They met with Aloria in the bustling city just outside the castle walls. The evening air was cool, and the streets were filled with the quiet murmur of townsfolk going about their nightly routines. Thoradin and Raithlin led the group through narrow alleyways to their hidden safehouse, a small, nondescript building nestled among the crowded structures.

Inside, the safehouse was dimly lit, but a sense of security pervaded the room. The group quickly recovered their battle gear, the familiar weight of their weapons providing a small measure of comfort amidst the uncertainty.

Thoradin broke the silence, his voice resolute. "All right, if you’re dead set on finding this tome, we need a lead on its whereabouts."

Aloria stepped forward, her expression determined. "I saw Dalamon speaking to his servant Baradis about the tome. If we can find where he went, we can find the tome."

Leianara, ever resourceful, added, "I searched the library and found mention of a village called Pieteron. We’ll begin our search there."

Raithlin nodded thoughtfully. "Pieteron, then. It’s a start. We need to move quickly before Dalamon covers his tracks."

Thoradin’s eyes narrowed with determination. "We can’t afford to waste any time. Gather what you need. We leave at dawn."

As they prepared for the journey ahead, the weight of their mission settled heavily upon them. They knew the path would be fraught with danger, but the hope of uncovering the Tome of Wizardry and stopping Dalamon spurred them on. With a shared look of resolve, they silently vowed to see their quest through to the end, no matter the cost.

They sold some of Leianara’s jewelry and used the money to buy horses, then rode out west at a gallop. They knew Dalamon must be aware of Leianara's escape, so they remained vigilant, ever wary of soldiers hunting them down.

Night had fallen, and they were camping under the starlit sky. The crackling of the campfire provided a soothing backdrop as Thoradin and Leianara sat nearby, their faces illuminated by the flickering flames.

“I’m sorry about your father’s death, Leianara,” Thoradin said gently, his voice filled with sincere sympathy. “I want you to know that he died bravely, thinking only of you and the people.”

Leianara’s eyes grew misty as she gazed into the fire. “He was always like that, putting others first, no matter how tough his own situation was. I miss his reassuring presence.”

Thoradin nodded, understanding her sorrow. “Putting others first used to get him into a lot of trouble. Those jackals, the barons, would constantly try to exploit his good nature for their own advantage.”

“I miss the days when the worst thing we had to worry about was scheming nobles,” she said with a wistful smile.

“How are you feeling? Is everything okay? It all must seem like a lot to deal with. I hope you’re managing well.”

“As long as I focus on moving forward, I feel all right. It’s only when I stop to think about everything that I become sorrowful and fearful.”

“I almost had a nervous breakdown when I learned the mages had won the castle. I was afraid we’d never see you again,” Thoradin admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

“You really do care,” Leianara said, her eyes softening as she looked at him.

“More than you could ever know,” he replied, his gaze intense and unwavering.

At that moment, Raithlin approached them, his expression stern. “Leianara, I need to speak to you alone.”

Thoradin rose and bowed to her, then left to tend to the horses. Leianara turned to Raithlin, concern etched on her face. “Yes, beloved, what’s on your mind?”

“I don’t like you speaking alone to Thoradin. You know he’s always had a thing for you,” Raithlin said bluntly.

“Oh, you worry too much. We’re just friends,” she reassured him.

“I don’t want him getting any ideas,” he insisted, his tone possessive.

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“Jeez, Raithlin, I thought you and Thoradin were supposed to be friends. Why don’t you trust him? His honor is beyond reproach,” she replied, frustration creeping into her voice.

“Not as far as you’re concerned,” he muttered.

Leianara stepped closer and kissed him softly. “You have nothing to fear, beloved. Trust in me.”

“Just don’t give me any reason to doubt you, and we’ll be fine,” Raithlin said, his eyes searching hers for reassurance.

“So it’s really me you don’t trust, even after all we’ve been through together,” she said, hurt evident in her voice.

“I know human nature, and most people surrender to temptation. Don’t let yourself be tempted,” he warned.

“You really do have a low opinion of people. You need to be more trusting,” she said, shaking her head.

“No, you need to be more loyal. Don’t lead him on like you do,” he shot back, his frustration boiling over.

“You think I’m leading him on? I’m disloyal?” Her expression turned angry. “You can be a real jerk sometimes, you know that. Thoradin asked about my feelings, about my grief for my father, while all you’ve done is accuse and insult me.”

“Look, I’m sorry about your father’s death, but that’s all behind us now. We need to focus on finding the tome,” he said, trying to steer the conversation back to their mission.

