The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the Silverwood Forest in hues of orange and purple. Torches flickered in the treehouses, casting long shadows over the forest floor. Kael stood atop the Tree of Life's highest platform, staring out at the edge of the forest—where Julian's campfire glowed like a tiny, menacing star.
"They're getting ready," Merlin said, joining him. His staff was in hand, a green glow pulsing at the tip. "Elder Elron has ordered the warriors to take positions. The traps are set. We're as ready as we'll ever be."
Kael nodded, summoning a flame in his palm. The fire burned bright, casting light over his face. "How many men do they have?"
"At least fifty," Merlin said. "Royal guards, mages, and mercenaries. Julian didn't come himself—he's too busy hunting the phoenixes—but he sent his best captain, Gareth."
Kael's jaw tightened. "My cousin. Perfect."
A horn echoed through the forest.
Merlin's eyes narrowed. "That's the signal. They're attacking."
Kael spun, jumping off the platform. He landed lightly on the forest floor, summoning a flame sword in his hand. Elven warriors stood nearby, bows drawn, swords at the ready. Leah stood beside them, her silver eyes sharp.
"Stay close," she said. "Their mages will target you first—your dragon fire is a threat."
Kael nodded. "You too."
The sound of boots crunching on leaves grew louder. Torches appeared at the edge of the forest, bobbing as the men advanced.
"Archers, ready!" Leah shouted.
The elven archers raised their bows, arrows glowing with blue magic.
"Fire!"
The arrows flew, slicing through the air. They hit the advancing men, who fell to the ground, screaming as the magic burned through their armor.
But more men came, pushing forward. Mages stepped into the light, summoning fireballs and ice spikes.
"Shields!" Elder Elron shouted.
Elven warriors raised their shields, blocking the magic. Kael stepped forward, swinging his flame sword. A fireball hit the blade, exploding into sparks.
"Charge!" Gareth's voice echoed through the forest.
The men surged forward, swords drawn. Elven warriors met them, clashing in a flurry of steel and magic.
Kael spotted Gareth, leading a group of mercenaries. His cousin's face was red with anger, a fireball glowing in his hand.
"Kael!" Gareth shouted. "You're a traitor! A disgrace to the Voss name!"
Kael laughed. "Says the man who's working for a monster. You're the disgrace, Gareth."
He charged, flame sword in hand. Gareth launched a fireball, but Kael dodged, slashing his sword. The blade cut through Gareth's armor, leaving a deep gash in his arm.
Gareth screamed, stumbling back. "You'll pay for that!"
He summoned another fireball, bigger this time. Kael raised his flame shield, blocking the attack. The fireball exploded, sending both men flying.
Kael landed hard, but he quickly got up. Gareth was slower, clutching his injured arm.
Kael stepped forward, flame sword pointed at Gareth's throat. "Surrender. Tell Julian I'm coming for him."
Gareth spat. "Never! Julian will kill you. He'll free the Soul-Eating Lord, and you'll be nothing but ash."
A vine shot out of the ground, wrapping around Gareth's legs. He fell to the ground, struggling.
Leah stepped forward, bow drawn. "He's not worth it. Leave him to the elves."
Kael nodded, lowering his sword. Elven warriors stepped forward, tying Gareth's hands.
"Take him to the Tree of Life," Leah said. "Elder Elron will decide his fate."
The warriors dragged Gareth away. Kael turned back to the fight. The remaining men were retreating, running toward the edge of the forest.
"Chase them!" Leah shouted. "Don't let them escape!"
Elven warriors and archers pursued, firing arrows and casting magic. The men fell one by one, their screams echoing through the forest.
Within minutes, the fight was over. The forest was quiet, except for the sound of elven warriors cheering and healers tending to the injured.
Kael let out a breath, dismissing his flame sword. His body was tired, his muscles sore, but he felt alive—more alive than he ever had before.
Leah walked over, a smile on her face. "You fought well. Gareth never stood a chance."
Kael grinned. "Thanks to you. And the elves. We couldn't have done it without you."
Elder Elron approached, his face grave but proud. "A victory. But it's only the first. Julian will send more men. Stronger men. We need to find the phoenixes and griffins—before he does."
Merlin nodded. "I'll send scouts tomorrow. The Firepeak Mountains aren't far. We can reach them in a few days."
Kael looked at Leah. "I'll go with them. I need to find the phoenix heir. I need to get stronger."
Leah nodded. "I'll come too. I know the mountains. And you'll need a scout."
Elder Elron smiled. "A good plan. Kael, Leah, Merlin—go. Find the phoenixes. Find the griffins. Unite the bloodlines. The realm depends on you."
Kael nodded. "We won't let you down."
The moon rose high in the sky, casting silver light over the forest. Kael stood beside Leah and Merlin, staring at the north—where the Firepeak Mountains loomed.
The next leg of their journey was ahead.
Danger. Adventure. New allies.
Kael was ready.
The fire in his veins burned bright.
And nothing would stop him now.