Chapter 44

The dawn light filtered through the entrance of the mountain cave, casting long, jagged shadows against the stone walls. Caleb Vance sat cross-legged, his breathing rhythmic and shallow as he held a state of meditation. The cool morning air helped settle the remnants of the previous day's exhaustion, but the dull ache in his muscles remained a constant reminder of the toll his body had taken. He opened his eyes and reached for the war-axe resting beside him. The blemishes and dullness that...