“Are you sure it’s defending the realm you care about, and not self-aggrandizement?” she challenged.

“You think all I want is power?” he asked, incredulous.

“Well, isn’t it?” she countered.

He glared at her, then looked away. “Just be wary around him. Don’t prove me right.”

Leianara rose angrily to her feet and said, “Maybe it’s you I need to watch out for.” She left him alone, and he scowled as he watched her go.

Several days later, they reached a bustling town nestled at the foot of the mountains. They inquired around about Baradis, stopping at various inns and taverns. One of the innkeepers, an elderly man with a grizzled beard, confirmed their suspicions. "He stayed at this inn," the innkeeper said, pointing to a small room upstairs, "before heading south into the mountains."

Leianara leaned in, her voice low. “Do you know anything about a magic tome?”

The innkeeper shook his head. “I don’t know anything about no tome, but there’s supposed to be great treasure hidden in those mountains. It lies within a magic maze protected by a powerful monster.”

After purchasing supplies—dried meats, water skins, and extra arrows—they set out again. Raithlin’s sharp eyes and keen sense of tracking allowed them to follow Baradis’ company as they rode through the wilderness.

As they rode through a small village, a horrifying sight greeted them. Zarocs were dragging terrified villagers into the streets, preparing them for a gruesome sacrifice to their god. Leianara’s eyes widened in horror. “We’ve got to help those people.”

Raithlin glanced at her, his expression grim. “And just what do you expect us to do? We’re both skilled swordsmen, but we can’t singlehandedly defeat an entire squad of soldiers.”

Leianara turned to Thoradin, desperation in her eyes. “Please, Thoradin, we must help them.”

Thoradin’s face was conflicted. “I hate to say it, but I agree with Raithlin. It’s just too dangerous, princess. There’s nothing we can do for them.”

Leianara’s gaze hardened as she turned back to Raithlin. “I insist that you help those people!”

“Quit acting like a spoiled princess and consider the danger. You’ve got the whole kingdom looking for you. Do you really want to reveal yourself?” Raithlin retorted.

She looked at the villagers being dragged away in misery but said nothing. Thoradin placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry, princess. I know it seems heartless, but we’ve got to look out for ourselves first and foremost. The hope of the kingdom rides on our shoulders.”

“This isn’t how heroes are meant to behave. We’re supposed to be courageous and stand for our principles,” she said, her voice shaking with frustration.

“Whoever said we’re heroes? Heroes are stupid and die for equally moronic reasons,” Raithlin replied coldly.

Leianara’s eyes flashed with anger. “My father wasn’t a moron.” She stepped forward and called out to the Zarocs, her voice ringing with defiance. “You filthy monsters! Leave those people alone!”

The leader of the Zarocs, a fearsome lizard man, hissed with fury. “You just signed your death warrant! Kill them!”

The Zarocs mounted their horses and gave chase as the heroes galloped away, their hearts pounding. They raced into the mountains, a squad of twenty Zarocs hot on their heels. As they entered a narrow ravine, Thoradin and Raithlin dismounted and pushed against a large boulder, trying to force it to roll down the path. The Zarocs drew near, their eyes gleaming with malice. With a final heave, the heroes managed to roll the boulder down, smashing into the Zarocs and killing half their number.

With only ten left, the two heroes drew their swords and prepared for battle. On the narrow path, they could fight the Zarocs one or two at a time. They clashed fiercely, steel ringing against steel. They had killed several of the Zarocs when one grabbed Thoradin and threw them both off the cliff. Leianara screamed, and Raithlin cursed, finding himself alone against four Zarocs. He backed up the path, fighting valiantly, but was struck a glancing blow to the head and fell.

As the Zaroc drew back its blade to kill him, it was suddenly stabbed in the back. Thoradin stood behind it, having managed to grab the edge of the cliff and pull himself back up. With the last of the Zarocs defeated, they were finally safe.

Raithlin rounded on Leianara, fury in his eyes. “Damnit, you almost got us all killed! How could you be so stupid?”

“We saved those people. Don’t you care about that?” she shot back.

“We can’t protect everybody. It’s suicide to try,” Raithlin retorted.

“Well, I don’t believe that, and I’m your leader, so you do what I say.” Leianara’s voice was firm, brooking no argument. Raithlin scowled but said nothing. They rode back down the mountain path, then resumed their search for the path Baradis had taken. His tracks were easy to follow, evidence of a large group of riders with him.