{"id":2576,"date":"2025-02-01T20:24:51","date_gmt":"2025-02-02T02:24:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jsantos.net\/_blog\/?p=2576"},"modified":"2025-04-30T00:10:06","modified_gmt":"2025-04-30T05:10:06","slug":"alvinnue-chapter-1-2-arrival-at-the-geldanos-army-camp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jsantos.net\/_blog\/index.php\/2025\/02\/01\/alvinnue-chapter-1-2-arrival-at-the-geldanos-army-camp\/","title":{"rendered":"Alvinnu\u00e9: Chapter 1.09 &#8211; Arrival at the Geldanos Army Camp"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>As the hours passed and the sun rose higher in the sky, the landscape around them began to shift. Alvinnu\u00e9 and Brynda were nearing the edge of Zorim Field, and the looming shadows of the Geldanos Army camp came into view\u2014tents and supply wagons scattered across the field, soldiers moving in and out of the camp as they prepared for the battles to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The sight of the camp stirred both urgency and relief in Brynda. They had finally reached their destination. The familiar banner of the Geldanos Army fluttered in the wind, its bold design\u2014a Lion&#8217;s Head flanked by two crossed swords\u2014standing as a proud symbol of strength and honor. Brynda&#8217;s posture stiffened with resolve as she quickened her pace, eager to join the ranks and face what lay ahead. Alvinnu\u00e9, sensing her determination, matched her stride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As they approached the entrance of the camp, a few soldiers greeted them with nods and waves, but there was no time to linger. They were both on a mission\u2014one that would take them into the heart of the conflict. The camp was alive with activity as soldiers prepared their weapons, checked their supplies, and readied themselves for the defense of Zorim Field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Brynda, ever the soldier, seemed more at ease here, her confidence returning with the familiar surroundings. She walked with a sense of purpose, her eyes scanning the camp. Alvinnu\u00e9, on the other hand, remained a bit more cautious, his instincts still sharp and alert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They made their way to the command tent, where the officers were already gathered around a large map of the area. There was tension in the air, a heavy sense of anticipation hanging over the camp as the soldiers readied themselves for battle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Glad to see you both made it,&#8221; a gruff voice called out, and they turned to find Adjutant Eldric, a seasoned officer in the Geldanos Army, approaching them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe wouldn\u2019t miss it! We are here to volunteer.\u201d Brynda said with a determined smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Good,&#8221; Eldric said, his eyes scanning their gear before he waved them forward. &#8220;We\u2019ve got a lot of work to do. The undead are nearing, and we need every volunteer we can get.&#8221; As the day wore on, they joined the rest of the soldiers, settling into the rhythm of camp life. Alvinnu\u00e9 and Brynda both knew the fight ahead would be challenging, but they were ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The the sun dipped behind the distant hills of Zorim Field, the Geldanos Army camp buzzed with activity. Soldiers prepared their gear, sharpened their weapons, and received their orders for the impending battle. The air was thick with the anticipation of what was to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the midst of it all, Adjutant Eldric, walked toward Alvinnu\u00e9 and Brynda, who were discussing strategy over a campfire. He came to a halt before them, his sharp eyes studying the two soldiers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAlvinnu\u00e9. Brynda,\u201d Eldric greeted them with his usual no-nonsense tone. \u201cI don\u2019t know what you\u2019re capable of yet, but I\u2019ll find out soon enough. For now, I\u2019m assigning you both to a veteran.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He handed each of them a small parchment, the crisp fold marking the weight of the orders within.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYou are to join Gorimund,\u201d Eldric continued, nodding toward the stalwart dwarf nearby. Gorimund was securing his axe, his practiced hands sharpening the edge against his shield with methodical precision. \u201cHe\u2019s experienced and knows the battlefield well. Watch him, learn from him, and prove you can keep up. He\u2019ll take the frontline. Brynda, your sword will support his. Alvinnu\u00e9, I assume you prefer agility over brute force\u2014use that to your advantage. Adapt, and show me you belong on this battlefield.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Brynda gave a curt nod, her green eyes flashing with determination. \u201cUnderstood, sir. I\u2019ll be ready.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alvinnu\u00e9, allowed himself a slight nod. \u201cI\u2019ll make sure they never see me coming.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eldric\u2019s stern expression softened\u2014just for a moment\u2014before he gave a firm nod of approval. \u201cGood. The undead won\u2019t wait. Be ready when the battle comes.\u201d He paused, then, with a rare flicker of levity, added, \u201cAnd remember\u2014you\u2019re a team now. Watch each other\u2019s backs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With that, Eldric turned on his heel and walked off, his heavy footsteps echoing in the camp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As soon as the adjutant was out of sight, Alvinnu\u00e9 turned to Brynda. \u201cWe\u2019ll be working with the dwarf,\u201d he said quietly, his expression unreadable. \u201cIf his skills match his reputation, he could be a valuable ally. We\u2019ll need every edge we can get.