As the sun climbed higher, Arin decided to explore the journal's other entries. The Whispering Vines intrigued him—plants that could sense danger, their roots attuned to qi disturbances. If the Iron Fang returned, they'd need warning. He found a shaded spot near the river, its waters sluggish but shimmering with faint qi, and began preparing the soil. Naya joined him, her staff in hand, her eyes scanning the horizon. "The Iron Fang won't let your defiance go," she said, her voice low. "They'll be watching."
Arin nodded, his hands working the soil. "I know," he said. "That's why we need these vines. If they can sense trouble, we'll have time to prepare." He planted the seeds, their husks a deep green, and channeled qi into the soil, the golden glow mixing with the river's shimmer. The vines sprouted quickly, their tendrils curling upward, whispering softly as they grew. Arin watched, fascinated, as they stretched toward the sun, their leaves trembling with faint qi pulses. "They're alive," he said, a note of wonder in his voice. Naya smiled, her eyes bright. "They'll warn us," she said. "You're learning fast."
Their moment of triumph was cut short by a shadow on the horizon. A lone figure approached, clad in the black armor of the Iron Fang, his face obscured by a fang-shaped mask. The villagers froze, fear rippling through the crowd. Naya gripped her staff, her body tense, but Arin raised a hand, his voice calm. "Let me handle this," he said. He stood, brushing dirt from his hands, and walked toward the scout, his heart steady despite the danger.
The scout stopped a few paces away, his eyes glinting through the mask. "You're the farmer," he said, his voice cold. "The elder warned you to leave. Why are you still here?" Arin met his gaze, his voice unwavering. "This is my field," he said. "I'm not leaving." The scout's hand twitched toward his sword, but he didn't draw it. "You're a fool," he said. "The Iron Fang doesn't tolerate defiance. We'll be watching." He turned, his cloak billowing as he disappeared into the distance, leaving a chill in his wake.
Naya joined Arin, her expression grim. "They're testing you," she said. "They want to see how far you'll go." Arin nodded, his eyes on the horizon. "Then I'll show them," he said. "I'll make this valley bloom, no matter what they do." Naya's gaze softened, a flicker of admiration in her eyes. "You're stubborn," she said, a smile tugging at her lips. "I like that."