Preface
The crows tore through the clouds like heralds, sending a warning to the humans, who for a moment forgot their troubles to admire the somber spectacle. Summer was drawing to a close, and it was no longer safe to remain in the kingdom.
"Peter! Peter!"
Soldier Joshua Conan, known only as Soldier 16, left his post when he saw the body lying in the rubble of the battlefield. There lay Peter Kennan, mortally wounded, surrounded by dozens of bodies rotting in the sun. But to Joshua, he wasn't just another soldier. He was his soul brother, his best friend since they were eight years old.
"Has anyone ever told you that you look terrible with a mustache?"
Sergeant Peter knew it was the end for him and didn't fight it. Joshua desperately knelt beside his friend, trying to ignore the blood pouring from his stomach.
"Come on, let's get you to the infirmary."
He tried to lift him, but was stopped by a breathless Peter, who gripped his arm tightly.
"Josh, Josh, Josh!" Peter shouted, stopping his friend's attempts to lift him. "Protect Bluma. Don't let her get lost."
"No! You can't go."
Joshua forgot the war and the fact that they were in a field of death.
"Hey." He took Peter's bloodied hands and laid them on his chest. "From the hills of Tylia..."
Joshua closed his eyes, holding back tears.
"...to the clear waters of Gehon."
He repeated the vow he had made months before.
"I will give my life for you, Zoe."
Peter died as he had lived, fighting for peace. But it wasn't his blood that the swords truly sought.
15 Years Later
"Watch out!"
The wind cut through the forest like a warning. Strong enough to topple trees, it carried the promise of rain and perhaps the hope of escape.
"A warrior does not run."
The old man cut through the vines and stepped over fallen trunks. He seemed indifferent to the obstacles or the weight of his years. In truth, nothing mattered but teach the girl.
"It's a monster!" The red-haired girl ran with all her might, dodging trunks and vines. "Zohar! Zohar."
She knew she couldn't outrun it; it was faster. So she called to her horse, which answered her call. The sleek animal appeared, allowing her to mount in one fluid motion.
"You will not escape me. Rina!"
As if nature itself had answered, a gigantic figure tore through the sky. With a single cry, the creature resembling a mythical being appeared. Its dark, unweathered wings parted the forest with each beat. The girl blinked as the massive creature fixed its piercing eyes on her. Indeed, its piercing gaze was terrifying. Equally frightening were its claws, impressive at nearly 3 meters in length. They caught the girl as if she were nothing more than helpless prey.
"Let me go, Rina."
Caught in the creature's claws, she folded her arms and sulked as she was carried through the air like defenseless prey.
"Keep running."
The old man approached, panting and visibly exhausted, unable to hold back his laughter.
"From a giant eagle and the former general of the army!"
He threw his sword aside, showing his full indignation.
"No matter, we are not of them who draw back, Bluma Kennan."
"You act as if you're preparing me for war. We're just the kingdom's blacksmiths, Uncle Josh."
"Yes, that's all we are." He looked up at the sky, remembering the promise. "Come, let us prepare the hearth; winter is coming."