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Brynda allowed herself a small smile. \u201cAs long as he doesn\u2019t try to shield me every time the enemy charges, I\u2019ll manage. I\u2019m not some helpless maiden.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alvinnu\u00e9 gave a slight nod, the corner of his mouth lifting just enough to show he understood. \u201cNo, you&#8217;re not,\u201d he said, his voice steady. \u201cBut I\u2019ve heard dwarves can be fiercely loyal. If Gorimund decides we\u2019re worth his trust, he\u2019ll likely fight as if we were blood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their exchange ended as Gorimund approached, his short but solid frame casting a broad shadow over the firelight. His thick beard, woven with several small braids, swung gently with each step. Despite his weathered appearance, there was a calm intelligence and a surprising warmth in his brown eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cReady for battle?\u201d Gorimund\u2019s voice rumbled like distant thunder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alvinnu\u00e9 nodded, a sharp glint in his obsidian eyes. \u201cAbsolutely. We\u2019ve got our orders. Looks like it\u2019s you, me, and Brynda, then.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Brynda grinned, her hand resting on the hilt of her Soulsever Sword. \u201cA strong frontline and a keen eye. Let\u2019s make this work, Gorimund.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gorimund let out a low chuckle, his hands resting on the heavy axe that hung from his side. \u201cAye, I\u2019ve seen plenty of combat, but it\u2019s been a long time since I\u2019ve had a team to look out for. I trust you both will hold your own. I\u2019ll keep the enemy off you, don\u2019t worry about that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe won\u2019t be a liability,\u201d Alvinnu\u00e9 said, his tone steady. \u201cI\u2019ll cover the flanks from the shadows, and Brynda\u2019s strength speaks for itself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBefore we move forward with the battle planning,\u201d Gorimund said with a steady, commanding tone, \u201chow about you show me your skills.\u201d His gaze was firm, yet there was a hint of approval in his eyes, as though testing them was a natural part of the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Brynda, eager but focused, nodded with determination. \u201cSure!\u201d she replied, adjusting the grip on her Soulsever Sword. Her eyes gleamed with readiness, her mind already running through possible techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alvinnu\u00e9, who had been silently observing the veteran, gave a slight nod. \u201cI\u2019m ready if you are,\u201d he said, his voice steady and composed. His hand moved to rest on the hilt of his Doth-\u00c9amon Short Sword, a quiet signal of his preparedness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gorimund led Alvinnu\u00e9 and Brynda through the busy camp, his heavy boots thudding against the earth with each step. The sounds of weapons being sharpened, soldiers shouting orders, and the clink of armor echoed through the air as the camp prepared for the inevitable battle with the Army of the Undead. The two volunteers, Alvinnu\u00e9 and Brynda, followed closely behind the seasoned dwarf, their minds focused on the upcoming test. They could feel the tension in the air; the weight of the army\u2019s readiness hung over them like a storm cloud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The trio made their way toward the heart of the camp, where the training grounds awaited. Wooden dummies lined the fields, targets stood at various distances, and nearby, soldiers sparred with one another, each clash of metal a reminder of the stakes at hand. The air smelled of sweat and iron, a mixture that seemed to sharpen the senses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gorimund finally stopped in the center of the training grounds, his back straight, and his eyes scanning the two volunteers. He turned to them with a knowing look, as if he could already tell who would be the first to step up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;So, who\u2019s going first?&#8221; he asked, his voice carrying the weight of experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Brynda didn\u2019t hesitate. She stepped forward, her expression determined and unwavering. Her hand tightened around the hilt of her Soulsever Sword, the holy weapon resting comfortably in her grasp. Her heart beat a little faster, but her resolve only strengthened. She had trained for this moment, and now she would prove herself worthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;I\u2019ll go first,&#8221; Brynda said, her voice steady, though the adrenaline coursing through her veins made it hum with energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gorimund raised an eyebrow, impressed by her eagerness. He crossed his arms and gave her a small nod. \u201cAye, that\u2019s the spirit,\u201d he said, his voice rough with approval. &#8220;So, what\u2019s your class, lady?&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Holy Knight&#8230; in training,&#8221; Brynda replied, her stance tall and confident. She could feel the weight of her heritage as the daughter of a Paladin, the teachings of Leanor echoing in her mind. Though she was still learning the ways of a true Holy Knight, she had faith that her heart and determination would carry her through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gorimund\u2019s face softened for a moment as he looked at her, a slight chuckle rumbling from his chest. &#8220;Interesting! Let\u2019s see what you\u2019ve got, eh?