The Crimson Dawn

Chapter 4

The first rays of sunlight broke over the treetops, painting the forest in hues of gold and green. One by one, the group stirred from their slumber, groaning and stretching as the remnants of sleep clung to their heavy limbs.

Ari sat up, clutching her head and groaning. “f**k my head. I’m never drinking again,” she mumbled, squinting at the rising sun like it had personally offended her.

Barrett remained sprawled on his back, snoring loudly, his massive frame shaking the ground with each thunderous breath.

Aydin stood and brushed dirt off his vest, smoothing out the wrinkles with a sigh. “What’s for breakfast, then, lads?” His voice carried a lighthearted tone, though his stomach rumbled in protest.

Derick pulled out a coin purse he’d “acquired” the night before. He flipped through the coins inside, his hazel eyes glinting with mischief. “Well,” he drawled, “we could afford to share a single egg with maybe a strip or two of bacon. If we’re lucky.”

Aydin sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I’ll go see if I can hunt something,” he offered, already stepping toward the woods.

Before he could move further, Stella emerged from the trees, dragging a freshly caught deer behind her. Slung over her shoulder was a pouch that jingled softly with the sound of eggs rattling together.

“Don’t worry,” she said with a cheeky grin, dropping the deer’s legs onto the ground. “I got it!”

Aydin couldn’t help but smile, his admiration for her lighting up his face. Her platinum hair caught the sunlight, glowing almost silver, and her big, violet eyes sparkled with pride.

Gedeon shook his head, his dark curls falling into his face as he crossed his arms. “What did I tell you about going out by yourself?” His tone was sharp, but concern laced his words.

Stella planted her hands on her hips, fixing him with a glare. “I can take care of myself, Gedeon. I don’t need someone hovering over me every damn second of the day.”

With that, she walked over to Aydin and handed him his cloak, which he’d lent her earlier. “Thanks,” she said softly, the warmth of her smile softening the tension from her argument with Gedeon.

“It’s starting to get warm,” she added, her voice quieter now as the morning sun climbed higher.

Barrett startled awake with a loud snort, his yellow eyes blinking groggily as he sat up. “Hey, is that breakfast?!” he exclaimed, sniffing the air.

Raphael stood and stretched before making his way over to the deer. His brown eyes scanned it critically as he drew his knife, the morning light catching on his golden hair. “I’ll handle this,” he said, kneeling beside the carcass to begin carving it with practiced precision.

Stella wasted no time. She crouched by the fire pit they’d used the night before, cracking eggs into a pan. “I’ll start on the eggs,” she announced, her voice light but determined.

The sounds of the morning filled the camp—the crackling fire, the clink of Raphael’s blade against bone, and the sizzling eggs—all wrapped in the scent of freshly caught deer.

“Now this,” Barrett said, rubbing his hands together eagerly, “is how you start a day.”

The group gathered around the fire, the savory smell of roasted venison and fried eggs wafting through the crisp morning air. Everyone ate heartily, the morning’s tension melting away with each bite. Barrett, unsurprisingly, ate the most, loudly proclaiming his gratitude for “a proper meal.”

“Stella,” he said between bites, “you’re a damn lifesaver. If I’d had to eat another piece of stale bread, I’d have lost my mind.”

She smirked, popping a small piece of venison into her mouth. “Glad to be of service.”

Once everyone had their fill, the conversation shifted to more pressing matters. Derick leaned back against a log, twirling a coin between his fingers. “So,” he started, his hazel eyes gleaming with thought, “we’re broke. Again. What’s the plan, oh fearless leader?” He looked pointedly at Raphael, though his tone was more playful than accusatory.

Raphael sighed, setting down his plate. “We need work,” he said simply, his brow furrowing.

“Obviously,” Gedeon replied, his violet eyes rolling. “The question is where we’ll find it.”

Derick grinned, sitting up straight. “I’ve got an idea.”

“Oh no,” Aydin muttered, already wary.

“Relax, Lord Highborn,” Derick teased, flicking the coin in his hand toward Aydin, who caught it with an annoyed look. “I’m talking about heading to Taryndale. It’s the next town over, about half a day’s walk east. Bigger town, more opportunities.”

Ari, still nursing her hangover, groaned. “More opportunities for us to get kicked out of another tavern, you mean.”

“Hey, hey,” Derick said, holding up his hands in mock innocence. “I’m just saying, Taryndale’s got a bustling market and plenty of folk looking for people like us to solve their problems.”

Stella glanced at Gedeon, who shrugged. “It’s as good a plan as any,” he admitted.

Aydin nodded. “We do need coin,” he said thoughtfully, his bright blue eyes scanning the group.

