The morning sun cast a soft, golden light over the manor as Silas stood by a carriage, his heart a mix of excitement and unease. The cool morning air carried the fresh scent of dew while birdsong heralded the new day. Uncle Chen oversaw the final preparations, his sharp eyes scanning the supplies to ensure everything was in order. Kael stood a few paces away, his expression stoic as ever, though his presence alone offered a silent reassurance.
Silas glanced at Rowan, who was standing a few feet away with a wistful smile. The two had been nearly inseparable over the past few years, their bond forged through gruelling hours of training. It felt strange to part ways now, especially as they both stood on the brink of new experiences.
“You sure you don’t want to come along?” Silas asked, though he already knew the answer.
Rowan shook his head, his smile growing wistful. “I’d love to, but you know I can’t. My father is going to the Amberwood Grove to collect some rare materials or beast cubs to sell. I need to go with him and help out.”
Rowan’s father was a merchant with a small shop in Amberheart. The business hadn’t been well lately, so he decided to venture into Amberwood Grove to search for new business opportunities.
Silas nodded, though a twinge of regret tugged at him. “I get it. Just… be careful out there. Amberwood Grove isn’t exactly a walk in the park. There are ferocious beasts roaming the deeper reaches of the forest.”
Rowan chuckled, giving Silas’s shoulder a firm, reassuring pat. “Don’t worry about me. You should be careful as well. Stick close to Uncle Chen and Kael—don’t let them out of your sight.”
“I won’t,” Silas promised, though a part of him wished Rowan could join them. There was comfort in having his friend by his side, but he knew they both had their own paths to walk for now.
Rowan gave Silas one last firm handshake before stepping back. “Good luck, Silas. We’ll both have stories to share when we meet again.”
“Count on it,” Silas replied with a grin, though the feeling of saying goodbye weighed heavier on him than he expected.
After noticing the exchange, Uncle Chen walked over and placed a hand on Silas’s shoulder. “It’s time, young master. We’ve got a long journey ahead.”
Silas turned to the waiting carriage, his resolve hardening. It was built for endurance, with reinforced wheels and thick wooden panels designed to withstand both the elements and potential threats. Kael had already mounted his horse, which would ride alongside the carriage, keeping a watchful eye on the road ahead.
Silas climbed into the carriage and looked at Rowan, who waved before turning to join his father. Silas settled into his seat, the soft creak of the leather a comforting sound amidst his swirling thoughts. Uncle Chen joined him inside, giving him a reassuring nod.
“Ready?” Uncle Chen asked.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” Silas replied, tightly gripping ‘Ebonheart’—which rested beside him. The sword’s presence was both a comfort and a reminder of the responsibility that now weighed on his shoulders.
With a final glance at the manor, the place that had been his world for so long, Silas watched as the driver snapped the reins, and the carriage began to move. The horses’ hooves clattered against the cobblestones as they set off on the road east toward Temptshire.
The journey began in silence, the carriage rolling through Amberfell’s golden fields, the manor’s familiar silhouette gradually fading behind them. Fields of wheat waved gently in the morning breeze, and the occasional farmhouse dotted the landscape. Silas felt a pang of nostalgia as the scenery began to change, the open plains gradually giving way to denser forests and rougher terrain.
As they travelled, Uncle Chen spoke up, breaking the silence. “Temptshire’s no Amberheart, young master. We’ve got four long months on the road before we reach its gates. It’s a place where the strong thrive and the weak… Well, they learn quickly. You’ll see all kinds there—merchants, sailors, rogues, and worse. But it’s also a place of opportunity. If you keep your wits about you, there’s much to learn.”
Silas nodded, listening intently. “I’ve heard stories, but I’ve never been anywhere like it. What should I expect?”
“A mix of everything,” Uncle Chen replied, a hint of a smile on his lips. “You’ll see wealth and poverty, danger and opportunity. It’s called the city of ruin because it’s where fortunes are made and lost in the blink of an eye. Just remember, everyone’s out for something. Trust is a rare commodity there.”
Kael, riding alongside the carriage, spoke up without turning his head. “And keep Ebonheart close—those streets turn deadly after dark.”
