Chapter 20: First Steps into the Unknown
They stood outside an inn named Airbee, situated near the stables just beyond the guild quarter. The horses were being prepared, steam rising from their nostrils in the morning chill. Garn Trelos, a broad-shouldered man with a short beard and warm eyes, greeted them with a cheerful grin.
"So, you're the ones the old man sent to travel with us?" he said, arms crossed. "Kiran! Go ahead and introduce yourself."
A small boy stepped forward and gave a respectful half-bow while keeping his gaze on Ravi and Waker. "Assalamu alaikum. My father has told me good things about the Guild of Action. We're grateful you're accompanying us to Xrylus. We'll be in your care."
Waker scratched the back of his head, caught off guard. "Wa alaikum assalam … Well, I don't remember doing anything all that special, but nice to meet you too."
"Hah! Such manners!" Tarin, the spear wielder, chuckled. "Are you sure this one's your son, Garn?" He was lean, with crimson eyes and hair tied back in a short ponytail. Scars marked his left arm—showing silent stories of battle.
Before anyone could respond, Velka, a bubbly blonde with green eyes, scooped Kiran into her arms and hugged him tight. "Aww! You're way too cute for a little swordsman!"
Waker's eyes wandered to the girl standing quietly off to the side. She looked younger than the rest, with half-tied black hair held back by a red ribbon. Her grey eyes were unreadable, her lips sharp and closed. She wore a white cloak, and twin daggers were strapped in an X-pattern across her back. She offered a nod—barely—and turned away, disinterested.
Meanwhile, Ravi noticed Kiran gracefully hopping into the rear carriage, using a faint essence pulse to boost his leap like It was second nature to him. His older brother, Dorn Trelos, remained silent beside the wagon, calm and collected.
With everything packed, the two black, spike-backed Scattered Horses were secured to each carriage. Known for their endurance and power, these beasts were perfect for crossing mountainous terrain like the Astal Range.
By nightfall, the mountain range loomed large in the distance. Antiarena was far behind. They made camp near a ring of boulders that shielded them from the wind. Fallen branches were collected for firewood, and tents went up in practiced motion.
As flames danced under a crescent moon and a small bright blue full-moon, the travelers gathered around the fire. Elyra, the quiet archer with the veil cloak, settled beside Reydon and asked casually, "I heard you have a rare Essence Aspect. Is it true you awakened early?"
Caught off guard, Ravi offered a vague smile. "Something like that."
She pressed for more, but Ravi remained elusive, giving half-truths and letting the details blur in ambiguity.
Others began to listen in. Tarin leaned forward, intrigued. "Hey, Reydon, mind a little friendly test?"
"Of course not," Reydon said with an innocent smile.
Tarin stood and unslung his spear. Reydon followed suit, drawing his silver sword and black sheath. Waker perked up with wide eyes—this would be his first time seeing Reydon fight. Excitement flickered on his face.
They walked to a small clearing at the edge of camp. A gentle wind passed between them. Tarin stood five meters away, his stance casual.
Reydon inhaled deeply. Then, he pushed essence into his legs and launched forward—silver blade in his right hand, black sheath in the left. Tarin, anticipating a frontal swing, raised his spear to block. But Reydon vanished, diagonally shifting right with a burst of speed.
"Flash," he whispered.
A blinding white light exploded across the clearing.
Tarin flinched, closing his eyes on instinct. But he twisted his body and swung his spear upward—only to meet empty air.
When the light faded, Reydon stood behind Tarin, sword at his neck, the black sheath intercepting the spear's path.
Waker broke into loud applause. The others followed, cheering the clean finish. Tarin lowered his weapon with a sheepish smile. "Well, shit ... That was fast. You got me good."
They returned to the campfire as Velka laughed and ruffled Kiran's hair. "Kids these days ... frightening."
Sira Windemere, who hadn't spoken all evening, glanced around the fire. Her eyes paused on Dorn, then Kiran, then Waker—and finally, Reydon. Her gaze lingered just a second longer than usual.
Later that night, the group performed Isha prayer in small groups. Tents were divided and watch rotations arranged. The fire crackled low under the starlit sky, and the camp settled into a careful silence.
But not all were sleeping soundly.
Reydon sat in his tent, eyes on the stars beyond the flap. The first part of the journey was complete—but he felt that the road ahead would be anything but peaceful.