Chapter 20 Chase in the forest
Words : 404
Updated : Sep 18th, 2025
Jolthar turned to face the newcomer, his expression softening almost imperceptibly. He sheathed his long sword into one of the scabbards at his waist with practiced ease.
"Ah, Uncle Colinus," Jolthar replied, his voice carrying a hint of warmth that had been absent during his training. "I'm sorry. It was my goal to slash this mountain, and I have accomplished that now. Shall we leave?"
Colinus's eyes widened in surprise and delight. The old man had been visiting periodically to check on his young master, but Jolthar had never before expressed a willingness to leave the mountain. This simple statement filled Colinus with joy.
As they began their journey back to Stormholme Keep, Colinus couldn't help but marvel at the young man beside him. He had seen his fair share of swordsmanship in his long life, but what Jolthar had just accomplished shook him to his core.
To possess such devastating power at such a young age—it was almost beyond comprehension. The old man found himself wondering just how strong Jolthar truly was and what fate had in store for this prodigious warrior.
The trek back to Stormholme Keep was long, but Jolthar showed no signs of fatigue. If anything, he seemed energized by the prospect of returning to civilization after his self-imposed exile in the mountains.
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With a cry of pain, she stumbled and fell, her body curling protectively around the child as they hit the ground.
In moments, the grey-clad men had surrounded her, their weapons drawn and gleaming in the dappled forest light. One man, clearly the leader, stepped forward, his voice cold and devoid of mercy.
"Woman, hand over the child and meet your death," he demanded.
Another of the pursuers, his breath coming in ragged gasps, spoke up. "Why don't we take her to the woods before killing her? She made us chase for a week, and we've been stuck in this place for days."
The leader's response was swift and harsh. "Shut up! Don't you understand we're already late?"
Despite her injuries and the hopelessness of her situation, the woman's resolve remained unbroken. "I won't give her up," she declared, her voice weak but unwavering. "Even if I die, I won't."
"Then die," the leader snarled, raising his sword for the killing blow.
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