The soft light of dawn slipped through the seams of the tent, casting a warm glow on Haerak's face as he opened his eyes. 

He turned over gently, looking down at Aina, still fast asleep, her small body bundled up beside him, her cheeks still flushed from sleep. 

He reached out carefully, brushing a few strands of her hair away from her face.

"Aina," he whispered softly, his voice as gentle as he could make it.

"It's morning."

She shifted a little, scrunching her face as she snuggled deeper into the blanket. 

Haerak chuckled softly, reluctant to disturb her peaceful sleep, but he knew they had to start their day. 

He leaned in a bit closer, whispering near her ear.

"Hey, sleepyhead," he murmured.

"Don't you want to see the sunrise?"

She let out a soft grumble but slowly opened her eyes, squinting as she looked up at him. 

"Daddy, is it really morning already?"

Haerak smiled, nodding. 

"Yes, my little morning bird. The sun's just starting to rise. Thought we might go see it together." 

He rubbed her shoulder gently. 

"But only if my little adventurer is ready for it."

Aina blinked a few times, slowly sitting up and rubbing her eyes. 

"You mean we can go outside and see the whole sky?" 

Her excitement was starting to grow, even though she still looked half-asleep.

"Of course," Haerak said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. 

"But first, we need to get up and shake off the sleepiness." 

He started to tickle her lightly, and she giggled, squirming as she tried to wriggle out of his playful grip.

 She laughed, her voice a little louder now, fully awake.

"Daddy, stop!"

Haerak stopped tickling, instead pulling her into a gentle hug. 

"I missed seeing you laugh like that, you know. It's been a while since we had a trip like this, just you and me."

Aina smiled, leaning into him. 

She whispered.

"I missed it too." 

Then, looking around the tent, she asked.

"Are the other people still here too? Like that man with the big axe?"

Haerak nodded. 

"Yes, Qarek and his friends are just outside. They're keeping us safe while we're here."

Aina's eyes softened as she looked at him. 

"Daddy, are we... are we going to stay with them for a long time?"

He paused, thinking carefully about how to answer her. 

"Well, only as long as we need to. Just long enough to make sure it's safe, and then we'll go back to our home."

Aina looked down, toying with the edge of the blanket. 

She glanced up at him, a slight hint of worry in her eyes.

"Our home in Ember Wind?" 

"Yes, sweetheart," Haerak replied softly, brushing her cheek. 

"Our home in Ember Wind. It's still there, waiting for us."

She let out a small sigh, nodding as if that was all she needed to hear. 

"I like it there," she murmured. 

"I miss the big tree in front of our house."

Haerak's heart softened. 

"Oh, I miss it too. Remember how you used to climb it and shout, 'Look, Daddy, I'm flying!'?"

Aina grinned, her face lighting up with the memory. 

"I climbed so high! And you always acted scared!"

He laughed, shaking his head. 

"I wasn't acting, my little bird. You were high enough to give me a heart attack."

She giggled, leaning her head against his arm. 

They sat in a comfortable silence for a moment before she spoke again, her voice a little softer. 

"Daddy do you think Qarek and his friends will come with us too? Back to Ember Wind?"

Haerak gave her a gentle squeeze. 

"They might not stay, but they're good people. If they ever need a safe place, I'd gladly welcome them. Just like we welcomed everyone else."

Aina's eyes shone.

"You think they'd like Ember Wind?"

"I think they'd love it," he said with a smile, giving her hair a playful ruffle. 

"Just like everyone else who's come to live there."

Aina looked up, her eyes full of hope. 

"Then let's show them Ember Wind someday."

Haerak kissed her forehead, his heart swelling with pride. 

"Yes. Someday, we will."

He wrapped an arm around her, guiding her toward the tent's entrance. 

"Come on, my little bird. Let's go catch the sunrise."

As Haerak and Aina stepped out of the tent, they were greeted by the smell of fish roasting over a small fire. 

Andhur was crouched by the flames, carefully turning the sticks to get an even cook on the fish. 

