The End and the Beginning

The Burde

at on a moss-covered log in the heart of the forest, the Scroll of Truth resting beside him. He stared at

ver known-was gone. He ran a hand through his dark, tangled hair, feeling the sting of tears threatenin

chers. Protec

ore like a curse

hat's so special about you?" he muttered, his voice cracking in

swore the light flickered, almost as if it were

a soft crunch of leaves beh

nroll it

Lyric spun around, his heart pounding. His fingers inst

ere caked with mud. She had green eyes that seemed to pierce through the darkne

yric demanded, t

a gesture of peace. "My name i

g into anger. "Where were you when they burned

ner. I really do. But you're alive, Lyric, and that means your father

is father's dying words echoed in his mind, but the

t if I wanted to hurt you or take th

ly reassuring, bu

" Lyric asked, his

pire won't stop until they have the scroll. You're not sa

ouldn't stay in the forest forever, not with imperial soldiers h

about this scroll?" h

e said simply. "A truth the empire has been hiding for decades. If it

"You expect me

e replied. "But your father did. A

s clenched at his sides as he looked down, hi

"It's not far. From there, we

re slinging it over his shoulder. He didn't tr

said. "Le

-

he crunch of leaves beneath their boots and the occasional hoot of

breaking the silence. "H

," Erynn said wit

of

an order dedicated to uncovering the e

"Why didn't h

nn said. "Being a Watcher is dangerous. Y

n't make sense. The man who taught him how to mend fences and pla

oment. "Why couldn't he just gi

Her green eyes softened, and for the first t

said gently. "And because he

He wasn't sure he believed her, but the thought of hi

-

as breaking through the trees. The building was little more than a

" Lyric aske

itted, pushing open the cr

table cluttered with maps and papers, a fireplace with a pot

to sit. "Rest. We'll talk

bowl of stew in front of him. The warm, savory smell reminded him

n't be easy," she said. "The empire is relentless, and they'll stop at nothin

pausing mid-air. "And what exactly

aid simply. "For n

t on his shoulders. Lyric didn't feel like a hero or a savior. He was

unds of morning, Lyric leaned back in his chair. He didn't know what

n the glowing scroll, and it was up t