#8

Arwenzylle sat quietly in the orphanage’s dusty attic, far from the laughter of the other children. Her mind raced as memories of a life she had yet to live played vividly in her head memories of betrayal, heartbreak, and her eventual death. It wasn’t a dream, nor a delusion. She knew now that she had been sent back to this time for a reason.

She knew what awaited her here. This orphanage, these people… they were stepping stones in a life that would lead to ruin. But not this time. This time, she would escape.

As she traced her fingers over the faint scar on her wrist something she had carried even into her new life her thoughts turned to the stories she had read in the forbidden library of her past life. Dryvener. A kingdom shrouded in mystery, its name whispered only by the bravest storytellers. It was said to be a sanctuary for those who sought freedom from the chains of fate. And more importantly, it was the home of Duke Veynar of Whales, the legendary swordmaster who had once turned the tides of war by defeating an entire army single-handedly.

Duke Veynar was no ordinary man. He was the only person the Emperor of Windhurge had ever bowed to, a living legend who had turned down the emperor’s personal invitation to serve as the empire’s grand general. If anyone could teach her how to fight, how to survive, it was him.

But reaching Dryvener was no easy feat. It was a treacherous journey, filled with bandits, unforgiving terrains, and the looming threat of imperial soldiers patrolling the borders. Still, Arwenzylle knew she had no choice. If she stayed, she would only repeat her doomed fate.

That night, as the other children slept soundly in their beds, Arwenzylle packed what little she had: a small pouch of coins she had earned by mending clothes for the caretakers, a tattered cloak, and a rusty dagger she had found buried in the orphanage garden. It wasn’t much, but it would have to do.

The first part of her plan was simple: leave unnoticed. The second part? Survive the road to Dryvener.

By the time she reached the outskirts of the orphanage, the air was cold, and the moon hung high in the sky. Arwenzylle pulled her cloak tightly around her small frame and began her journey. Every step away from the orphanage felt like a step closer to freedom and danger.

The road stretched endlessly before her, winding through forests and fields. She walked for hours, her legs aching and her stomach growling. But she pressed on, fueled by the knowledge of what lay ahead. She couldn’t afford to stop now.

As dawn broke, she found herself at the edge of a small village. Smoke curled from the chimneys of humble cottages, and the faint scent of baked bread filled the air. Her heart ached with hunger, but she knew better than to linger. Villages like this often had imperial spies or curious villagers who would ask too many questions. She pulled her hood low and slipped through the cobblestone streets unnoticed.

It wasn’t until she reached the edge of the village that she heard it a conversation between two merchants loading goods onto a cart.

“Did you hear? Duke Veynar of Whales passed through Dryvener’s borders just days ago,” one said, his voice filled with awe.

“Duke Veynar?” the other asked, pausing mid-lift. “The same man who turned down the Emperor of Windhurge? I thought he disappeared years ago.”

“Aye,” the first merchant replied, lowering his voice. “But they say he’s headed to the capital of Dryvener. Word is, the council there is seeking his wisdom to prepare for some impending war.”

Arwenzylle’s heart raced. The Duke is still alive. He’s real, and he’s in Dryvener’s capital. Her resolve hardened. She had to find him, no matter the cost.

But before she could move, a shout rang out behind her. “Hey, you there! Stop!”

She turned to see a group of imperial soldiers approaching, their eyes locked on her. Panic surged through her as she realized her mistake she had been too careless, and now they had noticed her.

Without thinking, Arwenzylle bolted, her small feet pounding against the dirt road as the soldiers gave chase. Her heart thundered in her chest as she darted into the forest, the shadows swallowing her whole.

Hours later, after losing the soldiers in the dense woods, she collapsed against a tree, her breaths ragged and her body trembling. She couldn’t afford to make another mistake like that. Every step she took toward Dryvener brought her closer to safety—and to Duke Veynar.

I’ll find you, Duke of Whales, she thought, clenching her fists. And when I do, I’ll make sure no one can control my fate ever again.

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