A Song of a New Start

"So, what were you mining back there? All I saw was just some rocks," Azrael inquired, turning to Erik as they walked out of the dungeon.

Excited and emotional chatter filled the cave as the former slaves celebrated their newfound freedom. Illeron took the lead, guiding the group forward, while Azrael and Kaitlynn followed closely behind them.

"Magic crystals," Erik replied, his tone tinged with nostalgia. "There used to be plenty of them back in the day, but now... not so much. The crystals ran dry, and the goblins got desperate. That's when they started recruiting humans, or abducting them. Some folks even willingly joined, thinking it was just a regular mine. Poor choice, huh..." Erik sighed, a hint of sadness evident in his voice.

"Magic crystals? I've read about those in the library," Kaitlynn interjected with excitement. "I've heard that the dwarves used them to craft incredible artifacts and weapons. We have some back at home too. We use a few for our own creations, but most of them are exported to the dwarven lands."

"Dwarves are indeed remarkable artificers," Illeron added. "Their forges are renowned throughout the world. And let's not forget about Dwarven beer," he chuckled, adding a touch of lightheartedness to the conversation.

Azrael chuckled softly at the mention of dwarves. Memories of ferocious and short-tempered dwarf flooded his mind. He remembered how Arthur would often visit the forges to have his swords repaired or sharpened, only to be met with disdain from the dwarves due to his height.

Shaking his head with a bitter smile, Azrael couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia for those days. However, he knew dwelling on the past wouldn't change anything. Instead, he focused on the present, grateful for the companionship of his friends and the newfound freedom they had all fought so hard to attain.

Just ahead, a sliver of light pierced through the darkness of the cave. Illeron dashed towards it, Kaitlynn close behind, their footsteps echoing in the cavern.

Erik gave Azrael's shoulder a reassuring clap before hurrying after them. Azrael let out a weary sigh, his heart heavy with emotion, and began to jog towards the exit.

As he drew closer, the warm glow of sunlight beckoned him forward, casting a golden hue on the rough walls of the cave. With each step, the anticipation built within him, the promise of freedom almost within reach.

Finally, they emerged from the depths of the cave, one by one, into the embrace of the sun's radiant rays. Gasps of awe and sobs of relief filled the air, a chorus of emotions swirling around them.

For some, it had been years of toil and hardship; for others, it felt like centuries. But now, under the vast expanse of the open sky, they were free. Free to bask in the warmth of the sunlight, free to embrace the promise of a new beginning.

Azrael glanced over at the old man, his face etched with years of struggle and hardship, now bathed in the warm glow of sunlight. Tears streamed down the weathered lines of his cheeks as he stood there, arms outstretched, embracing the long-awaited freedom.

"Freedom!" Erik's jubilant cry pierced the air, reverberating through the mountainside.

Illeron, caught up in the moment, joined in with equal fervor, their voices blending in a chorus of elation.

Azrael couldn't help but laugh, his heart swelling with joy as he clapped them on the back, sharing in their exuberance.

Kaitlynn stood nearby, a smile gracing her lips as she watched their celebration unfold. And then, in a sudden burst of emotion, Erik enveloped Illeron in a tight hug, and Illeron returned the gesture with equal fervor. Together, they cried out in triumphant celebration, their voices echoing off the rocky walls.

After all the trials and tribulations, after every obstacle they had overcome, from the initial escape to the unexpected encounters with Marcus and Lilith, to forming deep bonds with Kaitlynn and Illeron, and finally meeting Erik—everything had led up to this moment. Freedom.

"Thank you," Erik's voice choked with emotion as he wrapped Azrael in a tight embrace, tears streaming down his face. Illeron nodded in agreement, his own eyes brimming with tears of gratitude. Azrael returned their embrace wholeheartedly.

...

They stood atop the hill, gazing down at the village sprawled out below. Azrael squinted his eyes, searching for any sign of smoke rising from the charred remains of the recent fire. But there was none—two days had passed since the flames had ravaged the village, and it seemed that all had been dealt with.

"The ship must've sailed," Kaitlynn remarked, joining him at his side as they surveyed the scene below.

Azrael nodded, his brow furrowed in thought. "It must have. But what can we do to change that?" he mused aloud, a sense of frustration tingeing his words. "Nothing. But for now, all we can do is find a place to stay, wait for the next ship, and quietly slip away from here."

Kaitlynn nodded in understanding, her expression reflecting a mix of resignation and determination. Azrael offered her a reassuring smile, and she returned it before they turned to follow Illeron and Erik, who were leading the group forward.

"Why don't you sing?" Erik suddenly asked Illeron, a note of curiosity in his voice. Azrael noticed that the two seemed to be getting along better now.

"What!? Now?" Illeron's eyebrows shot up in surprise, and he shook his head adamantly. "No way! I'm terrible at the moment."

"Come on! Sing us a song. It's been centuries since I last heard a song," Erik persisted, a hint of longing in his voice.

Illeron sighed, shaking his head once more, and continued walking, his reluctance evident.

"Come on, sing for us too," Azrael chimed in, playfully nudging Illeron with his shoulder. "It's been days for me."

Illeron hesitated, feeling the weight of their expectant gazes upon him. With a resigned sigh, he finally relented. Clearing his throat, he began to clap the stones in his hands together, creating a rhythmic sound that echoed through the crisp air.

"Farewell, farewell, you spring flowers, Your beauty shall shine upon me no longer. May the wind carry your fragrance to me, As I sail across the endless ocean.

Spring flowers, fare thee well, I may not see you again for a long time, But I will remember you forever..."