The Adventure of Arcturus

Act 1 The Quest Begins Chapter 1

Arcturus felt a twinge of guilt as he gazed out at the sun-kissed water. He was supposed to be home before sunset, but the glowing orb had already disappeared behind the horizon, leaving behind a vibrant display of colors that danced across the waves. Perhaps he could justify staying a little while longer, just to witness the beauty of the moment.He shifted his weight, feeling the rough sand beneath his feet. The cove was a strange puzzle made of shipwrecks, each jutting out of the water at odd angles. They were dotted around like scattered puzzle pieces, wherever the strong winds and currents had pushed them. Arcturus used to call them skeletons until he came across an actual skeleton on one of them. It was bleached by the sun, a silent reminder of the dangers that lurked beneath the surface. Now, he climbed the wooden planks with a sense of reverence, mindful of the fact that he was stepping on places where men had fought their last against something much bigger than them. Even though his father had survived, many others had not.Arcturus carefully picked his way across the weathered wood, mindful of the creaks and groans it made beneath his feet. He could feel the rough texture of the salt and sun-bleached planks against his hands, and he took a moment to appreciate the way the light filtered through the cracks in the wood. With each step he took, he could feel the ships crumpling and bending under the weight of the elements.He reached the rocks guarding the cove just as the last rays of light vanished from the sky, leaving behind a faint glow on the horizon. It was less about strength and more about skill, he thought to himself, as he stood there, taking in the salty breeze and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. The ships were a testament to the power of the sea, and Arcturus couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sight before him. Arcturus had been so caught up in the beauty of the cove that he had forgotten to watch his step. All thoughts of careful foot placement vanished when he looked out at the sea, only to be confronted with a grim sight. Amongst the deceptively calm foamy waves floated pieces of wood and fabric, ropes, and a bobbing barrel. And a man's body, draped over a plank, his face in the water.Arcturus couldn't tell if the man was alive or not, but he also couldn't leave him there. The plank floated toward the cove, so he had to act fast. He reached down and gathered the rope he used to climb some of the steeper wrecks, coiled it around his shoulder, picked up his bow, and jumped down the jagged ship remains until he was relatively level with the man.Luckily, the man's bulk did not cover the plank completely. Arcturus tied the rope to an arrow and fired. With a thunk, the arrow sank into the wood, and he guided the plank to the shallow end. When the body came to a halt in the sand, he grabbed the man and pulled him to the shore. Once upright, the man coughed, and Arcturus couldn't help but feel relieved.He dropped the man on the ground, unable to drag him anymore. "Are you all right?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.The man didn't seem to understand him, but Arcturus saw blood through the soaked fabric when he lifted his body to frown. He noticed rows of some very familiar necklaces around the man's neck. The jewelry was intricate sculptures made of precious stones painstakingly grafted to each other, connected by gold, creating realistic depictions of animals and plants. These were long flat silver chains whose links were engraved with symbols Arcturus didn't understand.Arcturus frowned, wondering who this man was and where he had come from. He needed to get him some help, but he didn't know where to start. He looked out at the sea once more, feeling a sense of foreboding wash over him. What other dangers lurked beneath the waves?His father owned a necklace like that. Thin and delicate, almost insignificant. He wore it as a reminder of his heritage.Arcturus jumped up on his feet. "Stay right here, I'll bring help right away."The man tried to lift to follow him but seemed to understand when Arcturus pointed at the sand a few times while walking backward. Then he turned and ran back to the city.The sun had fully set when he reached the first houses, though light spilled through windows, still guiding him. He bolted down the cobbled path, and up the moss-covered stairs of his home, that on the night looked to be a tree grown from rocky foundations."Help, help! A boat on the shore!" Arcturus screamed at the top of his lungs, as he ran down the hallway. He could see his mom waiting for him near the fireplace. She turned sharply at his screams and ran toward him. "What's wrong?" The buzz of people rising around them finally made him stop. "A man, on the shore. He's bleeding. I'll take you." Just then he realized he