The Beast Master's Vengeance

Kael's chest heaved as he stared down the towering beast blocking the chamber entrance. Its glowing red eyes burned like twin embers, scanning him with a predatory intensity. The air grew heavy with an oppressive energy, and Kael could feel his beast bristling at his side, growling low in its throat.

"Another test?" Kael muttered, gripping his dagger tightly. He could feel the pulse of his bond with his beast, their shared energy swirling and rising, as if preparing for the inevitable clash.

The beast's growl rumbled through the chamber, shaking the ancient stone walls. Its jagged scales shimmered in the dim light, each movement precise, calculated, and dangerous. Kael's instincts screamed at him to run, but there was nowhere to go.

"This is what they meant," Kael thought. "The power I hold will draw threats like this… maybe worse."

The creature lunged, faster than Kael could react. His beast, however, was ready. With a snarl, it intercepted the attack, its claws locking with the larger beast's talons. Sparks flew as the two creatures clashed, their raw strength shaking the ground beneath them.

Kael backed up, his mind racing. His beast was holding its own, but he could feel its strain through their bond. He had to help, but how? His dagger seemed useless against creatures of such size and power.

His eyes darted to the scrolls scattered on the floor. Among the chaotic illustrations and symbols, one caught his attention a drawing of a Beast Master surrounded by glowing energy, their hands raised as if commanding their beast.

"Control it," Kael realized. "I can guide it!"

Kael closed his eyes and focused on the bond. He reached out with his mind, feeling the connection to his beast, sensing its pain and determination. Through the bond, he sent a surge of energy, a silent command: Strike low, aim for the legs.

His beast responded instantly, its movements shifting with newfound precision. It dodged the larger beast's swipes, using its smaller size to its advantage. With a quick feint, it lunged forward, its claws raking across the enemy's hind leg. The larger beast howled in pain, staggering slightly.

Kael's heart raced. It was working. He didn't just have to fight alongside his beast—he could fight through it.

But the enemy was far from defeated. With a furious roar, it lashed out, sending Kael's beast skidding across the chamber. Kael winced as he felt the impact through their bond, but his beast was already back on its feet, snarling defiantly.

The battle raged on, each moment more intense than the last. Kael's bond with his beast deepened with every exchange, their coordination growing sharper. Together, they began to turn the tide, forcing the larger beast into a defensive position.

Finally, with a coordinated strike, Kael and his beast landed a decisive blow. The larger beast collapsed with a deafening crash, its glowing eyes dimming as it let out one final growl.

Kael dropped to his knees, gasping for breath. His beast limped over to him, its fur singed but its spirit unbroken.

"We did it," Kael whispered, placing a hand on his beast's head. "We're stronger together."

As the tension in the chamber eased, Kael's mind began to race. This beast had been unlike any he'd encountered before its power, its ferocity, its timing. Was it truly random? Or was it sent by someone or something?

The figure's earlier warning echoed in his mind: Your power will draw enemies from every corner of the realm.

Kael glanced at the defeated beast, its massive body slowly dissolving into black smoke. The sight sent a chill down his spine. This wasn't a natural creature. It had been summoned.

Before he could dwell on the implications, a faint noise reached his ears. It was distant but growing louder a rhythmic pounding, like the sound of drums.

Kael's beast growled, its ears twitching as it turned toward the source of the noise. Kael rose to his feet, his body still aching from the fight.

"Something else is coming," he said, his voice steady despite the fear creeping into his chest.

The pounding grew louder, accompanied by a low, ominous hum. Kael grabbed one of the scrolls, shoving it into his bag before turning to the passageway.

"We need to move," he told his beast. "Now."

Kael and his beast emerged from the hollow, stepping into the cool night air. The forest was eerily silent, the usual sounds of wildlife absent. Kael's instincts prickled, warning him of danger.

He scanned the horizon, searching for the source of the noise. His eyes widened as he spotted a faint orange glow in the distance a fire, spreading rapidly through the trees.

"No…" Kael whispered, his heart sinking.

The fire was heading straight for a small village nestled at the edge of the forest. Kael didn't know the people there, but he couldn't ignore their plight. He couldn't let another village fall.

Without hesitation, he sprinted toward the village, his beast following close behind. As they neared, the scene came into view. Villagers were scrambling to extinguish the flames, their cries of desperation echoing through the night.

Kael pushed through the chaos, his voice ringing out. "Get to safety! Leave the fire to me!"

The villagers turned to him, their eyes wide with fear and confusion. "Who are you?" one man asked.

"No time to explain!" Kael shouted. "Just trust me!"

Kael focused on the bond with his beast, drawing on their shared energy. He could feel the power surging within him, stronger now than ever before. With a deep breath, he unleashed it, sending a wave of energy toward the flames.

The fire hissed and crackled as the energy collided with it, pushing it back. Kael's beast roared, adding its own strength to the effort. Together, they began to contain the fire, creating a barrier that prevented it from spreading further.

The villagers watched in awe as Kael and his beast worked in tandem, their movements perfectly synchronized. Slowly but surely, the flames began to die down, leaving behind charred ground and smoldering embers.

Kael collapsed to his knees, his body trembling with exhaustion. The villagers surrounded him, their expressions a mix of gratitude and fear.

"You… you saved us," one woman said, her voice trembling.

Kael looked up, his eyes hard. "Who started the fire?"

The villagers exchanged nervous glances before one man stepped forward. "It wasn't natural," he said. "A group of men came through here earlier. They were looking for someone. They said he was dangerous… someone who could control beasts."

Kael's blood ran cold. They were looking for him.

As Kael tried to process the villager's words, his beast growled, its eyes fixed on the edge of the forest. Kael followed its gaze, his heart sinking as he spotted figures emerging from the shadows.

There were five of them, each clad in dark armor that glinted in the firelight. They moved with purpose, their weapons drawn.

One of them stepped forward, his voice cold and commanding. "Kael, son of Alden. You've been found. Surrender now, or face the consequences."

Kael rose to his feet, his beast snarling beside him. He clenched his fists, the weight of his power coursing through him.

"I'm not going anywhere," he said, his voice steady despite the fear gripping him.

The man smirked, raising his weapon. "So be it."

The figures advanced, their shadows stretching ominously in the flickering light. Kael tightened his grip on his dagger, his beast bracing for battle.

The fight wasn't over. It was only just beginning.

To be continued…