As Gregory and his comrades peacefully rested at the Inn owned by Ethan's parents in Thornfield village, In a relatively far off distance the night wrapped the area in an eerie silence, broken only by the steady rhythm of a galloping horse racing at full speed.

The horse's hooves pounded against the greenery soil, creating a frantic symphony that echoed through the stillness of the night.

"Ethan! We have to stop now!" Sven called out, his voice filled with urgency. "The horse can't keep going any longer, it's been moving non-stop for hours. It's going to die if we push it any further."

Ethan, his face illuminated by the faint glow of the flames manifested in the palm of his hand, contemplated Sven's words. He knew that pushing the horse to its limit would be inhumane and potentially fatal, which in return could end up putting them at risk of not arriving in time at the village. Reluctantly, he nodded. "Fine. Let's rest for a few hours and let the horse recover."

They guided the exhausted horse to a closely located tree, where it could find solace while they fed him. Their mission to reach Thornfield village had been relentless, but they couldn't afford to sacrifice the loyal steed that had carried them this far, they still had a long way to go before they reached their destination.

Ethan leaned behind the tree, his gaze fixed on Sven as he asked, "How long before we reach the village?"

Sven retrieved a large piece of parchment from his satchel and began scanning it intently. "Considering the distance we've covered already," he began, "if we manage to maintain our pace without any unexpected obstacles, we should arrive at Thornfield village in two days—just a day ahead of the horde."

Ethan fell into a contemplative silence, his thoughts swirling with worry and uncertainty. Sven, sensing his unease, decided to offer some reassurance.

"I can see the concern in your eyes, Ethan, and I share it. But let me tell you something about Thornfield Village." Sven began, his voice steady and soothing.

Ethan looked at Sven, his curiosity piqued by his words.

"My father, he's in Thornfield. He's an incredible man, both as a father and as a lord. I've always admired him and tried to emulate him, but in doing so, I failed to see the essence of his actions. He's firm yet fair, strong yet compassionate, inspiring yet humble. If he had ever had a shameful thing about him, that would be me, his ungrateful and pathetic son. Do you ever wonder if our family name would still endure if we didn't possess this level of power?" Sven mused aloud, his gaze distant. "My father is as formidable as the professors at the academy. He taught me everything I know about magic, yet I can barely manifest a third of his abilities when he was my age. I can't help but feel sorry for the horde that's about to face the wrath of my father."

Ethan's brows furrowed as doubt gnawed at him. "... Can I really trust him?"

Sven met Ethan's gaze with unwavering sincerity. "Ethan, I don't know the strength of the horde Thornfield village is about to face. But my father is not the kind of lord who would abandon his people. He's the type who would stand and protect them with his life if needed. I can't promise that he'll save everyone, but I can guarantee he'll do his utmost to safeguard as many as possible. That's if we don't make it in time to warn them."

Sven gave Ethan a determined smile. "We'll make it, Ethan. Together."

Ethan nodded, his determination reignited. "You're right. We'll do everything in our power to get there in time and help our village. No matter what."

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

"Let's take a break for now," Sven suggested, his voice weary from the long journey. "We've been traveling the whole day. We'll each rest for three hours, for a total of six. We'll set out first thing in the morning. I'll keep watch and wake you up in three hours to switch with you," he explained, his words measured and thoughtful.

"Alright," Ethan agreed. "I'll get some sleep then. Wake me up in three hours."

Sven nodded and settled down in a makeshift camp, keeping a vigilant eye on their surroundings.

***

The following morning greeted Ethan and Sven with a gloomy and overcast sky. Dark clouds loomed ominously above, threatening to unleash a downpour at any moment. The air was heavy with humidity, and a faint rumble of thunder echoed in the distance, a harbinger of the storm that might soon engulf them.

Ethan looked at the sky, with a concerned look. 'Something about those clouds doesn't seem right...' He though to himself.

"Ethan, help me wake up the horse."

As they prepared to continue their journey towards Thornfield village, the atmosphere seemed charged with tension, mirroring their own sense of urgency. The landscape around them was muted by the dull gray of the sky, and the usual chirping of birds had fallen silent.

Meanwhile, in Thornfield village, the guests prepared to leave the inn after finishing their breakfast. Gregory, ready to depart, cast a last glance back at Ethan's parents, his gaze lingering on the gathering storm clouds that darkened the horizon.

"Thank you for your hospitality." he said, his tone polite but tinged with an air of finality.

"Thank you for coming! Please consider visiting us again in the future. We'll even throw in a free meal." the innkeeper offered warmly.

"Thank you for the offer," Gregory replied, "but I'm afraid this will be the last time our paths cross."

Confusion flickered across the innkeeper's face. "What do yo-"

Gregory interrupted, his voice carrying a hint of foreboding. "A piece of advice before we depart."

"Hmm?"

Gregory leaned in slightly, his voice low and deliberate. "I would advise you to prepare for the storm that's looming on the horizon."

"Oh, thank you for the advice. But it's most likely just a small rainstorm. It will pass."

Gregory's eyes bore into Ethan's parents as he issued his eerie advice, his voice dripping with foreboding. "Have you ever witnessed the painting of the horizon with a darkness unlike any you've ever seen or known? The wind screaming like lost souls and the heavens weeping tears of despair? A wrathful force, a relentless hunger that devours all in its path? A tempest that spares none who have the unlucky chance to encounter it?"

"H-Haha, that seems a bit too exaggerated, don't you think, sir?"

"...Hahaha! You're right. All in all, what I was trying to say is that it would be wise to gather your loved ones close and ensure you have a safe place to hide to weather this approaching tempest. You see, storms like these can be quite unpredictable, and once they're upon you, it might be too late to seek shelter."

"...Will take your warning in mind, sir. Thank you for using our Inn, Have yourself a safe travel."

"Thank you and good luck. Hahahaha!" Gregory gave a curt nod and a thin smile filled with laughter before departing from the inn with his companion, leaving Ethan's parents to ponder the unsettling advice.

The day passed swiftly, with a stark contrast between the journeys undertaken. Gregory and his companion departed the village on their way to deliver the mysterious stone to its designated destination. Meanwhile, Ethan and Sven continued their relentless rush toward Thornfield Village, driven by their urgent need to warn the inhabitants of the impending danger.

Ethan's parents, on the other hand, continued to diligently work in their inn as if it were any ordinary day. The routine of serving patrons and preparing meals masked the lurking unease that the unsettling advice from their departing guests had instilled in them.

Yet, far in the distance, the looming threat grew ever closer. A horde of beasts, like a dark cloud on the horizon, advanced relentlessly, undeterred by hunger, exhaustion, or reason. The storm that accompanied them moved in sinister harmony, a harbinger of doom.

The predicted time for the horde's arrival was a mere three days, a seemingly short span in human reckoning. However, these beasts, devoid of reason or restraint, needed neither rest nor sustenance. Their sole purpose was to advance inexorably, leaving destruction in their wake. Bringing their relentless march forward much closer then predicted.

Time remaining: 3 days 2 days.