The Oathbearer's Legacy

rizon as Kaelin made his wa

blur, his thoughts tangled with

is sanctuary, felt fo

around him, and every rustle of lea

ic and the hooded stranger. He replayed the cryptic words in his head, "What's owed," and the stran

e embrace of the surrounding forest. The sight usually brought a sense of relief, a reminder of th

glow of lanterns from the nearby cottage

on, and the clinking of dishes seemed distant and muffled as if Kaelin was heari

small, unassuming cottage, nestled among the trees. Inside, it was simple and comfo

now, as he approached, it felt like a f

unnaturally loud in the quiet of the evening. Inside, he removed his pack and set it as

a pang of frustration. Why had he picked up the relic? Why couldn't he just leave

or startled him f

axe he had leaned against the wall. He hesitated, then went t

was a welcome distraction from his dark thoughts. She looked worri

n edge of urgency. "Are you all right? I saw you

gh it felt strained. "I'm f

de, her gaze sweeping over the room. "You lo

ive, often knowing more than she let on. He didn't want to worry her, bu

n old relic in the woods. It had a symbol on it, and

lic? That sounds serious.

yptic words, and the strange pull of the relic. A

g you'd usually come across," Eira said.

can't stop thinking about it. I felt like I had

don't have to face this alone. If something i

a pang of guilt. "I don't want to drag

something that's bothering you, t

ing a mix of relief

of the forest to the bustle of village life. But Eira's kindness

ppreciate that," he sai

. Eira listened attentively, her presence a calming balm against the chaos in his mind. The war

ded. The forest, the relic, and the stranger seemed a little less overwhelming

e prepared to leave, "we'll face it

rateful for her

her, he felt a bit of the wei

strange pull still lingered in the back

d, it would be fraught with challeng

vocably changed. The quiet life he had always known was now a mere backdrop to a journey that promised to be

he echoes of the past and the uncertainties of the future

bed, his mind restless despite the physical comfort of his warm blankets. The quiet of the house was a stark contrast to t

e it impossible to settle. The cryptic phrase, "Bound by blood, bound by word, bound by fate," echoed through h

he kept for jotting down observations about the forest and its creatures. It wasn't much a f

but about the relic and the strange encounter. His pen scratched softly against the paper as he recounted the events, tr

d. He described the relic's appearance in detail, noting its intricate design and the strange sensation it had evoked. He also r

een the practical one, with a clear view of the world and its workings. Kaelin could almost hear his father's voice now, advising him to stay a

e couldn't ignore the pull of the relic forever. It had already disrupted his life, and he could

and stepped outside, the cool night air greeting him with a brisk embrace. The village was quiet, most of its inhabitants already tucke

powerful magic, of heroes and villains who shaped the fate of worlds. They had always seemed distant, confined to the realm of fairy tales.

used at the threshold, looking back at the cozy homes with their lit windows and the peaceful village squ

et, the usual sounds of nocturnal creatures absent. The stillness was almost oppressive, and Kaelin felt a shiv

lic. The memories of the encounter were still fresh, and he felt a strange compulsion to revisit the spot. Per

he had left it, half-buried in the earth. Kaelin hesitated for a moment before kneeling beside it. The

was waiting for him, its very presence a silent challenge. The symbol, though intricate, still held

and Kaelin instinctively clutched the relic tighter. The wind seemed to carry whispers, faint and indistinct

rained to listen, but the voices faded as quickly as they had come. The relic's warmth intensif

earlier, returned with renewed intensity. Kaelin scanned the shadows, but there was no sign of moveme

ad grown colder, and the forest seemed less welcoming than before. He retr

e sky was a gradient of dark blues and purples, with the faintest traces of sunlight breaking thr

e was a comforting beacon after the night's unsettling events. He unlocked the door and s

a heavyweight in his mind. The day ahead would bring its chal

t to unlock a series of events far beyond his wildest imaginings. The path ahead was uncertain, but Kaelin knew one thing for sure: his