The Paladin

Chapter 3: A Forest of Shadows

Aric walked through the narrow paths leading to the elven village, Thorn trotting loyally beside him. As they entered, the sun filtered through the vibrant green canopy, casting dappled shadows on the ground. The village was a stunning contrast to any human settlement he had encountered—trees intertwined with wooden structures, and shimmering lanterns hanging like jewels in the branches. Yet, the air was thick with tension.

Elven eyes glinted from behind tree trunks and windows, watching him with a mixture of fear and suspicion. Aric could feel their gazes, sharp as arrows, though none dared to confront him. He wasn’t here to provoke; he simply wanted to understand the land he had come to protect.

Ignoring the whispers that drifted among the villagers, he moved deeper into the woods, Thorn exploring the underbrush. The forest was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant birdsong, a stark contrast to the hushed hostility of the village. Aric felt a sense of peace wash over him as he admired the vibrant life surrounding him—the iridescent butterflies flitting about and the curious creatures peeking from behind ferns.

However, that peace was shattered when he sensed a disturbance. A rustle in the bushes caught his attention. Before he could react, an elf appeared, her movements swift and silent as a shadow. She was a striking figure, clad in dark leather, her bow drawn taut, an arrow aimed directly at him.

“Outcast,” she hissed, her voice low and dangerous. Her name was Thalindra, a name that whispered of betrayal and loss.

“Thalindra,” Aric responded calmly, meeting her fierce gaze. “I’m not your enemy.”

In an instant, the tension exploded into violence. She loosed the arrow, and Aric dodged, their skirmish a dance of strength and agility. But the ground beneath them trembled. With a sharp crack, the earth gave way, and Thalindra fell into a deep hole, her cry of surprise echoing in the still air.

Without hesitation, Aric leaped after her, landing with a grace that seemed impossible, as if the ground had cradled his descent. He landed softly beside her, assessing her injuries. She clutched her leg, a grimace crossing her features.

“Don’t move,” he instructed, tearing a strip from his cape. He fashioned a makeshift bandage for her leg, despite the grimace of disgust that twisted her expression.

“Why are you helping me?” Thalindra spat, still bristling with anger.

“Because it’s right,” Aric replied simply.

With surprising gentleness, he lifted her as if she weighed nothing, cradling her like a princess. Her eyes widened in disbelief, and she tried to protest, but he ignored her attempts to wriggle free.

“Put me down!” she demanded, her voice a mixture of indignation and annoyance.

“Not a chance,” he replied, striding toward the edge of the hole.

Once outside, he set her down on the ground gently. “You shouldn’t have attacked me. I was trying to help.”

Thalindra's expression darkened as she seethed with frustration. “You made me fall! You owe me now. I expect your service for this.”

Aric shrugged, a smile tugging at his lips despite her ire. “You want me to help you? I don’t mind sharing my kindness.”

Her eyes narrowed, and she took a step forward, trying to regain her composure. “I could easily turn you into the villagers for trespassing and attacking me!”

“Then why don’t you?” he asked, unfazed by her threats. “Because deep down, you know I’m not your enemy. You’re angry because I didn’t retaliate.”