The morning sun had just begun to rise over the neutral lands, casting a soft golden light across the uneven terrain as five figures rode steadily along a narrow dirt path.
At the front rode a man clad in polished silver armour, his posture upright and composed. His sharp eyes scanned the horizon with quiet authority.
This was Knight Commander Luther, an elite officer of Brightshore Kingdom, entrusted with leading the investigation.
Behind him followed four knights, equally armoured, their expressions serious as their horses moved in disciplined rhythm.
"The village should be ahead," one of the knights said.
Luther nodded slightly, "Duskmire… a remote settlement. If the reports are true, then what happened there is no small matter."
His gaze hardened slightly.
"A single individual defeating a goblin force… including a Goblin General."
One of the knights spoke cautiously, "Do you believe it, Commander?"
Luther did not answer immediately,
"…I believe in results," he said calmly. "If it happened, then we will find proof."
The group continued forward, their pace steady and unbroken.
Soon, the outline of the village appeared in the distance small, quiet, and almost insignificant against the vast land surrounding it.
Duskmire Village.
As they entered, the villagers quickly noticed their presence. Murmurs spread, and within moments, a man stepped forward to greet them.
Bram…
The head of the village.
He approached with respectful composure, bowing slightly, "Welcome, honoured knights of Brightshore. It is an honour to receive you in our humble village."
Luther dismounted his horse, his expression calm
"You must be Bram "
"Yes, Commander "
"We have come regarding the recent incident."
Bram nodded, "Of course, Please… come with me."
He led them through the village, towards a modest wooden house. It was simple in structure, built with sturdy logs, its walls slightly worn by time but well maintained. The roof was thatched neatly, and small wooden carvings decorated the entrance, giving it a warm and lived in feel.
Inside, the house was clean and organised. A wooden table stood at the centre, surrounded by simple chairs. Clay pots, woven baskets, and a small cooking area completed the interior.
It was not luxurious but it was peaceful.
"Please, sit," Bram said
Luther and his men took their seats, observing the surroundings quietly.
After a brief pause, Luther spoke.
"Tell me everything that happened that night."
Bram's expression turned serious.
"…It was a brutal night "
He lowered his gaze slightly, as if recalling the fear.
"We thought it was the end for all of us. The goblins came without warning… many of them. And among them… a Goblin General."
The knights exchanged glances.
Luther leaned forward slightly, "And then?"
Bram continued, his voice steady, "Just when we had lost all hope… someone appeared."
"A man?"
"Yes…"
Luther's eyes sharpened, "Describe him!"
For a brief moment, Bram hesitated.
Aragon's words echoed in his mind.
Keep this a secret. He had given his word. And he would not break it.
Bram took a slow breath and continued.
"He was tall… around six feet. Wore green clothing… like a travelling warrior."
Luther listened carefully, noting every detail.
"What about his abilities?"
"He used wind magic," Bram replied without hesitation, "Fast… precise… overwhelming "
"And his weapon?"
"Two swords…"
The room fell silent….
Luther's expression remained neutral, but his mind was already working,
"His face?" he asked.
Bram shook his head, "We could not see it clearly. It was dark… and everything happened too fast."
He continued, maintaining the story,
"He fought alone, One against all. We watched… helplessly… as he cut them down one by one."
The knights shifted slightly, clearly impressed.
"And after the battle?" Luther asked.
"That is the strange part," Bram said.
"We wanted to thank him… but when we looked for him… he was gone "
"Gone?"
"Yes, He had already paid for his stay at the inn. His room was empty."
Luther leaned back slightly, absorbing the information.
"…Interesting "
After a moment, he stood up.
"Thank you, Bram. Your cooperation is appreciated."
Bram bowed his head, "If you wish, you may inspect the village. You are most welcome here. And please… visit the inn later. Food and lodging have been prepared for you."
Luther gave a slight nod, "We will…."
The knights followed him as they exited the house.
As the door closed, Bram remained still for a moment.
Then he exhaled softly.
"…Aragon…"
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Do not worry. Your secret is safe with us…."
He looked out towards the village,
"I have told everyone the same story. No one will speak otherwise."
Outside, Luther walked slowly through the village, his eyes observing every detail.
"Wind magic… dual swords…" one knight murmured.
Luther shook his head slightly,
"Or… a fabricated story."
The knight looked at him, "You think the villagers are lying?"
Luther's gaze hardened.
"I think… they are hiding something."
He glanced around the village once more.
"But for now… we proceed with caution."
Far away from Duskmire, near the borders of Wolfden, another story was unfolding.
Aragon and Jessy walked side by side as they approached the outskirts of a small village.
The land here felt different,
Wilder…..
Untamed...
The air carried a faint tension, as if danger was never too far.
"That must be it," Jessy said, pointing towards the village in the distance.
Aragon nodded,
"…Looks quiet."
As they moved closer, the forest thinned, and the open land revealed a small settlement. Wooden houses, fenced fields, and a few wandering livestock painted a simple yet rugged picture of life.
But something felt off Aragon's steps slowed slightly.
Shadow Sense…..
"…We're being watched."
Jessy glanced at him, "I noticed"
From the edges of the village, a few figures emerged.
Not humans…..
Beastmen...
Tall, muscular, with animal like features, some with wolf ears, others with sharp claws and piercing eyes.
Wolfden's people…
They did not attack, But they did not welcome either. One of them stepped forward, his voice rough, "State your business."
Jessy remained calm, but Aragon stepped slightly ahead.
"Travellers," he said simply, "Passing through "
The beastman narrowed his eyes,
"…This is Wolfden border land."
Aragon nodded, "That's why we're here..."
A brief silence followed. The tension was thick. Then a distant roar echoed from the forest behind them.
Everyone turned….
From the treeline, a large shadow moved.
Another creature...
Not small this time…Not weak either….
The beastmen immediately tensed.
"…Trouble," one of them muttered.
Aragon's lips curved slightly.
"…Looks like we arrived at the right time."
Jessy sighed softly, gripping her sword, "Of course we did…."
And as the shadow stepped closer…
The atmosphere shifted once again…....