&#8221; he said, his voice carrying the low rumble of someone who had seen it all. His hand gripped the Stoneguard Shield, and with a swift motion, he pulled it from his back, the massive shield gleaming in the dusk. The weight of it seemed effortless in his hands, a testament to the strength of the dwarf. His other hand rested on his Forgehammer Axe, ready for whatever Brynda had in store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Brynda met Gorimund\u2019s charge head-on, her Soulsever Sword raised high. As their weapons collided, a burst of holy energy erupted from the impact, lighting up the training grounds in a brilliant explosion of radiant light. The force of the clash reverberated through the air, and for a moment, it felt as though the very earth trembled beneath their feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her sword, imbued with the pure essence of Leanor\u2019s light, struck Gorimund\u2019s shield with a resounding crack, the holy energy swirling around the Stoneguard Shield like a living thing. The shield absorbed much of the blow, but the force still sent a jolt through the dwarf, his boots skidding slightly across the dirt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gorimund grinned, his eyes alight with respect. \u201cNot bad, girl. Not bad at all,\u201d he grunted, adjusting his stance and preparing for a follow-up strike. The air buzzed with the intensity of the battle, and for the first time, Brynda felt the full weight of her training come to life in that single moment of combat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gorimund didn\u2019t waste any time. After recovering from the clash, he raised his <em>Forgehammer Axe <\/em>and swung it in a powerful vertical slash, aiming straight down at Brynda\u2019s head. The force behind the blow was enough to crack stone, but Brynda was quicker. With a swift, graceful movement, she darted to the side, narrowly evading the axe\u2019s deadly arc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In one smooth motion, she countered with a precise stab of her Soulsever Sword, aiming for Gorimund\u2019s exposed flank. But the seasoned dwarf was ready. With a grunt, he brought his Stoneguard Shield up just in time, deflecting the blow with a resounding clang that echoed across the training field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cExcellent!\u201d Gorimund bellowed, his voice full of approval. He stepped back, nodding in satisfaction. \u201cI\u2019ve seen enough. You pass.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The sounds of combat slowly faded, but a new noise began to swell as a crowd of soldiers, drawn by the clash, gathered around the training grounds. Their eyes were wide with admiration, their murmurs growing louder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One soldier, unable to contain his excitement, shouted out, \u201cWe have a holy knight! The Angel of the Battlefield!\u201d The words quickly spread, a ripple of excitement running through the camp. Brynda\u2019s name began to circulate among the soldiers, and her reputation was born in that moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gorimund looked over at the gathered soldiers, his gaze settling on the next volunteer. With a grunt, he pointed a calloused finger toward Alvinnu\u00e9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYour turn, lad,\u201d Gorimund called, his voice commanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alvinnu\u00e9 stepped forward, his boots crunching against the gravel of the training grounds as he moved to stand before the veteran. His heart beat a little faster\u2014he wasn\u2019t used to the attention, and now, with all eyes on him, he could feel the weight of their gaze. But he squared his shoulders and stood tall, determined to prove himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gorimund studied him for a moment, noting the lack of armor or obvious weapons. \u201cAre you ready, lad?\u201d he asked, raising an eyebrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m prepared,\u201d Alvinnu\u00e9 replied, his voice steady despite the nervous flicker of doubt in his chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gorimund\u2019s eyes gleamed with curiosity. \u201cWhat\u2019s your class, eh?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alvinnu\u00e9 hesitated. He had always struggled with the idea of a \u2018class.\u2019 Was he a rogue, a scout, or something more? His training had never been tied to a single role, but rather a blend of skills honed in the shadows. His mind raced for an answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cPhantom,\u201d he finally said, the word feeling right, even if it wasn\u2019t something Gorimund had likely heard before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gorimund\u2019s thick brow furrowed, his lips curling into a confused grin. \u201cPhantom? Never heard of it,\u201d he chuckled, shaking his head. \u201cBut brace yourself, here I come!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gorimund, never one to hold back, charged toward Alvinnu\u00e9 with a roar. His Forgehammer Axe raised high, he aimed to strike down the mysterious young volunteer in one powerful blow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But Alvinnu\u00e9 was already one step ahead. With a flick of his wrist, he activated his special skill, Shadowblend, and in an instant, his form melted into the surroundings. He became nothing more than a whisper in the night, completely undetectable in the growing dusk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gorimund swung his axe with surprising speed, but he struck only air, his blade cutting through nothingness. His eyes narrowed in confusion as he scanned the training grounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhere did he go?