Chapter 3: Shadows of the past

Narration 

The sunrise over the Kingdom of Mistral was a breathtaking sight—a fiery glow that illuminated the ridges and valleys like molten gold.

Kitsrir Gre couldn't help but pause as he tightened the straps on his pack, letting the morning light spill across his face.

His brother, Amris Hadeon, was already finishing his meticulous checklist, ensuring every item was in its proper place.

Their father, Oshen Blu, remained silent as he stood at the edge of the clearing, his halberd resting against the bark of an ancient tree.

"Today marks a new chapter for you two," Oshen finally said, his gravelly voice cutting through the stillness. "Beyond Mistral lies a world you've yet to see—and dangers you've yet to face."

"Yes, sir," Amris replied, his voice calm and resolute. He adjusted his ornate dagger, Way Finder, which glinted faintly in the sunlight.

Kitsrir, ever restless, spun Akane Butterfly in his hand, letting the black-and-red blade catch the light. "Dangers we're more than ready for," he said, flashing a grin.

Oshen turned his piercing gaze on his son. "Confidence is good. Arrogance is a weakness. This mission is about more than proving your worth—it's about understanding what it means to protect those who can't protect themselves. Our family has honor, and I intend to make sure you understand it."

The weight of those words hung heavy in the air as the trio set out, their boots crunching against the dirt as they descended into the forest.

The dense forests of Mistral became their first trial. Towering oaks reached skyward, their branches weaving an intricate canopy that filtered the sunlight into scattered beams.

The scent of moss and damp earth was ever-present, mingling with the occasional rustle of unseen creatures.

Kitsrir couldn't help but marvel at the way the sunlight danced on the leaves, even as he struggled to keep his impulsive nature in check.

"Do you ever wonder what's beyond all this?" Kitsrir asked, his voice cutting through the rhythmic crunch of their footsteps.

"Beyond the forest?" Amris asked without breaking stride. "More forests, probably."

Kitsrir groaned. "No, I mean beyond Mistral. Beyond everything we know. What if there's something out there we can't even imagine?"

"That's precisely why we focus on what's in front of us," Oshen interjected, his voice firm. "Speculation is a distraction. The world is vast—but every step we take must have purpose."

Their path wound through meadows that stretched endlessly, the grass shimmering like emerald waves in the breeze.

Wildflowers dotted the landscape, their vibrant colors contrasting the looming shadows of mountains in the distance.

Kitsrir often ran ahead, his boundless energy propelling him forward, while Amris maintained a steady, methodical pace.

At night, the campfires became their anchor in the wilderness. The crackling flames illuminated their faces, casting flickering shadows that danced against the surrounding trees.

"You know, Dad," Kitsrir said one evening, leaning back against his pack, "you've never told us what you were like when you were our age."

Oshen glanced up from sharpening his halberd, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "When I was your age, I thought I could take on the world. I thought strength alone was enough. It took me years to realize that strength without wisdom is a dangerous thing."

Kitsrir nodded thoughtfully, absently spinning Akane Butterfly in his hand. Amris, ever practical, asked, "What changed? What made you realize that?"

"Failure, and loss." Oshen said simply. "They're the greatest teachers, ones I hope you don't have to meet too much."

As days turned into weeks, the landscape grew harsher. The rolling meadows gave way to rocky highlands, where the air was thin, and the winds howled like restless spirits.

They crossed shimmering lakes that mirrored the heavens, their surfaces disturbed only by the occasional ripple of fish darting beneath.

Shadowy ravines greeted them next, their cool, damp air carrying whispers of danger. Each new terrain seemed to test their resolve, as if the world itself was preparing them for what lay ahead.

Despite the challenges, moments of levity persisted.

"Do you remember that time Kitsrir tried to outswim the river currents?" Amris asked, his rare smirk visible even in the shadowed light of the ravine.

"Hey, I almost made it!" Kitsrir shot back, laughing. "Not my fault the river was faster than expected."

"Yeah? And you almost drowned before father had to grab you." Amris said while Oshen chuckled softly. "You've always been a risk-taker, Kitsrir. Let's hope that courage serves you well—not foolishly."

Kitsrir grinned but didn't reply. He knew that beneath his father's stern words lay a pride that Oshen rarely voiced.

By the time they reached the valley that was their destination, the three hunters had grown silent. What awaited them was a sight that defied even Oshen's grim expectations.

The village that had once stood as a beacon of hope and prosperity was gone—reduced to nothing more than rubble and ash.

The valley itself, once a lush paradise, was a barren wasteland. The air was thick with the acrid smell of smoke and decay.

A broken fountain stood at the heart of the ruins, its dry basin littered with debris. A tattered banner clung to the remnants of a collapsed tower, its once-bright colors faded to gray.

Kitsrir knelt by a shattered doorframe, his fingers brushing against the charred remains of a child's toy. His usual bravado was replaced by a quiet pity that resonated in his eyes. "Damn. They didn't deserve this," he muttered, his voice barely audible.

Amris stepped carefully through the rubble, Way Finder drawn and ready. "This wasn't just destruction," he observed. "The Grim were methodical. They wanted to destory everything."

Oshen surveyed the devastation, his expression heavy with sorrow. "This is why we fight. For those who can't. For those who were left behind."

Kitsrir turned to face his father, his jaw clenched. "We can't just leave it like this." "And we won't," Oshen said firmly. "We hunt. But remember—this isn't just about vengeance. It's about justice."

As they prepared to move deeper into the valley, Kitsrir paused to look back at the ruins. His grip on Akane Butterfly tightened, his fiery determination returning in full force.

"This stops here," he said, his voice steady. "No more destruction. No more lives lost. We end this."

Amris placed a steadying hand on his brother's shoulder, his voice soft but resolute. 

"Together." With Oshen leading the way, the trio set off into the unknown, leaving the shadows of the past behind as they ventured deeper into the heart of the threat.