Star of Flames, Weapon Repairs (33)

The morning light filtered through the trees, soft and golden as the group stirred from their restful sleep. The air was cool, a perfect contrast to the warmth of their campfire that had burned low through the night. They packed their things swiftly, the usual rhythm of travel settling back in after the few days of relative peace.

Brom was the first to saddle the horse, his movements deliberate as he checked the supplies. Riven, after a quick breakfast, was already tying her gear onto the caravan, her eyes scanning the horizon as she hummed under her breath.

Jin stood for a moment, staring out over the lake. The peace was fleeting, but it was enough to give him a brief respite. He hadn't allowed himself to truly relax in days, the constant vigilance and the weight of his growing power always lingering at the edge of his thoughts. But here, by the water's edge, the stillness felt… almost normal.

Once everything was packed, they climbed back into the caravan and continued their journey westward. The days stretched into a week, the rhythm of travel becoming second nature once more. The roads were quiet, the occasional traveler a rare sight. It was during this time that Jin felt a subtle change within him, an awareness that he couldn't quite place but that had begun to gnaw at him.

By the time they reached a small town, nestled between rolling hills and known as Verdan's Hollow, the group was eager for a break. They decided to stay for a few days, the peaceful town a welcome change from the constant pressure of their journey. The streets were cobbled and lined with small shops, the air filled with the scent of fresh bread and spices.

As they entered the town, Riven stretched her arms dramatically, a grin crossing her face. "Finally, some civilization!" she exclaimed. "I can already smell the food." Her stomach growled loudly in agreement, and Kael chuckled beside her.

Jin couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. He was just as ready for a break, even if it was just for a few days. "Let's find an inn first. We can sort out the rest afterward."

"Agreed," Brom said, glancing around. "We'll need to restock on supplies, and the caravan's wheels need a quick check too."

They found an inn just off the main street, cozy and unassuming. The innkeeper greeted them with a warm smile and offered them rooms with a simple meal to follow. After they settled in, the group split up to explore the town.

Riven and Kael wasted no time in heading straight for the marketplace, eager to find food and anything that might catch their eye. Jin and Brom, however, made their way toward the blacksmith's shop.

The blacksmith's forge was easy to find, the rhythmic sound of hammer striking metal filling the air. The shop itself was a modest building, with a wooden sign above the door reading "Stonefire Forge." Inside, the warmth of the forge greeted them along with the scent of molten metal.

A burly man stood at the counter, his hands covered in soot but his face friendly. He looked up as they entered, giving them a respectful nod. "Afternoon, travelers. How can I help you?"

"We're in need of some repairs," Brom said, setting his sword down on the counter. "The road's been hard on our weapons."

The blacksmith nodded. "I can fix that. Let me take a look." He inspected the sword with a practiced eye. "You've seen some serious use. I can handle this."

While Brom's sword was being worked on, Kael wandered the shop, his eyes scanning the various weapons hanging on the walls. His gaze finally landed on a massive great axe, its blade gleaming with a unique sheen.

"Now that's a weapon," Kael muttered, moving closer to inspect it. The handle was long and sturdy, the blade forged from a dark, almost iridescent metal that seemed to shift in the light.

The blacksmith noticed Kael's interest and smiled. "Ah, I see you've found the Stormcleaver. It's a rare one, crafted from a mix of ironwood and enchanted obsidian. Takes a master to forge something like that."

Kael's fingers brushed over the blade, the weight of it nearly palpable in the air. He knew craftsmanship when he saw it, and this axe was no ordinary weapon. "How much for it?" he asked, his tone serious.

The blacksmith stroked his beard thoughtfully. "It's a steep price, but for someone who can handle it… I'd say one hundred gold pieces."

Kael raised an eyebrow. It was a lot, but he could already feel the connection to the weapon. "I'll take it," he said, surprising even himself with the decision. "I'll make sure it's worth every coin."

Brom, who had been listening to their conversation, turned toward him with a raised brow. "A great axe? You've never used one since your last one broke a while

back on the road though."

Kael grinned, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "I've seen a few since then but it just has never been the right one to use." He turned back to the blacksmith. "Pack it up, I'm taking it."

"Also, why are you getting a sword fixed? Don't you use that scythe?" Kael asked curiously.

Brom nodded before replying quietly, "I'm doing it just to be respectful in my own way." Kael nodded slightly.

After a bit more back-and-forth, they left the shop with the weapons repairs and the new great axe in hand. As the sun began to set, the group reconvened at the inn, where they spent the next few days resting. They enjoyed hot meals, laughed over drinks, and allowed themselves to relax. It was strange to feel so at ease after everything they'd been through, but it was a welcome change. Jin found himself almost forgetting the weight of his burden, if only for a short time.

On the morning of their departure, they packed up, ready to continue their journey. The town, with its cobbled streets and peaceful atmosphere, slowly faded behind them as they traveled westward once more.

It wasn't long before they found themselves on a dirt road, the familiar dust swirling around them in the light breeze. The sun was high in the sky, and for a moment, everything seemed calm.

That was, until the atmosphere shifted. The air grew heavy with ki, dense and powerful. It felt like an oppressive weight, as if the very earth beneath them trembled under its force. Jin's instincts flared, and he felt a cold shiver run down his spine.

"Do you feel that?" Riven asked, her hand instinctively reaching for her blade.

"Everyone stay alert," Brom warned, his gaze scanning the road ahead.

A figure emerged from the distance, walking toward them with a steady, purposeful stride. He was tall, with a dark cloak billowing around him, his face hidden beneath the hood.

When he came within speaking distance, he stopped and, without preamble, spoke in a voice that seemed to reverberate with the weight of his ki. "The one who was born under the star of flames," he said, his eyes locking with Jin's. "That is who I am looking for."

Before anyone could react, the figure vanished in an instant, his ki fading with him. The air around them returned to its normal pressure, though the memory of the force still lingered in Jin's chest.

Kael looked around, his face pale. "What the hell was that?"

Riven's hand was still on her blade, her knuckles white. "I've never felt anything like that. It was as if he could level a kingdom with a thought."

Jin stood still, the weight of the stranger's words pressing on him. "We need to move," he said quietly. His grip on the reins tightened as they continued.