should have gone to the healer first."Call Greta, and get a group together," His father had appeared from somewhere and the weight of his arm on Arcturus's shoulder steadied him. He told someone, that was the important thing. Now, for the information that made this more than just another stray person. "He's like you." Everything went quickly after that. The man had been found alive, conscious, and transferred to the healer's house by the time Arcturus helped his mother put his sister to sleep. In between the whirl of people carrying slaves and dry clothes, Arcturus's father sat, hands twisting the necklace that was around the man's neck.Arcturus had made a habit of studying his father, the way he frowned whenever he thought deeply, the way he pulled himself up, standing taller every time he had to announce a decision. Father might have been a stranger in these parts, but he'd never let that stop him. But now he seemed pale and lost."I'm sure the man will live," Arcturus said.Father looked up and smiled. "I'm sure you're right. You did well.""And then you can ask him where he's from." When Arcturus thought about having a hole where the memories of his family were, he knew that no matter how good his new life would be, he would want to know about them. Whatever land his father was from, he needed to know about it and share it with them."That I will, son." His father's glance seemed to drift off."What's wrong?""I think... I think he was familiar." His father frowned, shook his head, "Harold, the man is awake." Greta, the healer, called out, with worry in her strong voice. His dad rushed inside, the band swung behind him but didn't close.From the half-open door, Arcturus could see Greta, whose hair had been white even before Arcturus had been born. She had bent her creaky form over the bed, a vial in her hand, face steady. Now that the noise had died down, Arcturus could hear a panicked, weak voice from inside, muttering something. He was too far away to make out the words. But he could hear his father's soothing voice. "It's fine, you're safe." Arcturus came closer, creeping toward the entrance, wanting to see."Caelius," The man shouted now. "Caelius? Caelius... What? How are..." The words faded."Too much excitement, but he should wake after a while. What was that word?" The healer spoke up."I don't know. Maybe that's where he was from?" His father then turned and looked him in the eye. Arcturus froze. "You know you are not to be in here.""You know Arcturus has always had a curious nature. That won't stop now." For such an old man, Forlas walked like a cat, silent and graceful. Arcturus, at the tender age of twelve, stood just a hair taller than him, which only gave him the privilege of looking into the man's deep brown eyes. His gaze carried weight but somehow didn't crush."Elder." Arcturus's father nodded."What do we know about the stranger?" Forlas asked."Nothing yet. The only word that he'd uttered over and over was Caelius."Forlas nodded, gaze far away. "Boy." Arcturus straightened up."Go and gather the other three council members in the meeting hall within the hour."As Arcturus bolted out of the door, he heard Forlas's voice harden. "Guards. Don't leave this room; tell me as soon as he wakes."For the next three days, the man did not move. Arcturus would sneak away from his lessons and chores, to eavesdrop on his father's conversations with the city's elders. The usually had the meetings in the large hall the city used for holiday celebrations. Behind the large room stood a smaller one, with a table and comfortable chairs. The five elders and his father, acting as advisers were constantly there. They summoned each guard that stood in front of the healer's cottage, and Arcturus's mom brought the people in charge of cleaning and feeding the man. Arcturus couldn't stay in the room, so he hung around the entrance, hiding in the shadows. He heard words like "spy," "assassin," and "invasion" being thrown around, but he couldn't piece together the whole picture. His father was always careful to not discuss sensitive matters in front of him. But he could not hide the worry in his eyes, and every meeting had more questions than answers.Arcturus did visit the man too. That was allowed, especially since he couldn't do much. Despite the elders not knowing if the man was a spy or not, Greta had tended to his wounds well enough that they were already healing.It was boring, until one day Arcturus walked in, and the man's eyes popped open.Arcturus hesitated for a moment before approaching him. "Hello," he said.The man turned his head to look at him. A heavily lined face surrounded by a cloud of white hair, slightly scraggly now after days. Arcturus noticed that he looked much better than the last time he had seen him, his skin was flushed, not pale."Thank you," the man rasped. He had a thick accent. "For saving me.""It was nothing," Arcturus looked down, hand