Elden leaned against the trunk of the tree, his sword clutched in his hand. His eyes were heavy, and he struggled to keep from dosing off. His horse was tied off to a tree a few feet off, a bowl of water on the ground next to it. Every time something rustled through the bushes near him, his hand would reflexively tighten on the sword. He'd grown up hearing the stories of Datsun Forest, had seen the bodies that had been dragged from its depths. He had been foolish to go rushing off on his own. He wasn't even sure he was following the same path his father had taken. The forest was thick, with no roads or clear pathways running through it.
Elden felt his eyelids begin to droop once more, his head sagging down towards his chest. He was just dosing off when a blood curdling scream sounded through the night. Elden was up in a flash, his sword at the ready. Several more shouts rang out through the forest. Elden spun about wildly, trying to find the source of the sound. His horse was letting out loud huffs, tugging on the rope that restrained it. He dashed over to it and made quick work of the knot before hopping on. He steered the horse towards the source of the sound, despite its protests.
"Come on," he insisted.
Then, he shot off towards whoever was in need.
YOU ARE READING
Machine of Fire and Blood
FantasíaCalaithe Daystrom spent her whole life working in the furnace chamber. She fed the fire day in and day out. After finally paying off her debts through working for fifteen long years, all she wants is to enjoy her freedom. That dream is cut short...
