The Beginning of the Unknown

The wind howled through the darkened valley, carrying whispers of forgotten tales. The sky, draped in an ocean of stars, casts an eerie glow upon the rugged landscape. In the heart of this desolate land stood a lone traveler, his silhouette outlined against the distant mountains. His name was Kael Draven, a man without a past, yet destined for a future written in legend.

Kael pulled his cloak tighter against the biting cold. His journey had begun weeks ago, but he still had no clear destination. Only a lingering feeling in his chest guided him forward, as if something unseen was calling him. His leather boots crunched against the frost-covered earth as he approached a small village nestled at the edge of the wilderness.

Eldoria.

It was a place he had never seen before, yet it felt strangely familiar. The houses were built of aged wood and stone, their roofs slanted to protect against the heavy snowfall that often blanketed the region. Lanterns flickered along the winding paths, casting warm golden light upon the cobblestone streets. The village seemed peaceful, but Kael had learned long ago that peace was often an illusion.

As he walked through the empty streets, he caught sight of a tavern—its sign creaked in the wind, bearing the name The Broken Crown. The scent of roasted meat and ale drifted through the air, stirring the hunger that gnawed at his stomach. He pushed open the heavy wooden door, stepping inside to find a dimly lit room filled with murmuring voices. A fire roared in the hearth, casting flickering shadows across the walls.

Kael moved toward the bar, his sharp eyes scanning the faces of the patrons. Farmers, traders, a few mercenaries—none of them seemed to pay him much attention. He was just another wanderer in their eyes, another soul lost to the vast unknown. He preferred it that way.

“What’ll it be, stranger?” The barkeep, a burly man with a graying beard, wiped a tankard with a cloth that had seen better days.

“A meal. And information,” Kael replied, placing a few coins on the counter.

The barkeep raised an eyebrow but took the coins without question. “Depends on the kind of information you’re looking for.”

Kael leaned in slightly. “I’ve heard whispers of an ancient ruin near these lands. A place untouched by time, hidden from those who do not seek it.”

The tavern grew quieter. A few patrons glanced in his direction before returning to their drinks, but Kael did not miss the way tension crept into the air. The barkeep hesitated before answering.

“You’re talking about the ruins of Veldrath,” he said in a hushed tone. “No one goes there. Not anymore.”

“Why?” Kael asked.

The barkeep sighed, his fingers tightening around the tankard. “Because those who do… don’t return.”

A chill ran down Kael’s spine, but not from fear—from anticipation. If the ruins held the answers he sought, then he had no choice but to go.

Outside, the wind howled once more, as if the night itself was warning him.

But the path of a legend was never meant to be easy.

Read chapter:2

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