Chapter 19: The Hunter's Path
Dawn broke with the sound of birdsong and the rustle of wind over fields. Jingyang Village stirred gently awake, unaware that across the northern plains, Kaien Alzareth was already on the move. But here, in the modest training yard behind his home, Yu Zhen faced his wooden sword like it was a relic from a life he was being forced to live again.
Lan Yueran approached with a flask of tea. "You haven't slept," she said.
He accepted it without looking up. "Sleep brings dreams. Dreams bring memories."
She sat beside him. "Then let's make new ones today."
He turned to her and smiled faintly. "And what does the lady general propose?"
"A hunt," she said simply. "You need fresh focus. And the forest's pulse can tell us more than rumors."
Yu Zhen stood. "Then let's see if I still remember how to track a stag."
---
They left by mid-morning, dressed in light gray cloaks to blend with the woods. Yu Hao begged to come, but was gently denied. "You'll lead next time," Yu Zhen promised, ruffling his hair. The young boy pouted but accepted the answer like a soldier dismissed from duty.
They entered the western forest where the canopy thickened and the air held a damp coolness. A game trail curved through the trees, marked by old hoofprints and scraped bark.
Lan Yueran crouched by a muddy patch. "Two bucks passed here—yesterday morning. One limps."
Yu Zhen examined a bent reed beside her. "And they weren't alone. Look—bear hair caught on that low branch."
She raised an eyebrow. "This forest's changed."
"Yes," Yu Zhen muttered, fingers brushing the dirt. "It's listening."
---
By noon, they reached a glade bordered by pale birch. A rustle across the field made them freeze. A wild boar—massive, scarred, tusks yellowed by age—stood beside a fallen tree, snorting warily.
Lan Yueran readied her shortbow. "I'll flank."
Yu Zhen nodded and began to circle. He moved with silent precision, every step rooted in muscle memory from a hundred forgotten skirmishes.
A twig cracked.
The boar charged—straight at Yu Zhen. He dropped low, sweeping his wooden sword in a controlled arc. It struck the boar's snout, redirecting its charge just enough. As it stumbled, Lan Yueran's arrow pierced its flank. The beast squealed and turned—only to meet Yu Zhen's second strike across its jaw.
The boar collapsed with a heavy thud.
Yu Zhen panted. "Not bad for a retired farmer."
Lan Yueran smirked. "You're getting soft. You used to kill demons before breakfast."
---
They field-dressed the animal quickly and buried the remains they didn't need. Meat would go to the village. The tusks—well, Yu Zhen had a feeling they'd make fine offerings to the spirits.
On their return path, they stopped at a small creek. Lan Yueran cupped water into her hands. "This place… feels different now."
Yu Zhen nodded. "It does. Like something's holding its breath."
As if summoned by his words, the wind changed.
From the trees behind them, three figures emerged—cloaked, masked, silent.
Yu Zhen stepped in front of Yueran. "Assembly of Thorns?"
The lead figure nodded. "Observers. Nothing more—for now."
Lan Yueran lowered her hand to her blade. "You've been following us."
"Protecting," said another. "Kaien moves fast. He hunts villages now."
Yu Zhen frowned. "Where?"
"West of Jinfeng. Two days ago. No survivors."
Yu Zhen's jaw clenched. "Why tell us?"
"Because you're not ready. And he is."
The three vanished before another word could be said, disappearing into the trees as quickly as they had come.
---
They returned home before dusk. The village children ran to meet them, marveling at the size of the boar. Yu Hao demanded the tusks as proof of glory.
Madam Yue clucked and scolded them both for leaving without lunch. Lan Yueran grinned through every word, wiping sweat from her brow and pretending to bow like a humble disciple.
That night, under a clear sky, Yu Zhen sat by lantern light. He sharpened a real sword this time. The wooden one leaned against the door, watching him in silence.
Lan Yueran approached slowly. "Something's changing in you," she said.
"I can feel him," Yu Zhen whispered. "Kaien. He's like a storm behind the hills. Every step I take, he's one breath closer."
She sat beside him. "Then keep walking. He'll have to follow on your terms."
Yu Zhen looked to the stars. "I just hope I reach the end without losing myself again."
She reached for his hand. "If you do, I'll be there to remind you."
He nodded, but his eyes remained on the sword.
---
That night, he dreamed—not of war, but of two boys chasing fireflies in a meadow that no longer existed. One laughed too loud. The other always looked behind. There was music. A soft song about home.
He woke before dawn, eyes wet.
---
At sunrise, Yu Zhen visited the village square. Several elders had gathered, sipping warm rice broth and debating the age of clouds and the politics of cabbage trade.
"Zhen'er," Elder Meng called out, waving him over. "We heard you wrestled a boar barehanded!"
Yu Zhen chuckled. "It wasn't quite that heroic."
Elder Meng leaned closer, dropping his voice. "People feel it. Something's coming. You brought calm when you came here, but now the air trembles again."
Yu Zhen nodded. "I know."
"Then be ready. And keep them safe."
"I will."
---
Later that day, Yu Zhen and Lan Yueran patrolled the forest's edge. A broken cluster of branches and disturbed underbrush caught their attention.
"Riders," she muttered.
"Light cavalry," he confirmed. "Not ours."
Lan Yueran crouched, examining the hoofprints. "Not locals. Could be scouts."
Yu Zhen looked to the treetops. "They're watching the forest too."
"They're watching us."
He stood. "If Kaien's moving south, we'll have less time than we thought."
As they returned to the house, Yu Zhen's mind raced. War wasn't just coming. It had begun moving like wind—unseen but stirring everything in its path.
---
That evening, he began to reinforce the home. Placing talismans, checking the water cache, training with Yu Hao in the yard.
"You hold your stance well," Yu Zhen said after one drill.
"Because I want to protect everyone too," Yu Hao said with shining eyes.
Yu Zhen smiled. "That's the heart of a warrior."
Lan Yueran watched them both, arms crossed. "Let's hope his heart doesn't grow heavier than it must."
Yu Zhen looked toward the hills beyond the trees. "Kaien will come. And this time, I'll be waiting."
Far away, Kaien stood before a field of flags and ash. He held a small wooden carving—an old crane, singed by fire.
He stared at it.
"Still trying to build homes in a world made of fire," he whispered. Then crushed it in his palm.
---