Aviana gazed at the wall of the cottage with a sense of wonder as Kaelan released the protective wards. She usually observed him during this ritual, yearning to uncover the ranger's secrets despite his reassurances that her lack of magical aptitude rendered her unable to perform them. However, today, her attention was drawn to the spot where Ravus had effortlessly strolled through the wall. Aviana contemplated the possibility that Ravus wielded a different kind of magic from Kaelan's ranger abilities, which enabled him to achieve the impossible feat. There was no trigger, no lever, nothing to indicate how he had passed through the solid structure. Despite pressing herself against the bricks for hours, they remained unyielding. Aviana was forced to acknowledge that Ravus had accomplished something extraordinary, much like the surreal vision that had led her to him in the first place.

"Kae?" Aviana murmured, uncertain whether she had vocalized her thoughts until Kaelan turned to face her.

"What's on your mind, Ava?" They had only been journeying together for a brief year, but Kaelan's empathy seemed to extend beyond her emotions.

Aviana shook her head, trying to clear the fog of her thoughts. She couldn't afford to let her guard down, not when danger was always lurking in the shadows. She kept her eyes peeled for any signs of trouble, scanning the trees for any movement. The scent of damp earth and pine needles filled her nostrils as they walked, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The sooner they got out of the woods, the safer she would feel.

She finally spoke up, her voice low and hesitant. "It was just a dream." She said because telling Kaelan that a flesh and blood man had not only got past his wards but also walked through the walls would be too much for Aviana to admit out loud. "There was a man." The words hung heavy in the air between them as if she had spoken a forbidden truth.

Kaelan stopped in his tracks, turning to face her. His expression was serious, his eyes probing. "Who was it?" he asked, his voice low and controlled.

Aviana hesitated, unsure of how to explain what had happened. "I don't know," she finally admitted. "His name is Ravus." She tried to push Ravus from her mind, but the memory of his touch lingered like a phantom on her skin. "Dreams don't always need to make sense right?"

Kaelan looked thoughtful for a moment before speaking. "Absolutely not," he stated with a sly smirk. "In fact, I believe the more bizarre the dream, the more astute the dreamer." With a quick glance back at Aviana, he inquired, "What was your dream?"

"I dreamt of a man, Ravus, who could pass through walls," Aviana replied with a grin, pleased to have sparked Kaelan's amusement. "Not the most far-fetched dream, I know."

Kaelan chuckled in response. "Of all the walks we've shared, this may be the most unusual dream you've shared with me," he confessed. After leaping across a small creek, he stopped momentarily, extending a hand to help Aviana across the stepping stones. "What did the man do in your dream?"

Aviana hesitated, unconsciously biting her lip in nervousness. "He emerged from a candle flame and then vanished through a wall," she finally confessed, feeling her cheeks grow warm. If he noticed, then Kaelan was a gentleman and made no comment on her embarrassment. "What would your grandmother make of that?"

"Ah, that's an easy one," Kaelan replied confidently, a hint of amusement in his voice. "It means you'll find a solution to a problem you've been struggling with." He chuckled at his own certainty. "My grandmother was always one for finding positives in dream interpretations."

"What did you dream?" For such an innocent question, Aviana felt a sudden withdrawal from Kaelan. He seemed to be ignoring her as she continued to follow his back and the path she would never be able to find. She was about to apologise even though she didn't understand why when he answered her.

"I was chasing a beautiful palomino horse." He said, but he went on to describe the details of his dream. "The animal galloped with grace, its hooves beating a rhythmic sound against the earth. And I remember feeling my heart race with anticipation as I gained ground on the horse. I could almost feel the wind on my face as I raced with the mare. With a burst of energy, I leapt from a boulder, my fingers just barely brushing the silky mane before it slipped away. Determined to catch the elusive creature, I persisted through the dense woods, the thrill of the hunt pulsing through my veins." He paused. "I knew there was a reason why I needed to catch this animal, and I was too focused. I also knew I was dreaming, you know those kinds of dreams?" he asked. Aviana made an affirmative noise, but the truth was she would never know what a dream felt like.

A secret she would keep to herself.

