Kane’s training intensified over the next days The villagers taught him routes herbs messages survival but one test remained the one Erynd called the Test of Shadows Kane did not know its exact nature only that every trader who walked the hidden road must face it

After midday Erynd appeared at the hut doorway his expression serious It is time

Kane followed him toward the upper ridge The air grew colder sharper the trail narrowing between dark boulders Moss covered the ground creating a soft cushion under their steps They reached a steep cliff lined with stone walkways naturally formed not carved

Erynd stopped This place is called the Shadow Steps The ridge blocks sunlight and the wind flows strangely between the rocks When Guild scouts chased your father he led them here to confuse their formation Only those who understand silence and movement survive this place

Kane looked into the dark winding passage ahead Its narrow turns swallowed light and the gusts of air sounded like breathing Kane felt a shiver run down his spine

Erynd said Your task is to walk through the Shadow Steps alone Take your wagon half way Leave it there Walk the rest on foot I will meet you on the far side The path twists and misleads Follow instinct not fear

Kane nodded gripping the reins He guided his wagon slowly into the passage The walls closed around him tall jagged stone cliffs rising like jaws The horse snorted nervously but Kane soothed her voice calm steady

The light dimmed further until shapes blurred He saw shadows flicker along the walls as wind rushed through small gaps Kane felt as if the ridge watched him

He stopped at the marker Erynd described a boulder with a crack shaped like an arrow He tied his horse to a low tree root and stepped deeper into the darkness on foot

The wind roared at times then fell silent entirely Kane placed his hand along the wall feeling for guidance His steps echoed strangely sometimes sounding close sometimes far away He realized quickly this place played tricks on the senses

Halfway through he heard something a scraping sound not like wind Kane froze breath held The sound repeated soft but deliberate Kane tightened his grip on the wooden pole he carried

A figure stepped from the shadows not Erynd not Mira Someone else A tall man wearing dark cloth and boots too clean for a mountain traveler His face hooded

Kane stepped back quietly

The man spoke calmly I have been searching for you Kane merchant of the frostroot

Kane’s pulse raced His voice came firm What do you want

The man stepped forward The Guild offers a generous reward for you It is easier for me to take you quietly than for them to drag you from Pinebarrow

Kane narrowed his eyes You followed me from Ironford

The man gave a cold smile Traders talk Bandits talk The Guild listens I simply followed the pieces that pointed to the ridge

Kane tightened his grip on the pole

The man raised a dagger One move and I end this quickly Come with me or—

Kane acted before he could think He struck the man’s wrist with the pole knocking the dagger loose The weapon clattered across the rocks The man lunged grabbing Kane’s arm They struggled in the dim corridor shadows twisting like fighting animals

Kane pushed with everything he had remembering Javin’s lessons about footing He twisted his body letting the man’s momentum slam him against the stone The man cursed grabbing Kane again but Kane ducked behind a rock slipping out of reach

The man swore loudly his voice echoing through the steps You cannot run forever boy The Guild will find you

Kane did not run blindly He moved with precision memorizing Erynd’s advice about shadows and the flow of wind He let the gusts guide him toward narrow bends slipping through passages where the man’s larger frame struggled to fit

He reached a turn where the wind shifted downward a sign Erynd taught him meant the exit was near He sprinted his feet sure on the uneven stones The man followed still shouting but his voice grew faint as the twists confused him

Finally Kane emerged into sunlight The ridge lifted around him and Erynd waited arms crossed but eyes sharp You handled yourself well

Kane breathed heavily He came after me A Guild tracker

Erynd’s expression darkened The Guild grows bold The hunters of coin walk even places they once feared We must move quickly now

Kane’s breath steadied Then I am ready The hidden road is mine to protect

Erynd placed a hand on his shoulder From this moment you are not just a trader Kane You are a roadkeeper like your father one who walks between light and shadow

Kane felt the weight and honor of the title settle deep inside him

They returned through a safer path retrieving the wagon and horse Kane kept looking back at the shadowed passage knowing he had just crossed into a new chapter of life

He had survived the Test of Shadows He had faced someone who wanted him captured He had chosen his father’s legacy

As the sun dipped gold across the ridge Kane whispered silently I will carry this road forward

The wind answered with a soft steady hum