As the group trudged onward, the scent of smoke lingered in the air, growing stronger with each passing step. The path narrowed, the rocky terrain forcing them to walk single file. The silence between them was heavy, each person lost in their thoughts.
Haruki moved closer to Kaede, his curiosity outweighing his unease. “Kaede,” he began hesitantly.
“What?” she replied without looking at him, her eyes scanning the path ahead.
“Back there... you said Ragnor was dangerous because he knows you. But I’ve seen how you handle yourself. You’re... kind of scary, honestly.”
Kaede raised an eyebrow but didn’t respond immediately. Her silence encouraged Haruki to keep talking, despite the way her sharp gaze made him second-guess himself.
“I guess what I’m saying is... do you ever feel like maybe you’re not as alone in this as you think?” Haruki asked, his voice quieter.
Kaede finally stopped, turning to face him. “What are you getting at, Shima?”
Haruki scratched the back of his head, suddenly nervous under her scrutiny. “I mean... You don’t have to carry all of this on your own. I know I’m not exactly a seasoned warrior or anything, but I’m here. We’re all here.”
Kaede’s expression softened, just a fraction. “You really think you can keep up with me?”
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Haruki grinned nervously. “Well, I haven’t died yet, so that’s something, right?”
To his surprise, Kaede smirked, a rare moment of levity in her otherwise stern demeanor. “Fair point. But don’t make me regret dragging you into this.”
“I won’t,” Haruki said, his tone more serious now. “You’re not the only one who’s lost someone because of Ragnor. I may not be as strong as you, but I’ll do whatever it takes to help.”
Kaede looked at him for a long moment before nodding. “Just don’t get in my way.”
Haruki smiled. “I’ll try my best.”
----------------------------------------
THE CAMPFIRE DISCOVERY
Their brief moment of camaraderie was interrupted when Mira, further up the path, called out. “Kaede! I see something!”
Kaede’s focus snapped back to the present, and she gestured for the group to move forward cautiously. As they rounded the bend, the flickering light of a distant fire came into view.
Haruki leaned closer to Kaede, lowering his voice. “What’s the plan?”
“Stay close,” Kaede whispered, her hand tightening around her sword. “We approach quietly. If they’re Ragnor’s men, we need to take them out before they realize we’re here.”
“And if they’re not?” Haruki asked.
“Then we’ll decide what to do when we know more,” Kaede said.
Haruki nodded, his grip tightening on the strap of his satchel. Despite the tension in the air, Kaede’s earlier words echoed in his mind, giving him a flicker of confidence.
----------------------------------------
THE FINAL LINE
The group crept closer, the firelight casting long shadows across the rocky pass. Kaede’s voice was barely audible as she spoke.
“Remember, no mistakes. We can’t afford them now.”
Haruki swallowed hard, but he managed a small smile. “Don’t worry. I’ve got your back.”
Kaede glanced at him briefly, her expression unreadable. Then, with a nod, she led them into the unknown, the fire ahead promising either salvation or disaster.