The Garden Of?
Chapter twelve:
First friend :
(small chapter)
By the ninth day, the forest was finally giving way to rolling hills, and the air smelled different—warmer, lighter, with faint scents of the city drifting from afar. My horse had been patient, trudging steadily, though I could feel its legs getting stiff from the long journey. I had become familiar with the rhythm of traveling alone, the quiet companionship of the spirits, the gentle hum of Aether in my veins. Yet, seeing the valley open up below, I felt a spark of excitement. The Royal Capital wasn't here yet, but I could already make out the tops of its walls in the distance, catching the sunlight like polished stone.
That afternoon, I spotted a figure ahead, a young, slim man with a bundle of goods strapped to his back. He looked around nervously, muttering to himself, as three wolves approached, their low growls cutting through the quiet of the trail. I didn't hesitate. Gripping my sword, I called on the spirits, letting them swirl around me as I sprinted forward. "Hey! You okay?" I shouted. The man's eyes widened, and he stumbled backward, nearly dropping his bundle.
The wolves lunged, but I was faster. My sword met the first wolf's flank with a burst of Aether, sparks flying as the creature yelped and recoiled. The second wolf came from the side, and I rolled under its attack, letting Spirit Flow guide my movements. Adrenaline pumped through me, my heart thundering as I moved instinctively, striking the third wolf before it could reach the merchant. They fled, disappearing into the trees with low growls, leaving the man shaking but unharmed.
He let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding and smiled awkwardly. "Wow… thanks, kid! I'm Keif Grunler. Didn't expect anyone to be fast enough to save me!" He was young, slim, maybe only a few years older than me, with an energetic way of moving that made him feel more like a traveler than a merchant.
I laughed a little, brushing dirt from my hands. "You're welcome. You handled yourself okay too… mostly."
Keif grinned, the tension leaving his shoulders. "Mostly, huh? Fair enough. Listen, why don't you come with me? I've got a cart, we can travel together for the rest of the way. I'll take care of your horse too—he looks like he could use a rest."
I hesitated for a moment, then nodded. It was the first real company I'd had in days. "Alright," I said. "Thanks, Keif. I appreciate it."
We walked together to his cart, chatting easily as we loaded our things. He joked about the wolves like it had been a minor inconvenience, and I found myself laughing along, feeling a sense of companionship I hadn't realized I'd missed. My horse seemed to relax too, nosing Keif's hand as he gently patted it, offering feed and water.
The rest of the journey to the Royal Capital felt lighter, more relaxed. Keif shared stories about the city, the bustling markets, and the Academy I was headed for. I listened eagerly, asking questions, feeling my mind race with anticipation. The fourteen-day journey, which had seemed endless when I left Tern, now passed in a rhythm of conversation, laughter, and the gentle creak of the cart's wheels.
By the evening of the fourteenth day, the towering walls of the Royal Capital rose before us. Sunlight glinted off the stone, and the distant streets hummed with life. I felt my heart lift with excitement and nervousness. Rufius' face came to mind, and I whispered softly, "I'll be strong, little brother. Wait for me, I'll make it to the top and visit again soon."
Keif grinned, noticing my quiet thought. "Don't worry, kid. We'll get you settled. And tomorrow, you'll see the city for real." My sword rested against the cart, the spirits hovering quietly around me, and for the first time in nearly two weeks, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. The Royal Capital was here, waiting, and so was a new chapter of my life.