Chapter 21

The embers of the campfire cast long, dancing shadows, painting the night in hues of orange and black. The legend of Vahlkiro clung to Aleric like a stubborn shadow – a place whispered about in hushed tones. Indeed there is a place that's been said to guide you where your heart truly belongs. But time had eroded the certainty, leaving it a fading echo of the past. If not for the undeniable historical evidence, if not for the Kingdom of Vahlkiro itself, a silent testament to a bygone era, Aleric would have dismissed it as mere fantasy. Yet, he knew the late king had used this mystical place to meet his queen – a fact that etched into his memory.

He jabbed the dagger into the wooden table, his eyes burning into the emblem branded upon it. Dalton Sydren. The name itself tasted like an ash in his mouth. Hector, ever the pragmatist, offered a measured suggestion.

"Let's investigate further if the girl's telling the truth," He rumbled, his voice low in the tense silence.

After questioning Ysabel, they dismissed her to rest, retiring to their own tent to discuss the matter. Elvin, ever the optimist, declared.

"She's telling the truth."

Hector scoffed.

"You can't be sure. We've encountered enough liars to fill the grave."

Elvin's retort was sharp, "You need to learn to see beyond your cynism, Hector. Don't let past experiences blind you to the truth."

Hector countered, "And you, young one, need to learn when to temper your compassion. Blind faith will be your downfall."

"Enough!"

Aleric slammed his fist on the table, silencing them both. A throbbing pain pulsed in his temple. "That soldier who killed his own people… they wanted to prevent any information leaking out that could cause panic or undermine Sydren's authority. Knowing Dalton, that treacherous…" He smirked, a cruel twist of his lips.

Elvin, his concern for Ysabel evident, asked, "Then what about Ysabel?"

Hector nudged Elvin playfully, "Getting soft on the girl, are we? Finally got a crush?" He laughed. "Need to work on those biceps first kid."

Elvin groaned.

"Will you just shut up?"

Aleric stood, his voice firm. "Enough squabbling. We leave for the next village as soon as the others arrive tomorrow."

He strode out of the tent, Hector following close behind.

"Not sleeping?" Hector asked.

"I'll keep watch," Aleric replied flatly.

"Suit yourself. I'm hitting the hay," Hector said, grinning as he settled onto his makeshift bed. "You too, kid. Before Aleric changes his mind."

The night air was crisp and carried the scent of earth. As Aleric walked towards the edge of the firelight, he saw a silhouette sitting in the grass. He considered ignoring her, but a sigh escaped his lips. He approached Ysabel.

"Why are you still out here? It's not safe being alone." He stopped several paces away.

Ysabel looked up, a small, almost hesitant smile playing on her lips, but her eyes held a deep sadness.

"You're here now, though."

Aleric's gaze drifted to the dark, ominous forest surrounding them.

"Aren't you afraid of the woods?"

"I don't know," She whispered, her voice barely audible.

"It feels… both relieving and terrifying at the same time." She watched as he drew closer, until he stood beside her.

He drew the dagger from his belt and offered it to her. "I'm returning this. I have no further use for it." Sensing her hesitation, he added, "When the time comes, don't you think it would be a fitting gift to the one who gave it to you?"

Ysabel looked at the dagger, then up at Aleric. Tears welled in her eyes as she finally understood. She accepted the dagger with a heavy heart.

"We'll take you to the next village,"

Aleric said, his voice gentle but firm.

"Don't worry, it's a place where you can begin the life you've always longed for."

His words hung heavy in the night air, leaving Ysabel frozen in place. She knew they would leave her eventually, and a small, almost desperate part of her had hoped for something more, something she knew was unlikely.