The forest seemed endless. Ancient trees reached for the sky, their branches like twisted arms. The air was cool and damp. Every sound — the crack of a twig, the cry of a bird — made Aron's heart race.
He led his small band deeper into the woods. Behind him walked Garron, Lina, and a handful of farmers and hunters. Their faces were tired, but their eyes held a new light — the light of purpose.
"We'll make camp here," Aron said, pointing to a clearing by a stream.
The men set to work. Garron gathered wood. Lina checked for tracks, making sure no enemy scouts had followed them.
---
That night, they sat around a small fire. The flames danced, casting long shadows on the trees.
"We have brave hearts," Garron said. "But what we need now is steel. Blades, bows, armor. Without them, we're little more than prey."
Aron nodded. He knew Garron spoke truth.
"There's a town not far from here," Lina offered. "Stonebrook. I've passed through before. The lord there was loyal to your father. If anyone would help us, it's him."
Aron's eyes brightened. "Then we go at first light."
---
The next morning, mist clung to the forest floor as they set out. The journey was slow. They moved with care, avoiding open ground, listening for hoofbeats.
By midday, they reached a ridge. Below lay Stonebrook — a small town with sturdy walls, a river running through it, and a keep on the hill.
But something was wrong. Smoke rose from the town square. The gates stood open, broken.
"No," Aron breathed.
---
They hurried down the slope. The town was in ruin. Houses burned. The people — those who lived — were too frightened to speak.
A boy pointed toward the keep. "They came at dawn… men with masks… they took Lord Fenn and his soldiers. Said the town belongs to the new king now."
Aron felt his knees go weak.
"We're too late," Lina said softly.
---
But Aron clenched his fists. "No. We're not too late. We can still fight. We can still free them."
He turned to the boy. "Where did they go?"
The boy hesitated, then pointed east. "Toward the mines. They said they needed workers… and an example."
---
Far from the ruined town, in his dark hall, Jaren listened as his captain spoke.
"The boy prince seeks allies. He runs to the towns that once served his father."
Jaren's voice was quiet, but it carried the weight of steel.
"Then burn those towns. Leave nothing. The boy will find no safe haven in this new world."
He moved a carved figure on his map — a black crown — placing it over Stonebrook.
"The game is mine. Let him try to change it."