valley. The sound is ominous, signaling the approach of danger. Jamdak straightens and grips his staff tightly. “There’s no more time,” he says urgently. “You must leave at once.” He turns to Cerys, gripping her hand. With a resounding thud, he slams his staff into the ground, and the two of them vanish in a cloud of swirling smoke.

  For a moment, the group stands motionless, staring at the spot where Jamdak and Cerys had been. Alicia is the first to move, her voice cutting through the silence. “All right,” she says, her tone sharp and resolute, though her eyes glisten with unshed tears. “We’re heading to Valifield. Now.”

  Nyssa steps closer to Fiora, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Valifield,” she murmurs. “Isn’t that where you’re from?”

  Fiora nods, her expression distant and pained. “It is,” she whispers. “Although I don’t know what’s left of it.”

  With heavy hearts, they begin their journey. The path takes them over rolling hills, the landscape quiet save for the crunch of their boots against the grass. The group pauses as they reach the edge of the forest at the top of the valley. From their vantage point, the burning cities of the republic are fully visible, engulfed in a sea of orange and black. Plumes of smoke stretch skyward, and faint cries for help echo faintly across the expanse.

  Far in the distance, a massive horde of soldiers charges toward the ruined cities, their numbers blotting out the land like a shadow crawling across the earth. The first rays of the sun pierce the horizon, casting an eerie glow over the chaos.

  Alicia turns to face the group, her cheeks streaked with tears. Her voice trembles but remains firm. “Let’s go,” she says, forcing herself to look away from the destruction.

  The group presses on through the forest, their steps muffled by the thick undergrowth. As they venture deeper, the towering trees stretch their canopies overhead, creating a green veil that blocks out much of the sunlight. With each passing mile, Eldric and Fiora feel a growing sense of familiarity, as if the forest itself is welcoming them home. The faint sounds of rustling leaves and distant birdsong fill the silence, and for the first time in days, they feel a measure of safety.

  Hours slip by unnoticed as they trek without stopping, their hunger ignored in favor of making progress. The fading light of evening eventually prompts Fiora to raise her hand, signaling the group to halt.

  “How about we camp over there tonight?” she suggests, pointing toward a shadowy area deeper in the woods. Her voice carries a note of recognition. “I can see the cabin we stayed in during our training from here.”

  Alicia squints in the direction Fiora indicates, her brow furrowed. “Over where?” she asks. “I don’t see a cabin.”

  Morrigan steps forward with a knowing sigh. “Ah, I understand.” She moves to Fiora’s side and follows her gaze. “Yep. There it is.”

  Still confused, Alicia walks forward, her steps tentative. She scans the area and then gasps softly as her eyes widen. “I see,” she murmurs. “This place is protected by a spell. Only those who already know its location can reveal it to others. Clever. No wonder it stayed hidden.”

  Fiora looks over at Eldric, her expression one of awe. “I guess it was even safer than we thought,” she remarks.

  Without another word, the group makes their way toward the cabin. As they climb the weathered wooden steps, a strange silence falls over them. The weight of their journey and the memories tied to this place seem to hang in the air. No one speaks as they settle in, each lost in their own thoughts.

  “I’ll go find us some food,” Rendrick volunteers abruptly, breaking the silence. He strides into the woods with purpose, leaving the others behind.

  The remaining group members gather around the fire pit in front of the cabin, where they sit quietly, the crackle of the flames the only sound. After some time, Rendrick returns triumphantly with two rabbits in hand. The preparation and cooking of the meal are conducted in complete silence, a reflection of the somber mood.

  As night falls and the stars begin to peek through the gaps in the trees, Alicia and Morrigan motion for Eldric, Fiora, Rendrick, and Nyssa to join them near the fire. The flickering light illuminates their weary faces as the group gathers closer.

  “What can you tell us about Valifield?” Alicia asks, her tone steady but urgent. “Do you think it will serve well as a stronghold for our people?”

  Fiora takes a moment to consider before replying, her voice measured. “Honestly, I’m not sure how much of it is still standing,” she begins. “But while it was thriving, Valifield was self-sustaining. We could support over a hundred people through hunting and farming. There were plenty of buildings that could provide shelter, assuming they haven’t burned down or been overtaken by the forest.”

  Fiora pauses, her brow furrowed in thought. “However, there’s a tactical weakness to Valifield… or maybe it’s a strength, depending on how you look at it. Once you’re out of the forest, there’s nothing around the village but open fields.”

  Rendrick, leaning back against the cabin wall, nods thoughtfully. “So, we’d have a clear view of any approaching enemy, but they’d have just as clear a view of us,” he adds, glancing over at Fiora.

  “Exactly,” Fiora replies, her tone firm.

  Morrigan folds her arms and tilts her head toward Fiora. “How far are we from Valifield now?” she asks, her voice calm but probing.

  “About an hour,” Fiora answers. “But I figured it would be wise to stop here for the night, just in case we run into trouble. Better to face whatever comes after some rest.”

