Moonlight Beneath Arvan

Chapter 12: Shadows of the Past

Ethan and Luca traveled for days, their path winding through valleys, across rivers, and into the foothills of a distant mountain range. Each step carried them farther from Arvan, yet the shadows of their past seemed to linger just beyond sight, a constant reminder that freedom was something they would have to fight for every day.

As they approached a small trading town nestled between two hills, they exchanged wary glances. The journey had taught them to be cautious in every place they stopped; guards or bounty hunters from Arvan could be lurking in even the smallest settlements. But they also knew they needed rest, supplies, and information about any new threats they might face on the road ahead.

Ethan pulled his hood lower as they entered the town, casting furtive glances at the townsfolk going about their business. The market was bustling, with vendors calling out their wares, and the scent of freshly baked bread mingled with the faint smell of leather and herbs. Ethan tried to relax, to let himself blend in with the crowd, but he couldn't shake the tension that had settled in his shoulders.

Luca noticed, slipping his hand into Ethan's and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "We'll be alright," he murmured, his voice low.

Ethan nodded, grateful for Luca's steadiness. They moved through the market, picking up supplies and small provisions—dried fruits, a loaf of bread, some fresh water. The merchant, an older woman with a friendly smile, chatted with them as she packed their purchases.

"Traveling far?" she asked, glancing between them with a hint of curiosity.

"Just passing through," Luca replied smoothly, returning her smile. "Headed toward the mountains."

The woman nodded knowingly. "You're not the only ones. I've seen more travelers these days than ever before." She lowered her voice conspiratorially, glancing around. "Rumor has it there's a noble runaway from Arvan, someone with a bounty large enough to buy this whole market."

Ethan felt his heart lurch, but he forced himself to remain calm, giving her a polite nod. "That sounds dangerous," he replied, hoping his voice sounded casual.

She waved a dismissive hand. "Bah! The nobles are always looking for someone. Not that it matters to me." She gave them a wink. "Good luck on your journey, boys."

They thanked her, collecting their goods and making their way out of the market. As they moved through the crowded square, Luca caught Ethan's eye, his gaze serious.

"She's right," Luca murmured. "Word's spreading, and if people here know about the bounty, then others might too."

Ethan's stomach clenched. "We need to be even more careful. We're too close to the border here. Let's get through the mountains and find somewhere to lay low."

They hurried out of town, keeping to the quieter streets until they were back on the open road. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the landscape as they began their ascent into the foothills. The air grew cooler, and the path became narrow and winding, but Ethan felt a sense of relief as they left the crowded town behind.

As night fell, they found shelter beneath an overhang of rock, setting up a small camp where they could rest and remain hidden. They ate in silence, each lost in thought, the tension between them thick as they processed the new threat that loomed over them.

Finally, Luca spoke, his voice low and steady. "Ethan, we've been running for weeks now, and it feels like we're no closer to finding a place where we can live in peace. I don't want to keep running forever."

Ethan looked at him, his heart aching at the frustration in Luca's voice. "Neither do I," he replied quietly. "But what choice do we have?"

Luca sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. "Maybe... maybe it's time we stop hiding."