Chapter 125

Arid wind swept past Kuahel's face as he and twelve other paladins traversed the dark forest. Abruptly, he pulled on the reins, bringing his horse to a halt. An unsettling scent hung in the air — a scent he knew all too well. It was the smell of fumes, ashes, and death.

"Prepare for battle."

The knights unsheathed their weapons and readied themselves for an attack. After carefully scanning their surroundings, Kuahel spurred his mount forward once again. Sensing danger in the air, his well-trained warhorse tensed up like a strained bowstring. Kuahel tightened his grip on the reins, maintaining firm control as they galloped through the stark trees.

The earthshaking pounding of hooves filled the damp, early morning air. After riding for about ten minutes, they reached the edge of Edkina Forest. Kuahel's gaze immediately snapped up to the column of black smoke rising above the hill.