A New Dawn

In the stillness of the night, Saria knelt beside Lena's lifeless body. The cold cave offered little comfort, but Saria knew they couldn't stay there for long. Tears welled in her eyes as she brushed Lena's hair from her pale face.

"I'm so sorry," Saria whispered, her voice breaking. But there was no time to grieve. The soldiers might still be searching for them, and she needed to keep moving—for the baby's sake.

With trembling hands, Saria dug a shallow grave inside the cave. She carefully wrapped Lena's body in her cloak and placed her inside. Each scoop of dirt felt heavier than the last as she covered her friend's lifeless form.

"I'll protect him," Saria whispered as she smoothed the final layer of earth over the grave. "I promise."

She stood slowly, her legs stiff and her heart heavy. The baby stirred in her arms, whimpering softly. Saria kissed his forehead, drawing strength from his innocent presence.

"We need to go," she whispered gently. The baby blinked up at her, his eyes wide and curious.

With a final look at the grave, Saria mounted her horse, securing the baby in a sling across her chest. The horse snorted softly, sensing her sorrow but obediently trotted forward when she gave the reins a light tug. They had to reach the harbor before dawn.

The forest thinned as Saria and the horse galloped through the night. The road was quiet, except for the rhythmic pounding of hooves on dirt. Saria's cloak billowed behind her, carrying with it the weight of her fear and determination.

When the first flicker of torches appeared on the horizon, the docks of the harbor came into view. Ships swayed gently in the water, and the salty sea breeze stung Saria's eyes. She scanned the area, searching for a ship bound for Kiawi, a distant city where she could find refuge.

Approaching a grizzled sailor who leaned lazily against a crate, she asked, "Which ship sails for Kiawi?"

The man raised an eyebrow, studying her carefully before jerking his thumb toward a nearby vessel. "That one. It leaves before sunrise."

Saria didn't hesitate. With the baby securely held against her chest, she boarded the ship, her heart still racing. She found a quiet corner on the deck, far from the sailors who paid her little mind.

The baby squirmed a little in the sling, and Saria hummed softly to calm him. He yawned and nestled closer, his tiny hand clutching the edge of her cloak. It was going to be a long journey, but she knew Kiawi was the safest place for them now.

The ship set sail, cutting smoothly through the dark waters. The night slowly gave way to morning. As the sun began to rise, warm light spilled over the horizon, painting the sky in hues of gold and pink. The gentle rocking of the ship and the crisp morning breeze gave Saria a brief moment of peace.

She looked down at the baby in her arms, his tiny face bathed in the soft glow of dawn. "You'll be safe," she whispered, though the words felt more like a prayer than a promise. She knew their journey was just beginning.

After many days at sea, the ship finally arrived at the bustling port city of Kiawi. Saria disembarked quickly, her eyes scanning the crowded harbor as she adjusted the sling holding the baby. Kiawi was alive with people—merchants calling out, children running through the streets, and the smell of baked bread and saltwater in the air.

Saria kept her head low and made her way through the city streets. She knew exactly where she needed to go: a trusted friend's house near the harbor. It wasn't safe to travel much farther without rest, and she needed help.

After winding through the narrow streets, she stopped at a familiar wooden door. She knocked lightly but firmly, shifting the baby in her arms. Moments later, the door opened, and a tall woman with kind eyes appeared.

"Saria!" the woman gasped, pulling her into a quick hug. "What are you doing here? And who...?" Her voice trailed off as her gaze landed on the baby.

"It's a long story," Saria said, her expression weary. "But I need help. Can I stay for a while?"

The woman nodded without hesitation. "Of course. Come in."

After a few hours of rest, Saria knew she needed to move again. She couldn't keep the horse, not if she wanted to travel unnoticed. The animal would attract too much attention in the city.

With a heavy heart, she sold the horse to a nearby stable. The stable master handed her a small bag of silver coins in return. It wasn't much, but it would help them get what they needed for the next part of the journey.

Saria tucked the coins into her pouch and headed to a nearby shop. The baby needed proper clothes, and so did she. They couldn't travel dressed in cloaks and torn garments—they would stand out too much.

Inside the small shop, Saria picked out a few simple outfits—soft linen clothes for the baby and a dark travel robe for herself. After paying the shopkeeper, she slipped into a quiet corner and dressed them both.

She looked down at the baby in his new clothes. He cooed softly, his small fists waving in the air. "There," she whispered, smiling for the first time in days. "You look just right."

The next stop was a small house a little farther from the city. Saria knew it well—her father lived there, far from the bustle of town. If anyone could help her raise this child and keep him safe, it was him.

After walking for what felt like an hour, the house finally came into view. It was a simple cottage, surrounded by trees and overgrown flowers. Saria's heart ached with both relief and uncertainty as she approached the door.

She raised her hand and knocked softly.

Moments later, the door opened, and a familiar face appeared. A tall, gray-haired man with bright eyes looked at her in surprise.

"Saria! My daughter!" he exclaimed, pulling her into a tight hug. "What are you doing here? It's been so long!"

Saria returned the hug briefly, but her expression was grim. "I need to tell you something, Father." She stepped back and looked down at the baby cradled in her arms. The old man's eyes widened.

"Whose child is this?" he asked, staring at the baby in awe.

Saria swallowed hard, her heart heavy with the memory of Lena's final moments. "His name… well, not yet," she said. "He belonged to a dear friend. But now he is mine to care for."

Her father's brow furrowed, but he said nothing for a long moment. Finally, he gently reached out and took the baby from her arms. A soft smile spread across his weathered face.

"He's beautiful," the old man whispered. "What will you name him?"

Saria hesitated for a moment, then looked down at the baby with warmth in her eyes. "Avoi," she said softly. "His name will be Avoi."

Her father smiled, rocking the baby gently. "Avoi… I like it." He looked up at his daughter, his expression full of love. "You've done well, Saria. I'll help you protect him."

Saria felt a weight lift from her chest. She had carried so much grief and fear on this journey, but here, in her father's home, she felt a glimmer of hope for the first time in days.

The baby cooed softly in the old man's arms, and the two of them smiled down at him. Avoi's journey had only just begun, but surrounded by love, he had taken his first steps into a new life.