Nolan stood still for a moment letting his breath settle while the camp ahead of him moved with quiet urgency. The woman with braided hair stepped closer, her eyes fixed on Nolan with a strange blend of disbelief and recognition. She placed one hand over her chest and bowed slightly.
Kaelun lowered its head in return and spoke softly into Nolan’s mind.
This greeting is a sign of respect She believes you carry the forest’s blessing
Nolan swallowed and tried to copy her gesture. The woman’s eyes widened a little then softened. She spoke again in her own language and motioned toward the camp.
Nolan whispered.
What did she say
She asks you to enter They wish to understand why you walk with a guardian
Nolan followed her into the settlement. The camp was made of low tents woven from thick plant fibers and stitched hides. Smoke drifted upward from cooking pits and the smell of simmering roots and meat filled the air. People gathered slowly circling around Nolan and Kaelun while keeping a respectful distance.
Most of them stared at Nolan with curiosity not fear. A few children stepped forward until their parents gently guided them back. One older man approached holding a carved staff. His hair was white, but his posture was strong. He stopped in front of Nolan and placed both hands on the staff.
Kaelun spoke quietly.
He is this group’s leader His name is Halren
Halren spoke in a deep steady tone. Nolan could not understand a word but the man’s eyes carried weight.
Kaelun translated.
He asks what you are and why the forest opened the path to you
Nolan breathed slowly.
I am not sure what I am
Kaelun translated and Halren listened without interrupting. Nolan continued
I came from another world by accident I never wanted to cause trouble here
Halren raised his eyebrows.
Nolan added
But once I arrived things started happening Shadows appeared Echoes awakened And Kaelun and I had to stop something dangerous
Kaelun translated again.
The crowd murmured quietly. Halren leaned in and studied Nolan’s face carefully as if trying to read his truth through expression alone.
He then touched his staff to the ground.
Kaelun’s voice entered Nolan’s mind again.
He asks to see your echo
My echo
Yes Kaelun said The light you carry inside you
Nolan stepped back slightly but he forced himself to breathe through the hesitation. He lifted one hand and focused on the echo that still pulsed faintly under his skin.
A soft glow spread across his palm silver mixed with a subtle blue shimmer. It rose like dust caught in sunlight floating above his fingers.
The crowd gasped.
Halren stepped back in awe. The braided woman placed her hand over her mouth.
Kaelun stood tall and proud beside Nolan.
They have not seen a keeper’s echo in generations
Nolan let the light fade.
Halren spoke again, slower this time.
Kaelun translated.
He says the echo marks you as one who bridges worlds He says your coming was written in old memory
Nolan frowned.
Written where
Halren tapped his staff and motioned for Nolan to follow. They walked toward the largest tent at the center of the camp. Inside the walls were lined with woven cloth that displayed scenes stitched in colored thread.
One panel showed a giant beast with golden eyes standing over a forest
Kaelun
The next panel showed a rift of swirling light splitting the sky
The third showed a lone figure reaching through the rift
Kaelun stepped forward studying the panels.
These depict the old prophecy of the keeper
Nolan blinked.
Prophecy You are kidding me
I do not joke about forest lore Kaelun said
Nolan stared at the final panel at the far end of the tent.
It showed a human figure standing beside a guardian creature with light surrounding them while shadows collapsed under their feet.
Halren pointed at Nolan’ s chest
Then at the glowing thread in the panel
Then he bowed deeply.
Kaelun spoke softly
He believes you are the one foretold
Nolan groaned under his breath.
I am not chosen I am just a guy who got dragged here
Kaelun’s tone softened
You may have been dragged here But you chose to stand Your choices matter as much as fate
Halren motioned to the others and they formed a loose circle around Nolan. The braided woman placed a bowl of steaming water at his feet.
Kaelun explained
This is a ritual welcoming A sign they accept your presence and wish for peace
Nolan knelt and touched the bowl. The water rippled gently even without wind. A soft glow rose from the surface then faded. The crowd nodded satisfied.
Halren spoke again more urgently now his gestures sharp.
Kaelun’s voice grew tense.
He says the shadow’s fall may not be complete He warns that distant lands felt a tremor when the rift collapsed
Meaning
Meaning something stirs in the east again
Nolan’s shoulders sagged.
I thought we finished that
The world is wide Kaelun said Shadows do not vanish They settle
Nolan stood slowly.
If something is happening they need help
Kaelun nodded.
Yes And you must decide if your path takes you there
Nolan looked around the camp seeing fear hope curiosity written across every face
He felt the echo glow softly inside him responding to their emotions
He whispered.
Then I guess my path continues
Kaelun lowered its head
Then we travel again keeper

The camp prepared supplies for them
Because the world was not done asking for Nolan
And Nolan was not done giving