scratching the back of his head. "I'm just glad you're okay now."The man's gaze studied him. "You're the son of Caelius, aren't you? You have his eyes.""Who?" Arcturus asks. He had heard that word when he spied on his father at the council meetings, but no one knew what the man was referring to. They thought it was a town. "That's a name?"The man closed his eyes, took a deep painful breath, and opened them again. "I need to talk to your father. It's important."Arcturus was taken aback. "What about?"Caelius? Are you referring to Harold? Is the boy's father Caelius?" Greta asked. Arcturus jumped, he hadn't noticed she had entered.The man turned to her and responded. "I will tell you everything as soon as you get Caelius here.""Get the rest of the council," Greta said. Arcturus noticed the guard drop his spear and ran away toward the house where the rest of the elders were. Harold had been in the middle of preparations for the coming harvest when the elders summoned him. He fell into step with them as they approached the house. He had been their right hand almost as soon as he had woken up. He had watched one of them retire, and give all of that power away without a fight. He respected them, and they appreciated him.He did not like that they now looked at him with suspicion. But he could understand.Forlas led the way. He had always been the unofficial leader, with Greta the healer as his right hand. Helga, the tall statuesque woman was content to look after the mines and develop new ways to use the deposits there, determined that she could eventually develop a weapon strong enough to slay the beast across the river, one of the things that kept the town in isolation. She walked on Harold's left side, blue eyes avoiding his.Bjorn, the towering man who had trained every warrior the village had had in the last forty years, was not so subtle. He walked on Harold's right, but not in support. His stature looked perfectly willing to grab him if Harold did anything rash. And despite the fact Harold was over a decade younger, he knew he would not win. Eirik, the new member, walked to the side. His chiseled face had hardened, but because of thought, not anger. He kept his eyes on the road, which meant he almost wandered off once when the group took a hard turn toward the council chamber, so he was behind everyone now. This was the only member Harold couldn't read.The man had been seated in a chair in the inner chamber, a guard at his side. TO Harold's annoyance, Arcturus was there too, though thankfully not talking to the man. The kid could befriend a hornet's nest, and while that usually made Harold proud, right now he did not want him anywhere near here.The man looked at Harold as if he had known him all his life. "Caelius, you have had a nice life all of these years." The tone was hard. Oh, good, another person angry with me for something I don't know about, Harold thought.The annoyance probably showed because the man's expression turned to one of confusion. "It's me, Thorneus. Don't you remember me? I always came to the town you lived in to trade my wares. Your father and I were good friends."A father. He had one. Harold knew he must have, when he had been found he looked like a man with nothing and no one to his name, but it was hard to think of it."Arcturus. Find your mother and let her know that I will be late for dinner and stay with her until I get back."Arcturus jumped as if startled. "But—" "Please." Harold watched his child deflate in disappointment, but do as he was told.When Arcturus left, Harold then turned to Thorneus. "I'm sorry. I don't remember anything. I woke without memories. In the same cove, you were found in. We honestly thought you would wake like that as well." Or at least Greta had theorized the memory loss was one more way the gods had of keeping the village isolated for whatever slight they had made.Thorneus hummed. "Explains a lot. Given what happened to you, then I can understand I wouldn't want to remember what happened on that day either. And you seemed to have had nine years of bliss here in this paradise." The look on Thorneus's face said it all. The expression was of despair. "Will you tell me about... myself?" Harold sat down next to Thorneus and tried to relax. The rest of the council took seats as well, with Bjorn guarding the door. No one needed to have a guard half-overhear something and spread it around.Thorneus took a deep breath, obviously readying himself for a long story. "Let me tell you of Caelius then. Maybe you will consider him worthy to claim him again.""Caelius was an orphan. No one knew who his parents were, or where he came from. All I know is a great man named Aldhard, who carried him into the town he was the leader of. A small baby wrapped in Aldhard's cloak, the boy grew up an intelligent young man. Aldhard trained him as a successor. He didn't have any other children, so everyone in the village knew Caelius