The forest gave way to rolling hills as the group pressed on, the sky darkening with ominous clouds. The air was heavy with the promise of rain, and Kaede’s mood matched the weather.
Mira had fit into the group with a surprising ease, her dry wit and no-nonsense attitude blending with their chaotic energy. Haruki, however, wasn’t sure how to feel about the new addition.
“Let me guess,” he said as they trudged up a slope. “You’re here for Zain, not the job.”
Mira glanced at him, unimpressed. “Cute. You think I need a reason.”
Haruki frowned. “Just saying, it’s starting to feel crowded around here.”
Kaede shot him a glare. “Focus, Shima. You’re supposed to be watching for threats, not gossiping.”
“Right, because clearly I’m the one slacking,” Haruki muttered under his breath.
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A BROKEN BRIDGE
The group reached a narrow canyon, its rocky walls plunging into a misty abyss. A rope bridge stretched across the gap, swaying precariously in the growing wind.
“Let me guess,” Haruki said, peering at the bridge. “This is the only way across.”
“Unless you feel like climbing,” Mira replied, smirking.
Kaede tested the ropes, her expression grim. “It’ll hold. Barely.”
“Comforting,” Haruki said, clutching the satchel tighter.
Zain gestured toward the bridge. “Ladies first?”
Kaede ignored him, stepping onto the bridge. The wood creaked under her weight, but she moved with the confidence of someone who’d faced worse odds.
“Shima, you’re next,” she called, her voice firm.
“Great,” Haruki said, eyeing the swaying ropes. “Just my luck to die on a bridge.”
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He stepped onto the first plank, gripping the ropes tightly. The bridge swayed, the wind picking up as he edged forward.
“You’re doing great,” Mira said from behind him.
“Really?” Haruki replied. “Because it feels like I’m about to plummet to my death.”
Mira grinned. “Exactly.”
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A SUDDEN ATTACK
Kaede was halfway across when a deafening roar echoed through the canyon. She froze, her eyes scanning the mist below.
“Did anyone else hear that?” Haruki asked, his voice shaking.
“Unfortunately,” Kaede replied, drawing her sword. “Keep moving!”
The roar came again, louder this time, as a massive shape emerged from the mist. A wyvern, its leathery wings beating the air, rose toward the bridge.
“Oh, come on!” Haruki shouted.
The wyvern’s crimson eyes locked onto the group, and it let out a screech that sent chills down their spines. It swooped toward the bridge, claws outstretched.
“Run!” Kaede shouted, sprinting forward.
Haruki didn’t need to be told twice. He bolted after her, the bridge swaying wildly beneath him. Mira and Zain followed, their weapons drawn.
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FIGHT ON THE EDGE
The wyvern’s claws slashed through the ropes as it passed, sending part of the bridge plummeting into the abyss. Kaede reached the far side and turned, her sword ready.
“Shima! Jump!” she shouted.
Haruki reached the gap where the ropes had snapped, his heart pounding. With a deep breath and a prayer to every deity he could think of, he leapt.
Kaede caught him, pulling him to safety just as the wyvern swooped again.
“Thanks,” Haruki panted.
“Don’t thank me yet,” Kaede said, turning to face the wyvern.
Mira and Zain were still on the bridge, battling the creature as it attacked. Mira fired bolt after bolt from her crossbow, aiming for the wyvern’s wings. Zain lunged forward, his twin daggers glinting as he struck at its claws.
“Kaede, we could use some help here!” Zain called.
Kaede gritted her teeth. “Shima, stay back.”
“Gladly,” Haruki said, retreating as Kaede charged back onto the bridge.
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VICTORY AND CONSEQUENCES
The fight was brutal. Kaede’s strikes were precise, her movements fearless as she dodged the wyvern’s claws and countered with devastating blows. Mira’s bolts finally found their mark, one striking the creature’s wing and the other burying itself in its neck.
The wyvern screeched, its massive form plummeting into the canyon below. The group stood in silence, their breaths ragged as the wind howled around them.
“Not bad,” Mira said, lowering her crossbow.
“Thanks for the assist,” Zain added, smirking at Kaede.
Kaede didn’t respond, her gaze fixed on the damaged bridge. “We need to keep moving. That thing wasn’t hunting us by chance.”
“You think Ragnor sent it?” Haruki asked, still catching his breath.
Kaede nodded. “It’s his style. He’s not just chasing us. He’s testing us.”
The weight of her words settled over the group as they resumed their journey, the storm clouds above threatening to break.