The road stretched endlessly before them, a rough-hewn path winding through fields and shadowed hills, its silence broken only by the steady rhythm of hooves and the creak of worn carriage wheels. After days on this journey, these sounds had become a familiar chorus to the brothers, each taking turns resting, keeping watch, and guiding their carriage through the softened glow of late afternoon, as shadows lengthened and the sun dipped low, casting a warm, amber light over the landscape.
At that moment, Jeyel held the reins, his eyes fixed on the road ahead while Paul, the only one able to take to the skies, flew above, scanning the land for any sign of their destination. As the sun began to fade, casting the world in a dusky glow, a dark shape rose in the distance—the towering outline of Timul Forest, its ancient trees standing like silent sentinels, waiting to welcome or warn them.
With a surge of excitement, Paul dove toward the carriage, calling to his brothers with a mix of relief and triumph. "Brothers! Wake up! I can see our destination! My hunch was right after all!"
Jeyel felt a wave of relief wash over him. "Finally," he murmured, gently pulling on the reins to bring the horses to a halt. With a soft rustle of hooves against the thick grass, the carriage settled in the wide stretch of meadow. He stepped down, stretching his legs as he took in the wild, untouched land around them. With practiced hands, he anchored the reins securely to a sturdy wooden post they carried for such stops. After a careful check of the horses' harnesses, he led them to a lush patch of grass, letting them graze beneath the broad, cloud-streaked sky.
As the rest of the brothers disembarked, they began setting up camp, gathering firewood and rolling out bedrolls. Meanwhile, Jeyel and Paul took a moment to rest inside the carriage, grateful for a chance to relax after the long journey. The soft creak of the carriage settled around them as they leaned back, letting the day's weariness sink in, thankful for a brief reprieve from the endless fields and distant hills.
Jeyel stretched his arms with a sigh, closing his eyes against the wooden frame. "Feels good to finally stop moving," he murmured. Beside him, Paul nodded, glancing out the window at where their brothers were busy at work. The familiar voices and laughter of his family warmed him, a comforting reminder of their bond after so many miles on the road.
Outside, Zaell knelt in the grass, gathering stones to create a fire pit and carefully arranging them in a circle. Rhyz darted around the campsite, teleporting short distances to collect additional firewood, his movements a blur as he reappeared, arms laden with branches. Eijay stood a few paces away, grinning as he raised his hands. With a flick of his wrist, a small flame sprang to life in his palm, crackling cheerfully as he tossed it into the pit. The warmth of the fire soon mingled with their laughter.
Hours passed, with the moon already high in the sky and stars casting a cool light over the land. All the brothers sat around their campfire, eating and talking, casting glances at the dark outline of Timul Forest. They couldn't help but marvel at its vastness, its majesty, the towering trees reaching up like the pillars of some ancient cathedral.
"Wow, look at those massive trees! Did you really live there, Paul?" Zaell asked, his eyes wide with wonder.
"I did. But we aren't quite there yet," Paul replied, his gaze distant as he looked into the forest, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "A long path lies ahead before we reach my village. So let's stay vigilant; this forest is home to many creatures, some of which can be quite dangerous." His tone was bittersweet, carrying the weight of cherished memories from his past, a longing for the familiar comfort of home mingled with the recent tragedy it had left behind.
***
As dawn broke over the horizon, the soft light filtered through the trees, casting a warm glow on the campsite. The air was fresh and crisp, filled with the earthy scent of dew-kissed grass and the distant chirping of morning birds. The brothers were already awake, having long departed from the campsite they had cleaned beforehand. Zaell was at the front, driving the carriage, while Paul and Rhyz chatted inside. In the meantime, Jeyel, who had driven the carriage yesterday, and Eijay, who stood guard last night, remained asleep.
They soon arrived at the entrance of the forest.
"What should we do next?" Rhyz inquired, looking at his brothers expectantly.
"Let's park the carriage and prepare ourselves. We'll wait for Jeyel and Eijay to wake up first," Paul suggested, and the group nodded in agreement.
After securing the carriage, Paul announced, "I'll scout the forest for a bit."
"Be careful! If you need help, use the horn Sir Chris gave us," Zaell reminded, concerned.
Paul responded with a thumbs-up and flew into the forest. As he ventured deeper, he spotted a deer grazing nearby. Instincts kicked in as he reached for his bow, his muscles responding with the familiar ease of a seasoned hunter.