would eventually be their leader. Some people didn't care about that. They constantly asked where the young man had come from, mentioned blood at every opportunity, and opposed every decision Caelius ever made. Eventually, these men gathered into a group, and devised a plan to kill Caelius.""And that is how I wound up on a shipwreck?" Harold asked.Thorneus gave a weak smile. "Eventually. A few assassinations came first. Eventually, they realized he had a weak point. And that weak point was in the form of his wife."Harold froze."His wife and three children.""What!?" Harold screamed. And it still didn't feel loud enough to convey his shock."Caelius married a woman named Rhiannon. A beautiful woman who grew up to be the town's horse master. Her stables were renowned throughout the continent. I do not know the exact details of their courtship. But they had three children, two twin girls, and a young boy. Caelius cared for them deeply. He would do anything for them. And the men opposing him used that.""How could I not remember something so important?" Harold asked. He couldn't imagine forgetting that ever. And how could he love someone just as much as Amina? How could he have forgotten someone? His head began to hurt."She was a tall woman, with long brown curls hair and eyes like emeralds. Wise and beautiful. Your wedding day is remembered to this day. It lasted three days.Harold's headache spiked. He tried to picture Amina in his head, but the image wavered, and the next thing he knew he was on the floor."Harold!" The elder's cries pierced his head and he cried out.A flood of memories drowned him. Learning how to tie a slip knot. How to command a ship. Aldhard's patient gaze as he explained why he would not tax a road that passed through his village, because that would ruin only the people who needed it most. How to placate bored nobles and still keep his dignity. The sharp gaze of a man named Leif, who vowed to only use his axe in defense of him. The way Rhiannon's gaze softened whenever she brushed a horse. Teaching his girls to walk at the same time. The way they competed with each other but once one fell the other would try and help. The way they protected their baby brother.The fire in the hall. The snake in his bed. They trying to spook Rhiannon's horse, a stupid idea, considering her talent. Then her body was pierced by a spear. His despair. Dumped on a boat deck with nothing but the things he wore, half feverish and sobbing. Strong arms pinned him down by the shoulders. Harold felt a weight on his legs. He felt like his skin was on fire. A hand plugged him once and a cool liquid poured into his throat. The coolness spread down and his body went numb. So Harold could breathe again. He opened his eyes to see a glow over his body, and Greta's steady hand over his torso. Her muttered words calmed him as much as the magic they wielded. A constant between worlds. All healers wielded the same power.He wondered if he should still call himself Harold. Could he still love Amina if he had felt that despair before? His gaze fell on Thorneus, who tried to smother a smile under Forlas's gaze."I remember. I remember her."Thorneus lost the battle against his smile."I'll take Thorneus back to his room, and post guards." Bjorn grabbed Thorneus's arm and pulled him up.Eirik walked over to them, sharp gaze in place. "You will not speak to anyone but us. No guards, no little children, no one but the people in this room." There was command in that voice. Harold felt the chill roll down his spine as he listened to it, from where he panted on the floor, finally pain-free. Sometimes it was good to remember why Eirik was the new council member."I won't speak of it," Thorneus confirmed.Harold wondered if the council were still his friends. If they would still trust him to advise them. Or if they thought that they didn't know him anymore. He wondered if he knew himself now. He had always thought he could only love one woman. That hadn't changed no matter his memory. But he loved both Amina and Rhiannon. Differently, but just as hard. They were both capable and impressive women, but complete opposites. Rhiannon never talked about her family, and her soft moments were cracks in her calm posture. She had had to be like that, building her life from scratch. Amina was warmer, all smiles and laughter. But her warmth turned to fire easily. She had claimed the home as her territory and she ruled it. And fought for her choice every single day of her life, ignoring people who thought she should follow her father Forlas's path and join the council. He was still lost in thought as arms lifted him onto a chair. Harold looked up at Bjorn's smiling face."Are you all right?" Forlas asked."Was he right?" Helga asked."He told the truth. I remember. My entire life, he raised me with the idea that I would take over eventually. They don't have a council, just a ruling body of merchants