The morning air was crisp and sharp as Thorenz pressed northward, the path ahead both unfamiliar and strangely stirring. Aethel had vanished into the southern haze, and now Thorenz walked alone—until hunger and weariness slowed his steps. He paused in a sun-dappled clearing, hunted a pair of swift hares, and roasted them over a small fire, the scent of woodsmoke curling into the breeze.
As he tore into the warm meat, the bushes nearby trembled. He froze, then rose in one fluid motion, hand on his sword, eyes scanning the rustling green.
"Who's there?" he called, voice cutting through the stillness. Only silence answered.
He didn't blink. Didn't lower his guard. Then, from the undergrowth, two figures emerged—lean, alert, and grinning.
"Moses? Jonah?" Thorenz exhaled sharply. "Gosh! You two scared the breath out of me!"
"Sorry, brother," Moses chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender.
Thorenz shook his head, sheathing his blade. "What are you doing all the way out here?"
Jonah stepped forward. "We came to have your back. You've always stood with us—protected us, trained us. Now it's our turn."
Thorenz frowned. "But this is a test. I'm supposed to do it alone. Aethel doesn't have help."
Moses tilted his head. "Did Great Hero Fredericko say you couldn't accept help from allies?"
Thorenz paused, thinking. "…Actually, he didn't mention any rules."
Jonah grinned. "So?"
"And let's be real," Moses added, "Aethel's more famous than you. He'll probably get help wherever he goes."
"Exactly," Jonah nodded.
Thorenz let out a soft laugh. "Fair point." He gestured to the fire. "Then eat. We rest, then move."
"Alright," Moses said.
They ate their fill, shared water, and rested under the open sky. When the time came, Thorenz stood, brushing dust from his cloak.
"So," Jonah asked, curiosity bright in his eyes, "what's this test really about?"
Thorenz glanced at him. "How did you even know it was a test?"
Moses smirked. "You two have never traveled apart. Suddenly, you're splitting up? Obvious."
Thorenz nodded. "Father told us to find out if there are other humans beyond our lands."
Moses and Jonah exchanged glances.
"I see," Moses said. "Then Fredericko's investigating."
"Investigating what?" Thorenz asked.
Jonah leaned in. "There have been rumors of humans seen in the Wilderness of the Dead. And you're heading straight into it—the north. He must be sending you to confirm the truth."
Thorenz's breath caught. "So I'm walking into the Wilderness of the Dead… What about Aethel?"
Moses shrugged. "No idea. But if Fredericko's sending him south, there's likely news we haven't heard."
Thorenz looked north, where the land grew darker, wilder.
"Then let's finish this," he said quietly. "And return home—alive."
"Right!" Moses and Jonah chorused, falling into step behind him as the path ahead vanished into shadow.
Far to the south, Aethel moved like a flame through the land—bright, undeniable, followed. Fifty people now trailed behind him, a growing tide of grateful souls drawn by his deeds. He'd spent years wandering villages, fending off beasts, standing between the helpless and danger. Now, they wouldn't let him walk alone.
"Guys, you can't come with me," Aethel said, turning to face the crowd, hands raised. "It's too dangerous. This journey isn't yours."
An old man stepped forward—Anthonio, his back bent but eyes fierce. "Sorry, son, but we're helping you. Let us, my boy." Years ago, Aethel had saved him from a pride of lions. The debt, in Anthonio's heart, could never be repaid—only honored.
Aethel sighed, shoulders dropping. "Suit yourselves."
It was true—the twins were beloved. Not just as sons of Fredericko, but as protectors in their own right. And now, the people were ready to walk into the shadows for them.
—
Five days later, deep in the northern wilds, silence draped over the camp. Thorenz, Moses, and Jonah slept beneath a canopy of stars, the fire reduced to embers. Then—voices. Faint, frantic. A girl's cry cut through the night.
Thorenz sat up in an instant, hand on his sword.
He followed the sound, moving like a breath through the dark. Closer now, he heard it clearly—pleading.
"Ah! No! Don't touch me! Somebody help!"
A cruel laugh answered. "Hahaha! Who you calling? No one's coming!"
Three men. One girl. Outnumbered, cornered.
Thorenz paused. So it's true. There are others beyond our borders. The thought flickered—I could turn back now. The mission's complete.
But then came the scream again.
I can't leave her.
He slipped forward, sword sheathed. Let them underestimate him.
In one motion, he surged from the shadows. A headbutt cracked into the first thug's nose. Before the others could react, his legs lashed out—both men hit the ground, stunned. In the dark, they flailed, blind.
The girl watched, wide-eyed, as Thorenz moved like wind and iron. One attacker lunged with a knife—she shouted, "Behind you!"