He looked up and grinned when he noticed them.

"Ah, finally! The sleepy duo emerges." 

Andhur greeted with a dramatic sigh. 

"You two missed the dawn show, but at least you're here in time for the main act—breakfast!"

Aina's eyes lit up as she took in the smell, her stomach rumbling slightly. 

Haerak chuckled, finding the sight of her excitement endearing. 

Aina said shyly, sidling closer to the fire.

"It smells amazing."

"Doesn't it?" Andhur said proudly, giving a playful wink. 

"Nothing like a bit of fire-roasted fish in the morning. Just a simple campfire trick, but I'd say it rivals anything you'd find in the royal kitchens." 

He nodded toward the sticks. 

"Caught fresh, too. You don't get this kind of flavor sitting around waiting for someone to bring you breakfast."

Haerak took a seat on a log by the fire, nodding with genuine appreciation. 

"You're quite the skilled cook, Andhur. Do you do this often?"

"Cooking? Oh, all the time! I'd starve if I didn't." 

Andhur replied with a laugh, adjusting the sticks so the fish browned perfectly. 

"Out here, you don't have the luxury of picking and choosing. You cook what you find and make it taste like a feast—keeps the spirits up, especially on days when the weather or, uh, certain battles aren't in our favor."

Aina, fascinated, knelt down next to Haerak. 

"Where did you learn to cook like that?"

Andhur grinned, puffing his chest a little. 

"Years of roughing it, little one. Master Gargeal says that a good meal keeps a warrior focused. Besides, it makes for good memories. Every fire-cooked meal is like a tiny celebration out here." 

He leaned closer, mock-whispering. 

"Although, if Qarek were here, he'd say it's nothing special. But between us, he's just jealous."

Aina giggled, glancing up at her father, who seemed at ease, his eyes softening as he watched Andhur's theatrics.

"Oh, that reminds me," Andhur said, his eyes lighting up. 

"While I'm cooking, Master and Qarek are off scavenging for more supplies—bunnies, herbs, spices, maybe even some wild honey if they're lucky."

Aina asked, her eyes wide.

"Wild honey?" 

"Yep! Imagine a bit of that honey drizzled on our fish here." Andhur patted his stomach. 

"Pure luxury in the middle of nowhere."

Haerak smiled as he watched Andhur describe each flavor with a gleam in his eye. 

Aina laughed, clearly delighted by Andhur's enthusiasm.

Andhur gave a theatrical bow, balancing one of the fish sticks in his hand. 

He handed each of them a stick. 

"Now, taste and tell me if it's as good as I claim!"

Haerak bit into the fish, savoring the smoky, tender flavor. 

"You weren't exaggerating, Andhur. This is fantastic."

Andhur flashed a proud grin. 

"See? A warrior's touch in every bite." 

He handed another stick to Aina, who took a careful nibble before beaming up at him.

"It's delicious!" she exclaimed, her smile widening as she took another bite.

 Andhur said with a nod. 

"Glad to hear it." 

"Out here, we make the best of what we've got. It's like my Master always says, 'Respect the food, and it'll respect you back.' Well, maybe he says it a bit differently, but you get the point!"

They all laughed together, the warmth of the fire and Andhur's cheerful presence making the morning feel less harsh and more like home.

As they continued to enjoy the fish, Andhur leaned back.

A thoughtful expression crossing his face. 

"You know, speaking of food and friends, I can't help but think about the rest of our little group. You've already met Qarek and Gargeal, but our captain, Zach, he's something special."

"Zach?" Haerak asked, intrigued. 

"What's he like?"

Andhur's face lit up at the mention of his captain. 

"Ah, captain is one of a kind. He's got this calmness about him, even in the toughest situations. Always strategizing, always thinking two steps ahead. You'd be surprised how he manages to keep us all in line. It's like he has this sixth sense for trouble."

Aina perked up, her curiosity evident. 

"And what about the others?"

