Chapter 22: The Encounter

As the sun began to set over the horizon, the air grew chilly, and the sky turned shades of orange and pink. The forest was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and chirping crickets, but something felt different tonight. A sense of danger was lurking in the air.

Kaida walked cautiously through the forest, her sword drawn and ready for anything. She couldn't shake off the feeling of being followed. She had felt it since she left the village. She glanced around, trying to spot anything out of the ordinary.

Suddenly, she heard a twig snap behind her. She quickly turned around, pointing her sword in the direction of the sound. She saw a figure emerge from the bushes, and her heart skipped a beat.

It was a tall, muscular man with a thick beard and a scar above his eyebrow. He wore a leather vest and had a sword strapped to his waist. He had a look of determination on his face, and Kaida could sense that he was not here to play games.

"Who are you?" Kaida asked, keeping her distance.

"I am Kael, and I have been sent to retrieve the sword you hold," the man replied, his voice deep and firm.

Kaida tightened her grip on her sword. "And who sent you?"

"The goblin king," Kael replied, his eyes narrowing.

Kaida felt a chill run down her spine. She had heard rumors about the goblin king and his growing army of monsters. She knew that the sword in her possession was essential in defeating him.

"I won't give you this sword," Kaida said firmly. "It's too important to fall into the wrong hands."

Kael stepped closer, and Kaida backed away, ready to fight if necessary. "Then we shall have to settle this the old-fashioned way."

Without warning, Kael lunged at Kaida, his sword aimed at her heart. She managed to dodge his attack, but he was relentless, swinging his sword in all directions.

Kaida parried his blows, trying to find an opening to strike. They circled each other, their swords clashing loudly in the quiet forest.

It was a fierce battle, with neither of them giving an inch. But Kaida knew that she had to end this quickly. She took a deep breath and charged at Kael, using all her strength to strike him down.

Kael fell to the ground, his sword clattering away from him. He looked up at Kaida, defeated.

"You won this round," he said, panting heavily.

Kaida sheathed her sword and extended a hand to help Kael up. "You fought well," she said, her voice filled with respect.

Kael nodded, accepting her hand. "But don't let your guard down. The goblin king won't stop until he gets what he wants."

With those words, Kael turned and disappeared back into the forest, leaving Kaida alone with her thoughts. She knew that she had to be careful from now on. The goblin king was growing more powerful every day, and she had to be ready for whatever he threw at her next.