The Eternal Journey

Chapter 4: The Departure

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the village as Aric prepared to leave. The decision had been made, the conversations with his parents had taken place, and now, there was no turning back. The events of the past few days had been a whirlwind, transforming his once-simple life into something extraordinary and terrifying. But beneath the fear and uncertainty, Aric felt a growing sense of purpose, as if the Heartstone had ignited a fire within him that could not be extinguished.

He stood outside the small cottage that had been his home for as long as he could remember, a heavy pack slung over one shoulder. His mother, Elara, fussed over him, her hands trembling slightly as she adjusted his cloak and checked that he had everything he needed.

“Are you sure you have enough provisions, Aric?” she asked, her voice laced with worry. “The road can be unpredictable, and I don’t want you going hungry.”

Aric smiled reassuringly, though his heart ached at the sight of her concern. “I’ve got plenty, Mother. And Selene said we’d be able to find food along the way. I’ll be alright.”

Elara’s eyes glistened with unshed tears as she looked up at her son. “I know you will, but a mother can’t help but worry. You’re still my little boy, no matter how grown-up you are now.”

Aric felt a lump form in his throat, and he pulled his mother into a tight embrace. “I’ll come back,” he promised, his voice thick with emotion. “I don’t know when, but I will.”

Elara clung to him for a moment before pulling back, her hands cupping his face. “Just be careful, Aric. Trust your instincts, and don’t take unnecessary risks. You’ve always been a smart boy, and I know you’ll make the right choices.”

Aric nodded, swallowing hard as he fought to keep his composure. “I’ll be careful,” he assured her.

Garin approached then, his expression a mix of pride and sorrow. He held out a bundle wrapped in cloth, which Aric recognized as one of the swords they had forged together. “Take this,” Garin said, his voice steady. “It’s not much, but it’s better than nothing. You’ve trained with me for years—you know how to use it if you need to.”

Aric accepted the sword with reverence, knowing the significance of the gift. His father had always taken pride in his craftsmanship, and this blade was one of the finest they had ever made together. He strapped it to his side, the weight of it both comforting and daunting.

“Thank you, Father,” Aric said, his voice filled with gratitude. “I’ll take care of it.”

Garin placed a hand on Aric’s shoulder, his grip firm. “I know you will, son. And remember what we talked about—stay true to yourself, no matter what you face out there. Don’t let fear or anger cloud your judgment.”

Aric nodded, feeling the weight of his father’s words settle over him. “I won’t forget.”

For a moment, the three of them stood in silence, the weight of the impending departure pressing down on them. The village, once so familiar and comforting, now felt like a place Aric was leaving behind for a long, uncertain journey. He glanced towards the edge of the forest, where Selene had said she would meet him. The time was drawing near.

“I should go,” Aric said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Elara sniffed, wiping away a tear that had escaped. “We’ll miss you every day, Aric. But we’ll be here, waiting for your return.”

Aric nodded, his heart heavy with emotion. He turned to face the road, taking a deep breath to steady himself. The path ahead was filled with unknowns, but he knew that this was his destiny. He couldn’t stay in the village, not when the world needed him—when the Heartstone had chosen him.