"Right! Well, there's Ruby—she's fierce, but she's got a big heart. She keeps us all motivated. You'd love her energy. Then there's Jiighual, who has dreams of becoming a chef one day. Funny enough, he's always stealing bits of food to practice his skills. He's got a knack for making the most out of scraps."

Haerak commented, a smile forming at the corners of his mouth.

"Sounds like quite a team." 

"Oh, it gets better," Andhur continued, gesturing animatedly as he spoke.

"There's Yzavynne. She's got a gentle soul and can whip up remedies for almost anything. Then there's Nert—he's a warrior but has this goofy side that catches everyone off guard. You wouldn't expect it from someone so tough, right?"

Aina giggled at the thought. 

"He sounds funny!"

"He is! He is! He is! And then we have Kazaks and Leeani. Kazaks is, well, he's a bit of a wild card. He often finds ways to get us out of tight spots. Leeani, on the other hand, is the voice of reason, always reminding us to think things through before we act."

Haerak nodded, taking it all in. 

"You've built quite the family."

"Exactly!" Andhur exclaimed, his eyes sparkling. 

"That's what it feels like. We're all different, but we share a common purpose. We look out for one another, no matter what. Like brothers and sisters forged in fire."

Aina watched Andhur with wide eyes, entranced by his passion. 

"Can I meet them all?"

"Of course!" Andhur replied with a grin. 

"Once we're done here and the others return, you'll get to meet the whole crew. I promise, they'll love you. And who knows, maybe you'll inspire Jiighual with your cooking skills!"

Haerak chuckled, imagining the scene. "Aina has quite the talent for making even the simplest meals special."

"I can't wait to show them!" Aina beamed, her enthusiasm infectious.

The warmth of the fire, combined with the newfound friendship, created a sense of peace that Haerak hadn't felt in a long time. 

Here, surrounded by these quirky but kind-hearted individuals. 

Haerak took a moment to enjoy the warmth of the sun filtering through the trees.

And then he turned to Andhur, curiosity shining in his eyes. 

"So, why are you two separated from the others? I figured with a group like yours, you'd stick together."

Andhur nodded, his expression shifting to one of seriousness. 

"Ah, well, that's a good question. It's actually part of Captain Zach's strategy. He's always thinking ahead, planning for all possible scenarios."

"What do you mean?" 

"Well," Andhur began, gesturing with his hands as he spoke. 

"Captain believes in having backup plans. You see, we're not just rebels; we're a team that needs to operate like a well-oiled machine. If we all travel together, we risk drawing too much attention. The kingdoms are always watching for signs of dissent. If they see a large group, they might act quickly to stamp us out."

Aina, listening intently, tilted her head. 

"So you're saying it's safer this way?"

"Exactly!" Andhur replied, his enthusiasm returning. 

"By splitting up into smaller groups, we can scout the area more effectively and gather resources without raising alarm. It allows us to keep an eye on our surroundings while still being close enough to come to each other's aid if necessary. If something goes wrong, the rest of the team can move in and support us. It's all about adaptability."

Haerak found himself nodding along, impressed. 

"That makes sense. I can see why a leader like Zach would want to approach things this way. It sounds smart."

"It is," Andhur agreed, his tone sincere. 

"Plus, it gives each of us a chance to develop our skills individually. Zach trusts us to handle our own situations while also keeping the bigger picture in mind. He believes that we're stronger together, but only if we're also capable on our own."

Aina perked up again. 

"So, you're like a superhero team, but with a plan!"

Andhur laughed, a rich, warm sound that made Haerak smile. 

"Something like that! We all have our roles, and we rely on each other. It's a mix of brains and brawn, but also a lot of heart. That's what keeps us united."

Haerak felt a swell of admiration for this ragtag band of rebels.

Andhur said, his gaze thoughtful. 

"And that's why we can't afford to fail. If we do, it's not just us who suffer. It's everyone who believes in what we're fighting for. Captain takes that responsibility very seriously."