Silas tightened his grip on Ebonheart, feeling the cool metal of the hilt against his palm. “I will. Thank you.”
The day wore on as they travelled, the sun climbing higher in the sky. The landscape continued to change, the trees growing taller and the roads rougher. As evening approached, they stopped to make camp for the night. The fire’s warmth cut through the encroaching darkness, offering a small sanctuary in the vast wilderness. Silas helped Kael and Uncle Chen set up the tents and start a fire. The warmth and light were a welcome comfort against the growing chill.
As they sat around the fire, Uncle Chen began to share stories of Temptshire’s bustling markets, its crowded docks, and the wide variety of people who called it home. Silas leaned in, eager to capture every detail, the stories painting vivid pictures of Temptshire in his mind.
Kael, as always, was more reserved, but he offered practical advice on navigating the city’s dangers, from avoiding dark alleys to recognizing the signs of a potential ambush. Silas appreciated the guidance, knowing that Kael’s experience would be invaluable in the future.
As the fire crackled and the stars began to emerge in the night sky, Silas found himself growing more excited. The journey ahead was daunting, but it was also the first step toward proving himself, toward becoming more than the boy who had trained under the watchful eyes of his mentors. He was stepping into the unknown, but with Ebonheart by his side and the support of Uncle Chen and Kael, he felt ready—at least as prepared as he could be.
Love what you're reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.
Tomorrow, they would continue their journey eastward toward the port city of Temptshire and all the challenges it held. And Silas couldn’t help but wonder what awaited him in that distant, bustling city by the sea.
☪︎ ･ﾟ ･ﾟ·:｡･ﾟﾟ･⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆･ﾟ ･ﾟ·:｡･ﾟﾟ･❂
The next few weeks of travel passed in a steady rhythm, with the carriage rolling over the uneven roads as they made their way deeper into the wilderness. The landscape continued to shift, the dense forests of towering pines giving way to rocky hills and winding paths that grew narrower with each passing mile. The air grew cooler, carrying the scent of damp earth and wildflowers, and the sounds of the forest—rustling leaves, distant bird calls, and the occasional snap of a twig—became their constant companions.
As they progressed, it became increasingly clear that the terrain was becoming too rough for the carriage. The road, if it could still be called that, had become a rugged trail, barely wide enough for the carriage. Rocks jutted out of the ground, and the path wound up steep inclines that made the horses strain with effort.
Uncle Chen, ever vigilant, called for a halt one afternoon as they reached a particularly challenging stretch. “We’ll have to switch to horses from here,” he said, dismounting from the carriage and examining the path ahead. “The cart won’t make it through this terrain, and it’ll only slow us down. We’ll leave the carriage here and continue on horseback.”
Silas nodded, understanding. Though the carriage had provided some comfort, he was eager to move faster, knowing that time was of the essence on this journey. Switching to horses would speed their progress, allowing them to navigate the treacherous terrain more efficiently.
Riding ahead to scout the trail, Kael returned and gave a curt nod of agreement. “The path gets narrower and steeper from here. We’ll need to move swiftly if we want to make good time.”
The driver, who had been silently guiding the carriage until now, began to unhook the horses. They would need to select the sturdiest mounts for the journey ahead. Silas watched as the horses were brought forward, admiring their sleek coats and powerful builds. These were trained warhorses bred for endurance and strength, and their presence was reassuring.
As they prepared to mount, Uncle Chen handed the driver a pouch of coins. “For your trouble. Return the carriage to Amberheart and let them know we’ve continued on foot. We’ll need new horses when we reach the next town, so be sure to inform them.”
The driver gratefully accepted the payment before turning the carriage around and heading back the way they had come. Silas watched the vehicle disappear down the trail, realising they were alone from here on out.
Once the horses were saddled, Silas mounted his steed—a sturdy, chestnut-brown horse with a calm demeanour. He adjusted the reins, feeling the animal shift beneath him. He took a moment to familiarise himself with the saddle’s feel. Uncle Chen and Kael mounted their own horses, the latter keeping his eyes on the path ahead, ever watchful.
