Episode 6: "Strangers and Stillness"
The windmill creaked lazily in the morning breeze.
Kael sat on its wooden railing, legs swinging slightly, eyes scanning the forest line. His usual smile was missing—replaced by quiet focus.
Below him, Lyra was chasing chickens with a broom.
"Kael!" she shouted. "Are you gonna help or just stare into the distance like a sad prince?"
Kael blinked and grinned faintly. "You seem to be handling it just fine."
A chicken flapped into her face.
"…I hate you."
He laughed. For a moment, the air felt lighter.
---
Market Day
The village square bustled again, though not as festive as during the Flame Bloom Festival. Farmers laid out baskets of fruit and grain. Blacksmiths displayed tools. But today, a hush lingered beneath the noise.
Kael helped Rurik haul crates of horseshoes to their usual stall. As he stacked them, he heard whispers.
"…never seen that cloak before…"
"…he's not from around here…"
"…no horse. Just walked in from the south road…"
Kael's gaze followed the murmurs.
A man stood near the herb stall. Cloaked in dull grey. Hood up. Hands gloved. Not speaking. Not buying.
Just… watching.
His presence prickled at the edge of Kael's senses like a cold breeze on warm skin.
Mira walked up, setting down a jar of honey beside Kael. She followed his eyes. "New faces aren't always bad, little star."
Kael didn't answer.
The man turned suddenly.
Their eyes met.
The stranger's were unreadable. Deep. Old.
Then he turned and disappeared into the crowd.
---
The Pond
Later that evening, Kael and Lyra sat by the lily pond, feet dangling in the cool water. Fireflies blinked lazily between the reeds.
Lyra leaned back on her elbows, eyes on the stars. "There's something strange in the air today."
Kael skimmed a stone across the water. "You felt it too?"
"Yeah. Like… the world's holding its breath."
Silence stretched between them.
Then she suddenly splashed him.
He stared at her, water dripping down his nose.
"…You want war?" he asked calmly.
Her eyes widened. "Wait, Kael—no!"
He tackled her into the pond.
They came up laughing, soaked and shivering. The tension vanished—for now.
---
Shadows Beneath Stillness
That night, Kael lay in bed, staring at the wooden beams above.
Outside, wind rustled the trees. Owls hooted softly.
But deeper in the forest—beyond where torchlight could reach—someone stood at the edge of the clearing. Cloaked. Silent.
Watching the windmill on the hill.
Waiting.
---
End of Episode 6.