"Let's give the horses a break," Ralina called out, her voice carrying over the group as they eased their pace into a leisurely walk.

"Thank goodness. My legs feel like they've gone numb from this saddle," Karn remarked, with relief in his voice as the two horses sidled closer together.

"I can't recall a time when I've felt this sore," Hope chimed in, her expression more bewildered than pained.

The horses seemed to share their riders' relief as they meandered side by side down a winding path, cutting through a thicket of dry bushes. The path led them toward a range of lush green hills that loomed ahead.

Karn could feel the warmth of Hope's breath on the back of his neck, carrying with it a subtle citrus scent that lingered in the air. Alec sat perched on the back of Ralina's horse, observing the pair with an amused smile. Their eyes met, and Karn could tell that Alec understood something they didn't.

"We'll have to pass through Husno," Hope stated, a hint of tension in her voice.

Ralina let out a sigh. "Unfortunately, I think you're right."

"What's wrong with Husno?" Alec inquired. "The last time I visited, it was a beautiful, thriving town."

Ralina and Hope exchanged a knowing glance, their expressions tinged with a mixture of sadness and sombre memories.

The Felren woman sighed and searched for the right words. "The town you remember fell long ago. More than a century has passed since its destruction. It's a tragic tale."

Alec visibly tensed up; his curiosity piqued.

Hope cleared her throat, her voice laden with emotion. "Husno posed a threat to the King, and as a result, it was demolished."

The group turned their attention to the young blonde. Her innocence contrasted with the weight of her words as she clung to Karn, seeking comfort.

"It was a town where kind-hearted people lived, worked, and thrived together. They adorned the main road with seasonal flowers, and laughter always filled the air. A mighty fortress protected the town, and at its centre stood a magnificent statue."

"The White Dragon?" Alec spoke.

Hope nodded. "The White Dragon symbolised unity and a time of peace in ancient times, when alliances were forged through blood ties."

"A time of peace? That was long ago?" Alec spat out dust from his frustration. "What kind of King would abandon his own people?"

Hope's expression dropped, her voice filled with sorrow. "King Lorthac gave the order."

"How is that possible?" Karn questioned. "How old is he? Like a hundred and twenty?"

“At least a few hundred,” Ralina said, her gaze lingering on Hope. "I’m not sure how the strange humans can live for so long. But if anyone should know, it is her."

Karn tightened his grip on the reins, awaiting the answer from the innocent-looking girl at his back.

"I don't fully understand what's happening to me," Hope confessed, her voice desperate as her eyes welled up with tears. "When I was younger, my parents vanished, and then I was taken. They made me drink something and injected me with tiny needles. After that, all I remember is a long period of darkness. That is until Akana found me."

A heavy silence hung in the air as the group absorbed by the weight of Hope's story.

"My hair turned white, and I never saw my family again. It was strange, though. I never shed a tear or screamed. I felt numb."

She fell silent, battling against the lump in her throat.

Ralina regarded her with curiosity and took it upon herself to explain further. "Most of her people have had their emotions stolen from them."

Karn squeezed the delicate hand that clung to his waist, offering silent support.

"Husno," Hope continued, her voice carrying a mixture of sorrow and nostalgia, "was once my home."

Realisation washed over Karn, leaving him momentarily speechless. "You mean... you are?"

Alec couldn't contain his astonishment. "You can't be."

Hope nodded solemnly. "I will be turning 127 this year."

A heavy silence fell upon the group. Karn was too stunned to form words. His gaze fixed on the road ahead as Hope clung to his back, trembling. Curiosity, however, gnawed at his thoughts, urging him to seek answers.

Karn spoke softly, his voice filled with concern. "So, the emotions? Are you okay?"

Sniffling, Hope pressed her face against Karn's back, muffling her response. "I don't know."

Immediately, Karn regretted asking such a sensitive question. As the horse stepped over a large stone, his injured wrist brushed against his pack, sending a jolt of pain through his arm. The book's spine had jabbed into him, hard. Dark thoughts clouded his mind as a sudden realisation struck him.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Hope had laughed when she picked up the book.

Alec, observing Karn's discomfort, fixed his gaze on him from Ralina's horse. He had also noticed Hope's emotional outburst. A smile spread across Karn's face, acknowledging Alec's keen perception.

He can read me like an open book, Karn thought to himself, a touch of irony colouring his chuckle.

"We'll have to tend to that wrist of yours." Alec spoke plainly.

"I'm fine," Karn lied, dismissing his concern.

Interrupting their exchange, Hope spoke up. "I might have something that can help, but we'll need to stop."

Karn patted her arm gratefully. "Soon, once we find a suitable place to rest for the night."

As they drew nearer to the hills, a massive stone wall came into view, its imposing presence impossible to ignore. The remnants of a guard tower lay in ruins, and fallen debris cluttered the stone passageway.

Hope sighed.

Karn held the reins steady as he guided the horses through the stonework. The hills, once appearing gentle, now towered above them. Trees jutted out at sharp angles, leaving the hills with only one path—a perilous, steep ascent.

"Is this the only way through?" Karn inquired, his gaze fixed on the daunting hills.

Hope shook her head. "There's another route through the hills, but it would take a full day's ride to reach it, heading east."

Karn let out a whistle, realizing the magnitude of the structure before them. It forced travellers through a narrow gate. As they passed the gate and entered the stone ruins, the echoes of hooves filled the air. The circular design of the internal structure was concealed by overgrown vegetation, yet at its centre stood the tall white statue, just as described. Its wings extended as if caught in mid-flight, while its sturdy posture anchored it firmly to the ground.