and nobles, and the leader stands between them and the common villages, as a go-between and as protector. " Harold's voice sounded weak to his ears. "My head hurts." "Your body went through shock. No wonder, you remembered an entire life you didn't know about." Greta said. "The potion will let you process with only a light headache. There was some type of magic involved, but a passive one. It might have not even worked the way the caster intended.""Your recommendation?" Forlas asked."Sleep. Till tomorrow.""All right we'll reconvene tomorrow. Everyone agreed?" Helga asked.Harold nodded. He did not miss the fact that Forlas stuck close to him and followed him out. The others stayed. Harold couldn't care what they talked about at that moment.After a few minutes of slow walking, where Harold finally managed to find his balance and some level of strength back, Forlas finally spoke."A wife?""I believe she is dead," Harold said. True, he had never seen a body, but the sea could take more than that. He knew nothing of his children's fate. All of a sudden the silence felt oppressing, and he blurted out his thoughts. "I did not suddenly fall out of love with Amina. But I will not lie and say I am not conflicted. And I know you want her to be told. She should be told. But can I be the one to tell her?""So what you are asking me for is time," Forlas said."If I don't know how I feel about the situation how will I tell her? Give me a few days."They stopped in front of Harold's home. Forlas craned his head up to look him in the eye. "I can have that much grace. But hear this. Deception will not be tolerated."Forlas nodded at Harold before turning and walking away, making his way home. Harold watched Forlas until he disappeared, and then began to walk in the opposite direction from his own home. He needed time to clear his head before facing his family, and despite the late hour, he was unsure how to explain the whirlwind of emotions he was experiencing. He spent the next three hours wandering around the village, contemplating everything that had happened before deciding to head home.Upon arriving and entering his house, Harold found his wife slumped over the table, asleep while waiting up for him. He approached her gently, brushing her hair from her face. As he did so, tears welled up in his eyes; his heart ached with the memories of his wife and other children, the love he held for them, but also the love for his new family and life. The uncertainty of what happened to his first family weighed heavily on him.His wife began to stir, and Harold attempted to regain his composure. It was impossible to hide his emotions, though, and as she fully awoke, she could tell something was wrong. She reached out for his hand, asking if he was ready to talk about it. He was shocked, unsure how to respond. His wife then revealed that Arturus had informed her of what happened before the meeting, and while she understood he might not be ready to discuss it, she would wait until he was. At a loss for words, Harold simply hugged her tightly.She asked if he was hungry or if they should go to bed. Though hunger gnawed at him, he opted for sleep, feeling even more drained.Harold spent many days pondering his situation. On one hand, he loved his new wife and children, but he couldn't ignore the possibility that his other family was still out there, alive or dead. Ultimately, he decided to leave the village and find out what happened to them. But first, he needed to confront his wife and explain everything.The following day, after putting the children to bed, Harold sat down with his wife at the dinner table and recounted everything that had transpired, as well as his decision to leave. She was understandably worried, but also empathetic, knowing she would do the same if it were her children at stake.However, leaving the village was forbidden, and Harold needed the council's approval, which would not come easily. He was confident that Greta would support him, as she had been the one to help him when he first arrived in the village nine years earlier, and she had assisted him in becoming an adviser to a council member. He decided to confide in her and seek her guidance.That evening, Harold met with Greta and shared his plan. Her face fell silent and distant, understanding the impossibility of his request. No one was allowed to leave the village; there were countless rumors about why, but none knew the true reason. Regardless, Harold's determination was unwavering, and seeing this, Greta agreed to help him. She warned him, though, that it would take time to convince the council, as any deviation from the law would raise suspicions.Over the next several months, Greta brought up Harold's case at each council meeting, but each time, her request was denied. Only one other member sided with her, but that was not enough; a unanimous decision was required. As the son-in-law of Forlas, the head