The night sky stretched above them, quiet except for the distant echo of bells ringing from the town's center. Lioren moved quickly through the narrow streets, his cloak drawn close. Behind him, Rattle clattered with every step, muttering complaints under his breath.
That was not our fault, Rattle grumbled. How was I supposed to know the floorboards were so weak?
You fell through two of them, Lioren said quietly.
Exactly. That is poor construction, not poor balance.
They reached the back alley near the market square. The faint scent of smoke lingered in the air as torches passed by at the end of the street. Guards were searching, shouting orders into the night.
Rattle peeked around the corner. I count six guards, two torches, and one very angry captain.
We move now, Lioren whispered.
They slipped between two buildings and entered a narrow lane lined with stacked barrels. Lioren kept his hand close to the orb, its glow faint but steady. He could feel the energy pulsing, as if warning him of danger nearby.
Suddenly, a soft voice came from behind them. You are going the wrong way.
Rattle jumped so high he lost his skullcap. Lioren turned sharply. Standing in the shadows was a young girl, maybe sixteen, with dark hair tied in a messy braid. Her eyes shimmered faintly green in the torchlight. She wore a tattered cloak and carried a small satchel.
Lioren studied her. Who are you?
Someone who does not want to see you arrested, she said. Follow me.
Rattle crossed his arms. Oh sure, let's follow the mysterious stranger who appears in an alley at night. That always ends well.
The girl smirked. If you stay here, the guards will find you in three minutes. If you follow me, maybe five.
She turned and started walking without looking back. Lioren hesitated for a moment, then followed. Rattle sighed dramatically and hurried after them.
They moved through twisting lanes and quiet courtyards until they reached the edge of the town. There, half-hidden behind a stable, stood a small wooden door leading into the hillside. The girl pushed it open and motioned them inside.
The space beyond was a hidden cellar filled with crates, candles, and old maps pinned to the walls. A single lantern flickered on the table.
Rattle looked around, impressed. Cozy. Smells like potatoes, but cozy.
The girl closed the door and faced them. You are Lioren, aren't you?
Lioren's eyes narrowed. How do you know that name?
Because the dragon said it.
The room fell silent. Even Rattle stopped fidgeting. Lioren's voice was calm but cold. Explain.
She walked to the table and unrolled one of the maps. It showed the same forest they had come from, marked with strange runes. I was there when the dragon appeared. Not close enough to see you, but I heard it speak. It said the name of the one who would carry the Heart. That name was yours.
Rattle whispered, Either she is telling the truth, or we have found our first fan.
The girl ignored him. The orb you carry is what the old stories call the Heart of the Dragon King. If you have it, that means something is coming. Something big.
Lioren remained silent. The faint hum of the orb filled the room.
She continued. The dragons of the old world didn't die naturally. They were sealed away after the War of Ashes. But their hearts remained in the mortal realm, waiting for new wielders. The one who gathers them all will awaken what sleeps beneath the world.
Rattle scratched his jawbone. Let me guess, that would either save or destroy everything?
Both, she said simply.
Lioren crossed his arms. And why are you helping me?
Because my brother tried to find one of the hearts years ago, she said softly. He never came back. If you are truly chosen by it, then you might know what happened to him.
Her voice trembled slightly at the end. For the first time, Lioren noticed the faint scar on her wrist and the weariness in her eyes.
He nodded slowly. Then you may travel with us until we reach the northern ruins.
Rattle gasped. Wait, what? You are letting her come with us? She could be dangerous. She could be a spy. She could snore.
The girl raised an eyebrow. I do not snore.
See, Rattle muttered. That is exactly what a snorer would say.
Lioren ignored him and looked at her. What is your name?
Kael, she said.
Very well, Kael. We leave at dawn. Rest if you can.
She nodded and walked to the corner, spreading her cloak on the floor. Within minutes, her breathing slowed as she drifted into sleep.
Rattle leaned closer to Lioren and whispered, You sure about this?
No, Lioren admitted.
Then why trust her?
Because the orb did not react when she spoke. That means her words were true.
Rattle sighed. Wonderful. Another adventure with more humans. Just once, I would like to travel with someone who does not breathe.
Lioren sat near the lantern, watching the soft glow reflect off the orb. For the first time since touching it, he felt the faint pull of fate tugging him forward. Whatever lay in the northern ruins, he would find it—and perhaps the truth about Kael's brother too.
Outside, the wind howled faintly through the hills, carrying the sound of distant bells and the promise of storms to come.