Chapter three

Kael felt a sense of disappointment wash over him. He had hoped that the old woman would be able to give him some guidance, some wisdom that would help him on his quest.

"But there is someone who can help you," the old woman continued. "Someone who has been waiting for this moment for a very long time."

"Who?" Kael asked.

The old woman leaned forward, her eyes fixed on Kael's face.

"Your father," she said.

Kael felt his heart skip a beat. His father had disappeared years ago, when Kael was just a child. He had always wondered what had happened to him.

"My father?" he asked. "What does he have to do with any of this?"

The old woman smiled. "Your father was a powerful magic user," she said. "One of the most powerful in the world. He disappeared because he was afraid of what his powers would do to him, and to those around him. But he left behind a legacy, a set of clues that would help you on your quest."

Kael felt a surge of hope. "Where are these clues?" he asked.

The old woman leaned forward and whispered in Kael's ear. "In the forest," she said. "Your father left a series of clues, hidden in the trees and the stones and the streams. You must find them, and follow them, and they will lead you to the allies that you seek."

Kael nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "Thank you," he said. "I will do as you say."

The woman smiled. "I have faith in you, Kael," she said. "Now go, and be careful. The road ahead is perilous."

With that, she disappeared into the trees, leaving Kael alone once more. He took a deep breath and turned to face the forest, his mind already racing with possibilities. He knew that finding his father's clues would not be easy, but he also knew that he had no other choice.

As Kael began to walk, his thoughts turned to the monster he had just faced. It had been unlike anything he had ever seen before, and he knew that he would have to be more careful in the future. He couldn't afford to make any more mistakes.

But even as he tried to put the monster out of his mind, Kael couldn't help but wonder what other dangers awaited him on his journey. He had a feeling that things were only going to get harder from here on out.

As he walked deeper into the forest, Kael began to search for the clues that his father had left behind. He searched the trees, the stones, and the streams, but found nothing. It was only when he came across a small waterfall that he finally found what he was looking for.

In the mist that surrounded the waterfall, Kael could see the faint outline of a symbol. He recognized it as one of his father's, and he knew that he had to follow it.

Without hesitation, Kael plunged into the waterfall, the cold water stinging his skin. As he emerged on the other side, he found himself in a small clearing. In the center of the clearing stood a stone pedestal, on top of which rested a small silver key.

Kael approached the pedestal, feeling a sense of excitement growing within him. He picked up the key and examined it closely. It was unlike any key he had ever seen before, with intricate markings etched into its surface.

Suddenly, Kael heard a rustling in the bushes. He turned to face the sound, his hand instinctively going to the hilt of his sword.

Out of the bushes stepped a group of men, their faces hidden behind masks. They were dressed in black robes, and they held swords and daggers in their hands.

Kael recognized them immediately. They were the assassins who had tried to kill him in the tavern.

Without a second thought, Kael drew his sword and prepared to fight. But the assassins were too many, and Kael soon found himself overwhelmed.

As he fought, Kael began to realize that these assassins were not just any ordinary band of killers. They were highly trained, and they fought with a skill and precision that Kael had never seen before.

Despite his best efforts, Kael soon found himself backed up against the stone pedestal, his sword arm growing tired. He knew that he was outmatched, and that he had no chance of winning this fight.

And then, something unexpected happened. One of the assassins suddenly turned on his companions, attacking them with a ferocity that caught them off guard.

Kael watched in amazement as the assassin fought his way through his former allies, his sword flashing in the sunlight.

In a matter of moments, the other assassins lay dead or dying on the ground, their black robes stained with blood.

The lone assassin turned to face Kael, and lifted his mask.

Kael gasped as he recognized the face of his old friend, Rian.

"Rian!" Kael exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"

Rian smiled grimly. "I'm here to help you, Kael," he said. "But we have to move quickly. There's not much time."

Kael nodded, his heart racing with excitement and fear. He had always been close with Rian, ever since they were boys, but he had never expected to see him again after he left to join the army.

"Come on," Rian said, grabbing Kael's arm. "We have to go."

The two of them ran through the forest, following a path that Kael had never seen before. It wound through the trees, up and down hills, and across a small river. Kael had to keep up with Rian's fast pace, but he was determined to see this through.

Finally, they came to a clearing. In the center of the clearing was a stone pedestal, with a small chest resting on top of it. Rian walked over to the chest and opened it. Inside were a few pieces of parchment and a small crystal.

"These are the clues your father left," Rian said, handing Kael the parchment. "We need to decipher them and follow them to find the others who can help us."