Laktor trekked through the rugged terrain of The Verdant Frontier, his mind consumed by the persistent pull of the sheathed dagger at his side. With each passing day, the sensation grew stronger, like an invisible thread tugging him towards an unknown destination. He paused atop yet another rocky outcropping, wiping the sweat from his brow as he surveyed the vast expanse of wilderness before him.
The dagger's previous owner, a seasoned adventurer, had last been seen venturing through The Verdant Frontier several years ago. The Seekers of the Hidden Path had long assumed that the owner had progressed to even higher regions, perhaps uncovering ancient secrets and forgotten lore along the way. However, the insistent pull of the dagger now suggested a different story altogether.
Laktor's brow furrowed as he contemplated the implications. If the dagger had indeed found a new owner, it raised a perplexing question: how had it ended up in Edenvale, the gentle starting point for young adventurers? The thought seemed almost inconceivable, given the vast distances and challenges that separated the two regions.
As he continued his journey, Laktor's mind kept returning to the dagger at his side. Perhaps the previous owner had met an untimely end, leaving the dagger to be discovered by a new Pathwalker. Or maybe there was a deeper mystery at play.
Laktor decided to proceed with caution. The Seekers of the Hidden Path relied on him to unravel this enigma and gather any valuable insights that could aid their cause. With renewed determination, he adjusted his pack and set off once more, allowing the dagger's insistent pull to guide his steps through the untamed wilderness of The Verdant Frontier.
Evin watched with admiration as Allovilde's arrow found its mark, piercing the heart of the unsuspecting rabbit. Her archery skills had grown exponentially over the past week, a testament to her unwavering dedication and countless hours of practice. Allovilde's face lit up with a triumphant smile as she retrieved her prize, holding it aloft for Evin to see.
«Another clean kill,» Evin praised, his own grin mirroring hers. «Your aim is getting better every day.»
Allovilde beamed at the compliment, her eyes sparkling with pride. «It's all thanks to your tracking skills,» she said, gesturing to the subtle signs of the rabbit's passage that Evin had spotted earlier. «I would have approached it from a completely weird angle, scaring the rabbit off.»
Evin felt grateful for the strong partnership they had forged during their time in the forest. Together, they had pushed each other to new heights, honing their abilities to progress as efficient as possible in each of their respective Pathways.
Evin's own repertoire had expanded considerably, with the addition of his new Dagger skill. It had truly come naturally to him, a reflection to the countless hours he had spent practicing with the weapon that had once belonged to his uncle.
Evin couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as he and Allovilde tallied up their earnings from the past week. They had managed to hunt down a variety of creatures, from the swift-footed rabbits to the more challenging wild boars. Each successful hunt had brought them one step further, and now, with over three silver coins and forty copper coins in their possession, they felt a sense of accomplishment that went beyond mere monetary gain.
It hadn't been easy, of course. The forest was a vast and unpredictable place, filled with hidden dangers and elusive prey. But Evin and Allovilde had risen to the challenge, relying on their growing skills and their unwavering partnership to see them through.
Evin's tracking abilities had been the key to their success, allowing them to locate even the most well-hidden creatures. His keen eye for detail and his intuitive understanding of animal behavior had led them to countless successful hunts.
Allovilde's archery, too, had been a crucial factor in their victories. Her aim had grown steadier with each passing day, and her arrows now found their mark with unerring precision.
And then there was Borin, who had become an unexpected ally in their endeavors. Borin had been more than happy to purchase their kills, recognizing the quality of the meat and the skill that had gone into each hunt. His fair prices and his willingness to work with them had been more than welcome, and Evin knew that they owed much of their wealth thanks to his support.
«What do you think, Allovilde?» he asked.
«Should we head back to the village, or stay out here and push some more? Perhaps we’re getting close to a new boon?».
As the sun began to dip below the treeline, Evin and Allovilde set about preparing their evening meal. They had managed to catch a brace of rabbits earlier in the day, and now, with the fire crackling merrily before them, they set about the task of skinning and cooking their prey.
Evin took the lead, his deft fingers making quick work of the rabbits' fur and skin. As he worked, he and Allovilde discussed their options for the coming days, weighing the pros and cons of staying in the forest versus returning to the village.
«On one hand,» Evin mused, «heading back to the village would give us a chance to rest and restock our supplies. We could share our progress with Njord and get his advice on what to focus on next.»
Allovilde nodded, carefully threading the meat onto skewers to roast over the fire. «True, but we've been making such good progress out here. I feel like we're on the verge of something big, and I'd hate to lose momentum now.»
