The villagers of Wrenvale gathered in the early morning mist, forming a line along the narrow path that led out of their small haven. Bags were packed, carts loaded, and the sound of parting words mixed with the occasional clink of gear being secured. Kael stood near Erion and Mira, his pack strapped tightly to his back, a faint sense of nervous excitement tugging at his chest.
He was really leaving.
Children waved. A few women handed small bundles of travel food to Mira and Erion. The entire village had come to say goodbye, but Kael's eyes searched the crowd until he saw Balen pushing through.
The old hunter approached with his usual calm confidence, but Kael noticed the slight heaviness in his expression.
"Kael," Balen said, pulling him a few steps aside. "The world out there is big and full of things you've never seen before. Be careful."
Kael nodded quietly.
Balen looked at him for a moment longer, then reached behind his shoulder and unslung a worn scabbard. "This was mine. Doesn't look like much, but it'll hold up better than a kitchen knife if things go bad."
Kael took the sword with reverence. The grip was worn smooth by years of use, but the blade was solid, clean, and balanced. "Thank you," he said sincerely.
"I'll be waiting for good news," Balen said, placing a hand on Kael's shoulder. "Don't make me regret not going with you."
Kael smiled. "I won't."
As they returned to the cart, Erion called out cheerfully, "You two ready? We've got a long road to the city of Liria, and I'd prefer not to be slowed down by heartfelt farewells!"
Kael and Mira both climbed into the back of the cart, while two men on horseback or what Kael was associated with a horse as it had 6 legs and the head of a dog rode up beside them.
"These are the guards," Erion said, gesturing between the two. "That's Bran—he's quiet but dependable—and the grinning one is Corin. He talks too much, so don't encourage him."
"Pleasure," Corin said with a salute and a wink. Bran simply gave a nod.
Mira leaned close to Kael. "They're harmless, I promise."
The cart began to move, the wheels crunching softly against the path. Kael looked back at Wrenvale one last time. The village had become a home, however briefly. Faces blurred by distance waved, and Kael raised a hand in return.
Ahead of them stretched two months of travel across a land Kael still barely understood.
He shifted the sword at his side and sat a little straighter.
Liria awaited.