As they talked, the scent of the cooking fish filled the air, mingling with the salty breeze from the nearby ocean. 

Haerak could feel a sense of comfort and safety growing within him, something he hadn't experienced in a long time. 

For now, surrounded by these brave individuals.

He felt a glimmer of hope.

△▼△▼△▼△

Finally, the last remnants of their meal disappeared.

Haerak leaned back against the log, feeling the warmth of the sun on his skin and the satisfying fullness in his belly. 

Aina, her eyes sparkling with mischief, glanced towards the ocean.

She announced, her excitement bubbling over.

"I want to go play in the water!"

Haerak replied, unable to hide the note of concern in his voice as she dashed towards the shoreline. 

"Just be careful, Aina!"

The waves lapped at the shore, glistening like diamonds in the sunlight. 

Aina squealed with delight as she kicked the water, sending sprays of droplets into the air like tiny jewels catching the light.

Haerak watched, heart swelling with both pride and anxiety.

She was so small and vulnerable, yet there she was, unafraid and filled with joy. 

He couldn't help but stand, his instincts as a father urging him to keep a close eye on her.

With quick strides, he joined her, stepping carefully to avoid the patches of slippery seaweed. 

He called out, a smile breaking across his face as Aina turned, her laughter echoing like music in the salty air.

"Hey, wait for me!" 

Aina challenged, and with that, she took off, splashing through the shallow waves.

"Catch me if you can!"

"Don't run too far!" he called after her, his heart racing. 

Aina's laughter filled the air, a sound so pure it made his heart ache with love. 

The sight of her dancing among the waves, her tiny feet sinking into the sand and splashing water everywhere, was more than he could have hoped for in this moment.

As he reached her, Haerak scooped up some water in his hands and playfully splashed it towards her. 

He exclaimed, his laughter mingling with hers.

"Got you!" 

Aina squealed in delight, wiping the water from her eyes and retaliating with her own splash. 

They began a playful war of splashes, the world around them fading into a blur as they enjoyed their simple game. 

Haerak felt the tension of their earlier encounters slip away with each wave that crashed at their feet.

From his perch on the log, Andhur watched with a smile on his face, his heart warmed by the sight of the father and daughter enjoying such a precious moment together. 

"You know," he said, speaking to no one in particular but watching them intently. 

"There's something magical about seeing families like this. It reminds us of what we're fighting for."

Haerak glanced over at Andhur, his laughter momentarily subdued as he took in the joy radiating from Aina and the peaceful scene. 

"It really is," he agreed, his voice softening. 

"I thought I might lose her for good. I didn't know if I'd ever see her smile again."

"Then cherish this moment," Andhur replied, still grinning. 

"These are the memories that keep us going, the ones that give us strength in the darkest of times."

Haerak nodded, feeling gratitude swell in his chest. 

He looked back at Aina, who was now jumping through the waves, her arms stretched out like she was trying to fly. 

The sun caught in her hair, giving it a halo-like glow, and for a moment, she looked so free, so utterly unburdened by the world around them.

 Haerak suggested.

"Hey, Aina! Let's build a sandcastle!" 

Aina clapped her hands together, her face lighting up with excitement as she sprinted to the shore, gathering buckets and small shovels they had brought along.

"Yay! A big one!"

Haerak joined her, their laughter echoing across the beach as they dug into the sand, working together to create their sandy fortress.

Aina directed him on where to pile the sand, her little hands shaping the towers with precision.

As they built, Haerak felt a sense of peace enveloping him, washing over him like the gentle waves. 

In this moment, nothing else mattered. 

"Look, Daddy!" Aina exclaimed, pointing at their creation. 

"It's the best castle ever!"

"It really is," he said, beaming at her. 

"And it's ours. No one can take it away."

The two continued their playful work, splashing in the water and molding the sand, the sounds of their joy carrying into the breeze. 

The world felt lighter, if only for a fleeting moment, and Haerak cherished every second.

Holding tightly to the laughter, the love.

