4

  Going on an Adventure

  Dawn was just beginning to break, casting a soft, pink glow across the Halcyhon household. A cool spring breeze slipped through the open window, mingling with the warmth of the small fire crackling in the hearth. Outside, the chirping of early morning birds filled the silence, marking the beginning of the day that Alyc had awaited for years.

  Alyc moved swiftly, her steps filled with purpose as she gathered her belongings for the journey. Her heart raced with excitement, each action feeling like a step closer to the adventure she’d dreamed of. She checked her pack, ensuring everything she needed was in place: food rations, a small water pouch, and a warm cloak. Then she turned to her most treasured possession, her sword the FireFang.

  Alyc held it carefully, admiring its sleek, polished surface, its balance, and the way it felt like an extension of herself. The FireFang symbolized her aspirations, the goals she’d set for herself, and the vision she had of becoming the Emberfall Champion. In her reflection, she could almost see herself standing victorious at the Trials, the cheers of Emberfall surrounding her, and her father by her side, his silent love clear in his eyes.

  Durk watched her quietly from the other side of the room, his arms crossed as he took in her enthusiasm. He offered a nod of approval when she glanced his way, but his expression was unreadable. His practicality took over as he scanned her pack, checking and rechecking each item to ensure she’d thought of everything. He slipped in a small vial of medicine, nudging it deeper into the pack to keep it safe. He added a roll of extra bandages, a small flask, and a few other practical items she’d likely need along the way. His life had shown him the value of preparedness, and he’d passed those lessons to Alyc in the same way he’d taught her everything else with patience and unyielding care.

  The quiet between them was comfortable, though charged with a mix of emotions. Alyc sensed her father’s steady presence and tried to gauge his feelings, wondering if he, too, felt the excitement she did. But Durk’s face betrayed nothing, his usual gruff exterior firmly in place. Beneath it, though, Alyc caught a glimpse of something she couldn’t quite name. Was it pride? Or maybe…worry?

  He tightened a strap on her pack, giving her one last approving look as he stepped back. “Everything’s in order,” he said simply, his voice steady. “You’re ready.”

  Alyc looked at him, meeting his gaze with a mixture of determination and eagerness. “I’ll make you proud, Dad,” she promised, her voice firm.

  Durk nodded, a flicker of warmth in his eyes. “You already have, Alyc,” he replied, his voice softening for just a moment. And in that silent exchange, they both knew how much this journey meant for her, and for him.

  With their bags packed and their hearts prepared, Alyc and Durk stood side by side, sharing a quiet moment of understanding. Then, with a final look around their home, they stepped out into the dawning light, ready to face the road that lay ahead.

  They left their small quarters just as the suns was rising, casting Emberfall in a warm, golden glow. The streets were already bustling with activity soldiers loading supplies onto wagons, blacksmiths hammering out lastminute weapons, and vendors calling out to early risers, offering fresh bread and fruit to those preparing for the journey.

  As Alyc and Durk walked through the cobbled streets, they exchanged brief words and nods with those they passed. Familiar faces greeted them warmly, some with smiles, others with respectful nods. Alyc’s heart swelled with delight each time someone recognized her as Durk’s daughter, the swordmaster’s own. For so long, she had been known as just that Durk’s daughter but today felt like the start of her own story, a chance to become more than a title.

  A few of the soldiers offered words of encouragement, one even calling out, “Bring us back a victory, Alyc! We’ll be waiting to hear all about it.” Another smiled, adding, “It’s only a matter of time before you’re leading us yourself.”

  Alyc felt a mix of pride and pressure with each comment. She was honored by their faith in her, but the weight of their expectations settled on her shoulders. As they continued toward the gate, her mind drifted to thoughts of what lay ahead of Solaria, the Trials, and the dream of one day becoming Emberfall’s Champion. She imagined standing victorious, her father by her side, the pride in his eyes more rewarding than any title.

  She allowed herself a small smile at the thought, but it quickly faded as her mind returned to the present. This was only the beginning, and there were challenges ahead she couldn’t yet imagine.

