The village of Edger lay hidden inside a quiet valley. Its homes were built half-buried beneath the soil, with only rooftops and doorways visible above ground. Underground rooms stayed cool in summer, warm in winter, and safe once night arrived.

It was a design that had protected the villagers for years.

Ashren wiped sweat from his forehead, tightening his grip on his wooden practice sword. The blade wasn’t heavy, but every swing felt like a step toward something more—strength, skill, and a future beyond the valley. A future he wasn’t sure he’d ever see.

“Again,” his uncle said behind him, voice calm but firm.
“Back foot steady. Balance first.”

Ashren inhaled and swung again.

“Better,” his uncle murmured. “Strength won’t save you. Think before you move. Move before danger reaches you.”

His uncle wasn’t just family—he was protector, teacher, and the closest thing to a parent Ashren had ever known.

The sun dipped behind the hills, painting the valley gold. Smoke drifted from chimneys while most of the village hummed quietly underground.

Ashren slung his practice sword over his shoulder and headed toward the Running Kestrel Inn.

A shadow crossed in front of him.

A hooded girl stepped lightly across the cobblestones. Her movements were soft, almost floating—like someone unused to being this close to people.

“Ah—sorry!” she said, startled. Her voice was gentle, musical.

Ashren blinked. Visitors were rare in Edger. Strangers, even rarer.

“I’m Ashren,” he said. “Are you lost?”

She shook her head.
“I’m looking for the inn. I need a place to stay.”

“You can stay at the Running Kestrel,” Ashren said. “I’ll show you.”

She offered a tired but soft smile.
“Thank you. You’re very kind.”

They walked together through the dimming village. Ashren pointed out the half-buried homes and explained how villagers lived underground after dark.

“This is clever,” she whispered. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“You get used to it,” he said. “Most people here never leave the valley.”

At the inn, Ashren’s uncle approached. His gaze sharpened with caution.

“Newcomer?” he asked.

“She wants a room,” Ashren said.

His uncle nodded. “The innkeeper will handle it. Make sure she stays inside once the lamps go low.”

The girl paid the innkeeper and bowed politely.
“I’ll be careful.”

She disappeared inside.

Ashren watched the doorway a moment longer. Something about her felt bright and alive—something that didn’t belong to a quiet valley like Edger.

Something that could change everything.

Ashren’s uncle placed a hand on his shoulder.
“Strangers rarely come without reason,” he said quietly. “Sometimes they bring luck… sometimes trouble.”

Ashren glanced back at the inn window, where the girl’s silhouette shifted behind the curtain.

He didn’t know it yet, but tonight would be the last peaceful night the valley would ever have.

To be continued…
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