Kael awoke to the distant sound of voices downstairs and the rhythmic clinking of glasses against wood. The orange light of late afternoon streamed through the small window in his room, casting slanted shadows on the walls. For a moment, he simply lay there, staring at the ceiling, his thoughts spinning slowly like leaves in the wind.
It didn't take long for the weight of the previous day to press down on his shoulders again.
"Experience," said Raven. "Survival," thought Kael. Deep down, he knew his mother wouldn't leave him there for nothing. Everything had a reason, an intention. And the only way to find out was... to move forward.
With a sigh, he got up, picked up the sword still wrapped in cloth, and went downstairs.
