The horse snorted and galloped tirelessly across the dirt trail, its hooves pounding against the earth until it reached the halfway mark of their journey. There, the group paused for a break.
A whisper echoed through the air.
"Find the blade... the power awaits..."
It trembled through the soul of a boy. Aron's eyes widened. The voice was deep, dark—so chilling it made him break into a cold sweat.
And then—he was no longer there.
The vision changed. He found himself standing on the edge of a cliff. The view was breathtaking: the sun glowed warmly over fields and mountains blanketed in lush green trees. The wind was calm, yet something about the moment felt... unnatural.
In the distance, Aron saw something strange—a man in gleaming armor locked in a duel with another swordsman.
He quickly hid behind a nearby tree, eyes locked on the battle.
The armored man didn't even flinch. He stood perfectly still as the stranger charged at him, sword raised. But before the blade could strike—the sword shattered, pieces falling helplessly to the ground.
The stranger gasped in disbelief.
Stranger: "I admit my defeat. My death is yours."
Armored Man: "Even though no one has ever touched me, I have never killed anyone who is good."
He stepped forward, extended a hand. The stranger looked at it, stunned, and then accepted it.
Stranger: "Why didn't you kill me?"
Armored Man: "Because I don't believe anyone with a pure heart deserves to die."
Stranger: "Who... who are you?"
Armored Man: "A man who seeks freedom and peace."
Stranger: "Then let me go with you. I have no one. I need peace too."
Armored Man: "Then go to Norm's Valley. Tell them Norm sent you."
Aron witnessed it all, hidden behind the tree. Who is this man? he wondered.
Suddenly, the armored man turned—and their eyes met.
Aron's breath caught. The man's eyes were deep, shadowed by a darkness that hovered like storm clouds. There was only one thing Aron felt in that moment:
Death.
Aron jolted awake.
He sat up in bed, breath heavy, body soaked in sweat. The dream clung to him.
"Who was that man?" he whispered. "And how did he see me?"
Still dazed, Aron got out of bed and walked toward his mother's room. Inside, he saw his mother Hilda playing with his baby sister, laughing gently.
Milda: "Aron, you're awake, my son?"
Aron (rubbing his eyes and yawning): "Yeah… Isn't Dad home yet?"
Milda: "He could be gone for days… or even months. The journey is long, my dear."
Aron: "Mom… I keep having this dream. There's a voice—it taunts me. It says something is waiting for me."
Milda: "Hmm... then it must be the new horse your father bought me."
Aron: "Really? Really?! Show me! When did he buy it?"
Milda (smiling): "I'll show you when he comes back."
Aron: "Okay then. See you later, Mom! I'm going outside!"
He ran out and reached a quiet pond. Gazing into the still water, he saw his reflection—but all he could think about was the armored man from his dream.
Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed in the distance.
Kyle.
Aron turned and saw him sparring wildly with a soldier—Keith, one of Agarth's most trusted men.
Kyle: "Come here! I'll punch you!"
Keith (frustrated): "Stop it, kid! Damn, these kids are really on my nerves..."
Aron: "Kyle! What are you doing?"
Keith: "Finally, you're here. Take him!"
Keith handed Kyle off to Aron and stormed away.
Kyle: "Damn him! I'll make him pay!"
Aron: "What are you even doing these days?" Aron shook his head, disappointed in the young warrior.
Then, from afar, a cloud of dust rose on the horizon. Aron narrowed his eyes.
Horses.
The thundering hooves approached fast—and then came to a halt.
Agarth was back.
Their father had returned. After a long and perilous journey, Agarth and his soldiers were finally home—safe and unharmed.
Agarth saw his sons and broke into a smile. He dismounted quickly and rushed to embrace them.
The village lit up with joy as soldiers reunited with their families. Laughter and relief filled the air.
Agarth: "Let's train tomorrow," he said to Aron, placing a firm hand on his shoulder.
Despite his exhaustion, Agarth scooped up his daughter and played with her, laughter echoing under the golden afternoon sun.
That night, they shared stories of the journey—smiles on their faces, hearts filled with peace.
For now.