Evin couldn't help but agree. Njord's guidance had been invaluable throughout the week, helping them to hone their skills and understand the intricacies of their Pathways. But he also knew that true growth often came from pushing beyond one's comfort zone and embracing new challenges.
As the aroma of roasting meat filled the air, they continued to weigh their options, each lost in their own thoughts.
As the last of the rabbits sizzled over the fire, the warmth of the meal and the crackling flames created a comforting ambiance. Evin, feeling a surge of resolve, finally broke the silence that had settled between him and Allovilde. “You know,” he began, his voice steady, “I think we should make a final push tonight.”
Allovilde looked up from her skewers, “I’m ready. Lets do this.”
After finishing their meal, Evin and Allovilde gathered their gear and ventured back into the forest. The fading light of dusk painted the trees in shades of gold and shadow, creating a picturesque but eerie landscape. The cool evening air was crisp, and the forest was alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures awakening.
Evin led the way, his sharp eyes focused on the ground as he traced the faint tracks of a fox. The tracks, though subtle, were clear enough to follow. They led them deeper into the woods, winding their way through dense underbrush until they reached a small, serene pond surrounded by thick foliage.
The pond was framed by towering trees whose branches dipped low to brush the water’s surface. The reflection of the moonlight created a silver sheen on the water, and the occasional ripple disturbed the otherwise still surface. As Evin and Allovilde arrived, the fox’s tracks abruptly vanished at the edge of the pond.
Evin frowned, scanning the water for any signs of movement. “The tracks just stop here,” he said. “I guess we’ll have to try something else.” His frustration evident, as he had was certain he was on the verge of progressing with both his dagger and tracking skills.
Determined to make the most of their time, Evin decided on one final, bold attempt. He waded into the shallow waters of the pond, his dagger ready in hand. His eyes darted around, catching sight of a shadowy fish darting beneath the surface. With a deep breath, he plunged into the water, aiming to stab the fish.
As he plunged into the water, a sudden commotion at the far end of the pond caught his attention. Large splashes erupted, and Evin’s heart raced as he realized that the disturbance was coming directly toward him. Panic surged through him as he saw a dark, menacing shape moving swiftly through the water.
Evin scrambled to get out of the pond, his mind racing. The creature's approach was rapid, and the realization dawned on him that this was no ordinary fish but something much larger and potentially dangerous. His earlier decision now seemed rash, and he struggled to regain his footing, desperately trying to escape the encroaching threat.
“It’s a Reed Lurker!” he shouted to Allovilde, his voice filled with urgency. The beast’s large, bulbous eyes and sticky tongue were unmistakable.
Allovilde, her bow drawn and eyes wide with apprehension, quickly adjusted her aim. Evin, with a determined expression, readied his dagger and moved to engage the creature. The Reed Lurker let out a low, guttural croak before launching itself from the water with a powerful leap, its sticky tongue snapping out and narrowly missing Evin.
This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.
The battle was fierce as Evin ducked and dodged, his dagger flashing in the dim light as he slashed at the Lurker’s powerful legs. Despite his efforts, the creature’s strength was overwhelming. One of its massive limbs slammed into him, sending him crashing to the ground with a pained grunt. He struggled to rise, his vision swimming, but he fought back valiantly, aiming for the Lurker's underbelly and striking wherever he could.
Allovilde, seeing the dire situation, nocked several arrows and fired with precise aim. Her arrows missed at first as the beast’s erratic movements made targeting challenging. With Evin locked in a desperate struggle against the Lurker’s ferocious attacks, Allovilde’s focus sharpened. She reached for last arrow, gripping it tightly as a makeshift sword.
As Evin managed to stagger back to his feet, his movements growing slower and more labored, Allovilde saw her chance. With a determined shout, she dashed forward, thrusting the makeshift sword directly into the Lurker’s eye. The creature let out a horrendous roar, but Allovilde was not finished. She kicked the back of the arrow with all her might, pushing it all the way back towards the back of the creatures skull. Its body convulsed a final, frantic spasm before collapsing to the ground.
Evin, battered and bruised, lay on the ground. He had been thrown into the mud during the fierce combat, and now, with the Reed Lurker finally defeated, he tried to push himself up. Gasping for breath, he staggered away from the now motionless beast, his strength failing him.
Allovilde rushed to his side, her concern etched deeply on her face. She checked his injuries, her hands trembling slightly. Evin’s wounds were numerous, and though they had won the battle, it was clear that the victory had come at a significant cost.
