They traveled four days deep into the Hodgewild Forest, where few dared to go because those who tried never returned.

The settlement of these predatory bandits was well-hidden and guarded. The dense forest helped them be as discreet as possible, integrating perfectly into the surroundings. Only those with a keen eye could spot the armed men hidden in the trees and thick underbrush.

The primary purpose of the settlement was to provide housing and a transit point for stolen goods. From there, the goods were transported to the auction area in a large warehouse on the other side of the kingdom, serving the rich and influential who could afford the most precious and rare items.

Moving inside the settlement was thorny, through hard-to-reach crossing points, accessible only through underground tunnels or caves via well-guarded paths.

On rare occasions, they communicated with the outside, mainly to exchange information about cargo shipments or the location of an upcoming raid.

Syberta assigned two fighters to handle Kaer's training. Every day, he practiced archery and fighting with two knives. A young woman, Aspera, a beautiful and lively blonde, trained alongside Kaer. The two spent more and more time together.

They made a vow never to be separated.

Aspera spoke to him: "When I'm a grown woman, we'll run away together."

"I will take you to my house, where we will live the rest of our days," said Kaer.

Sometimes, they went with friends to hunt deer or catch wild horses and tame them.

With the arrival of spring, Kaer and Aspera sneaked through the nearby forests to scout the surroundings.

Aspera envisioned her home with Kaer in a large oak forest where wildflowers ruled. He loved flowers very much.

They spent the night in the forest, and the next day, they returned home.

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They saw in the distance the thick smoke rising above their settlement, which had been attacked.

A horde of monsters let out horrifying howls as they slaughtered everything around them.

Aspera was lost in the chaos.

Kaer headed for his hut. Syberta came running towards him. She picked him up and took him to a secluded place. She raised a hatch, and Kaer entered the hideout.

Syberta took Kaer's hand and placed a ring on his finger. As she twisted the ring, Kaer mingled with the air.

"I give you this gift: the Ring of Shadows. It is the most precious thing I have, and it has saved my life many times. From now on, it's yours. Stay hidden here for at least two days."

Syberta closed the hatch and left.

After two days or more, Kaer came out of hiding. He found Syberta. She was no longer alive. The six monsters around her testified to this warrior's bravery and skill. Kaer took the bow and the two daggers that had belonged to Syberta.

Kaer placed Syberta where he had been hiding for two days. In her hand, he put the mirror in which Syberta had liked to look at herself when she thought no one could see her. Then Kaer plugged the access to that hiding place with earth.

No sign of Aspera.

Kaer was walking through the dense forest. The tall trees created a shade that gave a false sense of security.

He felt an unnatural thrill in this place, so he took shelter in a hiding spot where he could see anyone who approached.

He spotted three monsters moving confidently. They were of imposing stature, their skin covered with shiny scales. Their long, sharp claws scratched the ground, and their dagger-like fangs heralded a death sentence. They were experienced in group combat, moving with coordination and demonstrating intelligence.

Kaer waited calmly. He acted when he calculated the monsters were within the bow's attack range. He raised the bow and stretched the string. The first arrow pierced the heart of the first beast, and the monster fell to the ground.

Kaer drew another arrow from his leather quiver and repeated the motion without thinking. The second arrow flew straight and hit the eye of the second creature, which went down without a sound.

The last monster leaped towards Kaer with great bounds.

The young fighter responded with an evasive move he had perfected over years of training, avoiding the fatal blow.

Hurt, Kaer spun around and positioned himself behind the beast. With a precise movement, he plunged the two knives into the back of the creature.

Kaer felt his strength leave him. His wounds were severe. His breaths were heavy, and his sight grew dim. At last, his eyelids fell, and he was shrouded in darkness.

Kaer trudged up the slope as the wild wind whipped his cloak. To the right, a dry tree stood lonely, waiting for a rain that never came.

Nearby, the ruins of a settlement.

A woman looked at Kaer, who, with difficulty, asked, "Who are you?"

The woman answered calmly, "I am the owner of this place. I was waiting for you, Kaer. This world needs a new Keeper."