Episode 1 - Kade and Arin

In the quiet, misty morning of Elaria, the air was thick with the scent of pine and earth. A small stone temple with moss-covered walls stood solemnly at the edge of the village. Inside, a young boy named Arin, no older than six, was on his tiptoes, lighting a candle before a grave. The grave belonged to his father.

Arin's small hands trembled as he struck the flint, finally producing a small flame on that candle. He placed it carefully on the stone altar, his eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow and reverence. The temple was silent except a subtle sounds breaking the silence which is coming from the crackle of the candle's flame and the distant rustle of leaves outside.

Suddenly, a shadow loomed over the boy. A massive figure approached, his presence both commanding and gentle. This was Kade, a giant of a man, with muscles that seemed to ripple beneath his rough-spun tunic and a thick beard that flowed down to his chest. His eyes, though stern, held a softness when they gazed upon the boy.

"Arin," Kade's voice rumbled like distant thunder, deep and resonant. "It's time. We must give him the fire's embrace."

In the clearing, a pyre had been prepared. Kade laid the body of Arin's father gently on the wooden structure. Arin walked up to the pyre, holding a single white flower. He placed it on his father's chest, his small fingers lingering for a moment, as if reluctant to let go.

With a deep breath, Arin took the torch that Kade handed him. The boy's eyes met the big man's, finding strength in his steady gaze. Kade nodded, and Arin stepped forward, holding the torch with both hands. He touched it to the pyre, and the dry wood caught quickly, flames beginning at the edges. As the fire grew, the crackling of the wood mixed with hushed whispers.

Arin stood back, the warmth of the flames on his face, his eyes reflecting the burning pyre.

As the ceremony for Arin's father came to a close, kade and Arin start walking.

"Arin," Kade began, his voice a low rumble that seemed to echo the ancient wisdom of their world. "In our land, survival is not just about skill, but understanding. Life here, in the heart of the wilderness, is governed by old laws. Respect the land, cherish its gifts, and never act out of haste. The hunt is a dance of patience, a ritual as old as our ancestors. Did u understand the lesson "

Arin nodded, absorbing the gravity of Kade's words. As they walked away from the gathering, the shadows lengthened, and Kade's voice took on a practical tone. "Tonight, we need food. Find us a deer or something suitable. Remember, it's not just about the hunt but ensuring our survival."

With a nod, Arin set off, eager yet anxious. The forest was dense and dark, but his sharp eyes soon caught sight of a deer. His excitement surged, and he drew his bow, his fingers trembling. He released the arrow, but it flew wide, missing the deer entirely. Kade's voice cut through the silence, stern and clear.

"Arin! You must learn control". He grab his shoulder and look in his eyes "You don't shoot until you're sure enough to bring it down. Patience is key. So have patience "

Arin, chastened but determined, continued the search. He spotted another deer. Kade, with a quiet nod, joined him. They settled behind a tree, Kade's presence a reassuring shadow beside Arin.

"Steady," Kade whispered, his voice a deep, resonant murmur in Arin's ear. "Steady... aim... and shoot."

Arin took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. He raised his bow, took aim, and let the arrow fly. It struck true, and the deer fell. Arin's face lit up with a triumphant smile.

Kade approached the fallen deer. "Good. Now, let's take this home."

Together, they carried the deer back to their shelter. The evening was spent preparing the meat, the fire crackling as they cooked. There was complete silence.arin have satisfaction of the hunt .The warmth of the fire comfort both of them .

As dawn broke, a faint rhythmic chopping sound stirred Arin from his sleep. The first light of morning filtered through the trees as he emerged from his shelter. He followed the sound outside, where he saw Kade, his broad back glistening with morning dew, swinging an axe with practiced ease.

Arin approached, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "What are you doing, Kade?"

Kade paused, wiping sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. "You need to learn, Arin. Becoming a man isn't just about hunting. It's about mastering every skill. I'm making you a wooden sword. Today, I'll teach you how to be a brave warrior."

With a nod of determination, Kade handed Arin the wooden sword, its rough surface polished by his hands. "This sword symbolizes your strength and resolve. Just like this blade, you must be forged in the fires of discipline and courage. Remember, a warrior's true strength lies not in his sword, but in his spirit."

Training commenced under Kade's stern gaze. The morning was filled with the clashing of wooden swords and Kade's occasional, strict reprimands. "Your stance is too wide! Focus, Arin. A warrior's mind must be as sharp as his blade."

Practice left Arin tired but resolute. As they finished, Kade nodded in approval. "Good."

Their next task was hunting. Arin, now more confident, ventured into the forest with Kade. He soon spotted a deer and, using the skills he had honed, took aim. The deer fell, and Arin's excitement surged as he called out to Kade.

"Look! I got a deer!"

As Arin approached the fallen animal, a muscular stranger emerged from the shadows of the forest. With a grin, he waved dismissively at Arin. "Good job kid you aim well you can surely find another dear ,so for now I taking this one ."

Arin's excitement faltered as he looked around, confused and slightly apprehensive. Just then, Kade appeared from the darkness, his presence commanding.

"We hunted that deer," Kade said, his voice low and steady. "We claim it."