“Then it’s settled,” Raphael declared, standing and dusting off his hands. “We’ll head to Taryndale. Everyone, pack up.”

The group moved with practiced efficiency, each member gathering their belongings and preparing for the journey ahead. Barrett hefted his massive axe onto his shoulder, the blade catching the sunlight as he gave it an approving nod. Ari tightened the straps of her pack, muttering something about needing more herbs for her spells.

Stella and Gedeon shared a quiet moment as they secured their belongings, her platinum hair catching the light as she adjusted her bag. Aydin glanced over at them, his lips twitching into a small smile as he caught Stella’s eye.

As they began their journey eastward, the forest around them came alive with the sounds of birdsong and rustling leaves. The road to Taryndale lay ahead, and with it, the promise of new challenges, new opportunities—and perhaps a bit of trouble.

The forest thinned as the group made their way eastward, the morning sun warming their backs. The dirt path leading to Taryndale was quiet, save for the occasional chirp of birds and the distant rustling of small animals in the underbrush.

Barrett took the lead, his heavy steps crunching against the gravel. “So, what exactly are we looking for when we get there? Something with a bit of excitement, I hope.” He swung his axe playfully, grinning back at the group.

“Excitement is the last thing we need,” Aydin replied, adjusting the straps of his pack. His tone was calm, but there was a flicker of irritation in his bright blue eyes. “We should look for steady work. Something that pays well and keeps us out of trouble.”

“Steady work?” Derick scoffed, falling into step beside Aydin. “Boring. Where’s the fun in that? I’d rather deal with trouble than live like some farmer.”

“Not everyone thrives on chaos, Derick,” Raphael interjected, his voice steady but firm. His brown eyes scanned the horizon, ever-watchful. “We’ve had enough trouble to last a lifetime.”

“Speak for yourself,” Ari muttered from the back, pulling her red hair into a loose braid. She winced as her hangover reared its ugly head again. “I could use a little excitement to distract me from the pounding in my skull.”

“Maybe next time you’ll pace yourself,” Stella teased, walking ahead of Ari. Her platinum hair shimmered in the sunlight, and her violet eyes sparkled with mischief as she shot a grin over her shoulder.

Ari groaned, waving her off. “Don’t start, Stella.”

Gedeon, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, finally spoke up. “Let’s just see what Taryndale has to offer. Maybe we’ll find something worthwhile—or at least something that doesn’t involve getting kicked out of town.” His violet eyes flicked to Stella, who gave him an innocent smile.

The hours passed, and by midday, the town of Taryndale came into view. It was larger than Jeric, with bustling streets lined with wooden buildings and a busy market square at its center. The sound of merchants hawking their wares filled the air, mingling with the clatter of hooves and the laughter of children.

“This looks promising,” Raphael said as they reached the town’s gates.

“Let’s split up,” Gedeon suggested. “We’ll cover more ground that way.”

The group agreed, pairing off to explore. Barrett and Ari headed toward the smithy, hoping to inquire about bounties or mercenary work. Derick and Raphael made their way to the market, their sharp eyes scanning for potential clients—or targets. Stella and Aydin, meanwhile, strolled through the square, the former looking relaxed while the latter remained alert.

As they walked past a stall selling herbs and trinkets, Stella nudged Aydin. “You’re awfully tense,” she said with a smirk.

“I’m always tense when we’re in a new place,” he replied, scanning the crowd. “You never know who might be watching.”

Stella chuckled, shaking her head. “You worry too much, Aydin. Relax. We’ll find a job, make some coin, and move on like always.”

He glanced at her, his expression softening. “I hope you’re right.”

Just then, a man in a long coat approached them, his face obscured by the brim of his hat. “You two look like capable folk,” he said, his voice low and gravelly. “If you’re looking for work, I’ve got a proposition.”

Aydin and Stella exchanged a look. “We’re listening,” Stella said cautiously.

The man leaned in, lowering his voice. “There’s been trouble at the eastern mines. Something’s been attacking the workers—something not human. If you’re brave enough to investigate, there’s a hefty reward in it for you.”

Aydin frowned. “Not human?”

The man nodded. “No one’s seen it clearly, but the survivors speak of glowing eyes and claws as sharp as steel. The miners are terrified, and the owner’s desperate for help.”

Stella’s violet eyes gleamed with interest. “Where do we find this mine owner?”

“Head to the Silver Anvil Inn,” the man replied. “He’ll be waiting there.”

As the man disappeared into the crowd, Stella turned to Aydin. “Sounds exciting, doesn’t it?”

Aydin sighed. “Exciting isn’t the word I’d use, but it’s a lead.”

With that, they set off to find the others and share the news. A new adventure awaited—and, as always, trouble seemed to be right around the corner.