And the warmth of the sun on his skin.

The joyful atmosphere was abruptly pierced by the sound of crunching sand. 

A figure cloaked in brown approached them, a spear clutched tightly in his hand, his movements deliberate and calculated.

His voice smooth yet edged with a hint of menace.

"Well, well, well. What do we have here?"

Instinctively, Aina turned to her father, her eyes wide with confusion and fear, while Haerak's heart raced. 

He stepped in front of her protectively, instinctively gauging the distance to the ocean and the route to safety.

 Haerak demanded.

"Who are you?"

Andhur, however, remained unfazed. 

He stood up, adjusting his eyeglasses with a quick flick of his fingers and grabbing his glaive.

"I suggest you step back," he warned, his tone cool but serious. 

"You're trespassing on dangerous ground."

The man's eyes softened as they settled on Aina, a flicker of recognition crossing his face. 

"I used to have a little girl just about her age," he said, his voice dropping to a more compassionate tone. 

"In a world like this, you should cherish every moment."

"Why are you here?" Haerak pressed, his voice firm, though he couldn't shake the feeling of danger that clung to the air.

Andhur's expression shifted back to one of urgency. 

"Listen, Haerak, Aina, you need to run towards the east. Gargeal and Qarek are out searching for foods, and they're far from here. I can't protect you if you stay." 

The man's gaze flickered towards Andhur, who stood poised with his glaive, ready to defend them.

Andhur replied, his voice sharp. 

"The last thing I want is to see children suffer for the choices of adults. I can help you, but only if you run. Now!"

The urgency in his voice sent a jolt through Haerak. 

He exchanged a quick glance with Aina, who looked between him and the man.

"Okay, okay. We'll go," Haerak said, trying to keep his voice calm for Aina's sake. 

"But I can't leave you here."

Andhur said.

"Right now, right now, your lives matter more than me. You two are not safe here. Please, you need to move! I can't promise your safety if you stay here. There's no time for hesitation! If you care for her, you'll move now!"

The man's grip on the spear tightened, determination etched across his face. 

Aina pleaded, gripping Haerak's hand tightly.

"Dad, I don't want to go! We can't leave Andhur behind!" 

"I know, sweetheart. But we have to," he whispered back, kneeling to her level, trying to calm her racing heart. 

He took a deep breath, knowing the choice was clear.

"Okay, Aina," he said, squeezing her shoulder gently. 

"We're going to run, just like he said. Stay close to me."

As they turned to dash towards the east, Aina glanced back at Andhur, who gave her an encouraging nod. 

"You can do it!" she shouted. 

"Keep going!"

"Get moving!" Andhur commanded.

With a quick nod, Haerak pulled Aina close, and together they sprinted towards the trees, the sounds of the ocean fading behind them. 

The rustling of leaves and the pounding of their hearts filled their ears.

But there was no looking back.

Andhur stood his ground, staring down the cloaked figure with steely resolve. 

The tension crackled in the air, a silent acknowledgment of the looming confrontation.

The man shifted his weight, spear poised for action. 

"You shouldn't be here," he warned, his voice carrying an edge of authority mixed with a hint of regret. 

"You've made a mistake approaching them."

Andhur tightened his grip on his glaive, eyes narrowing. 

"What do you want? If you're a threat to them, I won't hesitate to stop you."

A brief smirk flickered across the man's face, but it vanished quickly, replaced by seriousness. 

"I'm not a threat. I'm trying to protect them, just like you. But if it comes down to it, I won't back down either."

"Then why didn't you just say so?" Andhur snapped, his patience waning. 

"You scared the hell out of them."

 The man shot back.

"Enough!"

Andhur retorted, his eyes glinting with defiance. 

"If you think I'll let you walk away after scaring that girl half to death."

Andhur gulped.

"Then you've got another thing coming."

═════ ◆ TO BE CONTINUED ◆ ═════

◆ ◆ ◆ Author's Notes ◆ ◆ ◆

SHEESH!