The Call

## Chapter 2: The Call

The village of Aelderwood was bustling with the usual morning activities. Merchants set up their stalls in the market square, children played games in the streets, and the aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air. Alaric moved through the familiar sights and sounds with a newfound sense of purpose. He kept the pendant hidden beneath his tunic, the weight of its power a constant reminder of the extraordinary events of the morning.

As he approached the blacksmith's forge, the rhythmic clang of hammer on anvil echoed through the open doorway. Master Brom, the village blacksmith and Alaric's mentor, looked up from his work as Alaric entered.

"You're late, lad," Brom grumbled, wiping sweat from his brow. "We have a lot of orders to fill before the harvest festival."

Alaric hesitated, unsure of how to explain his newfound abilities to the grizzled blacksmith. "Master Brom, there's something I need to tell you," he began, his voice tinged with urgency.

Brom's eyes narrowed as he set down his hammer. "What is it, boy? Spit it out."

Taking a deep breath, Alaric pulled the pendant from beneath his tunic, its soft glow catching Brom's attention. "This... I found it in the Great Whispering Forest. It spoke to me. I think... I think I've been chosen for something greater."

For a moment, Brom was silent, his gaze fixed on the crystal. Then, without warning, he burst into laughter. "Chosen? By a glowing rock? Have you been listening to old wives' tales again, Alaric?"

Alaric's cheeks flushed with frustration. "It's not a tale, Master Brom. I felt its power. It showed me things—visions of a throne and battles, of kingdoms and heroes. I'm meant to do something important."

Brom's laughter subsided, but his expression remained skeptical. "Listen, lad, I've known you since you were knee-high to a grasshopper. You're a good worker, a sharp mind. But this... this is madness. Magic and destiny are for the stories, not for blacksmiths."

Alaric clenched his fists, the weight of his mentor's disbelief heavy on his shoulders. "I'm leaving, Brom. I need to understand what this means, to find out what I'm supposed to do."

The blacksmith's face softened, concern replacing his earlier mirth. "You're serious about this, aren't you?"

Alaric nodded. "I am. I don't expect you to understand, but I have to follow this path."

Brom sighed, a mix of resignation and pride in his eyes. "Then go, Alaric. But remember, the world beyond our village is dangerous. Keep your wits about you and stay true to yourself."

With a grateful smile, Alaric clasped Brom's forearm in a gesture of farewell. "Thank you, Master Brom. For everything."

As Alaric left the forge, he felt a sense of liberation. The village that had been his home now seemed small and stifling compared to the vast unknown that awaited him. He made his way to his modest dwelling, gathering what few belongings he would need for the journey ahead.

News of Alaric's departure spread quickly through Aelderwood, drawing curious glances and whispers from the villagers. At the edge of the village, a small crowd had gathered, including Alaric's childhood friend, Elara. Her auburn hair glinted in the sunlight, and her green eyes were filled with worry.

"Alaric, is it true?" Elara asked, her voice trembling. "You're leaving?"

He nodded, trying to ignore the pang of guilt at the sadness in her eyes. "I have to, Elara. There's something I need to do, something important."

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she managed a brave smile. "Then go. Find your destiny. But promise me you'll come back."

"I promise," Alaric said, embracing her tightly. "I'll come back. And when I do, everything will be different."

With one last look at the village and the people he cared about, Alaric turned and began his journey. The road ahead was long and uncertain, but he felt a sense of exhilaration that he had never known before. The pendant's glow pulsed gently against his chest, a constant reminder of the power and responsibility that now rested on his shoulders.

As he walked, Alaric couldn't help but wonder what lay beyond the familiar borders of Aelderwood. He had heard tales of grand cities, mysterious forests, and ancient ruins. Each step took him further from the life he had known and closer to the destiny that awaited him.

By midday, Alaric had reached the edge of the Great Whispering Forest. He paused, looking back one last time at the distant village. With a deep breath, he stepped into the shadows of the towering trees, the path ahead cloaked in mystery.

Unbeknownst to Alaric, his journey was already being watched. In the depths of the forest, hidden among the ancient trees, a figure cloaked in darkness observed his every move. Eyes gleaming with a mix of curiosity and anticipation, the watcher whispered to the wind, "The time has come. The chosen one awakens."

As Alaric ventured deeper into the forest, he could feel the presence of the unknown. His heart raced with a mixture of fear and excitement, each step bringing him closer to the adventure of a lifetime. The path before him was uncertain, but Alaric knew one thing for sure: he would not walk it alone.