"Finally," Kaelan took up his narrative again. "after what felt like hours, I managed to finally get a rope around the horse's neck, pulling it closer to me. But as I looked into its eyes, a deep sense of foreboding washed over me. I was breathing hard, tired from the chase and I knew the horse was tired as well. Suddenly, the moon shifted, turning red as it cast an eerie glow over the forest. The horse's body began to tremble, and I watched in horror as it disintegrated into a cloud of ash. The stench of burnt flesh filled the air, and I was left standing alone, staring at the pile of ash in disbelief, and still holding the rope. A wind brushed past me and scattered the ashes. There was no proof that the hose had ever existed."

"And what would your grandmother say about your dream?" she asked quietly. Even the trees seemed to be holding their breath after hearing the heartbreaking note in Kaelan's voice at the end of his retelling.

"I'm chasing something that shouldn't be caught." He paused as he emerged from the treeline and glanced down the road. "Some things are supposed to be free."

Aviana couldn't help but feel a sense of unease settling in the pit of her stomach as they continued their walk. She knew the usual unease that came over her when in the forest, but this was a different kind of warning, something primal. The forest seemed to grow darker and more foreboding with each step they took. The leaves rustled in the wind, creating an eerie soundtrack to their conversation. She couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off.

Kaelan noticed the change in her mood and slowed his pace, his senses on high alert. The forest was his home, but it was also a place of danger. He glanced around, scanning the trees for any signs of danger. The hair on the back of his neck stood up, a sure sign that something was amiss.

Aviana followed his gaze, her eyes darting back and forth between the trees. She felt as if they were being watched, and the feeling only grew stronger with each passing moment. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. "What is it?" she hissed.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Suddenly, Kaelan grabbed her arm, pulling her to a stop. "Do you hear that?" he whispered, his eyes narrowed in concentration. Aviana strained to listen, but all she could hear was her heart pounding in her ears.

Then, she heard it. A low growl coming from somewhere deep in the forest. Kaelan drew his sword, his eyes locked on the source of the sound. Aviana's hand went to her own weapon, her fingers tightening around the hilt. Her dancing training meant she was good at reacting. She might not have Kaelan's power behind his blow, but she wasn't useless in a fight.

The growling grew louder, more urgent. Aviana felt a cold sweat break out on her forehead. Whatever was out there, it was coming for them. Kaelan stepped in front of her, his sword at the ready. "Stay behind me," he commanded, his voice low and firm. Aviana nodded, her eyes fixed on the trees. The growling turned into a snarl, and then there was a sudden rush of movement.

Aviana had only a split second to react. She drew her short sword and braced herself for the attack. The creature burst out of the trees, a massive wolf with eyes that glowed like fire. Kaelan moved with lightning speed, his sword flashing in the dim light. Kaelan was quick to dodge and swing his sword, his movements swift and fluid, leaving a gap for Aviana to follow through with her strike.

As they were in sync during a performance, Aviana and Kaelan moved together like a well-trained pair, and quickly overwhelmed the beast who had clearly seen them as an easy meal. Aviana fought beside him, her own sword clashing against the wolf's teeth.

Finally, with a powerful thrust of his sword, Kaelan struck the wolf a fatal blow, and the beast fell to the ground with a final, pained yelp. Aviana sighed in relief as she felt the energy within her dissipate. The two companions stood together, exhausted and battered but victorious in their battle against the vicious wolf. The wolf lay dead at their feet, its eyes already beginning to glaze over. Kaelan wiped his sword on the grass, his breathing heavy. Aviana felt a sense of relief wash over her as she followed his lead and cleaned off her own sword as best as she could.

"I told you the woods are dangerous." She insisted with a shaky breath and smiled when Kaelan laughed at her.

He sighed, pulling his long hair back off his face. A sheen of sweat was on his forehead. Aviana thanked him when he pressed the water skin into her hands after he took a drink, securing the cork in its place and handing it back to Kaelan. "We are close to the road, Ava." He looked down at the bleeding beast and collected a smaller blade from his belt. "But it would be a waste to leave it..."

Aviana made a face. "I hate this part." She groaned.

"You don't need to, " he told her, but she shook her head firmly, pushing his concerns aside.

"It's only fair I do my part." Aviana took a deep breath and went to her small bag and her few tools. "People like wolf teeth." She said as if it would justify what she was about to do. Kaelan nodded. "Let me get this skinned first."

By the time they were done, the carcass was left where it had fallen. They had collected all they could, which would be helpful for their travels or could be sold. The teeth and smaller bones would need to be polished and cleaned, but the wolf pelt could be sold as is. They walked out of the forest without saying anything more, and Aviana was relieved to see the road twisting through the landscape.

