Dawn of the Valiant (The Valerious Chronicles: Book One)

by Julian Saheed

In the days following that night Thibalt kept to himself when he lodged in an inn. He had been riding hard for up on two weeks when he crossed the Moon River at the Hammer Bridge. One of the largest in Feldom, at almost three hundred feet long and forty feet wide, it was made from bluestone and was almost as old as the City of Skiye. The sheer scale of the bridge was a testament to the crafting ability of the early Feldonians.

  He continued his journey with little pause, eager to reach Precedin and found himself following the road along the river. Now that he was closer to the river the landscape had once again changed, turning moist and cold. The way passed through a thick forest of beech and oak trees. He found these surroundings more pleasing than those of the past week. The tranquil sounds and sights of the woods were more preferable to the uncomfortable heat. Large forests were still foreign to Thibalt and he slowed his pace to gain a better view of his surroundings.

  The road continued on and the forest grew denser at its sides. Soon the path shrunk, just wide enough for a single wagon or two riders to pass through, and as Thibalt looked to the sky he saw that night was quickly approaching. He was not likely to find an inn tonight.

  Finally deciding to make camp in the wilds, he moved off the road and into the woods. He found a small clearing which looked as though it had once been used as a camping spot by past travellers. The area had been flattened and in the middle of the clearing were the charred remains of a fire that had burnt out long ago. Thibalt unpacked his blanket, made sure that Esree was happy, and then spread himself out on the grass.

  He tried to fall asleep, but found it slow in coming. There was an eerie atmosphere in the woods that kept his nerves on edge. Darkness surrounded him in all directions, since the thick trees blocked out the moon's limited light. Noises began to fill the forest from around and above him. The cracks of twigs, the rustling of leaves, the moaning of the strong trunks that swayed in the wind and many other sounds that Thibalt could not identify. He was roused many times in the night by strange noises coming from deep within the woods. He lay awake, staying close to Esree, who had no trouble falling asleep. Finally, sleep overcame him.