Night continued to cloak the forest as Arin's small group walked in silence. Each member was lost in their own thoughts and fears, and the shadows of the trees heightened their unease.
Suddenly, the soft sound of footsteps came from behind the trees. Arin's eyes sharpened, and Daren readied his sword.
From the shadows emerged a young boy in partially torn armor and dusty clothes. His gaze was anxious and filled with fear, yet in that moment, a light of nobility and dignity shone through.
Arin asked,
"Who are you? Why are you alone in this forest?"
The boy replied with a trembling voice,
"I am a prince of the Dark Empire… but I can no longer take part in their cruelty and bloodshed. I have fled… please, help me."
Daren stepped forward cautiously,
"You are one of the enemy… how can we trust you?"
The prince looked to the ground and drew a deep breath,
"I know, and you are right. But your path is dangerous, and I wish to help, not harm."
Arin remained silent for a moment, then said,
"Very well… you may come with us, but every move will be watched."
Within the prince, fear and doubt from his past and his identity as an enemy still lingered, yet hope for a different path led him to step into the group. Thus, the fugitive prince joined—someone who could alter the course of the Path of Glory, yet carried many secrets in his heart.