The pit was cast in shadows, the air inside heavy with the weight of what had just been said. Zarek sat, his eyes dull, the shock of it all still sinking in. His mind reeled. ‘someone is framing me?’

Mako’s voice broke through the thick silence. Without a word, he reached into his worn cloak and pulled out a parchment. It was yellowed with age, fragile in appearance yet invaluable. “Here,” he said softly, unfolding it before Zarek. “This is a map—something not easily obtained. It’s been in my family for generations.” He held it out, his hand steady despite the tremor of emotion in his voice. “It leads to a hidden cave behind a waterfall, far from here. The path is narrow, difficult, but once you reach the cave, you’ll be safe.”

Yara opened the leather bag she had brought. “This is filled with beef jerky,” she explained. “It should last you about one to two months. Go and hide yourself and don’t come out until the beast tide is over. And this,” she handed him the water pouch, “This is a water pouch. Young warriors are given one before they depart, their mother makes them one as a token of their love… I guess I will have to give it to you early.”

Mako stepped forward again, this time holding out a set of leather armor. Its surface was scratched and worn, but still gleamed in the dim light of the fire. “This was meant for my son…” he began, his voice catching briefly. “… but… he never returned!” he said, his face a little tired, “take it, may you have a better shot at surviving.”

The air grew still, the only sound being the crackling of the fire. Zarek’s throat tightened. The weight of the gifts, of the care shown to him, pressed down on him. He looked at them with wide, saddened eyes and said, “Thank you…” His voice barely carried over the fire’s quiet hum.

Orin, who had remained silent until now, suddenly stood. “You’ve all made me look bad!” he bellowed, a half-smile crossing his face as he strode out of the pit. The others looked after him with curious eyes. He returned swiftly, carrying a large round object wrapped in cloth.

He smirked as he set it down in front of Zarek, unwrapping it slowly to reveal a round wooden object laced with metal.

“This,” he said, pride in his voice, “is my bow-shield. It’s something I’ve been working on for some time now. See?” He demonstrated how the shield could quickly convert into a bow.

The string was hidden in a small compartment along the rim, and with a few quick motions, the transformation was complete. “It’s not meant for large predators, but for smaller animals… like wolves,” he said, nodding toward the creature resting at Mako’s feet. “Defend yourself with the shield, strike with the spear, and if they flee, finish them with arrows.”

He continued, “This will shield you from sudden animal attacks. I’ve tested it, but it also allows you to shoot from a limited range. Noone really uses a shield that often, but it will come in handy. Don’t go using it against large predators; one of their hits will knock you out and it won’t be long before they kill you.”

As Orin spoke, Zarek’s mind wandered. His thoughts swirled like leaves in the wind—his father’s death, the crushing weight of responsibility now upon his shoulders, and the looming danger of the village’s ancient superstitions. His hands tightened into fists beneath the blanket. ‘Ha, they really are mounting a mule more than he can lift’ he thought while sneering inwardly.

Orin’s voice snapped him out of his daze as the older man pushed the bowshield toward him. “I entrust this to you, Zarek,” he said with uncharacteristic solemnity. “Be strong, boy. Don’t give up. Never give up.”

Silence soon descended on the place, broken only by the crackling of the fire.

Mako and Yara rose to their feet, their expressions grim. Zarek had hoped they would stay longer, but he knew that time was not on their side.Mako spoke first, his voice low but firm. “Zarek, pack your things. You need to leave now, before anyone notices. We’ll slip away quietly, just as we came. The elders won’t be far behind.”

Zarek nodded, though his mind was still clouded with confusion and disbelief. Yara stepped forward then, wrapping him in a tight embrace. She leaned in close, her breath warm against his ear as she whispere, “You are a bright star. Don't let others taint you.”

She then stared into his face, her reflection swimming in his dark, black eyes. Hugging him again, she used one of her hands to rub his thick, dark black hair, which was coarse yet soft to the touch, each strand reflecting the firelight like tiny threads of obsidian. Tears fell onto his head as she held him tightly, making sure he didn't see her face. Her voice broke into a song—soft, filled with emotion.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

A star so bright, in darkest night,

Hold fast to hope, embrace your might.

With words as tools, the strong express,

Their hearts' desires, their thoughts confess.

A son once lost to fate's cruel hand,

May you find strength, and firmly stand.

For words are weapons, sharp and true,

They shield the weak, they pierce right through.