\u201d a soldier whispered, his voice filled with awe. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything like it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In that moment, Alvinnu\u00e9 materialized behind Gorimund, moving like a shadow. With a swift, fluid motion, he lunged forward, the Doth-\u00c9amon Short Sword aimed directly at the veteran\u2019s back. But Gorimund, quick to react, raised his Stoneguard Shield just in time to block the strike, the shadow energy of Alvinnu\u00e9\u2019s sword sparking off the shield\u2019s surface with a loud <em>clang<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The dwarf grinned, more impressed than frustrated. With a grunt, he retaliated, swinging his axe in a series of brutal, sweeping strikes. But Alvinnu\u00e9 was already fading into the shadows once more, evading every blow with unmatched grace. He darted in and out of the darkness, leaving only glimpses of his figure, a blur to anyone who tried to follow his movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alvinnu\u00e9 knew it was time to push himself further. With a fluid motion, he activated his special skill, Inyyudian Blade Form\u2014a series of swift, precise attacks with his short sword. The blade danced in the air, each strike landing with lethal accuracy. Gorimund raised his shield to block, sparks flying as the sword met steel, but even the mighty dwarf was forced back by the relentless assault.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAye, that\u2019s enough, lad,\u201d Gorimund finally said, his voice a mixture of exhaustion and admiration. He lowered his shield, stepping back. \u201cYou pass.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The training field fell into stunned silence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Brynda stood there, eyes wide in disbelief, her jaw slightly agape. She had seen skilled warriors, but this\u2014this was something entirely different. The soldiers who had gathered around the sparring circle exchanged astonished glances, unable to comprehend what they had just witnessed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After what felt like an eternity of quiet, one soldier broke the silence, his voice ringing out across the field. \u201cPhantom! The Phantom of Zorim!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The cry was taken up by others, and soon, the camp buzzed with whispers of the mysterious <em>Phantom<\/em> who had appeared from the shadows, leaving an indelible impression on everyone who had seen him fight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Brynda couldn\u2019t help herself. She ran toward Alvinnu\u00e9, her heart racing from the sheer spectacle she had just witnessed. Her eyes were wide with curiosity, the adrenaline still coursing through her veins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThat thing&#8230; those moves&#8230;\u201d she said breathlessly, catching her breath as she stopped in front of him. \u201cIs that the Shadow Arts?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alvinnu\u00e9, still catching his own breath from the intensity of the sparring match, gave her a solemn nod, the faintest smile playing at the corners of his lips. \u201cYou could say that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before Brynda could ask more, Gorimund, having lowered his shield and axe, stepped forward, his face now serious. His weathered eyes studied Alvinnu\u00e9 closely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cShadow Arts? Where are you from, lad?\u201d the dwarf asked, his voice carrying an edge of intrigue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alvinnu\u00e9 hesitated for only a moment, then replied with a tone that matched the weight of his words. \u201cThe Island of Shanda-Wold.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cShanda-Wold, eh?\u201d Gorimund\u2019s eyebrows shot up in surprise. \u201cThat explains a lot. I haven&#8217;t come across your kin before. This must be the first time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alvinnu\u00e9 didn\u2019t answer right away. There was something in his eyes that flickered, a quiet sadness or perhaps a lingering sense of isolation. Shanda-Wold was a place few ventured, a land steeped in mystery and surrounded by dangers only the bravest would face. For Alvinnu\u00e9, it was both his home and his burden. But he did not dwell on it. Instead, he looked up at Gorimund with an expression that, though weary, was resolute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThey have their reasons for staying hidden,\u201d Alvinnu\u00e9 said softly, his words carrying a weight only someone from Shanda-Wold would understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gorimund let out a hearty laugh, slapping Alvinnu\u00e9 on the back with a resounding thud. \u201cShanda-Wold this! Shanda-Wold that! Whatever!\u201d he boomed, a wide grin spreading across his face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Without warning, the burly dwarf lunged forward, arms open wide as he enveloped his charges in an unexpected, yet strangely warm hug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe make a good team, eh?\u201d he said, his voice muffled by the embrace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As he pulled back slightly, he lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. \u201cI know a secret stash of ale on the edge of the camp. A little something for the long night ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Brynda raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a smile despite herself. \u201cAle? Aren\u2019t we preparing for war?