  “Wise thinking,” Alicia says approvingly. She looks around at the group. “All right, everyone, get some rest. We leave for Valifield at first light.”

  With that, everyone rises and begins making their way into the hut. The weight of exhaustion hangs heavy over them all as they settle into the cramped and dusty space.

  Fiora steps into her old room, a strange sense of nostalgia tugging at her heart. She closes the door softly behind her, pausing for a moment to take it all in. Everything looks exactly as she left it. She moves to the straw bedding in the corner and sits down. A small cloud of dust puffs into the air, making her cough softly. Her gaze drifts to the bedside table, where an old, worn book catches her eye.

  She reaches for it, her fingers trembling slightly. The title on the cover makes her smile through a sudden wave of emotion: The Making of Children. The memory of her mother giving her the book floods her mind, bringing tears to her eyes. She hugs the book tightly to her chest, the ache of longing for her family overwhelming her. Silent sobs wrack her body as she curls over the book.

  A soft knock on the door startles her, and she hastily wipes at her tears with her sleeve. “Yes?” she calls out, her voice wavering.

  “It’s me—Eldric. Can I come in?” comes a quiet reply.

  Fiora hesitates before answering, “Sure.”

  The door creaks open, and Eldric steps inside, shutting it gently behind him. He looks around the room, his eyes landing on her. “It’s getting pretty crowded out there,” he says lightly, attempting a smile. His gaze drops to the book in her arms, and recognition flashes across his face. “Wow, that book,” he teases. “That brings back memories.”

  Fiora manages a small laugh, though her cheeks flush. “Yeah,” she says softly as Eldric sits beside her on the bed. Without warning, she grabs his arm and pulls him down to lie beside her.

  “Fiora! What are you doing?” Eldric asks, his face turning crimson.

  “Relax,” she says with a playful grin. “Don’t get any dirty thoughts.” Her expression softens, turning serious as she looks at him. “I just… I need this tonight. Promise me you’ll stay. Just hold me so I can fall asleep. Promise me you won’t leave.”

  Her hand slips into his, her grip firm but trembling. Eldric looks at her, his heart heavy with the sincerity in her voice. He nods, squeezing her hand gently. “I promise,” he whispers.

  Fiora closes her eyes, her breathing slowly evening out as she clings to the comfort of his presence. Eldric lies beside her, staring at the ceiling, his mind racing with unspoken thoughts.

  He waited patiently as her breathing slowed and softened, signaling she had finally fallen asleep. With painstaking care, he eased himself from her arms, ensuring not to wake her. Quietly, he slipped out of the room and stepped outside into the cool night air.

  Unlike his usual nightly strolls, there were no stars to light the sky tonight. Thick clouds loomed overhead, blanketing the heavens in darkness. Eldric wandered a short distance from the cabin, finding a fallen tree near the edge of the clearing. He sank onto it, resting his elbows on his knees, his head hanging low.

  “All of these people are in danger because of me,” he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. “Fiora, Nyssa, Rendrick… they’re all at risk just by being near me.”

  “Yes, they are,” a soft voice responded from the shadows.

  Eldric shot to his feet, startled by the unexpected reply. His eyes darted toward the sound, and from the darkness, a figure emerged. A young woman stepped into the faint moonlight filtering through the trees, her presence captivating and otherworldly.

  She was stunning, with shoulder-length layered brown hair that framed her delicate face. Her dark blue eyes shimmered, holding an unnatural intensity, and her crimson lips stood out against her fair skin. Around her neck hung a necklace with a glowing green pendant that seemed to pulse faintly. Though the dim light made it difficult to discern the details of her clothing, Eldric could see she was dressed in black—pants and a fitted shirt that gave her an air of quiet confidence.

  For a moment, Eldric froze, overwhelmed by a strange sense of familiarity. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he had seen her before, though he couldn’t place when or where.

  “Do I know you?” he asked cautiously, raising an eyebrow.

  “No, you do not,” she replied, her voice as soothing as a lullaby. She stepped closer, her gaze piercing. “But I saw what happened today. I know what you’ve realized, that death follows you everywhere. People around you suffer. They die. And you… you can’t stop it.”

  Eldric’s jaw clenched as her words struck a nerve. She continued walking toward him, her expression unreadable.

  “You know it’s true,” she pressed. “Even though that little girl is alive tonight, you’ve learned you lack the power to truly protect her—or anyone else.”

  Eldric took a step back, his fists tightening. “You’re right,” he admitted, his voice low and firm. “But I promised her I would protect her, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep that promise.”

  “Even if it costs you everything?” she asked sharply, her tone hardening. “Would you give up your life? Your freedom? Your humanity? Would you sacrifice it all, just to protect her?”

  Eldric held her gaze, his resolve unshaken. “Yes,” he answered without hesitation. “No matter what it means, no matter what it costs me—I would do it.”

  The woman’s eyes narrowed, her expression inscrutable as she studied him in silence. Eldric stood his ground, his heart pounding as he braced for her response.