  Just then, a figure approached from behind, his heavy footsteps slow and measured. Alyc turned to see Sace, his large frame casting a shadow over them as he came to join their walk. He nodded briefly at both Alyc and Durk, his expression as unreadable as ever. His intense amber eyes were always scanning, even now, as if watching for hidden threats in the busy streets of Emberfall.

  “Sace,” Durk greeted with a nod.

  “Durk. Alyc,” Sace replied, his voice as steady and detached as his gaze. There was an energy about him, a focus that set him apart from the other competitors. While the others had shared stories, laughter, and excitement the night before, Sace had remained reserved, his intensity hinting at something deeper.

  Alyc returned his nod but couldn’t shake the unease that stirred within her whenever Sace was near. There was something in his demeanor almost an obsessive focus that made him hard to understand. His singlemindedness about the journey and the Trials left her wondering if he saw them as mere competitions or as something else entirely.

  They continued in silence, the hum of Emberfall filling the space between them as they neared the gate. Alyc glanced at her father, who gave her a reassuring look. She felt the weight of his steady presence beside her, the pride in his eyes, and knew that whatever lay ahead, she was ready to face it.

  As the three of them walked on, the gate looming closer with each step, Alyc’s heart beat with both excitement and anticipation. The journey to Solaria was about to begin, and with it, her first true test as a warrior of Emberfall.

  The grand Emberfall gate loomed ahead, towering above the gathered crowd in a display of strength and majesty. Constructed of heavy stone and reinforced with intricate ironwork, the gate was adorned with banners bearing the kingdom’s sigil a blazing suns, its rays flanked by fierce wings of flame. The early morning light cast a golden glow over the entire scene, giving the gate an almost ethereal presence, as if it were the very heart of Emberfall itself.

  Soldiers stood in formation along the gate’s edge, ensuring everything was prepared for the long journey to Solaria. Nearby, the Thyndar were being secured to the king’s carriage, their massive frames dwarfing the men who tended to them. Alyc’s breath caught as she laid eyes on the creatures for the first time.

  The Thyndar were unlike any beasts she had ever imagined enormous, shaggy creatures with broad, muscular shoulders and powerful hooves that seemed to sink slightly into the earth with every step. Their thick fur was a deep, earthy brown, hanging in dense, heavy layers that provided both protection and an almost regal air. Their glowing amber eyes scanned the crowd, watchful yet calm, as if they understood the importance of the journey ahead. One of the Thyndar shifted closer to Alyc, and she couldn’t resist reaching out, her hand brushing along its flank. The creature’s fur was surprisingly soft, yet she could feel the power beneath it, the potential for strength and endurance that would see them safely through even the most treacherous terrains.

  As Alyc marveled at the Thyndar, the rest of the traveling party began to gather before the gate. There was a formal, almost solemn air as everyone assembled, the magnitude of the journey settling over them like a shared understanding. Alyc’s heart raced as she spotted the High King Desmond Alistar and his wife, Queen Sylvien Alistar, standing at the center of the gathering. The High King was tall and commanding, his presence as sharp and imposing as his features. His expression was unreadable, but his gaze was unwavering as it swept over those assembled, his pride in Emberfall’s warriors clear.

  Queen Sylvien, beside him, was the picture of calm regality. Her gaze was steady, but her demeanor softened with a gentle authority that was no less powerful than her husband’s. Alyc felt a sense of awe as she took in their presence, her respect for the royal family deepening with every moment.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  She turned to join the line of competitors five of them in total, including herself and Sace. They stood with military precision, their swords gleaming in the sunslight, each one ready for the journey that lay ahead. Alyc could feel the tension between them, an unspoken competition hanging in the air. Each of them was vying for the same honor, the chance to bring victory to Emberfall, to prove themselves as the strongest among the kingdom’s warriors.

  The crowd fell silent as High General Erik Alistar stepped forward. Tall and broad shouldered, Erik’s presence demanded respect, his every movement marked by a commanding authority. He addressed the group, his tone serious and direct. “This journey to Solaria will test you,” he began, his voice carrying over the gathered assembly. “We face a week of hard travel. If we maintain our pace, we will reach Solaria on the seventh day. But there are dangers on the road ahead, and it is up to each of you to ensure not only your own survival but that of your fellow warriors.”

  Alyc felt a shiver of excitement and nervous anticipation at his words, her mind racing with the challenge of what lay ahead.

