Unexpected Allies
266 Words
Days blurred into cautious travel across barren highlands.
Food ran low; hope lower.
In a dense mist-shrouded forest, arrows thudded into trees around them.
Kael shoved Ariyah behind a boulder, dagger ready despite his injuries.
“Reveal yourselves!” he demanded.
Figures dropped from branches—five cloaked survivors wearing faded Veil sigils.
Their leader, a fierce woman with a facial scar and steady bow, lowered her weapon. “We mean no harm. We felt the stronghold’s fall through the old bonds.”
Lira, once Seris’s most promising apprentice, had been scouting when the attack came. With her were four others—two young mages, a healer, and a grizzled fighter.
They shared a hidden camp deep in the woods: camouflaged tents, wards against detection.
Around a concealed fire, stories flowed. The Purge had redoubled efforts, blaming “star-witches” for falling heavens. Rumors of the altar’s location spread.
“We know the way to the summit,” Lira said. “And we know the prophecy’s cost.”
Ariyah nodded grimly. “I’m not paying it.”
Hope flickered in their eyes.
That evening, the healer mended Kael’s worst wounds. Ariyah practiced subtle magic—channeling Starheart into growth, making herbs flourish for poultices.
Lira watched approvingly. “Control through intent, not force. Seris would be proud.”
Later, under moonlight, Kael pulled Ariyah aside.
“Trust them?” he asked.
“I trust you,” she replied. “And you trust your judgment.”
His rare smile softened his features. Fingers intertwined, they walked the camp perimeter—guardians together.
The group grew stronger united.
- Writer