The stranger laughed, a sound that echoed mockingly through the trees. "Oh yeah? I see If you think you can take it? Take it "

Without hesitation, Kade closed the distance, his fist connecting with the stranger's jaw in a swift, powerful punch. The man staggered but didn't fall. His eyes blazed with challenge as he stood tall, muscles rippling. "Nice try, but you'll have to do better than that! Atleast big guy"

The two engaged in a brutal, intense fight. Kade's movements were precise and forceful, each strike a testament to his skill and experience. The stranger fought back fiercely, his strength evident in every blow. The clash of their bodies and the thud of their strikes filled the forest with raw, visceral energy.

Despite the stranger's tenacity, Kade's experience proved overwhelming. With a final, decisive move, Kade break his neck with his bare hands. The stranger died immediately after this.

Breathing heavily, Kade looked at Arin. " Let's go home"

Arin nodded. After they reach to thier shelter

Together, they prepared the deer, the fire crackling as they cooked, the shadows of the forest a silent witness to their ordeal.

As Kade and Arin sat around the fire, eating the deer they had hunted .

Later, as they finished their supper and the fire began to dim, a sudden noise broke the tranquility. The distant sound of rustling leaves and muffled voices reached Kade's ears. His demeanor shifted instantly from relaxed to alert."Stay here," Kade ordered, his voice grave. "I'll check it out."Arin watched as Kade stepped outside, his figure disappearing into the growing darkness.

Suddenly, the sound of armored boots crunching on the forest floor grew louder. Arin's heart raced as he caught glimpses of torchlight filtering through the trees. The soldiers of the Empire were nearing their shelter, their presence unmistakable.Panic set in as Arin realized the gravity of the situation. He remembered Kade's earlier lessons about the dangers of the world and the need for quick thinking. Without hesitation, he hurried to the basement, the secret room Kade had prepared for emergencies.He huddled in the darkness, trying to quiet his breathing as the sounds of the soldiers grew closer.

The forest's dim light cast eerie shadows as Kade confronted a group of Empire soldiers, their armor gleaming coldly in the twilight. "We've found him!" a voice called out from the side.

With a roar, Kade lunged forward. His axe swung in broad, controlled arcs, meeting the soldiers' blades with powerful clangs. Each movement was deliberate, his strikes aimed with precision to disarm and disable. His training and experience were evident in his fluid, practiced motions.

The soldiers, though numerous, struggled to match his skill. Kade's focus was unyielding as he parried their attacks and countered with forceful strikes. His presence on the battlefield was commanding, a testament to his resolve and strength.

Despite his prowess, the sheer number of soldiers began to overwhelm him. Some soldiers broke through his defenses, making their way towards the shelter. Kade's eyes narrowed with determination as he fought to prevent them from reaching the basement where Arin was hiding.

In a critical moment, one soldier managed to force open the basement door. Kade's heart pounded as he saw the shadow fall across the entrance. With a fierce shout, he redirected his focus, cutting down the soldiers surrounding him with a relentless barrage of strikes.He charged towards the intruder at the basement door. With a swift, precise blow, Kade's sword cut through the soldier's armor and flesh, sending him collapsing to the ground

Kade, his body marked with cuts and bruises, panted heavily, the weight of his injuries evident. He turned to Arin, his face a blend of relief and urgency. "We can't stay here. This place is no longer safe."

He handed Arin his bow and arrows. "Take these. I'll lead us to safety."

They fled into the forest, the dense trees offering some cover from their pursuers. After a careful navigation, they reached a small, unfamiliar village. Kade's eyes scanned the area before he turned to Arin.

"Hide here," he instructed. "I'll distract the soldiers. They're still following us. You need to stay safe."

Arin's face was a mix of determination and fear. "No, I want to stay with you."

Kade's voice grew firm. "Arin, you must stay. Remember everything I've taught you and keep yourself hidden. This is not the time for recklessness."

With a final, reassuring glance, Kade disappeared into the forest, his form swallowed by the shadows. Arin, heart pounding, found a hidden spot among the hay bales in a horse stable and huddled inside, trying to steady his breathing.

As dawn broke, the soft light of morning filtered into the horse stable where Arin was hiding. He huddled among the hay, his heart racing with fear and uncertainty. The stable's silence was interrupted by a gentle voice.

Child, what are you doing here?" A woman with kind eyes extended her hand. "Come out. What's your name ?."The village was abuzz with unease. Arin and woman came out from the stable .Villagers gathered at the edge of the settlement, their faces reflecting concern and sadness.

A man stepped forward, his expression grave. "We found a large man lying in the forest. He's gravely wounded."

Arin's heart pounded as he ran towards the forest's edge. The woman followed, her steps quick but careful. When they reached the clearing, the scene before them was heart-wrenching. Kade lay on the ground, his body covered in bloodied cuts and deep gashes. His powerful form was now still, a stark contrast to his previous vitality.

One villager, his voice heavy with sorrow, announced, "He is dead."

Arin stood motionless, tears streaming down his face as he stared at Kade's lifeless body. The villagers, moved by the scene, began preparing a pyre with a somber reverence. They carefully arranged the wood and kindling around Kade.

As the fire was lit, its flames began to flicker and roar. The flames consumed Kade's body slowly, the smoke curling upwards and blending with the morning sky.

The fire eventually burned down to embers. Arin, his eyes red and puffy, gazed up at the sky where the smoke had disappeared. The weight of his loss was immense, but he knew that Kade's lessons and spirit would forever remain a part of him.