Evin groaned as he slowly opened his eyes, the pain in his body immediately making itself known. He looked around groggily, taking in his surroundings. The campfire flickered dimly in the early morning light, casting eerie shadows across the clearing. Allovilde was on the other side of the firepit, her back to him as she focused intently on a small pile of herbs.
As he sat up gingerly, wincing at the sharp pains that shot through his body, Evin noticed the makeshift bandages that covered his wounds. He had lost track of how many times they had been attacked during their journey.
Quietly, he made his way over to Allovilde, trying not to disturb her concentration. She didn't seem to notice his approach at first, but as he drew closer, she glanced up at him with a mix of concern and exhaustion in her eyes.
«How are you feeling?» she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Evin hesitated for a moment before replying.
«I'm...okay,» he said cautiously, wincing as he shifted his weight onto his sore legs. «But I don't think I've ever been this beaten up before.»
Allovilde nodded sympathetically, her expression growing more serious as she studied him closely. «We need to be more careful,» she said quietly. «We’re venturing further into the woods, and the animals here are becoming more aggressive.»
Evin nodded in agreement, knowing all too well how true her words were.
They both lay back on the soft grass, their bodies aching from the recent battle. Evin focused his attention on his mark, his heart racing with anticipation. He knew that each fight brought new progress and opportunities, but he was starting to realize the price.
Evin looked towards Allovilde, determination in his eyes. «Thank you. For everything».
He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.
Evin stirred, groaning as he pushed himself upright. His muscles ached, a dull reminder of the previous day’s fight with the Reed Lurker. He winced at the pull of his bandaged wounds, but at least the herbs were doing their work. Nearby, Allovilde shifted, blinking against the dim morning light.
Unseen by either of them, a pair of keen eyes watched from the cover of the underbrush.
Laktor had arrived moments earlier, slipping through the trees like a shadow. He had expected little more than another quiet stretch of wilderness, but instead, he found something far more interesting—a boy, fresh to the Pathway, with a dagger strapped to his belt. A dagger that matched the descriptions he had been following for the past two years.
His fingers twitched. He could take it now. The boy and his companion looked newly activated, inexperienced. He wouldn’t even need force—just a bit of pressure. Or, easier still, a few gold coins. Those who lived in unregistered camps, as these two likely did, had little means to refuse a decent bribe. Flash a bit of wealth, and they’d likely hand it over without question.
And yet… something held him back.
He studied them a moment longer, something about them stirring an instinct he couldn’t quite name. Instead of acting, he settled in the shadows, choosing to wait.
Evin let out a deep breath, rubbing his eyes. “Ugh… I slept like a rock. Were you out all night too?”
Allovilde stretched, rolling her shoulders. “Not quite. I kept the fire going and kept watch for a while. I wanted to let you rest.” She frowned slightly. “I must’ve dozed off at some point, though.”
Evin nodded absently, his thoughts drifting. “No more visions tonight either” he admitted, half to himself and halfway out loud.
A snap of a twig.
Both of them froze.
Evin’s hand went to his dagger instinctively, and Allovilde’s eyes darted to the tree line. Someone was approaching.
The figure emerged from the trees, walking with a determined stride. Evin and Allovilde watched, dumbfounded, as the stranger entered their camp, his gaze fixed and unwavering. The newcomer was a middleaged man, at least twice their age, with sandy blonde hair and a lean, athletic build. His hazel eyes scanned the camp.
Evin and Allovilde remained silent, unsure of how to react. The stranger's presence was unexpected, and they couldn't fathom why or how he had ended up in their secluded campsite. Evin tightened his grip on the dagger, ready to use it if needed, while Allovilde reached for her bow, her fingers brushing the smooth wood.
The stranger stood in the center of the camp, his eyes sweeping over Evin and Allovilde with a mix of curiosity. Evin felt a sense of unease, unsure of the stranger's intentions, but he remained silent, waiting to see what the newcomer would do next.
Evin tensed as the stranger began to speak, his voice low and measured.
«I apologize for the intrusion,» the man said, his gaze sweeping the camp once more. «I've been traveling for several days.»
Evin watched the stranger closely, his grip firm on the hilt of his dagger. The man stood relaxed, but there was something calculating in his gaze—like he was measuring Evin, weighing his next words.
Then he nodded, as if coming to a decision. His hazel eyes met Evin’s.
“The answer to your unasked question,” he said smoothly, “is that I’ve been searching for an old, worn dagger. And I have a feeling you might be in possession of such an item.”