With the carriage now behind them, the trio continued their journey, the horses moving confidently over the rocky terrain. The switch to horseback proved advantageous, allowing them to navigate the increasingly rugged path with greater ease. They traversed narrow passes, crossed shallow streams, and wound their way up steep inclines, each step offering a breathtaking view of the sprawling wilderness below.
As the days passed, they occasionally stopped at small villages or waystations to rest and change horses. Silas marvelled at the variety of landscapes they encountered—from rolling hills to dense, mist-shrouded forests. The people they met were often rugged and self-reliant, accustomed to the harshness of life in such remote regions. But they were also kind, offering food, shelter, and fresh horses for a price.
During these stops, Uncle Chen bartered for supplies, ensuring they had enough provisions to last until the subsequent settlement. Silas observed Uncle Chen’s shrewd negotiation skills with admiration. It was clear that Uncle Chen’s bargaining expertise would prove valuable in the bustling markets of Temptshire.
On the other hand, Lian Chen remained vigilant, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings even when they were resting. His presence was a constant reminder of the potential dangers lurking in the wilds. Silas found himself adopting some of Kael’s habits—keeping his hand near his sword hilt, listening for any unusual sounds, and staying alert even in Kael’s relative safety of a village.
On one particularly arduous day, they crossed a narrow mountain pass. The path was treacherous, with sheer drops on either side and loose rocks threatening to give way under the horses’ hooves. Silas’s heart pounded as he guided his horse carefully, every step feeling precarious.
“Keep the horse steady,” advised Lian Chen from up ahead, his voice steady despite the danger. “Let it find its footing, and don’t rush. The horses know the way better than we do.”
Silas followed the advice, focusing on his horse’s movements and trusting the animal’s instincts. The path seemed to stretch forever, but eventually, they reached the other side, where the ground levelled out into a dense forest that offered a much-needed respite.
As they set up camp that evening, the forest around them was alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures. The fire crackled, the only source of light, as the night deepened. Silas felt a sense of accomplishment, knowing they had passed yet another test on their journey to Temptshire.
Uncle Chen handed Silas a piece of dried meat, his expression more relaxed now that they were through the worst of the pass. “You handled that well,” he said with a nod of approval. “Not many could stay calm in a situation like that. But remember, the journey isn’t over yet. There are still many miles to cover, and we’ll need to stay sharp.”
Silas accepted the food, feeling a swell of pride at the praise. “Thank you, Uncle Chen. I’ll be ready.”
Kael, as usual, said little, but Silas noticed the brief glance of approval the man gave him. It was a small gesture, but it meant a great deal, coming from someone as reserved as Kael.
Silas found himself gazing eastward toward the distant city of Temptshire as the fire burned low and the stars filled the sky. The journey had already tested him in ways he hadn’t expected, but it had also strengthened his resolve. He knew that the most demanding challenges were yet to come.
☪︎ ･ﾟ ･ﾟ·:｡･ﾟﾟ･⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆･ﾟ ･ﾟ·:｡･ﾟﾟ･❂
Finally, after months of travel, they crested a hill and saw the port city sprawled out before them. Temptshire was a bustling hub of activity, with ships of all sizes docked in the harbour and people moving about the crowded streets. The city was a far cry from the quiet, sheltered life Silas had known, and the sight filled him with a mix of awe and apprehension.
As they rode into the city, Silas noticed the sharp contrast between wealth and poverty, with opulent mansions standing side by side with run-down shacks. The streets were crowded with merchants hawking their wares, sailors shouting to one another, and rogues lurking in the shadows, eyes gleaming with opportunistic intent.
Uncle Chen guided them through the throngs with practised ease, leading them to a small inn near the docks where they could rest before continuing their business in the city. As they dismounted and handed their horses to the stable boy, Silas took a deep breath, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of Temptshire.
“This is it,” Uncle Chen said, clapping a hand on Silas’s shoulder. “Welcome to Temptshire—the city of ruin. Be careful, young master. This place is full of opportunities, but it’s also full of dangers.”
Silas nodded, his hand tightening around the hilt of Ebonheart. The journey was long but only the beginning of the adventure ahead. In Temptshire, he would face challenges unlike any he had ever known, but he was ready to meet them head-on.