On the road again

When Kyren woke up, he could still feel the weight of the dream lingering on his chest. Was that what I've been looking for? Maybe. But that wasn't today's worry.

Today, they were heading to Tanto—another outpost taken over by the cult.

As he got out of bed, his mind drifted to the kiss he and Runa had shared the night before. A grin spread across his face as he pulled on his clothes and stepped into the hallway.

Downstairs, the smell of breakfast greeted him. Runa and Lydel were already at the table.

"My dad gave me some supplies for the journey," Lydel said, patting the strap of the bag across his chest. "He heard about what we did and said he supports it."

"That's good," Kyren said, grabbing a plate. "I haven't gotten anything yet."

Runa stood, gathering her own dishes and those of the children nearby, then walked them to the sink. "Thank you for the food, Grandma Windy," she said, a hint of grim determination in her voice. "I promise—I'll make sure we all come back."

"Y'all don't worry about the village," Grandma Windy replied, her voice strong and sure. "Ain't no cult attack getting past us again."

"I'll help too," Irene piped up, giggling. "Now that I can fly."

The group headed for the door. After a round of thank-yous, they stepped outside. Kyren summoned Veldthar, and the storm-antlered mount appeared with a low rumble. One by one, they climbed on.

Veldthar moved through the village, hooves tapping lightly on the path. The compass pointed forward.

Tanto Outpost was 250 miles away—but with Veldthar's speed, it would only take a day or two.

The road to Tanto wasn't finished. In truth, it had barely begun—Kyren had helped build the first stretch before his journey truly started. This forest, however, was deeper and darker than anything he'd ever walked through. For the first fifteen miles, the trail was smooth dirt—but soon after, it grew rough and tangled, like they were weaving through raw wilderness.

Still, Veldthar pressed forward, moving at a steady twenty miles per hour, winding through the fog-veiled trees.

After a few hours—about fifty miles in—the forest began to open, revealing a small village tucked near a winding river. Three paths led into it; theirs was the least worn.

They were about a mile out when Veldthar bounded forward, slowing only when the houses came into view.

Kyren hopped down, then helped Runa off. Lydel landed on the other side. Together, they walked into the village.

It was quiet. A few children ran across the street, and an older woman sat on her porch.

"Where'd you young'uns come from—and what the hell were you riding?" the woman asked, squinting as she stood.

"That's my mount, Veldthar," Kyren replied. "We're heading to Tanto."

"You don't wanna go there," she said, waving a hand. "That church's got its claws deep in the place."

One of the kids ran up to Runa. "Lady, you're really pretty."

"Thank you," she said with a smile.

Another boy turned to Kyren. "Sir, can I play with your deer thing? The one drinkin' by the river?"

"Sure. Just don't use any powers on him—he might freak out." Kyren glanced toward the river. Veldthar, be nice to the kids and I'll feed you extra in the next big town.

Veldthar let out a proud, thunderous jeer from the riverbank.

Before the second kid could run off, Kyren grinned. "Mind if my lion joins in?"

The kid's jaw dropped before he nodded rapidly.

Kyren summoned Arvalen. The golden-maned cub appeared, immediately scooping the boy onto his back and bounding toward the river.

"You didn't forget about me, did you?" Liora said, fluttering down to land on Kyren's head.

"Nope. Just didn't want those kids crushing you."

"Those little brats couldn't crush me," Liora scoffed.

Lydel approached the porch. "Anywhere to get food around here? I've got plenty of gold."

"Tavern at the end of the road," the old lady said. "Only option."

"Thank you, ma'am!" Lydel called as they headed off.

The tavern sat at the end of the road, squat and weathered. Lydel rushed in first, already sliding into a seat when Runa and Kyren stepped inside.

"Sit down," Lydel said. "He's makin' us food, and then he said we can talk about the path to Tanto."

Three plates arrived, carried by a large, older man with a scarred face and thick arms.

"Want to know about Tanto, huh?" he said.

"Are there any other villages between here and the outpost?" Runa asked.

"Nope. Just deep forest and monsters. But that's everywhere these days."

"Can you sell us some supplies for the trip?" Lydel asked.

"Of course. If you've got coin," the man said with a chuckle, slapping Lydel on the back so hard he nearly fell forward.

"Yeah, yeah, I've got it," Lydel muttered, digging into his food.

"Have you been to Tanto?" Kyren asked.

"Left there three years ago. That's when the cult sent the Starmaker in."

"Sorry, should've asked earlier," Runa said. "What's your name?"

"I'm Tiver Dawnfar!" the man said proudly, standing tall and placing a fist to his chest. "Used to be in the army. When the cult took over the outpost, I left and came here. If you need a place to stay, I got rooms."

"We'll head out after we eat," Kyren said.

"What? I wanna sleep in a bed!" Lydel groaned.

"No, I agree," Runa said. "We still have daylight and a long road ahead."

"Y'all just wanna cuddle in the tent," Lydel grumbled, dropping coins on the table. "Tiver, take me to your supply room—I don't wanna see their faces."

Kyren laughed, then stepped outside with Runa close behind.

"So… was what he said true, Kyren?" she asked.

Kyren's face turned crimson. "Not exactly."

Runa raised an eyebrow.

"Okay… maybe a little," he admitted.

Kyren called out mentally to Veldthar and Arvalen. The two companions came trotting down the road. The boys riding Arvalen jumped down, beaming.

"Thanks for taking us to our dad's work, big kitty!" one boy said.

"Thanks for letting us play, mister!" the other added, looking up at Kyren.

Lydel returned, arms full of gear stuffed into his bag.

"Alright, I'm ready. Let's go."

Kyren climbed onto Veldthar and helped the others up. Together, they rode off once more—toward Tanto, and whatever waited there.