Heartstone - Chapter 25: Chapter 25

The sun dipped low behind the pine-covered ridges, casting long shadows across the village. The torches lining the pathways flickered in the cool wind, and the distant howl of a lone wolf echoed through the valley.
Marah mounted her horse with practiced ease, her armor glinting faintly in the fading light. Behind her, ten riders—all hardened warriors—tightened their packs and checked their blades.
Avera stood beside Dalen, her fingers resting lightly on the reins of her dark mare. The wind toyed with her cloak, and her eyes shimmered—not with fear, but quiet resolve.
Dalen adjusted the strap on her saddle, then looked up at her.
“Be careful out there,” he said softly. “These people… they need you. Just as much as I do.”
Avera gave a small smile. “I will be. And you—stay alive. Bring something back that can turn this fight.”
He held her gaze a moment longer, then offered his hand. She took it, and with his help, climbed gracefully onto the horse.
Marah gave a sharp whistle.
The riders began to move.
Dalen stepped back, watching as dust rose behind them and their figures slowly faded into the twilight.
Then he turned.
“Mount up!” he called.
Five warriors joined him—two archers, two scouts, and a heavy-sword fighter named Darik. They rode lightly, dressed for speed and silence.
Dalen climbed onto his horse and gave one last glance toward the horizon.
“To the north,” he said.
And they rode—into the deep woods, toward the ruins of a war machine that had fallen from the sky. Toward what might be their only chance to stand against what was coming.
Behind them, the night grew colder.
Above them, the stars began to blink into life.
And somewhere far beyond those stars, the machines of war were being primed for destruction.