Rise of Darkness: Chains of Destiny

per's

g across the rocky mountains-once a place of magic and wonder-down the rugged road to Harper's Hil

feeling a pang of sympathy for the man. His mother had been gone for two months now, lost to illness, and the locket was their only remaining memory of her. Liam and his father, Caleb,

appier times. Liam watched him for a moment, then turned his gaze back to the road ahead. The path wound through th

breaking the silence. His voice was tentative, u

new we'd find a way to make our lives better. This journey... it's for her as much as it is

Hill was becoming more treacherous, with the sun setting earlier each day. They ha

rees lining the path. He glanced to the side but saw only the flickering leaves

passed, the feeling grew in him that he was being watched. He tried convincing himself that no one was watching, but the feeling intensified with each passing moment. He glanced over his shoulder

cowl, but he couldn't. Yet he had a feeling that he was staring right into the stranger's eyes. There was only shadow to see in the hood, but he

h the entire cart. Liam was startled and lost his balance, breaking his gaze from the cloaked

said, steadying him with a

eathlessly as he tried

b asked, drawi

led off as he turned in that direction. The

there. A man in

aleb said, sheathing his sword. He cracked his whip, an

t only existed in fairy tales. But Liam turned back; he was sure he saw something-someone, to be precise. He could still remember the fe

towering oak tree at its center standing as a beacon of familiarity. The sight filled Liam with a mix of relief and nostalgi

am pointed ahead, "

r. "Yes, we are. Just a little further now." He urged the horse

r ringing out like music. Liam felt warmth spread through him. The houses were beautifully decorated;

s, and greens-filled the air with a sense of celebration, a stark contrast to the somber mood they had carried with them on their journey. Liam guided the hors

cent of polished wood and the faint hint of exotic spices. To the left, a large fireplace crackled in the living area. Above it, a

zy abode. Out back, a modest garden bloomed, filled with herbs and vegetables. The house was one of the finest

ed toward them. "It's good to see you at l

id. "And you, sir?" But William'

wouldn't come back home this year. Y

ng around every bend," Caleb replied, his expre

ivity. We've had some troubles here too. Winter is coming, and wolves are attac

war between mages had spread like wildfire, as well as the rumors of the Dark Lord'

iliar voice calling. He turned to see a familiar figure-Eric Brantho

aid with a wink. Julia and Liam had been childhood lovers, and their parents, Caleb and Andrew, were best friends. They w

rn we are about to make? We are going to scare the he

art raced at the thought of joining Eric in their old antics. The Frostwyn festival was always a

in a serious discussion-then turned back to Eric. "I'm sorr

lantern, there's a stranger looming around the town-a man in