Oath of the King-Chapter 57 - 56: Embers and Echoes

The forest was quiet, too quiet. Alden's footsteps were soft against the damp earth, each step measured, each breath controlled. Maera followed closely, her movements careful, her eyes scanning the surroundings. The wall of fire that had threatened them earlier had paused, granting them a temporary reprieve.

Alden glanced at the sky. The sun hung low, casting long shadows through the trees. Time moved differently here; he could feel it in his bones. Days felt like hours, and hours stretched into eternity.

"We need to find shelter before nightfall," Alden said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Maera nodded. "Agreed. The forest isn't safe after dark."

They moved with purpose, navigating the dense underbrush. The trees towered above them, their branches intertwining to form a natural canopy. The air was thick with the scent of moss and damp wood.

After what felt like hours, they stumbled upon a clearing. In its center stood an ancient stone structure, partially overgrown with vines and moss. It looked like it had once been a watchtower, now reduced to ruins.

"This will have to do," Alden said, approaching the structure.

Inside, the air was cool and musty. The walls were crumbling, but they provided some shelter from the elements. Alden set down his pack and began gathering wood for a fire.

Maera sat on a flat stone, stretching her legs. "Do you think the others are close?"

Alden shrugged. "Hard to say. The fire walls are pushing everyone closer together. It's only a matter of time before we encounter someone."

As night fell, the forest came alive with sounds. Distant howls echoed through the trees, and the rustling of leaves hinted at unseen creatures moving in the darkness.

Alden stoked the fire, its warm glow casting flickering shadows on the walls. He handed Maera a bowl of broth, steaming and fragrant.

"Eat. You'll need your strength," he said.

She accepted the bowl gratefully, sipping the hot liquid. "Thank you."

They ate in silence, the crackling fire the only sound between them. Outside, the forest continued its nocturnal symphony.

Suddenly, a loud crash echoed from the trees, followed by a guttural growl. Alden was on his feet in an instant, sword drawn.

"Stay here," he instructed Maera.

He stepped outside, eyes scanning the darkness. A pair of glowing eyes stared back at him from the treeline. A massive beast, resembling a wolf but much larger, stepped into the clearing. Its fur was matted, and its teeth glistened in the firelight.

Alden tightened his grip on his sword. "Come on, then."

The beast lunged, and Alden met it head-on. They clashed with a force that shook the ground. Alden's blade found its mark, slicing through the creature's side. It howled in pain but retaliated, its claws raking across Alden's arm.

He gritted his teeth, ignoring the pain. With a swift motion, he drove his sword into the beast's heart. It let out a final, anguished cry before collapsing.

Breathing heavily, Alden wiped his blade and returned to the shelter.

Maera looked up, concern etched on her face. "Are you alright?"

He nodded, though his arm bled freely. "It's taken care of."

She stood and approached him. "Let me see."

He allowed her to examine the wound. She cleaned it carefully, applying a poultice from her pack.

"You should rest," she said.

Alden sat down, the adrenaline fading. "We can't stay here long. The fire will move again soon."

Maera nodded. "Then we'll be ready."

They settled in for the night, the fire burning low. Outside, the forest watched and waited.