For two days, Rey traveled through the wilderness, following old paths that twisted through dense forests and open plains. He hunted for food, drank from clear rivers, and slept beneath the stars.

  But as he journeyed farther, a strange unease settled in his heart. Something was pulling him forward—not just his own desire to find home, but something else, an unseen force guiding him.

  Then, on the third day, he saw it.

  A city on the horizon.

  The City of Campbell

  Rey entered Campbell just as the sun began to set. The city was lively, filled with the hum of merchants calling out their wares, children running through the streets, and the distant sound of blacksmiths hammering steel.

  For the first time in a long while, Rey felt like he was in a place untouched by war or darkness.

  He walked through the streets, taking in the sights and smells. But as he passed by a small marketplace, a voice called out to him.

  "Rey?"

  Rey turned sharply, his hand instinctively going to his sword.

  A man stood before him—a broad-shouldered figure with graying hair and a familiar face.

  "I thought I recognized you," the man said, stepping closer. "You… you have your father's eyes."

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  Rey blinked. "Who…?"

  The man placed a firm hand on Rey's shoulder. "I'm your uncle. Lamal."

  After chanting for a while Lamal led Rey to his home, a modest but comfortable house in the heart of the city. As they sat down, Lamal poured them each a drink, his expression both joyful and solemn.

  "You don't know how long I've waited for this day," Lamal said. "Your parents… they passed through Campbell many years ago."

  Rey's heart pounded. "They're alive?"

  Lamal hesitated. "They were. But I don't know where they are now."

  Rey clenched his fists. "Tell me everything."

  Lamal sighed, leaning back. "When they arrived here, they were in a hurry. Your mother was carrying a newborn baby. Your little brother. They told me they couldn't take him with them—they were being hunted. They left him in my care, saying they would return once they found you."

  Rey's breath caught in his throat. "I… I have a brother?"

  Lamal nodded. "His name is Arinn. And he's been waiting for you his whole life."

  Lamal stood and walked into another room. Moments later, he returned with a boy—no older than ten, with dark hair and bright eyes.

  The boy stared at Rey, his expression unreadable.

  "Arinn," Lamal said softly. "This is your brother."

  Arinn's eyes widened. He stepped forward hesitantly. "You're… Rey?"

  Rey swallowed, emotions crashing over him like waves. He knelt down, placing a hand on Arinn's shoulder. "Yeah. And I'm never letting us be separated again."

  Arinn's eyes filled with tears, and without another word, he threw himself into Rey's arms.

  For the first time in years, Rey felt like he had found a piece of home.

  But their journey was far from over.

  Rey stayed with Lamal and Arinn for months. In that time, he trained Arinn, teaching him how to use a sword, how to navigate the wilderness, how to survive.

  Arinn was eager to learn, his determination reminding Rey of himself at a younger age.

  But despite the peace they had found, Rey knew he couldn't stay.

  One night, as they sat under the stars, Arinn turned to Rey. "Do you think they're still out there? Our parents?"

  Rey stared up at the sky. "I have to believe they are."

  Arinn nodded. "Then we should go find them."

  Rey glanced at him in surprise. "You really want to come with me?"

  Arinn smiled. "Of course. You're my brother."

  And just like that, their next journey began.