The wyvern ambush

The dawn broke with a pale, golden light as Tumo made his way along the winding road that led to Arveron. The forest stretched on either side, dense with ancient trees whose leaves whispered secrets in the wind. His scimitar hung at his side, and his sharp eyes scanned the path ahead for any sign of trouble.

After days of travel, Tumo's thoughts were fixed on his next move. He had won a small victory by freeing Elara’s village, but the path to his ultimate goal was long and fraught with danger. His mind was a storm of strategies and plans when the sound of hooves and wheels broke through his reverie.

A carriage approached, drawn by a pair of sturdy horses. The driver, an older man with a weathered face, slowed as he drew near. "Need a lift?" he called out, his voice friendly but cautious.

Tumo nodded and climbed into the carriage without a word. Inside, he found a small group of passengers: a merchant with a portly build and a nervous demeanor, a young woman with bright, intelligent eyes, and a burly man with the look of a seasoned warrior. Tumo settled into his seat, his gaze moving from face to face, gauging each person with silent scrutiny.

The journey continued in silence, the only sounds being the creak of the carriage and the rhythmic clop of hooves. The merchant fidgeted with his fingers, the young woman studied a book, and the warrior stared out the window, lost in his own thoughts. Tumo said little, his eyes shifting between the other passengers, his senses on high alert. He trusted no one, and every movement, every glance was noted with suspicion.

Hours passed as they wound their way through the forest, the road becoming rougher as they climbed higher into the mountains. Suddenly, the horses reared and whinnied, sensing danger. The carriage jolted to a stop, and the passengers were thrown against their seats.

Tumo was the first to react, his hand flying to his scimitar. The sky above darkened as massive shadows swooped down from the mountain peaks. Wyverns, with their leathery wings and razor-sharp claws, descended upon them with terrifying speed.

"Wyverns!" shouted the warrior, drawing his sword and leaping from the carriage.

Tumo followed, his scimitar flashing in the sunlight. The air filled with the screeching of the wyverns and the cries of the frightened horses. The first wyvern struck, its claws raking the side of the carriage, splintering wood and sending shards flying. Tumo rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the deadly talons.

He sprang to his feet, his eyes burning with determination. The merchant cowered inside the carriage while the young woman stood her ground, her eyes wide but resolute, clutching a small dagger. Tumo barked orders, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Stay together! Aim for their wings!"

The battle was fierce but brief. Tumo moved with lethal precision, his scimitar slicing through the air. The wyverns, though formidable, were no match for the combined efforts of Tumo and the warrior. The young woman, seeing openings, threw her dagger with surprising accuracy, aiding in the fight.

As the last wyvern fell, its body thudding to the ground, the passengers collapsed in exhaustion. Tumo stood panting, his scimitar dripping with blood. The road was littered with the corpses of the wyverns, their once-majestic forms now lifeless.

The driver, pale and shaken, emerged from behind the carriage. "Is it over?" he asked, his voice trembling.

Tumo nodded. "It's over."

They worked together to skin the wyverns, their claws and hides valuable commodities. Despite the exhaustion, Tumo’s keen eye noted the quality of the materials. Wyvern claws were prized for their hardness, and the hides could be fashioned into armor.

As night fell, they set up camp by the roadside, a fire crackling in the center. The tension of the battle gave way to a quiet camaraderie. The merchant, now less nervous and more grateful, handed Tumo a share of the food. "Thank you," he said earnestly. "Without you, we would have been killed."

Tumo accepted the food with a nod. "Keep your eyes open. The roads are dangerous."

They sat around the fire, sharing stories and planning their route for the next day. The young woman, named Lira, revealed she was a scholar on her way to study ancient texts in Arveron. The warrior, Brynn, was a former soldier seeking a new life as a mercenary.

As they spoke, Tumo’s thoughts returned to his quest. The encounter had reminded him of the importance of vigilance and the value of allies, even if temporary. With the weight of the wyvern hides and claws secured, and the fire of revenge in his heart, he settled down to rest, ready to continue his journey at dawn.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***