However, a heavy sigh escaped him as he paused. A wave of nostalgia washed over him; he missed his parents acutely, wishing he could bring back that deer to share a feast and savor the delicious meals his mother used to prepare. Knowing that the past was long gone, he stopped aiming his bow and instead tried to look for his friend Dellie.
Although Paul knew the chance of meeting her on this side of the forest was low, he still called for her, hoping she would hear his voice. Yet, as an hour went by with no response, a pang of sadness struck him. As he was thinking of what to do, he was interrupted by Black, who woke up needing to relieve himself. Paul gently lifted him from his vest and glided down, allowing the little creature to roam. After a few moments, Black returned, looking much lighter.
Paul then decided to return to his brothers, albeit sadly. As he flew back, the sounds of laughter and chatter from his brothers lifted some of his spirits. Upon reaching the campsite, Paul was immediately greeted by his brothers.
"You okay, bro?" Zaell asked, noticing a shadow of sadness pass over Paul.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just missing my parents," Paul replied softly.
Zaell placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I know how hard it can be. They're always with you, even if you can't see them."
Rhyz nodded in agreement. "And you've got us. We're your family now, and we'll always support you."
"Thanks, guys. It means a lot," Paul said, managing a small smile.
Sensing his friend was still in sorrow, Zaell quickly shifted the topic. "Did you see your friend there?"
"Not yet. She's probably at her house. I can't wait for you all to meet her, but be gentle—she's a bit shy," Paul said, a smile returning.
"I've never seen a fairy before. What does she look like?" Zaell asked curiously.
"You'll see soon enough," Paul replied as he began gathering wood for a campfire.
"But let's go to my village first. I need to retrieve my mother's hot cocoa powder. I can't wait for you all to try her recipe!" he said, a broad smile spreading across his face.
"I can't wait either!" Eijay chimed in, just waking from his slumber. Jeyel, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, nodded in agreement, "Me too..."
They welcomed the two brothers with warm smiles and soon settled into breakfast. The hearty aroma of leftover stew from the previous night wafted through the air as they reheated it using Eijay's fire spell. The rich scent of savory meat and fresh vegetables, mixed with the sound of bubbling broth, created an inviting atmosphere. Laughter and lively conversation filled the space among them as they enjoyed their meal together.
Once they finished their meal, the group began preparing to venture into the forest. They meticulously cleaned and readied their weapons, the anticipation of the journey ahead buzzing in the air. As Zaell readied his shield, the brothers couldn't help but admire it, including Rhyz, the one who upgraded it.
Seeing all of them looking at him, Zaell grinned, tapped his shield, and said, "Now, I can finally protect you all. Thanks, Rhyz."
"I just improved it, but once it returns to its original size, it's still just a massive block of metal with a strap," Rhyz said modestly, brushing off their compliments, though it was evident he was proud of his modification.
"Even so, that's more than enough for me. If I ever need to revert it to its original form, I have the ring that can reshape it... so thanks, bro," Zaell replied, a shadow crossing his face as he considered the implications.
His brothers noticed the change in his demeanor, but when they asked about it, Zaell merely shrugged and laughed, saying it was because the ring felt iffy.
"You're welcome, then! I'm really glad you liked it," Rhyz responded warmly, effectively ending the topic.
After finishing their preparations, the brothers mounted the horses they had used to pull the carriage, setting off toward the forest while Paul flew beside them.
Inside the forest, they took their positions. Zaell led at the front as the vanguard, his shield held firmly in front. Eijay, their sorcerer, stayed steady in the center, while Jeyel and Rhyz formed the rear guard, keeping watch over their backs. Above them, Paul acted as their scout, guarding the flank with his wolf, Black, whose keen senses complemented the party's formation.
As they ventured deeper, the forest seemed to come alive around them. Leaves whispered in the breeze, branches swayed, and the steady rhythm of hooves mingled with distant, haunting calls—like unseen eyes were tracking their every move.
Jeyel glanced up and quietly called for Paul, who descended to hover just above him. "How far are we from… your village, Paul?"
Paul smiled down at his friend, recognizing the care in his words. "We're still a ways off, but with the horses, we'll get there sooner. Let's keep our pace steady and not push faster than this."
Jeyel nodded, scanning the thick underbrush around them. "Agreed. Any faster than this would be risky, given the rough terrain."
Rhyz chimed in. "Besides, we'd better stay alert in this dense forest; we could get attacked if we're not careful," he said, his tone laced with caution.
"Exactly," Paul replied, his gaze sweeping the treetops. "And Eijay, avoid using any light spells—they tend to draw attention."
