I entered the tavern, filled with the clamor of voices and the presence of warrior-like figures. The air was thick with the scent of ale and mead, and the lively tavern music tugged at my heart, making me feel oddly at home. I approached the counter and asked for a drink. The lady behind it slid a mug of ale toward me. The moment I took a sip, I was pleasantly surprised by its sweetness the rich flavor warming my senses.

She studied me intently, her gaze lingering for a moment.

You're not from around here, are you? Where are you from?

I hesitated, unsure of how to respond.

I'm from far away. You wouldn't know my realm.

She raised an eyebrow, suspicion flickering in her eyes.

Light skin, blue eyes… you look like a Velkynne to me." At that moment, I felt as if she would say my name.

I suppose not. I've never heard of them. Who are they? Velkynne meant nothing to me. Still, something felt wrong.

She glanced around the tavern before lowering her voice. She paused for a beat, then leaned closer.

They are forbidden here. If a noble sees you, you must be careful. They will harm you, she warned.

A sense of unease settled over me. My grip on the mug tightened, and the chatter around me seemed to fade into the background. This place was not safe. I took my final sip of the drink, but it didn’t taste as sweet as before.

Wait, why are they forbidden, and who are they?

She eyed me with increasing wariness. You ask too many questions. This place is not safe for talking about them, so please leave it alone. It’s for your safety.

Her voice was firm now, and I could sense the urgency in her words.

I will be careful, and thank you for the warning, I replied, my tone matching the seriousness of the situation.

I left the tavern in a hurry, my mind racing, when I accidentally bumped into a man. He spun around, scowling, and hissed, Hey, kid, watch where you're going!

Sorry, sir, I stammered, offering a quick apology.

He studied me, his gaze narrowing as he took me in. You don't look like you're from here.

Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

I tried to move past him, but his voice rang out, louder this time, Hey, stop! You look like one of those Mountain Heretics. Don't you understand? You're forbidden here!

My heart thudded in my chest, blood rushing to my ears. No, sir, you’re mistaken. I’m not one of them.

He sneered, his lip curling in contempt. I know one when I see one. Seize this Velkynne!

Fear flashed through me like a lightning bolt, but then a rush of confidence surged. I remembered the power I’d been granted. Before I could think, my fist shot out, slamming into his face. His head snapped back from the force, a grunt escaping his lips. I felt a strange satisfaction—a thrill—like I had been waiting for this moment, even though I had never struck anyone before.

Two more men lunged at me, hands grabbing for my arms. My instincts flared, though they weren’t my own. I moved, almost without thought. The first man swung a wild punch at my face. I ducked, sidestepping with a fluidity that felt unnatural, my feet barely touching the ground. I spun, instinctively delivering a sharp strike to his solar plexus. He gasped, staggering back.

The second man lunged at me from the side, but I saw him coming. My body seemed to move on its own. I slipped under his reach, then hit him with a quick jab to his throat. He choked, dropping to his knees, struggling for air.

The first man regained his footing and came at me again, but I anticipated his move. I feigned a stumble, luring him in. As he reached for me, I ducked low, and with a twist, I threw him to the ground with a force that surprised even me. His body slammed into the dirt, and he didn’t move.

The third man hesitated, but I was already on him. My body hummed with energy, my heart racing. I leaned in, narrowly avoiding his punch, and landed a crushing blow to his nose, feeling it crack beneath my knuckles. Blood splattered, and he staggered back, dazed.

I stood, breathing heavily, my chest rising and falling with each breath, but I was in control. I hadn’t learned any of this—it was as if the power had simply flowed through me. The three men were down, and I was standing tall. The fear I had felt earlier had dissolved into something else—a strength I didn’t fully understand, but that felt right in this moment.

You will regret this, Velkynne. We will come for you, they muttered before fleeing.

As their words echoed in my mind, a realization slowly dawned upon me: I had tapped into something within myself—my powers. They felt natural, as though they had always been a part of me. However, I knew this was only the beginning. I would need to practice more, to hone my abilities. The men I had just faced were nothing compared to what I would encounter. There would be more dangerous people in my path, and I had to be ready.

A figure clad in heavy armor, gripping a long sword, strode toward me. "Where did you learn to fight like that?

I hesitated. If I told him the truth—that my abilities were granted—he wouldn’t believe me. From my father, I said.

He must be a great warrior.

He is.

His gaze hardened. They’ll return in greater numbers. You need to come with me.

Why should I trust you?

Collen, he said. I’m not one of them. We believe in unity. We follow Aerandir Sunblade we fight for justice and equality."

Aerandir Sunblade. The name wasn’t just familiar it was part of me. His power, his legacy, flowed through my veins, granted by the Goddess of Light herself. If Collen truly served him, then he was an ally.

I believe in Aerandir Sunblade, I said. I trust you.

Collen nodded. Then hurry. They're coming.

Collen turned, motioning for me to follow, but I couldn’t help asking, Who exactly are we fighting?

He glanced back, his eyes cold and distant. The ones who will end us