Captivated by its presence, Karn stared at the statue, examining every intricate detail. The dragon seemed almost lifelike. Alec, too, seemed lost in nostalgia, his gaze fixed on the stone creature, a serene smile gracing his stoney features.

However, Ralina paid little attention to the statue. She appeared distracted; her gaze fixed on something beyond their immediate surroundings. Feeling Hope's grip around his waist tighten, Karn turned to study her face, only to find it buried within the folds of his clothes on his back.

“Stop!” Ralina commanded.

Sudden echoes flooded the ruins as Karns' chest clenched. They weren’t alone.

“Close the gap!” A gruff voice shouted.

Ahead of them, a large boulder rolled into place, blocking their path north. Turning his head back around Karn saw a flash of weapons as their rear view was filled with encroaching enemies.

“Shit!” Karn said through clenched teeth.

“Get ‘em!” Another voice shouted.

Determination boiled to the surface as Karn ripped his short sword free in his left hand. He was really getting sick of these slavers.

“Is there a way out?” Alec asked.

Shaking her head, Ralina tore from her saddle and held her own blade ready with the little stone warrior bouncing not far behind.

“Will you be alright?” Karn asked.

Through tears, Hope spoke defiantly. “I can fight.” She pivoted from the mount and picked up a thick branch from the ground. Ripping the branches off swiftly and cracking the wood to size, she instantly had a hefty staff ready.

Admiring her swift handy-work, Karn stood beside her. A Felren’s bestial roar welcomed the slavers into the fight.

“Surround ‘em!”

Karn stepped forward, his uninjured hand on the hilt of his sword. Drawing upon all the lessons Uncle Theo had taught him, he prepared himself for the imminent attack.

As the closest slaver charged at him, swinging a thick club, Karn swiftly brought up his sword to parry the powerful strike. The force behind the slaver's hefty weapon threatened to overwhelm him, but Karn deflected it just in time. Luckily, the slaver's club was so heavy that when it missed, it pulled him off balance.

Seizing the opportunity, Karn swiftly adjusted his grip on the hilt and pressed forward, using the momentum of his parry to deliver a blow to the slaver's nose.

Screaming in pain and clutching his face, the wounded slaver rolled to the side, giving way to the next assailant. In a swift motion, Karn leaned back as a wooden object landed across the second slaver's face.

Crunch.

Within moments, two men lay sprawled at his feet, as Karn turned around to see Hope clutching her makeshift club. Karn realised quickly that she was more than capable of holding her own. A roar drew his attention as Ralina sank her teeth into the arm of a larger man, causing him to drop his sword and cry out in agony.

"Hurry up and kill them!" a voice bellowed from the rear.

The slavers before him were strong but poorly trained. A surge of adrenaline coursed through Karn's veins as he unleashed all his pent-up frustration. The Armageddon, the book, his pain, his friends—everything fuelled his determination.

Karn swiftly swept the legs out from under one man, knocking the wind out of yet another attacker, while his small rock ally tripped another assailant to the ground.

He couldn't help but cheer in triumph. The crumpled forms of the defeated slavers began to stir.

"Bows at the ready," a command echoed.

Karn's heart sank. A mass of archers emerged, positioned strategically between the gaps in the enemy ranks, aiming their deadly arrows directly at the girls.

"Watch out!" Karn shouted.

Instantly, Ralina transformed and sprinted toward them, finding refuge under the shadow of the dragon statue. Karn pulled Hope behind the only cover nearby which was their horse, shielding them both just as a volley of arrows collided with the unfortunate beast.

With the archers preparing to launch their next barrage of arrows, Karn, Hope, and Ralina sprinted with all their might towards the opposite end of the clearing, where a line of stone pillars awaited them. Karn guided Hope behind the protective shelter of the statue, pressing her gently against it to shield her from harm.

As they moved, a sharp arrow grazed Karn's shoulder, causing him to grit his teeth in pain. Determined to protect Hope and himself, he pushed through the discomfort, his focus unwavering. The adrenaline coursing through his veins heightened his senses, sharpening his awareness of the imminent danger they faced.

"Stay behind me," he called out, determined not to be impaled.

"Surround them now!" the enemy leader commanded.

They were outnumbered and running out of options.

"What do we do?" Hope asked, panic lacing her voice.

"I'm not going down without a fight," Ralina declared through clenched teeth.

Admiration welled up in Karn as he watched the beautiful yet fierce Felren. She swayed in a battle stance, her sword dancing in her grip. Glancing down, Karn noticed his own blade but paused when his eyes fell upon his pack.

"Karn," Alec watched him intently. "Do it."

Stabbing his sword into the ground, Karn swiftly retrieved his pack and tore out the book. Thinking intensely and placing his hand on the book's cover, he attempted to tap into its magic.

Nothing happened.

"Damn it!" Karn exclaimed in frustration.

"Calm yourself, Karn," Alec advised.

"We don't have time for this!" Karn slammed the book against the base of the statue, driven by frustration.

A surge of power knocked him off his feet.

Pain seared Karn's arms as he struggled against the overwhelming surge of magic. A beam of light shot skyward, striking the towering statue at its core. Stone cracked, and the eyes of the statue flickered with light.

Suddenly, a shockwave rippled through the ground as a massive stone claw tore itself free from the floor and took a step forward.

Hope screamed, the slavers faltered, and Karn's jaw dropped in disbelief.

The White Dragon statue had come to life.