Hidden Pathways (BOOK 1)

Shadow Reckoning - Chapter 135

The first rays of dawn gently filtered through the window, Zach positioned himself at the threshold of their shared bedroom, ready to rouse his comrades from their slumber.

"Good morning, everyone. Time to greet the new day," Zach's voice, warm and inviting, filled the room with a sense of tranquility and promise.

One by one, Jiighual, Andhur, Leeani, Qarek, and Kazaks stirred from their rest, their eyes fluttering open to find Zach's familiar figure standing before them, a reassuring presence in the morning light.

With a collective stretch and yawn, they greeted Zach with a chorus of sleepy murmurs, their expressions gradually brightening as they prepared to face the day ahead.

"Morning, Captain," they chimed in unison, their words carrying a sense of camaraderie and respect for the captain who guided them through each day's challenges.

"Good morning, everyone. I trust you're all prepared for another day of embracing the Ember Wind's tranquil rhythm," Zach greeted them with a warm smile.

In response, Kazaks sprang to life, exclaiming, "Always ready, Captain Zach! Ready to tackle the day head-on, whether it's befriending farm animals or outrunning them!"

Qarek joined in with a mischievous grin. "That's right, Kazaks! And I'm ready to provide the entertainment, even if it means a bit of sheep chasing!"

Kazaks shot back, "Yeah, but you didn't save me from the sheep until you'd had your laughs!"

Their banter elicited laughter from Andhur and Jiighual, while Leeani rolled her eyes at their antics. "These two are like a comedy act, even at sunrise," she remarked with a shake of her head.

Kazaks, with a dramatic flourish, continued, "And don't forget about the time you mistook that sheep for a fearsome warrior, Qarek! You nearly jumped out of your skin!"

Qarek feigned indignation, raising a hand to his chest in mock offense. "Hey now, that sheep had a look in its eyes, I tell you! It was plotting something, I could feel it!"

Their playful banter drew amused chuckles from Andhur and Jiighual, who exchanged knowing glances.

"Ah, the adventures of Qarek and Kazaks, the dynamic duo of sheep shenanigans," Jiighual quipped, earning a laugh from the group.

Leeani couldn't help but roll her eyes again, though there was a hint of amusement in her expression. "You two could turn a simple stroll through the village into a full-blown comedy show."

Zach chuckled, feeling grateful for the lighthearted camaraderie among his friends. "Well, let's hope today's antics are just as entertaining. But let's try to keep the sheep-related incidents to a minimum, shall we?"

Jiighual chimed in, eager to share his morning activity. "As for me, Captain, I've been brushing up on my culinary skills at the village kitchen. Learning from the locals is the best way to broaden my cooking repertoire for our little family here."

Jiighual grinned, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "You know, Captain, there's something truly magical about stirring a pot of simmering stew while the morning sun dances through the window. It's like each ingredient tells a story, and I'm just the humble storyteller weaving them together into a delicious masterpiece."

"And I've got a new hobby, Captain Zach! Learning to play this guitar I snagged for just two silver coins! TWO SILVER COINS!" Andhur added with enthusiasm.

Andhur couldn't contain his excitement, strumming the strings of his newly acquired guitar. "And let me tell you, Captain, the ladies of this village are already swooning over my newfound musical talents! It's like my fingers have become the pied pipers of love, serenading hearts wherever I go!"

"Well, I'm glad you're all enjoying our stay here," Zach said.

Zach smiled at them with a frowned brows, then he noticed that Leeani haven't said anything about herself.

Zach nodded approvingly at their enthusiasm, then turned his attention to Leeani. "And you, Leeani? What's on your agenda for the day?"

Leeani smiled softly. "I'll be soaking up some knowledge from the village farmers, honing my gardening skills. It's something Master Gargeal never got around to teaching us."

Zach's expression softened as he listened to Leeani's words, a bittersweet reminder of their absent mentor, Gargeal. His brows furrowed slightly, a wave of emotions washing over him as he took a deep breath, preparing to deliver the news.

"Everyone," Zach began, his voice tinged with a somber tone that caught their attention. "I have something to share with you all." He paused, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "Gargeal... he's no longer with us. He left the band."

The room fell silent, the weight of Zach's words hanging heavy in the air. Each member of the Renaissance band exchanged glances, processing the news with a mix of disbelief and sorrow. Zach could feel the ache in his chest, the loss of their friend and mentor palpable in the somber atmosphere.

"He left a letter," Zach added, his voice trembling slightly with emotion. "He wanted me to assure you all that he believes in our journey, in our cause. But..." Zach's voice trailed off, unable to mask the sorrow that clouded his features.

Leeani's smile faded, replaced by a look of sadness as she processed the news. "Master..." she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Qarek's voice broke the heavy silence, his words echoing the confusion and disbelief shared by the rest of the group. "Master? But... why? Why would he leave us? We haven't even had a chance to experience what it's like to live a normal life, free from the constant struggles and battles. And where is he even going, now that he's alone?"

Andhur's voice quivered with emotion as he echoed Qarek's sentiment. "No way... Master," he whispered, his tone laced with sadness and disbelief.

Kazaks, attempting to lighten the mood, interjected with a forced chuckle. "Hey, maybe Master just needed a break from our craziness, huh? I mean, who wouldn't?" He glanced around, trying to elicit a smile from the group.

Jiighual, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of sadness, played along with Kazaks's attempt at humor. "Yeah, you're right. Maybe we were just too much to handle for him," he said, forcing a grin despite the heaviness in his heart.

"No, Kazaks. He left the band for a good cause and he won't be returning as his departure is permanent. He didn't say where he's off to but he wish us the best for our journey," Zach said.

Kazaks nodded, his expression somber as he absorbed Zach's words. "But why did he leave?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Leeani, Andhur, Jiighual, and Qarek listened intently, their curiosity piqued by the mention of Gargeal's letter. "What else did he say?" Andhur asked, his voice filled with concern.

Zach took a deep breath, his voice trembling slightly as he began to recount the contents of Gargeal's letter. "In the letter he left behind, Gargeal expressed his gratitude for our camaraderie and shared memories within the Renaissance band. He spoke of the trials and triumphs we faced together, the bonds we forged in the face of adversity." Zach's voice faltered momentarily, overcome with emotion. "He acknowledged the sacrifices we made and the battles we fought, both physical and emotional."

Zach continued, his voice gaining strength as he recounted Gargeal's words. "Gargeal wrote of his decision to depart from the band, a decision made with heavy heart but resolute mind. He spoke of his own journey, separate from ours, yet intertwined by shared purpose and shared goals." Zach paused, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "He entrusted me with the responsibility of carrying on his legacy, of upholding the ideals and dreams we once shared."

As Zach spoke, memories of their time together flooded his mind, each word of Gargeal's letter resonating deeply within him. "Gargeal's words echoed with a sense of finality, a farewell to the band he had been a part of for so long. Yet amidst the sorrow of parting, there was also a glimmer of hope, a belief in the strength and resilience of our bonds." Zach's voice wavered, the weight of Gargeal's departure bearing down on him.

"But above all," Zach concluded, his voice steady with resolve, "Gargeal's letter was a testament to the enduring spirit of our friendship, a reminder that no matter where our paths may lead, we will always carry a part of each other with us." With a heavy heart, Zach folded the letter, the words etched upon it forever imprinted in his memory.