Special Chapter #2: 
The Road to the Eldoria
The familiar, comforting grandeur of the palace slowly receded behind us, a golden memory fading into the morning mist. Alric, ever watchful, rode ahead, his silhouette a steady anchor against the rising sun. Beside me, Sebastian's quiet hum of a travel tune provided a surprising rhythm to our horses' hooves. Behind us, Zaria and Aurora chatted animatedly, their laughter carried on the crisp air. 
We were on our way to Eldoria a place whispered about in hushed tones, a city of ancient magic and forgotten lore.
"The road stretches out before us, an untamed ribbon leading to the unknown," I mused aloud, though my thoughts were truly for myself. 
"We must stick together." Alric said.
"Use telepathy to communicate to each other." Orion added.
"Every stride of my horse, every gust of wind through my hair, feels like a breath closer to something… profound. I've spent my life within the palace walls, a gilded cage of duty and expectation.
Now, with Alric’s unwavering loyalty, Sebastian’s quiet strength, Zaria’s sharp wit, and Aurora’s boundless optimism by my side, I feel a tremor of excitement I’ve rarely known. Is this what freedom truly feels like? 
This vastness, this uncertainty? I’ve heard tales of Eldoria, of its crumbling towers and the ancient power that supposedly sleeps beneath its roots. A part of me thrills at the prospect of uncovering its secrets, of understanding the magic that binds our world. 
What are the things we will find in that mystery town named Eldoria and it's been days since I didn't figure it out where my mission takes place.
But another part, a smaller, quieter voice, whispers of the dangers that lurk beyond the safety of our kingdom. Are we truly ready for what awaits us? For what Eldoria might demand of us? Only time, and the long road ahead, will tell.
Our journey took us through sprawling farmlands that eventually gave way to denser woodlands. The sunlight, once bright and welcoming, now filtered through a thick canopy of ancient trees, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. The air grew cooler, and a hush fell over our group, replacing the earlier easy banter. The trees seemed to lean in, their gnarled branches like skeletal fingers reaching out.
Alric raised a hand, bringing us to a halt. His eyes, usually so focused, scanned the undergrowth with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. 
"Something's not right," he murmured, his voice low and guttural. 
"Too quiet."
Sebastian drew his sword with a soft rasp of steel, his earlier tune forgotten.
Zaria knocked an arrow to her bowstring, her gaze sharp and unwavering. Even Aurora, usually so carefree, gripped the reins of her horse tightly, her eyes wide.
From the deeper shadows between the ancient oaks, movement flickered. Not animal, not wind-blown leaves. This was deliberate. A low growl echoed, not from a beast, but something… twisted. 
The air grew heavy, thick with a scent like damp earth and something metallic. We were no longer simply travelers on a road; we were intruders in a place that seemed to resent our presence. The whispers of the wind through the leaves seemed to take on a more sinister tone, as if warning us, or perhaps, celebrating our arrival.
Ahead of me, Alric rode with his usual silent vigilance, his eyes scanning the path ahead and the surrounding landscape with an almost instinctual awareness. Beside me, Sebastian adjusted the reins on his sturdy palfrey, a faint, contented smile playing on his lips. Behind us, the lively chatter of Zaria and Aurora drifted forward, their voices like melodic birdsong against the gentle rhythm of our horses’ hooves. We were finally on our way, leaving behind the gilded cage of court life for the vast, beckoning unknown.
"The world feels so much larger out here," I mused to myself, a quiet sigh escaping my lips. 
"Every breath I take feels deeper, freer. For so long, my days have been mapped out, every moment accounted for, every decision weighed against royal protocol.
But now… now there’s just the open road, the wind in my hair, and the promise of discovery. It’s exhilarating, this uncertainty, this wild, untamed beauty of our kingdom beyond the palace walls. I've read countless scrolls and ancient texts, dreamt of the places we'll see the histories we'll uncover.
Are we truly ready for what lies ahead? For the challenges, the revelations, the perhaps unsettling truths that Eldoria holds? I look at my friends, their faces bright in the morning, and I feel a surge of gratitude. With them by my side, anything feels possible. They are my strength, my anchors in this sea of the unknown. And for the first time in a long time, I feel truly alive.
A little later, as the sun climbed higher and the morning chill began to fade, Sebastian turned to me, his quiet demeanor giving way to a rare, warm smile. 
"Feeling the spirit of adventure, Althea?" he asked, his voice soft.
I laughed, a genuine, unburdened sound. "More than I thought possible, Sebastian! It’s… different. Freeing."
From behind us, Zaria’s voice cut in, sharp and playful. 
"Freeing, or just a chance to finally wear something other than a restrictive 
court gown, Princess?"
I rolled my eyes good-natured.
"Perhaps a bit of both, Zaria! Though I must admit, this travel tunic is far more comfortable than any ball gown."
Aurora giggled. 
"You look splendid, Althea! All of you do. It's like we're characters in one of those old tales, setting off on a grand quest!" She then nudged Zaria. 
"Don't you feel it, Zaria? 
The pull of destiny?"
Zaria snorted.
"I feel the pull of my stomach, Aurora. And a slight ache in my shoulders. Destiny can wait until after lunch."
Alric, who had been listening silently, finally spoke, his voice deeper than the others but surprisingly gentle. 
"The path ahead will require more than just enthusiasm, Aurora. Vigilance is key. The forests can hide many dangers." 
His gaze swept over us, a quiet warning in his eyes.
"Of course, Alric,"
I replied and meeting his gaze.
"We understand the risks. But we're prepared. And we have each other, remember that." Alric spoke.
Sebastian nodded. 
" We're a capable group. 
And Eldoria awaits."
As we continued our journey, the laughter and easy banter intertwined with serious discussions about our route, potential provisions, and the ancient maps Alric carried.
The world around us, once a backdrop, now felt alive, a part of our shared adventure. The road to Eldoria was a long long trip to get there but with my friends it felt less like a daunting challenge and more like the beginning of something truly extraordinary.
END OF SPECIAL CHAPTERS
Author's Noteeeeeee ---------
THE LAST WARRIOR OF 
THE RISING SUN 
RISING WARRIORS BOOK 1 
STARTED : FEBRUARY 19, 2025
END : JUNE 19, 2025 
This Thea Ysabel Sun's Warrior Journey 
is now officially Ended.
I hope just like Thea's bravery in life
That will inspire us to face every battle in our life with courage and dedication!
— END —