Bright as the dawn, through shadows you tread,

Do not let fear and doubt be fed.

One son lost to the void… so deep,

May you be the one the stars let keep.

Though wolves may howl and winds may wail,

Hold your course, and you will prevail.

Speak your truth, let your voice be heard,

In times of silence, trust in your word.

Luck be your guide, on this perilous night,

In your heart, keep our love alight.

Though tears may fall, and farewells be said,

Remember the light in the path you tread.

With words, you’ll carve a path anew,

And find the strength to see it through.

When simple words can’t mend your plight,

Use colors bright, let them take flight.

Express yourself, as I have done,

And in those hues, you'll find the sun.”

Yara's voice trembled as she finished, her tears mingling with the firelight. She held him close, her heart aching with the weight of the words and the uncertainty of the future.

Zarek felt the strength of her embrace, the warmth of her words seeping into his soul. He drew back slightly, looking into her eyes. The depth of her love and fear mirrored his own, and for a moment, he felt a flicker of hope… hope for the future!

“Thank you, Yara,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I won’t forget.”

She nodded, unable to speak, her tears falling freely now. She rubbed his hair gently, as if to imprint this moment in her memory forever.

Mako cleared his throat, breaking the spell. “It’s time, Zarek. Tread carefully and travel the world like you always wanted. We will go now before the elders come.”

With a heavy heart, Zarek watched everyone leave before getting up to gather his belongings, the weight of his father's words pressing down on him. The firelight flickered and danced, casting shadows that seemed to mirror the turmoil in his heart.

He put on his clothes, wore the leather armor over them, and grabbed the parchment, the water pouch, and the leather armor, feeling the immense responsibility thrust upon him.

Orin waited for him outside till he was done, he helped him strap on the leather armor, ensuring it was secure. “Be strong, boy,” he repeated, patting him on his shoulder, his voice a mixture of sternness and affection. “Never give up.”

The wind outside howled as Zarek prepared to leave. The night was eerily quiet save for the distant rustle of the trees. Shadows danced as the fire flickered behind him. Without another word, Zarek stepped into the cold night, the firelight disappearing behind him like a fading memory.

…

Far away…A dimly lit chamber, cloaked in shadows, housed five figures standing before a glowing crystal ball. Their faces were hidden, their expressions masked by darkness, but the air was thick with a sense of purpose.

The crystal ball swirled with light, and as it spun, a man stepped forward. His presence was commanding, his movements deliberate. He reached out with a steady hand and touched the crystal’s surface. As soon as his fingers made contact, the light within intensified.

The image inside the crystal began to shift, revealing a scene of thousands of shooting stars streaking across the sky. The stars seemed to fall upon a distant village nestled between towering mountains, winding valleys, and shimmering rivers. The village was isolated, hidden from the rest of the world like a long-forgotten secret.

The image zoomed in further, focusing on a single figure standing at the edge of a dense forest. The young man had long, dark hair, and his dark brown eyes gleamed with a strange intensity as he gazed up at the night sky.

“He,” the man said, his voice a whisper yet full of authority, “is our target. We must bring him back before the stars align.”

The others nodded in silent agreement, their faces unreadable as they watched the figure in the crystal ball. The man who had spoken placed both hands on the ball now, his eyes narrowing in concentration.

Suddenly, light began to swirl around them, enveloping each of the five figures in a radiant glow. As the light intensified, their bodies began to shift and change. When the glow finally subsided, they stood clad in shining armor, their forms imposing and formidable.

The man whispered something, his words barely audible. As he did, a small door appeared in the darkness, unfolding itself as though summoned by his voice. The door creaked open, revealing a lush green hill bathed in moonlight. Without a word, they stepped through it, emerging into the cool night air.

Waiting for them on the other side were five beasts—massive creatures, sleek and powerful, with coats that shimmered in the light of the moon. The beasts rushed to greet them, their eyes glinting with intelligence.

Each of the five figures mounted their beast, the man who had spoken earlier pausing to whisper once more. His words were a low, incantatory murmur, and as he spoke, the air around them seemed to hum with energy. Slowly, a giant gate materialized before them, its surface ancient and worn, as though it had been standing for countless eons.

With a groaning creak, the gate began to open, revealing the path ahead. The five figures exchanged a final glance before urging their beasts forward, disappearing into the night as the gate closed silently behind them.