Tales of Caz and Reality Book One: The Journey Begins

Chapter 1: The Hunter's Departure

The clang of hammer on anvil echoed through the early morning air as Caz stood in the doorway of his father's forge, watching the familiar motions of a lifetime's work. His father, Darren, was a tall, broad-shouldered man with graying hair and a face weathered by years of toil. Despite the lines of age, his hands were still strong, and the fire in his eyes hadn't dimmed.

"You'll need a proper blade for the road," Darren said without looking up, his voice a deep rumble that carried over the sound of metal striking metal. "Something with weight, but not too heavy. You've always preferred speed over brute force."

Caz nodded, stepping into the warmth of the forge. The heat was intense, wrapping around him like a familiar embrace. "I was thinking of taking the short sword you made last spring," he replied. "It's balanced, and the hilt fits my hand just right."

Darren paused in his work, wiping sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. He glanced over at the sword in question, hanging on the wall among other weapons and tools. "A fine choice," he said, a hint of pride in his voice. "It'll serve you well."

There was a brief silence as Darren set down his hammer and turned to face his son. His gaze softened as he took in the sight of Caz, fully equipped and ready to leave. "You're really going, then?" he asked, though he already knew the answer.

Caz met his father's eyes, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. "I have to, Dad. Thorncliff... it's not enough anymore. There's more out there—things I need to see, things I need to do."

Darren nodded slowly, his expression a mixture of pride and sadness. "I knew this day would come," he said quietly. "Ever since you came back from the academy, you've had that look in your eyes. Like you're searching for something, even if you don't know what it is."

Caz didn't respond immediately. He knew his father understood him better than anyone else, and there was no point in trying to hide his restlessness. "I'll come back," he promised. "When I've found what I'm looking for, I'll come back."

Darren stepped closer, placing a hand on Caz's shoulder. "I know you will, son. And when you do, this forge will still be here, and so will I. But until then... be careful. The world's not as forgiving as Thorncliff."

"I will," Caz replied, his voice thick with emotion.

For a moment, they stood in silence, father and son, two men bound by blood and the shared understanding that this departure was as much a beginning as it was an end. Darren's grip on Caz's shoulder tightened briefly before he let go, turning back to the forge with a sigh.

"I've left something for you by the door," Darren said, his voice steady again. "A parting gift."

Caz turned to see a small bundle wrapped in cloth resting by the entrance. He picked it up, unwrapping it carefully to reveal ​​a finely crafted dagger, the blade gleaming in the light of the forge. The hilt was engraved with intricate patterns, and the balance was perfect.

"Made it myself," Darren said, his back still turned as he resumed his work. "Thought you could use a bit of home out there in the wilds."

Caz ran his fingers over the hilt, feeling the weight of the gift—and the unspoken love that came with it. "Thank you, Dad," he said quietly, knowing the words weren't enough but hoping they would convey what he couldn't put into sentences.

Darren didn't respond, but Caz saw the way his father's shoulders tensed, the way he paused in his work for just a fraction of a second. It was enough. Without another word, Caz slipped the dagger into his belt and turned to leave.

As he stepped out of the forge and into the cool morning air, Fides trotted up to him, his tail wagging slightly as he nudged Caz's leg. The scruffy black dog had been by his side for years, through thick and thin. Caz knelt down, scratching behind Fides' ears. "Ready for the road, boy?" he asked softly. Fides responded with a soft bark, his eyes bright with anticipation. "Good," Caz murmured, "because it's just you and me out there."