The cold breath of the snowy forest faded behind them as Ryan, Nael, Zafir, and their new companion Lunir stepped through the ancient gates of Eldreth Town.
It wasn't like the small village they had passed before — Eldreth was bustling, alive, and chaotic in a way that almost made them forget the harshness they had left behind. Cobblestone streets crunched under heavy boots, while market vendors shouted over each other to sell everything from furs to strange, glittering stones.
The towering stone gate bore the old emblem:
"In Strength, We Endure."
Ryan adjusted the heavy cloak around his shoulders, his gaze narrowing.
"This place smells like old secrets," he muttered.
Nael clutched his arm, his smaller frame trembling. "I don't like it here, Ryan... it's too loud."
Zafir laughed lightly. "Better loud than dead, little guy."
Lunir said nothing. He stayed close to Ryan's side, his eyes wide and childlike. Healing his broken mind had given him the soul of a boy seeing the world for the first time.
---
Registration Center – Town Square
A tired old officer, wearing a bronze badge, looked over their small group and barked,
"Newcomers! If you seek to live, eat, and hunt within Eldreth's borders, you must register as Initiates. No exceptions."
He slapped a parchment on the desk.
Ryan stepped forward without hesitation. "We accept."
The man snorted. "Big talk. We'll see if your flame's real... or just smoke."
He handed them four simple Initiate badges — dull metal, rough around the edges.
---
Later that Night – An Old Tavern "The Broken Cask"
Their group found a corner table in the packed tavern. Wooden beams groaned under the weight of old songs and drunken laughter.
Ryan tapped the badge against the table. "Initiates... lowest of the low."
Zafir grinned. "Means we can climb. I've seen the rank lists. Guardian, Elite, Marshal... all the way up to Grand Master. Maybe even High Authority someday."
Lunir blinked. "Do... do they let boys like me climb too?"
Ryan put a hand on Lunir's shoulder. "We climb together. No one left behind."
Nael smiled, his eyes lighting up for the first time in days.
At that moment, a hush fell over the tavern.
An old man, draped in furs, stood near the hearth. His voice was hoarse but clear:
"Who among you would seek the lost Emberstone of Rith Kaldur?
Relics of the old blood... whispers of the past... answers that change destinies."
Ryan's heart skipped a beat. Emberstone?
Relics?
Maybe... something tied to their past.
He stood up, feeling a burning sense of purpose.
"We will."
---
A Private Room — Upstairs
The old man leaned closer to them, his breath thick with the scent of pine and smoke.
"You carry the spark," he whispered, staring hard at Ryan and Nael.
"Perhaps... you carry more than you know."
Ryan stiffened. "What do you mean?"
The man only smiled faintly, showing yellowed teeth.
"Find the Emberstone buried beneath the ruins outside Eldreth... then, perhaps, the truth about your mother and father will find you."
Before Ryan could press further, the man coughed violently — a deep, rattling sound — and waved them away.
"Tomorrow at first light... bring only what you trust."
---
Outside the Tavern – That Night
Snow fell soft and silent.
Ryan looked up at the twin moons above the town, their light painting Lunir's silver hair like fire.
"We're getting closer, Nael," he whispered.
Nael nodded. "Closer to the truth."
Behind them, Lunir and Zafir laughed, arguing about who would win in a sparring match.
For the first time in many nights, Ryan allowed himself to believe —
Maybe... they weren't alone in this journey anymore.
Maybe the fire they carried was growing.
---
End of Chapter 5