The cold wind bit into Ashar's skin as they traversed the barren land, Elara close by his side. The landscape beyond the city walls was desolate, the once-vibrant earth now a frozen expanse. Ashar had learned to ignore the chill, but his thoughts remained tumultuous, each step dragging him deeper into confusion and unease.

Kaelen, ahead of them, moved with a purposeful stride, his dark cloak billowing behind him. Ashar didn't need to ask where they were going; Kaelen had been silent, his mind focused on something unseen. Still, Ashar couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to shift—something big was coming.

A sudden movement in the distance broke the silence. It was fast, too fast for any normal person. Ashar's instincts flared, and his hand went to the hilt of his sword, but before he could fully react, Kaelen raised a hand to stop him.

"Stay behind me,"

Kaelen whispered, his voice tight with tension.

Before Ashar could respond, a figure emerged from the shadows of the barren trees ahead. The man was tall, his body coiled with raw strength. His dark hair whipped around his face as he dashed toward them, his eyes fierce and filled with suspicion. Without a word, he lunged forward, aiming a powerful strike directly at Kaelen.

The blade was fast, sharp, and full of intent. Kaelen's reflexes were quicker, his own sword already drawn. The clash of metal rang out, the force of the blow sending sparks into the air. Benji's strike was so strong that it pushed Kaelen back, but the older man stood firm, meeting the attack with equal strength.

Ashar and Elara stood frozen, watching the two of them engage in a violent dance of blades. The guy swings were brutal, each strike seemingly meant to kill. But Kaelen was a master of defense, his sword moving fluidly to parry and deflect.

"I don't know who you are, but you're no friends of the Seekers!"

He growled, his voice like gravel.

Kaelen didn't respond, only countering with a swipe of his sword, narrowly missing Benji's throat. The two moved in a blur of motion, their swords a deadly extension of their wills. Ashar felt the air hum with power—the intensity of their battle enough to rattle his nerves.

"Elara, stay back!"

Ashar said urgently as she started to move forward, her hand resting on the hilt of her own sword.

But Elara's eyes never left the battle. She was waiting, watching, and Ashar could tell she was ready to step in if needed.

The man's face twisted with anger as he swung again, this time with more force. Kaelen dodged, but only just, his cloak catching the blow and ripping. With a growl, Kaelen spun, using the momentum to drive Benji back, forcing the man into a stagger.

In that split second, Kaelen spoke.

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"We're not Seekers,"

He said sharply, his voice a mix of frustration and urgency.

"And you are?"

The man's hesitated, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. For a moment, neither side moved, both waiting for the other to strike. His sword hung in the air, poised for another strike, but his posture was less sure now, a flicker of uncertainty in his gaze.

"You're not..."

He lowered his sword, taking a step back, his confusion giving way to realization.

"But you've got the mark. The same as me."

Ashar, still on edge, exchanged a glance with Kaelen. This man, was like them. A bearer of the same dark power. Kaelen's expression softened slightly, though the tension in his shoulders remained.

The man let out a deep, almost embarrassed laugh, lowering his weapon entirely.

"I... I thought you were Seekers. I've been on the run from them for so long, I've gotten a bit... twitchy,"

He said, rubbing the back of his neck with a sheepish grin. He looked genuinely apologetic, but Ashar could see the wariness still lurking behind his eyes.

The weird man took a few steps back and raised his hands in a defensive gesture, a boyish grin spreading across his face.

"Sorry my friends,"

He said, laughing to himself, but there was no malice in his tone.

"I'm Benji. Guess I should have asked before trying to chop your heads off."

Ashar watched him, still unsure what to make of this unexpected turn. Benji was young, probably no older than Ashar himself, but his energy was different—wild, untamed, and unmistakably powerful.

Kaelen's voice broke through Ashar's thoughts. "We're not Seekers. We're... trying to stay ahead of them. We have the same power you do."

Benji's eyes flicked between the three of them, sizing them up. After a long pause, he sighed, shaking his head.

"You're not like them... you're not the enemies I thought you were. Damn, I really need to stop doing that."

Ashar relaxed slightly, but there was still a knot in his chest.

"What are you doing out here, Benji?"

"I've been running, mostly,"

Benji replied with a shrug.

"The Seekers are hunting anyone with the mark. Anyone like us. I thought you were part of them. Thought I'd have to take you down before you could bring trouble to me."

Ashar's mind raced as he processed Benji's words. The Seekers weren't just after Ashar—they were after anyone with the mark. That thought sent a chill through him, but the presence of someone like Benji, someone who shared his burden, offered a strange sense of solidarity.

"I'm sorry for attacking,"

Benji said, his voice softening as he stepped closer to them, his gaze shifting between Ashar and Kaelen.

"I've been on my own for too long... didn't know who to trust anymore."

Kaelen nodded, offering a grim smile.

"Trust is a luxury we can't afford. But we're not your enemies. We might just be able to help each other."

Benji's eyes lingered on Kaelen, clearly still unsure but seeing no threat in them. He gave a nod and finally lowered his sword completely, slinging it across his back.

"Alright, then,"

He said, sounding more at ease now.

"No harm done. But if you're here to fight the Seekers too, I guess I'm in. Just... next time, try not to attack me first."

Ashar watched Benji, now starting to believe that there was more to him than the wild, dangerous exterior. Maybe, just maybe, this encounter would turn into an unlikely alliance.

"Let's move,"

Kaelen said, his voice commanding but quieter now, as if the immediate danger had passed.

"We've still got work to do."

Benji nodded, glancing around cautiously as if expecting another ambush. The tension between them had eased, but the threat still loomed large.

They continued down the path, the weight of their shared journey pressing down on them, but now with one more ally at their side. Benji, for all his erratic energy, seemed like someone who understood the dangers they faced—and perhaps, someone who could be trusted to fight alongside them.

As they walked, Ashar couldn't help but feel the gravity of Kaelen's words. There will be more trials ahead. And with Benji now by their side, they might just have a chance..

Or that's what he thought...