"Who's attracted to it?" Eijay asked, puzzled, raising his voice so Paul could hear.
"Most creatures here," Paul answered, casting a glance back at the group. "Their eyes are used to the shadows; they don't take kindly to light."
He paused, his tone turning somber. "This part of the forest is one the villagers avoid entirely. Even growing up, we knew to keep clear of it—too many dangerous creatures, and shadows that conceal things best left unseen." Paul glanced around, his eyes sharp and watchful. "I'd rather not take this route, but it's the fastest way."
The brothers tensed, gripping the reins tighter as they took in the dark, twisting trees surrounding them. They pressed on, their movements cautious, feeling the weight of the forest's unseen threats lurking just beyond their sight.
Luckily, they passed through that perilous part without encountering any danger. But with their minds weary and the shadows deepening, the weight of the forest seemed to press down on them. They were forced to rest and call it a night.
The brothers then dismounted from their horses and made preparations. Jeyel used his ice ability to form a shelter. The structure took shape quickly, with walls of ice that shimmered faintly in the darkness. He carefully crafted a narrow vent at the top of the shelter, a thin passageway for smoke to rise through without revealing their location. The vent directed the smoke upward, above the canopy of trees, where it would be carried away by the wind, leaving no trace of their fire.
Once the horses were safely tethered and everything was secured, they finally rested, taking shifts for guard duty to ensure their surroundings remained safe throughout the night. When dawn finally broke, painting the sky with the first light of day, they resumed their journey with renewed urgency. Paul's sharp gaze constantly swept the dense forest around them, searching for any sign of Dellie, but the trees offered no answers. There was only the deep, unyielding green stretching out in all directions.
Suddenly, the sound of rushing water cut through the tension. Paul's face brightened with a mix of hope and relief. "This way!" he urged, his voice firm as he led his brothers toward the source of the sound. The path grew clearer as they approached a river, its waters rushing fiercely over smooth stones. "We're almost there, brothers," Paul said, a determined gleam in his eyes. "Let's follow the river."
For hours, they rode alongside the river, the sound of the water growing louder as they moved closer to their destination. The journey, though taxing, felt like it was nearing its end. Then, as they rounded a bend in the river, Paul's eyes widened, his pulse quickening.
"THERE!" he shouted, his voice filled with relief. He soared ahead, leading the way toward the familiar sight of his village.
But as they reached the outskirts, the brothers couldn't help but shudder; the devastation became all too clear. The remnants of destruction greeted them—a grim reminder of what had been lost.
Without a word, they dismounted from their horses and entered the village. Soon, they found Paul, his back turned, but the weight of his desolate sadness was palpable.
Paul gazed at the trees, now towering and imposing in their own way. He remembered the grim history of his fellow villagers, the ones Dellie had buried beneath their roots. Kneeling before them, he whispered a heartfelt prayer, seeking forgiveness for his failure to save everyone—especially his beloved parents.
Seeing this, the brothers moved toward him and knelt beside him. In silence, they offered their support, their actions a promise to stand with him. Together, they joined in prayer, vowing to protect one another.
After some time, they all stood up, their movements steady but heavy, as the weight of the graves still lingered in their minds. Paul took a deep breath, his chest rising as he gathered himself. Then, with a slight but genuine smile, he turned to his brothers. "Welcome, brothers, to my village," he said, his voice firm but softened with warmth, a flicker of light amidst the darkness.
The brothers nodded at Paul, but their gazes lingered on the ruins stretching before them. The weight of what Paul had endured settled over them, and disbelief colored their voices as they asked, "A dragon did this?"
"Yes, that's why I need your help to bring it down," Paul replied, his voice steady and unwavering. After a brief pause, he turned to his brothers, each of them exuding determination, ready to stand beside him.
With a soft laugh, Paul added, "But first, let's head to my home." He turned and led the way, his heart swelling with hope as he thought of Dellie, wondering if he might find any trace of her still there.
As they approached Paul's old home, nostalgia washed over him immediately. All the memories with his parents brought a bittersweet smile to his face, the pain of losing them lingering in his chest. He quickly pushed those thoughts aside, focusing instead on one of the reasons he had prioritized returning home.
It was for the jar of cocoa powder he had hidden for safekeeping. When he left, it had been too heavy to carry, but now, that wouldn't be a problem. More importantly, Paul knew that regardless of the hunt's success, he would no longer stay in this forest. It was no longer his home.
This village had once been his home, but it had become just a place after all his fellow villagers—primarily his parents—had died. Now, his home was wherever he and his brothers would venture next—the hunter's way.
