Aelric lay beneath the canopy of trees, the events of the night replaying in his mind until sleep finally claimed him. The forest's nocturnal symphony accompanied his dreams, a blend of sorrow and determination.

When he awoke, the first light of dawn filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. He blinked, momentarily disoriented, the weight of his mission settling back onto his shoulders. The memories of the previous night came rushing back—of the fight, the fallen knights, and the one he had spared.

Rising slowly, Aelric took a moment to center himself. The Seer's teachings had instilled in him the importance of balance, of starting each day with a clear mind. He breathed deeply, feeling the mana around him, drawing strength from the forest.

His stomach growled, a reminder of his human needs. He scanned the area, looking for signs of food. A nearby berry bush caught his eye, its fruit ripe and inviting. As he gathered the berries, he kept his senses alert, knowing that danger could come from any direction.

After a modest breakfast, Aelric packed his belongings and began to move. He couldn't stay in one place for too long; the knights would be relentless in their pursuit. He needed to stay ahead, to remain one step ahead of those who sought his life.

As he moved deeper into the forest, he felt a faint disturbance in the mana around him. It was subtle, but his heightened senses picked up on it. He followed the trail, his curiosity piqued. The presence led him to a campsite, the flicker of a distant firelight casting eerie shadows among the trees.

Aelric approached cautiously, the memories of the Seer's lessons guiding his steps. He could hear voices ahead, low and conspiratorial. Crouching behind a tree, he strained to listen.

"I can't believe he let you go," one knight said, disbelief evident in his tone.

The knight Aelric had spared laughed, a harsh sound that grated on Aelric's nerves. "Desperation makes fools of us all. He thought he could save his precious mentor. Little did he know, we were just biding our time, wearing the old man down."

Aelric's blood boiled at the words. He fought the urge to rush out and attack, knowing he needed to stay hidden for now.

"We'll hit him again," the spared knight continued, his voice filled with cruel satisfaction. "This time, we'll finish the job. That boy won't know what hit him."

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Another knight spoke up, his voice tinged with doubt. "But he’s blind. How did he fight so well?"

The spared knight shrugged. "Does it matter? We'll have the element of surprise. Besides, I’ve got a score to settle with him."

Aelric's grip tightened on his sword. He had trusted that knight, let him go, and now he was plotting to betray him. His mercy had been repaid with treachery. He knew he needed to strike before they could carry out their plan.

Taking a deep breath, Aelric channeled his mana, letting it flow through him. He reached out with his senses, feeling the energy of the trees, the wind, the earth beneath his feet. The Seer's teachings had honed his connection with the natural world, and now he would use that connection to his advantage.

He moved silently through the underbrush, circling the camp. The knights were relaxed, unaware of the danger lurking just beyond the firelight. Aelric's heart pounded in his chest, adrenaline coursing through his veins. He focused on the mana around him, letting it guide his movements.

When he was in position, he stepped forward, his voice low and filled with cold resolve. "You should have left when you had the chance."

The knights jumped to their feet, weapons drawn. The spared knight stared at him in shock. "You," he spat. "How did you find us?"

Aelric didn't answer. He didn't have time for words. He moved with the grace and speed of a predator, his sword flashing in the firelight. The first knight fell before he even had a chance to react, a clean cut across his throat.

The others were more prepared, but Aelric had the advantage of surprise. He danced among them, his movements fluid and precise. The Seer's training had honed his senses, and now he relied on them completely. He could feel the flow of mana, the way it shifted and pulsed with each movement.

One by one, the knights fell. Aelric was relentless, his sword an extension of his will. The spared knight was the last to fall, his eyes wide with fear and disbelief. "You... you can't win," he gasped, blood bubbling from his lips.

Aelric knelt beside him, his expression cold. "Why did you come back?" he demanded.

The knight's eyes flickered with a mixture of anger and fear. "You think I would let you live after what you did? The Seer may have been strong, but he was just one man. We will keep coming until you are dead."

Aelric's grip tightened on his sword. "Then I will make sure you don't get the chance." With a swift motion, he ended the knight's life.

He stood there for a moment, breathing heavily. The fire crackled quietly, the only sound in the otherwise silent forest. Aelric wiped the blood from his sword and sheathed it. He felt a strange sense of calm, as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

But the knight's words lingered in his mind. They would keep coming. He had no choice but to keep fighting, to stay one step ahead of his enemies. He looked down at the fallen knights, their bodies a stark reminder of the price of mercy.

As the first light of dawn began to filter through the trees, Aelric turned and walked away from the camp. He had no destination in mind, but he knew he couldn't stay here. The forest was no longer safe. He would have to find a new place to hide, to regroup and plan his next move.

The path ahead was uncertain, but Aelric was determined to survive. For the Seer, for himself, and for the future he would carve out of the darkness.