  Erik’s gaze grew sharper as he continued. “Beyond the third day, we will enter the Ashen Woods,” he said, his tone darkening. “The forest is a place of shadow and danger. It is filled with creatures and magic that will test your strength, your resolve, and your focus. We will spend two days and two nights traveling through it, and I cannot stress enough the importance of remaining vigilant. There is no room for error. Anyone who falters in the Ashen Woods may not make it through.”

  The gravity of Erik’s words settled over the group, the weight of the journey pressing down on them with a new intensity. Alyc’s hand instinctively found the hilt of the FireFang, her grip tightening as she steeled herself for what was to come.

  Erik’s speech was not one of encouragement, but of truth. His authority was unshakable, his leadership practical and unwavering. Alyc could feel the unity of the group growing stronger as he spoke, a shared sense of purpose that transcended the individual goals they each held. This was not just a journey; it was a test of their worth, a trial that would reveal their true strength.

  As Erik finished his words, a powerful silence fell over the gathering, the gravity of the task ahead settling into each of their hearts. They were no longer just individuals setting out on a journey they were warriors of Emberfall, united by purpose, and ready to face whatever the road to Solaria might bring.

  The gates of Emberfall closed behind them with a heavy thud as the traveling party set off, leaving the familiar walls of the kingdom behind. The road stretched out before them, winding through fields and hills, a pathway to the unknown. Alyc walked beside her father, her eyes wide as she took in the vast expanse of the countryside. The rolling hills were dotted with trees and vibrant patches of wildflowers, their colors bright against the rich green of the grass. Birds called out from overhead, their songs a gentle reminder of the life that filled the land.

  Alyc inhaled deeply, savoring the crisp air and the scent of earth and grass. This was her first time venturing beyond Emberfall’s walls, and the sight of the open countryside filled her with a mixture of awe and excitement. Each step felt like a step toward her future, a journey that would shape her and allow her to prove herself.

  As they passed through fields of tall grass, Alyc’s mind wandered to dreams of what might come. She imagined herself standing victorious after the Trials, the crowd cheering her name, her father shining through his quiet demeanor. She let herself revel in the fantasy, but quickly reminded herself to stay grounded. The journey was only beginning, and there was a long road ahead.

  The first few days of travel were relatively uneventful, filled with the steady rhythm of footsteps and the quiet murmur of voices. Alyc and Durk shared time walking side by side, talking about the Trials and the lessons she’d learned under his guidance. Durk offered her practical advice, his words a steady anchor amidst the uncertainty of the journey. His reminders to remain focused and vigilant echoed in her mind, and she took them to heart.

  Sace, as always, kept to himself, walking ahead of the group with a silent intensity that Alyc couldn’t quite understand. His gaze was ever watchful, scanning the surroundings as if he expected danger at every turn. Though his detachment set him apart from the others, Alyc couldn’t help but admire his dedication. She sensed that he carried a weight of his own, something that fueled his relentless focus.

  At night, when they set up camp, Alyc would sit by the fire, her gaze fixed on the stars above. She allowed herself to dream, imagining the moment when she would stand as the Emberfall Champion, the honor of her kingdom resting on her shoulders. The campfire crackled softly, its glow casting warm shadows across her face as she drifted in and out of her thoughts.

  The journey, though peaceful so far, was not without its challenges. Hours of walking left Alyc’s legs sore and her muscles aching, but she pressed on, determined to prove her strength. The encouragement of her fellow competitors, the steady presence of her father, and her own determination helped her push through the fatigue. She knew that these small trials were only the beginning, and that the true test awaited them in the Ashen Woods.

  As the fifth day drew to a close, Alyc felt a growing anticipation. The Ashen Woods were just a day away , a dark, shadowed mass on the horizon that seemed to beckon them forward. She could sense the tension in the air, the silent understanding that the journey was about to change. The trials, the dangers, and the truths they would face there would mark the true beginning of their path to Solaria.

  With the firelight flickering softly and the stars shining above, Alyc lay down to rest, her mind filled with thoughts of the challenges that lay ahead. She was ready or as ready as she could be.

