Michrinor: The Fates of The Heirs

Chapter 28 - Dabar's Bazzars

Tears streamed down Ava's face as she clung tightly to Lanonir's chest. "Fear not, Ava," Lanonir murmured, his voice a calming balm against the storm of her emotions. "We stand with you, unwavering on this path. Together, we shall face whatever lies ahead. Hold fast to your destiny, for it is yours alone." His words brought a flicker of peace to her heart, still racing with the fear and uncertainty of recent events.

A deep voice rumbled from behind them, a sound as familiar as the earth beneath her feet. "Bring my Little Bean to me." Ava turned sharply, her eyes widening in recognition before she threw herself into Harvan's waiting arms. He caught her with ease, lifting her from the ground as if she weighed nothing, holding her close with the protective strength of a father reunited with his lost child. "You saved me, Little Bean," he whispered, his breath warm against her hair as he cradled her.

"I love you, Harvan. I love you all so much. Please, don't leave me," Ava pleaded, her voice trembling with the raw intensity of her emotions as she clung to him with all the strength she had left.

Harvan delicately tilted her chin upward, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Look at me, Ava," he said, his voice firm yet filled with a tender warmth. Through her tear-filled eyes, she looked up at him. "You are worth more than all the treasures in this world. I am with you for as long as fate allows, but know this: whether we stand beside you in body or in spirit, our love will always be with you." They held each other for a moment longer, the world around them fading into silence, until a voice interrupted their embrace.

"I've scouted ahead," Svonman announced, his voice low but confident. "The cave yonder is clear and safe for passage. If we press on, a day's journey should bring us to Trancedi Valley, and from there, the path to Dabar and the others lies unbarred." Harvan nodded, his gaze softening as he placed Ava back on her feet. "Are you ready to continue, Little Bean?" he asked, his tone as warm as the embrace they had just shared. Ava, wiping the last remnants of tears from her eyes, nodded resolutely. Without hesitation, she followed Svonman as they ventured deeper into the shadowed recesses of the cave.

The air inside was cool and damp, the walls slick with moisture that glistened faintly in the torchlight. The path was narrow, forcing them to move in single file, the silence broken only by the distant drip of water echoing through the stone corridors. Ava kept close to Harvan, her hand brushing the rough cave wall as she steeled herself for what lay ahead. The journey had been arduous, but the thought of reaching Dabar—and reuniting with the others—gave her strength.

As they neared the cave's end, a faint light began to filter through the darkness. Ava quickened her pace, the sight of daylight filling her with renewed hope. The crisp air of the valley greeted them as they emerged from the cave, a refreshing change from the stifling confines they had just left behind. The Momos, overjoyed to be free from the oppressive darkness, chirped and chattered excitedly, scampering up the nearest trees to take in their surroundings from a higher vantage.

Harvan motioned for the group to halt as he scanned the open valley, his eyes sharp and vigilant. Seeing no immediate threats, he gave a brief nod, signaling the others to follow him into the vast, sunlit expanse. The valley was lush and green, the land stretching out before them in rolling hills and dense woodlands. In the distance, a small village appeared, nestled at the base of the mountains. Ava's heart lifted at the sight. Though modest, the village offered the promise of rest, and she could almost feel the soothing relief of a warm bath after the long trek.

The group paused under the shade of a small grove of trees, the coolness of the leaves above providing a welcome respite from the sun. Ava, along with the Momos, took the opportunity to rest, leaning against the sturdy trunks as they caught their breath. "I shall venture into the village to seek lodgings for the night," Svonman declared, his gaze turning toward the distant rooftops. "Come dawn, we can resume our journey to Dabar." The others murmured their agreement, and with a final glance at the group, Svonman set off toward the village, leaving the rest to await his return in the peaceful embrace of the grove.