Sid was just about to step and exit the building when Talia's voice stopped him in his tracks. “Wait, Sid!”
He turned to see her jogging up, a look of excitement brightening her features. “What is it?” he asked, his curiosity piqued.
“There are some vacant jobs that might work for you,” she explained, her tone a mix of enthusiasm and urgency. “You can be a temporary porter for us. We’re heading to the Dragonmine soon, and we could use the extra hands.”
Sid considered it for a moment, but before he could respond, Darron stepped forward, arms crossed and face set in a stern frown. “No way,” he declared. “You’re far too inexperienced for that, and the job can be dangerous. We can’t afford to have a novice like you tagging along.”
Sid felt a mix of irritation and disappointment at Darron’s dismissive tone. He was determined to prove himself, but before he could voice his thoughts, a new voice chimed in.
“Come on, Darron. Give the kid a chance.” Kael Draven strolled into view, his confidence radiating off him like sunlight. He had a relaxed demeanor, with a lazy smile that seemed to make everything around him less serious.
“He’ll be fine,” Kael continued, shooting Sid an encouraging grin. “I’ll keep an eye on him. If anything goes sideways, he’s got me to back him up.”
Darron hesitated, glancing between Kael and Sid. “Are you sure about this, Kael? You’re willing to look after him?”
“Absolutely,” Kael replied, his tone breezy. “Let’s be honest, how much trouble can one kid cause while carrying some supplies? Besides, it’ll be good for him. He needs to learn the ropes.”
Talia nodded enthusiastically, adding, “Exactly! It’ll be a great experience for Sid, and we’ll make sure he’s safe. Right, Darron?”
Darron sighed, the weight of his responsibility evident on his face. “Fine. But if he gets into trouble, I’m holding you both accountable.”
“Deal!” Kael said, clapping Sid on the shoulder with a playful grin. “Welcome aboard, Sid! Now, let’s pack up.”
As the trio began gathering their gear, Sid felt a mixture of anxiety and excitement bubbling within him. This could be the opportunity he needed to prove himself and earn some coin. Maybe, just maybe, it would set him on the right path.
---
After they had finished packing, Sid excused himself to head home and grab his things. The air was brisk, and the familiar streets felt oddly comforting as he walked. But suddenly, an intense pressure began to build in his head. He stopped, clutching his temples as a sharp pain shot through him.
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“Not now,” he muttered under his breath, trying to shake it off.
In that moment, a voice echoed in his ears, clear and commanding, cutting through the chaos of his thoughts. “You are chosen.”
The words reverberated within him, sending a chill down his spine. He glanced around, half-expecting someone to jump out from behind a corner. Was he imagining things? He took a deep breath, attempting to steady himself as he pressed forward, each step feeling heavier than the last.
“What does that even mean?” he whispered, almost to himself.
The voice was gone as quickly as it had come, leaving Sid disoriented and unsure of what to think. He picked up his pace, needing to get home, grab his gear, and shake off this strange episode. But as he walked, the words lingered in his mind, a haunting reminder that something greater was unfolding around him.
He pushed through the door of his modest home, quickly gathering what little he owned—a few clothes, his old training gear, and a small dagger he kept hidden under the floorboards. As he packed, the sense of unease loomed over him, that nagging feeling that this journey might lead him into far more danger than he had anticipated.
As Sid stepped outside his modest home, he was met with a sight that stunned him into silence. A small battalion of warriors marched through the streets, their disciplined formations and resolute expressions emanating a fierce aura that sent a thrill through his veins. They weren’t just soldiers; they were a force to be reckoned with.
Three banners fluttered proudly in the crisp morning air. The foremost banner, a bold depiction of a dragon, read “Drakovia,” its colors vivid against the sky. Beside it, the crimson standard of the “Crimson Talon” flapped with pride, while the third banner, emblazoned with the symbol of the “Bloodclaws,” boasted the history of fierce warriors who had fought and bled for their cause.
Amidst this display of strength, Sid spotted familiar faces—Talia, Kael, and Darron—marching alongside their comrades, their expressions a mix of determination and camaraderie. He felt a sense of awe as he watched them, realizing that he was witnessing something greater than himself.
As Darron caught sight of Sid, he grinned and tossed the heavy baggage he was supposed to carry high into the air. “Hey, Sid! Thought you’d bail on us!” he called out, laughter bubbling in his voice. The bag landed with a heavy thud beside him, and Sid couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Do I look like the type to run away?” Sid replied, shaking his head with a smile.
“Wouldn't be the first time someone thought about it,” Kael chimed in, his voice playful. “Especially with Darron as your team leader.”
“Shut it, Kael,” Darron shot back, a smirk on his face. “At least I’m not the one who needs someone to hold his hand while lifting a sack of potatoes.”
As they continued to march, Talia elbowed Darron teasingly. “Admit it, you’d be lost without us to keep you in line.”
“I prefer the term ‘leading from the front,’ thank you very much,” Darron replied, puffing out his chest in mock pride.
Kael leaned closer to Talia, lowering his voice theatrically. “I think Darron’s only leading because he wants to keep all the glory for himself.”
“Ha! And you’re just a hungry bloodhound looking for scraps,” Darron retorted, rolling his eyes.
Sid walked alongside them, an amused observer to this friendly banter. Their laughter rang in his ears, warming him amidst the chill of the morning. Watching Talia, Kael, and Darron together felt like witnessing a family bond forged through shared experiences, hardships, and joy. It stirred something within him, a longing for that same connection. Here were friends who could laugh at one another, challenge each other, and stand united against the world.
As they trekked onward, the warriors moved in perfect synchrony, their footsteps creating a rhythm that echoed in Sid’s chest. The camaraderie among them was palpable, a tight-knit unit ready to face whatever lay ahead. He admired their resolve, a stark contrast to his own uncertainty. Could he truly find a place among them?
Suddenly, a deep rumble broke the light-hearted atmosphere. Sid’s gaze shifted to the horizon, where dark clouds began to gather. The forces of the Vorgath Dominion were also nearing the Dragonmine, their presence looming ominously as the tension thickened in the air.
“Looks like we might have company soon,” Talia remarked, her tone shifting to a serious note as she squinted towards the horizon.
Kael followed her gaze, his smile fading. “The Dominion won’t make this easy for us.”
Darron clenched his fists, his earlier joviality replaced by focus. “We’ll show them what we’re made of. This is Drakovia. We don’t back down.”
Sid felt the gravity of those words settle over him. There was no turning back now; he had chosen this path. And despite the uncertainty swirling in his mind, he was ready to take his first steps into the unknown, side by side with his new comrades.
As they approached the Dragonmine, the reality of the impending conflict loomed larger, and Sid steeled himself for the challenges ahead. With every step, he felt the bond with his newfound friends strengthen, even as the shadow of danger approached.