Chapter 6: The Elder’s Wisdom

Kael had heard stories about Elder Thalor for as long as he could remember. Thalor was one of the oldest and most respected members of the village, a man who had traveled far and wide in his youth before settling down. Rumor had it that he had once lived in Eryndor, the largest city on the continent of Vaelthar. If anyone in the village could answer Kael's questions, it was him.

Kael found Thalor sitting under the shade of an ancient oak tree, his gnarled hands resting on a walking stick carved with intricate runes. The elder's eyes were closed, but he smiled as Kael approached.

"Ah, young Kael," Thalor said, his voice deep and gravelly. "I've been expecting you."

Kael blinked in surprise. "You have?"

Thalor chuckled. "You've been sneaking off into the forest for weeks now. It was only a matter of time before you came to me with questions. Sit, boy. Tell me what's on your mind."

Kael sat down cross-legged in front of the elder, the stone blowgun hidden in his satchel. He hesitated for a moment, then decided to start with the forest.

"I've been exploring the woods," Kael began. "And I've seen things—glowing mushrooms, trees with bark like metal, vines that move on their own. What are they? And what else is out there? My parents say the forest is dangerous, but they won't tell me why."

Thalor leaned back, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ah, the forest. A place of wonder and danger, as it has always been. But tell me, boy, what do you think is out there?"

Kael frowned. "I don't know. That's why I'm asking you. My parents talk about stone goblins and other monsters, but I've never seen any. Are they even real?"

Thalor laughed, a deep, rumbling sound. "Stone goblins? Wolves? Other monsters? Oh, they're real enough, but they're not as fearsome as your parents make them out to be. Those stories are mostly to keep curious children like you from wandering too far. The truth is, those creatures are rare around here. And even if you do run into one, they're not as dangerous as you might think."

Kael raised an eyebrow. "Not dangerous? My dad says they're vicious."

Thalor smirked. "Your father, Garrick, is a strong man, but he forgets that not everyone shares his strength. To him, a stone goblin is little more than a nuisance. Why, in his younger days, he used to hunt them for sport. Said he could kill one in his sleep."

Kael's eyes widened. "Really?"

Thalor nodded. "Really. But you, boy? You're not like your father. You're small, untrained. To you, even a weak creature could be a threat. That's why your parents warn you—not because the forest is full of monsters, but because you're not ready to face them."

Kael hesitated, then asked the question that had been burning in his mind. "What about magic? Is that real too?"

Thalor's eyebrows shot up. "Magic? Of course it's real. How do you think those glowing mushrooms and moving vines exist? The forest is steeped in magic, boy. It's in the air, the soil, the very fabric of this world."

Kael stared at him, stunned. "But... no one ever told me that. My dad never mentioned magic."

Thalor chuckled. "Your father has used magic more times than he'd care to admit. He's not one to boast, but I've seen him channel it in battle. And there are others in this village who know a thing or two about it as well. You've just never paid attention."

Kael felt a pang of guilt. It was true—he had spent most of his life ignoring the stories and lessons the villagers tried to share with him. He had been so focused on his own frustrations and lack of interest that he had missed out on learning about the world around him.

Thalor leaned forward, his expression serious now. "If you want to learn, boy, then learn. But don't expect the answers to come to you. You'll have to seek them out."

"How?" Kael asked.

Thalor gestured toward the horizon. "In Eryndor, the capital of Vaelthar, there's a place called the Arcanum Athenaeum. It's a school for those who seek knowledge—about the world, about magic, about everything. They have the largest library on the continent, filled with books on every subject imaginable. If you want to understand the forest, or that strange object you've been carrying around, that's where you'll find your answers."

Kael's heart raced. "The Arcanum Athenaeum? But that's so far away. How would I even get there?"

Thalor shrugged. "When you're older, of course. For now, focus on preparing yourself. I've seen you sneaking off to train in the woods. You've got spirit, boy, but spirit alone won't keep you alive. If you're serious about exploring the world, you'll need to learn how to defend yourself."

Kael hesitated. "You mean... like learning to use a sword?"

Thalor nodded. "Exactly. Your father is one of the best fighters I've ever known. Ask him to teach you. He might grumble about it, but deep down, he'll be proud."

As Kael stood to leave, Thalor's eyes flicked to his satchel. "And one more thing, boy. That object you've been carrying around—be careful with it.

Kael's eyes widened. "You know what it is?"

I do know what it is, but you'll figure that out in time. No need to rush.

Thalor smiled, but there was a glint of something deeper in his eyes—something knowing. "I've been around long enough to recognize a thing or two. But some truths are better discovered on your own. Now go. And remember—knowledge is power, but power without wisdom is dangerous."

As Kael walked home, his mind was racing. The Arcanum Athenaeum, the library, the chance to learn everything he wanted—it was all within reach. But first, he would have to prove himself. He would ask his father to teach him how to fight, and he would continue to explore the forest, no matter what anyone said.

For the first time, Kael felt like he had a clear path forward. And he was ready to take the first step.

End of Chapter 6