Upon reaching Paul's home, they all went inside. Immediately, Paul made his way to the kitchen, where he was greeted by the warm, familiar aroma that had once filled the room. Paul smiled, taking in the surroundings, his eyes wandering over the familiar space.
"I wonder where I stashed it," Paul mused aloud, his gaze scanning the ruined walls. He crouched down, carefully moving a large, weathered rock from the rubble, brushing away dust and debris. Suddenly, his face lit up with joy. "Bingo!" he exclaimed, a broad grin spreading across his face as delight radiated from him.
"Bro Zaell, I need your help over here!" Paul called, urgency in his voice. Zaell appeared, his curiosity piqued. "What is it?"
"Can you help me shrink this?" Paul asked, gesturing to the oversized jar.
"Sure, what is it?" Zaell replied, ready to lend a hand.
"It's my mother's last homemade secret ingredient," Paul explained, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "I want to treasure it until the last drop."
With a gentle touch from Zaell's finger, the jar shrank to a manageable size. Paul carefully tucked it into his vest pocket, while Black, his loyal companion, wagged his tail eagerly, as if hoping to taste the treasure inside. "Alright, alright, I'll make some hot cocoa," Paul chuckled, ruffling the wolf's fur.
The brothers settled at Paul's home, planning to rest momentarily and enjoy the hot cocoa. With little else to do, Paul decided to look through the things in his home one last time, and he was glad he did, as he came across his father's hunting license, which read, "Will Alkantar, S Rank Hunter."
It was a testament to his father's prowess. A wave of pride filled Paul as he gently tucked the precious relic into his pocket, feeling the weight of his family's legacy and the memories that connected him to his past. For a moment, he stood still, letting the memories wash over him—his parents' laughter, the warmth of their home. With a final, aching glance around the place that had once been his sanctuary, Paul took a deep breath and turned toward his brothers. "Let's go find my friend," he said.
As they left Paul's home, they eventually made their way out of the village. "Leave the horses here; it's faster to walk beyond this point," Paul announced, excitement bubbling within him. Forming their party alignment, they ventured back into the forest with Paul leading the way, his heart lifted by the thought of the promise he had made to Dellie—to return.
Sure enough, the path leading to her home was narrow and winding, barely wide enough for a person to pass through. Tall trees loomed on either side, their thick branches entwined overhead, forming a canopy that cast dappled shadows on the uneven ground. The trail was rough, littered with roots and rocks, and the underbrush was dense.
Finally, after what seemed like an endless journey through the wilderness, they arrived at her place. The clearing before her home was peaceful, a sharp contrast to the rough path they had just walked.
Paul and his brothers immediately noticed the radiant, tiny glowing creatures fluttering around them, their delicate wings shimmering like stardust. EIjay, Jeyel, Rhyz, Zaell, and even Black marveled at the sight, as it was their first time seeing fairies. Yet, as soon as the fairies sensed their presence, they scattered in all directions.
Meanwhile, Paul wondered why the other fairies were here, but at that moment, it matter not to him. With a burst of energy, Paul soared up the massive tree and entered a large, hollowed-out trunk. Inside, the vibrant, familiar ambiance of flowers greeted him, and he finally spotted Dellie, her delicate hands tending to a wounded rabbit.
"I'm back!" Paul declared. Dellie turned swiftly, recognition of his voice lighting up her face. In a heartbeat, she rushed to him, enveloping him in a tight embrace.
Though she could not speak, Paul felt the warmth of her joy in every hug and kiss. "How are you?" he asked, emotion welling in his eyes. "I missed you so much!" His words tumbled out.
Dellie danced around him, her excitement unmistakable. Fairy dust shimmered in the air as she animatedly described the happenings of her life through intricate body language.
Paul struggled to follow her story, catching only fragments of her motions. As she moved, his eyes landed on the small, delicate form of the injured rabbit she had been tending to. His concern grew immediately. "What happened to the poor thing?" he inquired.
Dellie, initially bubbling with joy, suddenly froze as a memory washed over her. Her once vibrant energy faltered, and she mimicked distress, her body now conveying tales of loss and worry. In an instant, Paul understood that the visions from his dreams were real. "Where is it? Where is the beast?" he demanded, his voice sharpening with seriousness.
With a determined gesture, Dellie pointed in a direction. Gently taking her hand, Paul reassured her, "You're safe now. I'm here; let me deal with it. Show me the way." Peeking below the tree, he called to his brothers, "It's time. I know the location of the beast. We must go now," he announced.