council member, Harold faced even greater opposition.In the meantime, Harold prepared for his departure, asking Thorneus to move in with his family to help train Arcturus. Thorneus, a master swordsman in his prime, had much to teach the eager young man. Despite his increased focus on Arcturus'sHarold had made the resolute decision to leave, but out of respect for the council, he chose to stay and await their judgment. Deep down, he knew it was a long shot to gain their approval. With this knowledge, he secretly devised a plan with Thorneus for their departure. As the village's strongest and most skilled warrior, Harold felt confident that nobody could stop him. Thorneus, though aged, remained an exceptionally skilled fighter, which was evident in the way he trained Arcturus.Six months had passed since Harold regained his memories and resolved to leave, yet the council remained unyielding. It was time to set his plan in motion, but first, he needed to talk to his children and explain his intentions.Arcturus, now 10 years old, and his sister, two years younger, gathered at the dinner table as instructed by their father. Their mother, Thorneus, and Greta also joined them. The room was thick with anticipation as Harold began to explain to his children that he must leave. The flickering candlelight danced across their somber faces, casting shadows that accentuated their distress.As Harold spoke, it was evident how upset both children were by the news. Arcturus, mature beyond his years, showed some understanding, but his sister, who was a more sensitive soul, struggled to accept it. Tears welled up in her eyes as she cried out, not wanting her father to leave. Arcturus tried to comfort her, but her anguish affected him too, causing his tears to flow.Their mother rose from her seat and enveloped her daughter in a warm embrace, attempting to console her. Arcturus joined the hug, followed by Harold, as the family held each other tightly, sharing their sorrow. Meanwhile, Thorneus stepped outside, and Greta took her leave, knowing her role in the plan was crucial.The plan was simple: in a few weeks, the village would celebrate the summer solstice with a grand festival. As the entire community gathered in the town square to revel, Harold's family would slip away unnoticed. Greta's task was to ensure no guards would be present at the gate leading out of the village.Forlas, sensing that something was amiss, remained vigilant. His instincts told him that an unexpected turn of events was on the horizon, but he couldn't pinpoint exactly what was unfolding. The air of mystery surrounding Harold's family weighed heavily on him, and he knew he needed to keep a watchful eye as the summer solstice drew nearer.The day of the Summer Festival had finally arrived, and the village was bustling with last-minute preparations. This festival held great importance, as it not only provided a time for merriment and laughter but also allowed the villagers to honor their gods and make ritual sacrifices. During the day, the streets were filled with children and parents dressed in vibrant costumes, and puppeteers captivated their young audiences.Every year, Arcturus and his sister would accompany their mother, wandering through the lively festival. Arturus' favorite spot was where children gathered in a circle to listen as storytellers regaled them with tales of times long past. He was particularly drawn to a story about a small town besieged by war, saved only by the intervention of a god. Arcturus would often imagine that his village was the one from the story, even though the descriptions didn't quite match up. Nevertheless, this never stifled his imagination.Despite his excitement, Arcturus couldn't shake his worry over his father's absence. He kept his concerns to himself, not wanting to upset his sister. Just as his anxiety reached its peak, he felt a reassuring touch on his shoulder. He turned to see his father, a warm smile gracing his face. Together, the family spent the rest of the day enjoying the various sights the festival had to offer.As evening fell and the children began to head home, Arcturus and his family returned to their house. Their father sat them down, preparing to say their farewells. Arcturus pleaded with his father to take him along, but Harold took him aside and explained that he needed Arcturus to protect his mother and sister. With a brave smile, Arcturus accepted his new responsibility.The time had come for Harold to leave, and everything was in place. His wife peered out the door, ensuring no one was outside. With the coast clear, Harold and Thorneus made their way toward the gate, expecting to meet Greta there.Meanwhile, back at home, Aeria was putting Zahara to bed when an unexpected knock came at the door. Tense, she opened it to find Forlas, Greta, and several household guards. A sinking feeling settled in Aeria's stomach, confirmed by Greta's