Evin felt Allovilde’s gaze flick to him, silent but alert. He pushed himself to his feet, ignoring the protest of his aching muscles. The stranger didn’t move, but his fingers trailed idly over the handle of his own blade.
“You see,” the man continued, drawing the dagger from his belt and tossing it lightly in the air before catching it again, “I already have one of the pair. Twin daggers—two halves of a set.”
Evin tightened his grip. “I do have a dagger,” he admitted, keeping his voice steady. “But it can’t be the one you’re looking for. My father gave it to me. He’s had it for years.”
The stranger’s expression didn’t shift. If anything, his gaze sharpened.
“A few years, yes,” he said. “And you received it, what… two weeks ago?”
Evin hesitated. “That might be correct…”
The stranger let out a slow breath, his voice taking on a measured patience. “As I said, these daggers are a set. And I’m fairly certain the one on your belt is the one I’ve spent years tracking. You see, throughout Rygr, artifacts like these have been discovered—unique, powerful, and entirely unexplained. No one knows where they came from, how they work, or why each one is different.”
His words carried a quiet intensity now, his earlier ease slipping into something more driven.
“These two daggers were originally found about twenty years ago,” he went on. “But one of them was lost when an… unfortunate accident befell one of our members. He met his end deep in the Aegis Forest.”
Evin’s heart kicked in his chest. He swallowed before blurting out, “You knew Baldur?”
The stranger’s brow lifted. “Ah,” he murmured. “That explains a few things.” He studied Evin more closely now, as if putting together a puzzle. “You’re not his son… but related, then? Let me guess—your parents were part of the group that ventured into the Aegis Forest?”
Evin stiffened.
The stranger, however, barely seemed to notice his reaction. He sighed and suddenly shook his head, rubbing his temple.
“Where are my manners?” He exhaled a short chuckle. “I got ahead of myself. Apologies, young ones. I’ve yet to introduce myself.” He placed a hand on his chest with a slight bow. “Laktor Thornwood. For the past twenty-five years, I’ve worked with an organization dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of artifacts like that dagger of yours.”
He sheathed his own blade, then gestured toward Evin’s.
“Your uncle was one of us,” he continued. “He wielded the twin to this very dagger. And for the last two years, I’ve been hunting for it. You see, we believe we’ve finally uncovered some of its secrets—but we need both to confirm our findings.”
Laktor smiled now, easy and confident.
“So,” Laktor said, flicking a gold coin between his fingers before making two appear, “how about you hand it over, and I compensate you for it? One gold piece each. Fair trade, wouldn’t you say?”
Evin didn’t move. He could feel Allovilde’s eyes darting to him, waiting for his response, but his grip on the dagger only tightened.
Laktor exhaled through his nose, his smile remaining, but a flicker of impatience creeping into his expression. “The daggers, separated, are worth little more than the iron they’re forged from. But together—” he held up his own blade between two fingers, “—they form the Twin Daggers of Seraphine. They are bound to each other, drawn together. Since you first used yours—since you started cutting down creatures in these woods—I’ve felt its pull.”
Evin tensed.
“I’d wager you haven’t felt a thing,” Laktor continued, tilting his head. “That’s because your dagger is drained—completely depleted of energy. Right now, it’s nothing more than a dull blade in your hands. Until it’s recharged, it won’t respond to you at all.”
He sheathed his own dagger in a smooth motion, though his eagerness to move things along was starting to show.
“So,” he said again, “how about it? Truth be told, I could just take it. But I’d rather not do that—especially not to two young souls, one of whom is kin to a former member of our order. That wouldn’t sit right with me.” He exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of his neck. “But I’ve spent two years searching for this thing. I’d like to be done with it. Let’s settle this trade, yes?”
Evin and Allovilde exchanged a stunned glance.
“This is insane,” Evin muttered. “You’re insane. I can’t just hand over my only weapon. What would my father say?”
Laktor let out a long sigh, then abruptly clapped his hands together. “Alright. You know what? Let’s take a step back. Sit down, make a fire, have breakfast.” He gestured around casually. “I’ve been traveling for days and could use the rest. And you—” he gave Evin a pointed look, “—look like you’ve been through hell yourself.”
He settled onto a nearby rock, stretching his legs out with a weary groan. “Let’s eat, talk it over. No rush. I’m sure we’ll find a solution that works for all of us.”
Allovilde leaned in close to Evin and whispered, “I don’t think we have much of a choice. Besides… he’s talking about lost artifacts, secret organizations—doesn’t that sound at least a little exciting?”