Thorenz spun, kicked the man square in the face, then grabbed the other two by their heads and slammed them together. Dazed, bleeding, the trio scrambled into the night, tripping over roots as they vanished.
"Small fries," Thorenz muttered, brushing dirt from his sleeves. "How shameless."
The girl stepped forward, trembling but standing tall. "Um… thank you… very much… um…"
He turned, offering a small smile. "Oh. I'm Thorenz."
"Thank you, Thorenz," she said, voice steadier now.
"Don't mention it. By the way—what's your name?"
She opened her mouth to answer—
"Yo! Thorenz!"
Moses and Jonah emerged from the trees, blinking in confusion.
"Ah, Moses, Jonah," Thorenz said, waving. "Perfect timing."
"Who's she?" Jonah asked, eyeing the girl beside Thorenz with cautious curiosity.
"Oh, I don't know—we just met," Thorenz replied with a shrug.
Laura leaned in slightly, whispering, "Are they friends of yours?"
"Yeah," Thorenz said, smiling. "This is Moses and Jonah—my brothers in all but blood."
Moses gave a friendly wave. "Hey there."
"Nice to meet ya," Jonah added with a nod.
Laura smiled nervously and waved back.
Moses crossed his arms. "So, Thorenz, you just up and left us sleeping in the middle of the forest? What was that for?"
Thorenz scratched the back of his head, grinning. "Ah, my bad. Sorry. Hehe."
Jonah narrowed his eyes. "Anything happen out here?"
"Yeah," Thorenz said, voice shifting serious. "Three thugs were attacking her. Had to step in. But more importantly, our mission's done. There are other humans beyond our borders. We can head home now."
Jonah whistled low. "Wow. Faster and easier than I expected."
"Then let's go," Moses said, already turning.
"Um…" Laura stepped forward, voice soft but firm. "I need your help."
All three turned.
Thorenz tilted his head. "What is it?"
"If you promise to help us… and come with me," she said, "I'll explain everything on the way."
Jonah raised an eyebrow. "We don't even know your name, but you already know ours?"
She took a breath, then dropped to her knees, hands clasped. "My name is Laura. I saw how you fought—how fast, how strong you were, Thorenz. Please… my people are in danger. We need you."
A heavy silence fell. The wind rustled the trees. Moses and Jonah exchanged glances.
Thorenz looked at her and saw not just fear, but fire.
After a long pause, he reached out a hand. "Alright, Laura. Lead the way."
Laura took his hand, rising. "Thank you, Thorenz." Her voice was quiet, but steady. "This way."
Far to the south, perched atop a towering hill bathed in golden light, lay a hidden country of breathtaking beauty. A mighty waterfall cascaded from the very peak, tumbling down in silver ribbons, feeding lush groves of fruit-laden trees, vibrant flowers, and emerald grass that swayed in the warm breeze. Sunlight danced on mist, painting fleeting rainbows in the air—like nature itself had crafted a sanctuary.
Five days after leaving home, Aethel and the fifty who followed him finally reached its base. Dust clung to their boots, but awe washed it all away.
"Aethel," Anthonio said, breathing heavily but smiling, "we got here fast. And it's all thanks to your magic."
Aethel folded his arms, gazing up the steep path. "I wish we'd gotten here even faster."
Mexel, wiping sweat from his brow, turned to the group. "So… what now?"
Nokia squinted at the cliffs above. "Where's the entrance? How do we even get in?"
Before anyone could answer—thwip!—an arrow sliced through the air, embedding itself in the stone just feet away, quivering with warning.
Silence.
Then, along the ridge, figures emerged—dozens of them, armed with bows, arrows nocked, eyes sharp. They stood like sentinels carved from the sky.
The archer who had fired called down, voice firm and clear: "That shot was a warning—I missed on purpose. The next one won't. Who are you, and what do you want from our land?"
Aethel stepped forward, hands open, voice calm but strong. "Please, pardon our intrusion. We mean no harm. We've come only for a brief visit. We'll be on our way soon."
The archer studied him—long, silent—then lowered his bow a fraction. After a moment, a signal was given.
"Very well," the archer called. "You may enter. But be warned—if you or any of your people threaten us, you will not leave alive. This is your only warning."
Aethel nodded. "Understood. We'll cause no trouble. We'll be gone soon enough."
With that, the path opened. Guards watched from above as Aethel and his group began the climb, stone steps winding upward through greenery and mist.
As he stepped onto the first tier of the hidden country, Aethel slowed, eyes scanning the paradise around him. A slow, knowing smirk tugged at his lips.
"…This should be winter, huh?" he murmured.
And his smile spread, wide and quiet, like a secret only he knew.