  On the sixth day, the landscape around the traveling party began to shift, the lush fields and rolling hills giving way to darker, twisted trees and an atmosphere heavy with foreboding. The Ashen Woods loomed ahead, a dense, shadowed forest stretching out like a warning. Alyc felt a shiver creep up her spine as they neared its edge, and the once warm air grew colder, thick with a tension that seemed to press against her lungs.

  The trees of the Ashen Woods were like nothing she had ever seen. Their trunks were twisted, the bark blackened and cracked as though scorched by ancient fires. Branches jutted out at sharp, unnatural angles, clawing at the sky like skeletal fingers. The ground was thick with ash and dead leaves, and an eerie fog rolled out from the deeper reaches of the forest, clinging to the earth in heavy layers. It felt as though they were standing at the border of a world that had been forgotten by time, a place where shadows ruled and light dared not intrude.

  Alyc’s heart beat faster as she looked around, her gaze shifting from the woods to her fellow travelers. The soldiers who had walked with confidence on the open road now stood silently, their hands resting on their weapons, their eyes scanning the twisted forest. Even Sace, who had maintained a calm, almost detached demeanor throughout the journey, looked over his shoulder, his sharp eyes narrowing as he surveyed the dark line of trees.

  She moved closer to her father, clutching the FireFang as she tried to shake off her unease. The stories she’d heard about the Ashen Woods surfaced in her mind whispers of travelers who’d entered and never returned, of strange, twisted creatures that lurked in the shadows, waiting to prey on the unwary. She shivered, though the air was cool, and a sense of dread settled heavily in her chest.

  General Erik Alistar stepped forward, his presence commanding attention as he gathered the group. His voice was steady, but Alyc could sense a tension underlying his words. “We have reached the edge of the Ashen Woods,” he announced, his gaze sweeping over the party. “From here on, vigilance is not optional it is essential. The creatures that dwell within these woods are not like those of the open world. They have been…affected by the dark magic that clings to this place. Mutated, twisted.”

  The General’s eyes darkened, and his voice took on a grim tone. “Stay together. Do not stray from the path. Trust nothing you see or hear that is not one of us. The woods have a way of feeding on fear, of using it to bend the mind. You must stay focused. Remember who you are and what you came here for.”

  Alyc swallowed hard, her gaze shifting back to the woods. She could feel the weight of Erik’s words, the gravity of the warning he’d just given them. She glanced at her father, searching his face for any sign of concern, but Durk remained calm, his expression unreadable as he listened to Erik’s instructions. His hand rested on the hilt of his own sword, his gaze fixed on the darkened trees.

  Her heart pounded as Erik continued. “We’ll be spending two days and two nights within these woods. It will be a difficult passage, but if we remain vigilant and work together, we will reach the other side. Do not let fear take hold. Fear is a weapon here, one the forest will use against you.”

  Alyc’s mind raced, and she felt the weight of responsibility settle heavily on her shoulders. The journey had felt like an adventure until now, a step toward proving herself. But here, at the edge of the Ashen Woods, the reality of the danger they faced was impossible to ignore. She glanced at her father, her heart aching at the thought of anything happening to him within these cursed woods. She had trained her whole life for moments like this, but no amount of training could fully prepare her for the unknown.

  As Erik finished speaking, the group exchanged solemn nods, each member steeling themselves for the path ahead. With a final look at each other, they began to move forward, entering the Ashen Woods in tense silence.

  The sunslight quickly faded as the dense canopy of twisted branches closed overhead, casting the path in an eerie twilight. Alyc felt a chill that had nothing to do with the coolness of the air. The oppressive atmosphere pressed down on them, making each step feel heavier, each breath more labored. Shadows clung to every surface, and the ground beneath their feet was littered with thick roots and fallen branches that seemed to twist and writhe as though alive.

  Alyc’s gaze darted around, her senses on high alert. The whispers of the forest grew louder, filling her ears with sounds that seemed to come from nowhere and everywhere at once the groan of branches swaying, the rustling of leaves, faint, almost human whispers carried by the breeze. She shivered, glancing over her shoulder to see that the soldiers, normally steadfast, were walking with weapons drawn, their eyes scanning every shadow.

  Ahead of her, Sace slowed his pace, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. He turned slightly, his eyes meeting Al