expression. Forlas demanded to know where Harold and Thorneus were, and Aeria repeated that they were at the festival. But Forlas persisted, and when Greta tried to interject, he revealed his suspicions that they were planning to leave.Forlas ordered his guards to search the area near the gate for Harold and Thorneus. As the guards split into groups and rushed towards the gate, Harold and Thorneus waited in hiding, unaware that Greta wouldn't be joining them. The sound of footsteps grew nearer, and the tension in the air was palpable. Realizing that their only way out now was to fight, Harold grabbed a staff and tossed another to Thorneus.As the two men stood ready, the impending confrontation weighed heavily upon them. Both knew that their reluctance to harm their fellow villagers would be challenged by their sense of duty. The guards, likewise, steeled themselves to follow orders, regardless of the cost.Without a moment's hesitation, two of the guards lunged at Harrold, their eyes alight with determination. But he was a formidable opponent, his agility outmatching their brute force. With a graceful, sweeping motion, he incapacitated the duo in a single blow, rendering them unconscious. The entire room held its breath as all eyes turned toward the unfolding scene, the guards swiftly forming a protective ring around Harrold and Thorneilous.As the air grew heavy with mounting anticipation, Folas stepped forward, his voice ringing out like a clarion call, commanding the guards to hold their ground. He turned to face Harrold, his tone unyielding and authoritative. "Is this truly what you desire? To bring pain and suffering to those who were once your allies? We welcomed you with open arms, and now you choose to turn against one another?"Unwavering in his determination, Harrold replied, "No, but I must find my family. Amria, Zahara, and Arcturus are kin to me, but there are others I need to locate. I love both families, and I must do this."With a steely resolve, Folas countered, "If it takes confining you to end this madness, then so be it. Voice Commander, arrest them both immediately!"As the commander prepared to relay the order, a sudden interruption echoed through the chamber. It was Amaria and Zahara, their voices united in a desperate plea. "Stop! Please, just let him go!"In the ensuing confusion, the guards launched another assault on Harrold. Although he successfully parried the first two strikes, a third guard managed to land a punishing blow to his leg, sending him staggering. Yet, Harrold remained undeterred. With Thorneilous fending off additional adversaries, Harrold met the gaze of Amaria and Zahara, drawing strength from their presence as he deftly blocked the oncoming flurry of attacks.Amid the pandemonium, an unexpected development emerged. Harrold caught sight of a guard crumpling to the ground, struck down by an unseen assailant. Seizing the opportunity, Harrold regained his footing just as a lithe figure darted past Amaria and Zahara. Leaping onto the wall beside Folas, the newcomer launched themselves at the voice commander, effortlessly bringing him to the floor. To everyone's astonishment, it was Arcturus, his fury unmistakable."You will not harm my father!" he roared, lashing out with a swift leg sweep to take down the pair of guards menacing Harrold.With the dust beginning to settle, Arcturus turned to survey the room. The ferocity etched upon his features was a sight none had ever witnessed before, but at that moment, they all understood the depth of his loyalty and the lengths to which he would go to protect those he loved.Forlas had been willing to hurt Harold, but he wasn't willing to ignore what had just happened. He gave the order for everyone to stand down, turning to Greta and handing her the package. "Now I see why you went through all you did to help," he said, acknowledging the bravery she had shown.With a wave of his hand, Forlas gave the command for all the guards to leave. Greta thanked him, and with that, Forlas and the guards left as if nothing had happened. Arcturus, who had been ready for combat, was still very angry. His father placed his hand on his shoulder in an attempt to calm him. "You did well, my son," he said, and with those words, Arcturus began to calm down. He dropped his sword and hugged his father.Just then, his mother and sister came up from behind and started to hug them both as well. Arcturus could feel the tension draining out of his body as he leaned into his family's embrace. He felt grateful for their safety and grateful for the love that surrounded him.As they stood there, wrapped up in each other's arms, Arcturus couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. They had stood up for what was right, and they had won. It wasn't always easy to do the right thing, but he knew that with the support of his family, he could face any challenge that lay ahead.Now that everything had settled