Chapter 3: The Journey Begins.

The forest beyond Rivenwood was unlike anything Aelric had ever seen. The towering trees seemed to bend and twist in unnatural ways, casting long shadows that danced in the dim light. The sliver-eyed woman. who had introduced herself as Lyra, led the group with confident strides, her long robes flowing behind her. beside her walked an older man, bald and quiet, with a staff that glowed faintly in his hand.

Aelric stayed near the back of the group, his heart still racing with the enormity of what had happened. He couldn't shake the feeling that he didn't belong there. He was just a blacksmith's apprentice, what did he know about kingdoms and prophecies?

"Feeling lost, boy?" The older man turned his head slightly, his voice low but filled with understanding.

Aelric nodded. "More than you know."

The man chuckled. "We all feel lost at the beginning of our journeys. But it's the path ahead that will define you. Keep your eyes open, and the answers will come."

Before Aelric could respond, a sharp cry echoed through the trees. The group halted, their hands instinctively moving to their weapons.

"Stay alert," Lyra whispered. "We're not alone."

From the shadows of the trees. dark figures began to emerge creatures unlike anything Aelric had ever seen. Their bodies were twisted and malformed, with long, clawed hands and eyes that glowed with a sickly green light. They moved with an unnatural speed, circling the group like predators.

"Shadow Beasts," Lyra muttered. "The shadow king's minions."

Aelric's heart pounded in his chest. He had no weapon, no magic, nothing to defend himself with. But as the creatures closed in, something inside him stirred. A warmth spread through his chest; before he knew it, the pendant around his neck began to glow.

The creatures recoiled, hissing in pain as the light from the pendant grew brighter. Aelric stared in shock as the light expanded, creating a barrier between them and the beasts.

"Hold the light!" Lyra commanded. "Don't let it fade!"

Aelric focused on the warmth inside him, willing it to grow stronger. The creatures in the creatures snarled in frustration, unable to break through the glowing barrier. With a final hiss, they retreated into the shadows, disappearing as quickly as they had appered.

As the light from the pendant faded, Aelric collapsed to his knees, his body trembling with exhaustion.

"You did well," Lyra said, kneeling beside him. "But you'll need to learn to control that power if you're going to survive."

Aelric nodded waekly, still trying to comprehend what had just happened. He had no idea how he had summoned that light, but one thing was clear, there was more to his destiny than he had ever imagined.