Chapter 2: A New Ally

I had been walking for hours and was starting to feel tired, but I wanted to go as far as I could before I had no choice but to rest for the night. I glanced down at the map that had been given to me. I had traveled to many places, yet I had never visited Fortundra in my life. However, I had heard stories about it being the richest kingdom in the world. I wondered why Silvermere and Fortundra were at odds and what Fortundra had in store for me. Feeling uncertain, I frowned down at the map.

Bran croaked, and I looked up to see him perched on my right shoulder. I chuckled softly at that.

"I feel lost; I blame Ultarion," I said. "Do you know where we should go?" I joked.

He responded with a slightly louder croak.

"Yeah, me too," I sighed in defeat. Suddenly, I heard loud stomps approaching, and I winced as it sounded like they were coming from a horse. I went on guard as I felt Bran tense, his feet tightening lightly around my shoulder. I grabbed my dagger, ready to fight any potential threat.

"Whoa, boy!" I heard a loud male voice call out as the horse was only ten inches away from me. I slowly backed away, eyes narrowed as the strange man dismounted.

He wore a white button-up shirt with the sleeves casually rolled to his elbows, giving off a practical, ready-for-action vibe. A canvas strap with leather details crossed his chest, paired with a wide brown utility belt carrying pouches and a holster that housed a gun. His trousers were olive-brown and fitted, with reinforced patches at the knees for durability, tucked into tall black leather boots. Dark brown, curly hair framed his face without surpassing his neck.

"And you are?" the stranger asked, gazing at me with large, deep-set dark brown eyes. He raised a thick, well-defined eyebrow.

I said nothing, studying him intently. He looked to be around my age. I noticed his strong jawline, slightly rounded chin, and a prominent yet harmoniously balanced nose. His full lips complemented his strong features well.

He was very attractive, which was too alarming for me.

"I'm sorry, did I offend you in some way?" His voice was concerned, and his brow furrowed.

I shot him a look, raising an eyebrow. No matter what I thought, I knew I had to stay on guard; he could easily be a Fortundra spy.

"Is that your pet?" he asked, nodding toward Bran, who croaked in response.

I stayed silent, still studying him.

"My apologies, I'll leave you—"

"What is your name?" I asked sharply, keeping my dagger raised.

"Whoa, I-I'm Karlos," he stuttered, eyes widening as he raised his arms in a gesture of surrender. "Karlos Dameron, and you are?"

"Diana," I replied, still aiming the dagger at him.

"Pleasure to meet you," he said, clearly lying as his voice trembled, his eyes remaining wide.

"Funny, I have the dagger."

"And I have a gun."

I blinked at his response. He had a point, but I wasn’t going to admit that and give him any satisfaction.

"I won’t hurt you. I saw you and thought you looked lost."

"I'm not lost," I lied.

"Are you sure?" Karlos asked, chuckling softly.

"I can handle myself; I have a map."

"Where are you going?"

"That’s a need-to-know basis."

"Perhaps if you told me, I could help?"

I stared at him, searching for any signs of aggression. He sounded sincere, but sincerity can be feigned. I considered my options. I could kill him just in case he was an enemy, but I had to weigh the possibility that he might genuinely help me. It was a risk I had to consider taking.

"I need to go to Fortundra," I finally admitted.

"I’ve been there before," Karlos replied, smiling weakly.

"You have?" I asked, slowly lowering my arm and widening my eyes in excitement.

"Yes, I grew up there. I was born and raised."

Maybe he wasn’t so bad after all.

"Is something wrong?"

"Can you take me there?" I asked.

"Of course," he responded. "You and your raven can come with me."

"His name is Bran."

"Well, you and Bran can follow me and my horse."

"Thank you," I said, smiling warmly and giving a quick nod.

"Of course," he replied, smiling widely.

"I'm sorry I aimed my dagger at you," I apologized.

"It's okay," he laughed. "Not my first time."

I knew I had to take this risk, and I made a promise to myself: if he tried anything, I would kill him.