down, Greta approached Harold and gave him a small bag. Inside the bag was a gemstone, smaller than the one that sat in the center of the council room. She explained to Harold that he would need it to cross the barrier that surrounded the village. Harold was shocked, as it was the first he had heard about the barrier. Greta looked at him and said, "Don't look so confused. You'll understand once you reach the mountain range."She then decided to pull him aside and whispered in his ear. Harold was shocked by what she told him, but he understood. With that, everyone said their goodbyes, and Harold and Thornieous headed off. It wasn't long before they were out of sight from everyone.As they continued on their way, Thornieous turned to Harold, curious about what Greta had said to him. "She advised me that we need to be careful of the Beast that guards the mountain pass, as it is a formidable monster," Harold said.Soon, they came up to a very thick forest area. To their surprise, the path just ended, and with how thick the trees were, it seemed impassable. Suddenly, as they got closer, the gemstone started to glow with intensity and then shattered. With this, the forest started to disappear, revealing a path beyond.Now they understood why they needed the gemstone, as without it, they wouldn't have been able to pass the barrier. As they approached the area where the thick forest had been, the air became heavy with tension. They could feel the bloodlust aimed at them, but they were able to detect where it was coming from.Harold and Thornieous took a deep breath and steeled themselves for what lay ahead. They had faced many challenges before, but this one felt different. With their weapons at the ready, they began to walk toward the source of the bloodlust, ready to face whatever lay ahead. The two formidable warriors approached the edge of the expansive clearing with the utmost caution, their gazes meticulously scanning the shadowy depths of the surrounding ancient forest. Its boughs seemed to quiver, as if in fearful anticipation of the events that were about to unfold. The air was dense with tension, a deafening silence hanging over the area like a heavy fog.Suddenly, the earth tremored beneath their feet as a bone-chilling roar shattered the quietude. From the inky darkness, an enormous, mythical creature emerged, a living embodiment of nightmares: the chimera. Its massive form boasted the head of a ferocious lion, the robust body of a goat, and the sinuous tail of a venomous serpent. Its eyes burned with a primal, wildfire as it bared its gleaming, razor-sharp teeth at the intruders.In the face of this abomination, the warriors hesitated not. With hearts steeled by courage and determination, they charged at the fearsome beast, their finely crafted swords shimmering with deadly intent. The chimera lunged forward in response, its colossal jaws snapping and snarling, aiming to seize the warriors in its lethal embrace. But the seasoned fighters, agile as the wind, dodged and weaved around its relentless onslaught, their blades slicing into the monster's flanks with lethal precision.Enraged by the defiance of its prey, the goat head of the chimera bellowed, echoing its fury throughout the forest. The chimera's serpentine tail lashed out with ferocious speed, sending the warriors tumbling across the blood-stained ground. Their indomitable spirits refused to be quelled, however, and they sprang back to their feet, charging at the chimera with renewed determination.In a daring display of valor, one warrior leaped onto the back of the monstrous creature, plunging his sword deep into its thick, pulsing hide. He clung to the enraged beast as it bucked and thrashed in a futile attempt to dislodge its tormentor. The other warrior, meanwhile, circled the chimera, expertly deflecting its deadly claws and fangs with his shield. With lightning-fast reflexes, he delivered a powerful, resounding blow to the chimera's lion head, his sword gleaming like a bolt of divine judgment.The chimera roared in anguish, its lifeblood flowing from its many wounds, pooling into dark, glistening rivers upon the trampled grass. It thrashed and writhed, but the warriors' relentless assault showed no mercy. With a fierce, united battle cry, their swords flashing like sunlit steel, they charged forward for the decisive blow. Sensing the shadow of death looming over it, the chimera emitted a final, pitiful wail before collapsing to the earth in a lifeless heap.Exhausted but triumphant, the two warriors stood amidst the carnage, their chests heaving as they surveyed the remains of the felled beast. By their valor and unyielding skill, they had conquered the chimera, a creature whispered of only in myth and legend. As they sheathed their bloodstained swords and prepared to leave the clearing, a newfound bond forged in the heat of battle united their spirits, forever intertwining their fates.