  The woman nods thoughtfully, her piercing gaze locked on Eldric. “I know of a way for you to become strong. Strong enough to protect her—strong enough to keep your enemies’ attention away from her entirely.”

  Eldric’s heart races, and his eyes widen. “How?” he demands, stepping closer. His voice trembles with urgency.

  The woman glances over her shoulder, scanning the darkness, before turning back to him. Her voice is calm yet firm. “Leave,” she says. “Leave and find the answers for yourself. Discover what those cloaked women want with you.”

  She holds his gaze, her intensity unwavering. “While you’re at it, train. Master the sword. Sharpen your ability to foresee attacks. Hone every skill you have until you are no longer a liability but a force to be reckoned with. Do this, and you will be powerful enough to protect her—and the others.”

  Eldric studies her, his mind racing with questions. “How do you know all this? Who are you?”

  A faint, enigmatic smile crosses the woman’s face. “Who I am is not important,” she replies. “What matters is ensuring that the people you care about stay safe. Isn’t that what you want?”

  Eldric hesitates, then nods firmly. “Yes,” he whispers. “More than anything.”

  The woman reaches into her pocket and pulls out a worn, tattered map. She unfolds it carefully, revealing a hand-drawn path marked with cryptic symbols. “Follow this map,” she instructs, holding it out to him. “When you reach the destination, you will find answers to many of your questions. You’ll also find the training you need. It won’t be easy, and you’ll have to stay there for years, but if you endure it, you will be strong enough to protect Fiora.”

  Eldric stares at the map, his mind a whirlwind of doubt and determination. “I don’t have much of a choice, do I?” he murmurs. “If I stay near her, she’ll die because of me.”

  The woman nods solemnly. “Then you understand what must be done.”

  Eldric swallows hard. “I’ll go… but I have to tell her. She deserves to know why I’m leaving.”

  “No!” The woman’s voice sharpens like a blade. “You must not. If she knows where you’ve gone, she may try to follow you, and that will only put her in greater danger.”

  Eldric shakes his head, frustration creeping into his voice. “But if I don’t say anything, she’ll come looking for me. She’ll never stop.”

  The woman considers this, her expression softening slightly. “Fine,” she relents. “You may write her a letter, and I’ll deliver it to her. Along with this.” She pulls a pendant from her pocket, its design identical to the one around her neck, and a small silver ring.

  “Here,” she says, pressing the ring into his hand. “Put it on.”

  Eldric slips the ring onto his finger, and the pendant in her hand begins to glow with an ethereal green light. “As long as you’re alive,” the woman explains, “this pendant will glow. If you die, it will turn black. I’ll give this to Fiora with your letter and explain its purpose to her.”

  Eldric nods, his throat tightening with emotion. “Thank you,” he whispers. “For helping me.”

  The woman steps back, the glowing pendant casting faint green light over her serene yet mysterious face. “Write the letter quickly,” she advises. “Time is not on your side.”

  “I can’t just leave her… But I have to keep her safe, right?” Eldric says, his voice heavy with sadness and doubt.

  “That is correct,” the woman replies softly, her tone firm yet understanding.

  Eldric takes a deep breath, his hands trembling. “Okay, give me some parchment and something to write with.”

  The woman nods and retrieves a small roll of parchment and a quill from her pocket, as if she had anticipated this moment. Eldric grabs the items and quickly begins to write, his words spilling out with urgency. He pauses a few times, struggling to find the right way to express everything he feels, but finally, he folds the letter and hands it to the woman.

  “I guess this is it,” he says, his voice barely above a whisper. He holds out the letter and the pendant. “Take care of her. Make sure she understands.”

  The woman takes the items and smiles faintly. “I will ensure she receives them. You’ve made the right choice, Eldric.”

  He hesitates, looking back toward the cabin. His heart aches with the weight of his decision. With a final, resigned nod, he turns and begins his journey, his silhouette soon disappearing into the shadows of the forest.

  The woman watches him leave, a sly smile spreading across her face. The moment he vanishes around the first bend, another figure steps out from the darkness, her presence silent and commanding. She wears a pristine white cloak that glows faintly in the dim moonlight.

  “Impressive as always, Syra,” the newcomer says, holding out a black cloak. Her voice is smooth and confident. “Your ability to manipulate others never ceases to amaze me.”

  Syra chuckles, pulling the black cloak over her shoulders. “Why, thank you, Eira. But really, it’s just a bit of clever magic, normal humans minds are so easily controlled when their actions are driven by emotions” she replies, her tone brimming with satisfaction.

  “Let’s move. We’ve lingered long enough,” Eira says, glancing warily into the forest.

  “One moment,” Syra says, holding up the letter and pendant. “I need to take care of a little something first.”

  Before Eira can reply, Syra vanishes in a flash of darkness, the air where she stood shimmering faintly. Moments later, she reappears, looking smug. “There. I’ve made the delivery,” she says, brushing off her hands.

  “Efficient as always,” Eira remarks with a smirk. The two women exchange a knowing glance before turning and striding deeper into the forest. Their figures dissolve into the darkness, leaving no trace of their presence behind.