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gorimund let out a loud, throaty laugh that echoed through the camp. \u201cWar, eh? We can\u2019t fight a battle with an empty belly, can we?\u201d he winked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a jovial laugh and a shrug of his shoulders, he turned, waving for them to follow. \u201cCome on, then! It\u2019s a long night, and there\u2019s no better time to get acquainted with a bit of drink.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The group moved off, disappearing into the encroaching darkness, their footsteps echoing faintly as they made their way to Gorimund\u2019s hidden stash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, unbeknownst to them, someone had been watching the entire sparring match from the shadows. Their eyes gleamed with interest, and the faintest rustle of movement could be heard as the figure melted back into barracks. Whoever they were, they had witnessed the spectacle, and it was clear they were not there by chance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hours passed, and the barracks was bathed in the dim glow of lantern light. The sounds of metal being polished and the soft clink of armor being adjusted filled the air. Alvinnu\u00e9, Brynda, and Gorimund worked quitely in a corner, each absorbed in checking their weapons and gear. It was clear that, despite the chaos of their world, a bond has started to form between them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The sound of footsteps echoed through the barracks, breaking the quiet routine. The trio looked up, surprised to see Adjutant Eldric standing in the doorway, his posture rigid, a serious look on his face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Brynda immediately straightened, saluting him with the respect of a soldier. \u201cAdjutant Eldric,\u201d she said, her voice steady.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eldric nodded curtly, his eyes briefly scanning the trio before walking toward Alvinnu\u00e9. He handed him a sealed parchment, the insignia of the Geldanos Army stamped on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAlvinnu\u00e9,\u201d Eldric began, his voice firm but with an undertone of respect, \u201cyou have new orders. You are to be an advanced scout tasked to track the movement of the Army of the Undead. You leave tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The room fell silent. Alvinnu\u00e9 took the parchment with a quiet nod, his eyes meeting Brynda\u2019s and Gorimund\u2019s. His hand gripped the letter tightly as the weight of the mission sank in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI guess I\u2019ll be leaving the group for a bit,\u201d Alvinnu\u00e9 said, his voice calm yet laced with a hint of regret. He looked at both of them, the bond of friendship clear in his eyes. \u201cBut don\u2019t worry\u2014I\u2019ll be back.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Brynda\u2019s brow furrowed with concern, her lips parting to say something, but the words seemed to escape her. Gorimund, though tough, wasn\u2019t immune to the worry that crossed his face either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYou sure about this, lad?\u201d Gorimund asked, his deep voice a rare note of worry. \u201cThe Undead aren\u2019t something you can handle on your own, no matter how skilled you are.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Adjutant Eldric cleared his throat, drawing their attention. \u201cGeneral Aelric witnessed the whole sparring session,\u201d he said, his tone steady but confident. \u201cWith the skills Alvinnu\u00e9 displayed today, he should be able to track the enemy and return without danger.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alvinnu\u00e9 gave a reassuring smile, though there was an edge of uncertainty in his eyes. He clapped Gorimund on the shoulder and gave Brynda a brief nod. \u201cI\u2019ll be back before you know it. Stay sharp, both of you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the reassurances, both Brynda and Gorimund couldn\u2019t shake the feeling that something darker was looming just beyond the horizon. They nodded, though their concern remained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alvinnu\u00e9 turned on his heel and walked out of the barracks, the heavy door closing behind him with a soft thud. The chill of the night air greeted him as he stepped outside, and with a final glance back at the camp, he disappeared into the shadows of Zorim Field.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As the hours passed and the sun rose higher in the sky, the landscape around<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2576","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jsantos.net\/_blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2576","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jsantos.net\/_blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jsantos.net\/_blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jsantos.net\/_blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jsantos.net\/_blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2576"}],"version-history":[{"count":30,"href":"https:\/\/www.jsantos.net\/_blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2576\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3275,"href":"https:\/\/www.jsantos.net\/_blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2576\/revisions\/3275"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jsantos.net\/_blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2576"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jsantos.net\/_blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2576"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jsantos.net\/_blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2576"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}