Aviana and Kaelan walked along the dirt road that snaked along the forest. The path was narrow, flanked on either side by towering trees whose branches arched overhead to form a leafy canopy. The ground beneath their feet was uneven, with rocks and roots jutting out at odd angles. It was getting later in the day, and insects could be heard doing their busy work. Aviana whistled low in appreciation. Aviana couldn't help but admire Kaelan's knowledge of the land as they traversed through the winding paths of the forest. "That was a pretty good shortcut, Ranger Man," she complimented him, realising their progress.

Kaelan let out a weary sigh, "It was, but we still might not make it to Calandria before the princess's big bash."

Aviana understood the gravity of the situation. The kingdom was bustling with visitors for Princess Livia's birthday celebration, and performers like them would be in high demand. The stalls surrounding the palace were always full, but with visiting royalty, they would have the chance to earn a fortune. "Even if we just get there in time, Kae, we will make more than we have all year," she reassured him.

As they walked, Aviana couldn't help but daydream about the luxuries they could afford if their performance were successful. A warm bath, a comfortable bed, and a new dress would be a welcome change from their usual routine. "If the rumors of the other travelers are true, then we might even make some real money and spend a night in an inn and visit a proper bathhouse," Aviana mused, batting her eyelashes at Kaelan in jest. "And costumes," she added with a dreamy sigh, "I would love a new dress."

As if on cue, a carriage appeared in the distance, interrupting their idle chatter with the sound of horses hooves.

As they walked, Aviana turned towards the sound, squinted her eyes to get a better look and saw that it was a cart and carriage slowly approaching them. The sound of hooves on the road echoed through the trees, and the jingle of bells could be heard as the horses pulled the cart along.

The cart was a sturdy wooden structure with high sides that were stacked with barrels and crates. The carriage was more ornate, with a curved roof and large windows on either side. It was decorated with intricate carvings and was once covered in bright colours. The colour was peeling and faded, but the wood underneath was still beautiful.

As the cart and carriage drew closer, Aviana and Kaelan stepped to the side of the road to make way. Kaelan instinctively moved Aviana to his back, ready to protect her from any possible danger. They watched the carriage approach cautiously, unsure of who might be inside or their intentions.

As they passed, the horses snorted and stamped their hooves, their breaths puffing in the cool air. The driver, a gruff-looking man with a bushy beard, nodded to them as he came to a stop.

"Morning Sir." Kaelan said.

"Closer to noon." The traveller looked Kaelan over. "You have been travelling for a long time." The man observed. Kaelan gave a nod and an affirmative sound, his hand at his side, ready to draw his sword if necessary. The stranger peered into the shadows behind Kaelan, trying to catch a glimpse of Aviana. She could feel the tension in Kaelan's body as he shielded her from view. "Where are you headed?" the stranger asked.

Kaelan remained silent until Aviana poked him twice in the back, their secret signal that the man posed no threat, at least for now. Aviana didn't know where this instinct came from, but just as Kaelan had a ranger's knowledge of the world, she had a hidden power within her.

With that reassurance, Kaelan relaxed and stepped aside, allowing Aviana to emerge from his shadow. She flashed a shy smile and a small wave at the man. "My brother and I are making our way to Calandria," she said, smoothly delivering the lie that Kaelan had used countless times before on their travels together.

"It is your lucky day then. I'm headed there as well. There isn't much space in the carriage but there is in my cart if you would like to ride with us." He gestured, and behind him, Aviana spied the cart. The cart was weathered and sturdy, with wooden slats forming a rectangular frame. It was pulled by a sturdy-looking donkey with a patient expression and a tuft of hair on the end of its tail. The cart's sides were high, providing some shade and shelter from the wind. Aviana and Kaelan noticed that it was filled with various boxes, crates, and sacks, all tied down securely with ropes.

A younger version of the old man sat there. Probably his son, Aviana thought, as the young man tapped his hat in greeting.

"Thank you, sir." Aviana smiled. Kaelan nodded his thanks and went to join Aviana. "A shortcut and a free ride," Aviana grinned at Kaelan.

Despite the clutter in the cart, there was enough space for the two of them to sit comfortably. Clearly, this man was travelling to the palace to sell his wares. They climbed aboard, settling on a couple of sacks filled with straw. The donkey plodded steadily forward, its hooves clopping on the dirt path. Kaelan pulled his lute out, testing the strings, and Aviana leaned against him, feeling the gentle swaying of the cart as it continued along the road.