After the battle, we departed and left the forest.
"Is it strange?" Sofia thought aloud. "Why were there so many goblins in this forest? Normally, they wouldn't attack a passing carriage on the road."
Draven, hearing her, replied with a concerned look on his face. "Yeah, it's true. Let's report it to the guild. Something's wrong."
I could tell from my father's gaze that he noticed my sadness. He saw something in my face, like a worry that I hadn't shared yet.
A few minutes later, we left the forest area, and I looked ahead, eyes widening at the sight before me. A vast, open green land stretched out, dotted with a few trees and animals. I was amazed at how large the area was.
My father noticed my expression. "Look, Cain. This way," he said, pointing to the back of the carriage, where the river ran.
My father was sitting in front of me, to the left side of the carriage, with my mother beside him. Sofia sat next to me.
"Wow, it's beautiful," I said to myself, taking in the view.
The sight of animals grazing, the clean river, and the peaceful landscape made my heart lift. Everyone smiled at my reaction, clearly pleased by my wonder.
After a few minutes, it was already noon. We still had a few more days to reach the capital.
"Driver, we can stop here to rest," my father called out, spotting a perfect place to take a break. We all stepped down from the carriage.
"Let's go over there," my father said, pointing toward a large tree with plenty of space beneath it.
As we reached the spot, my father carefully unloaded our belongings. "Here, we can relax for a little while and have lunch," he said.
"Oh, this is perfect," my mother replied with a smile.
We began preparing our lunch, chatting casually as we worked.
"Cain, can you get the rice?" my mother asked.
"Yes, here," I replied, handing it over to her.
We continued eating, enjoying the food and each other's company.
After a few minutes, Sofia and I had finished eating.
"Cain, are you done?" my mother asked, noticing I had finished my meal.
"There was still more," she added, glancing at the food.
"I'm already full, Mother," I answered with a smile.
After finishing, Sofia turned to me. "Cain, come here. Let's do a little training while we wait for the others."
We walked slowly in the area, but just as I was about to agree, I hesitated. The memory of the explosion from my first attempt at magic came rushing back. My magic had erupted uncontrollably, causing a mess. I didn't want to risk another accident.
"Teacher, can't I control my magic properly?" I asked, the worry evident in my voice.
Sofia paused, looking out at the view. She turned to me with a thoughtful expression. "Why do you ask?"
"Because when I tried it for the first time, it exploded, and when you taught me the basics, it exploded again," I explained.
Sofia nodded, her gaze softening. "Well, yes, you haven't learned to control it yet," she said with a kind but firm tone.
I felt a surge of embarrassment and worry. "I don't want it to explode again."
Sofia smiled at me warmly. "You know, I was surprised when I first learned you were only five years old. But your parents have already decided you should train in magic. They said you're quite intelligent for your age, and now, seeing you in action, I can tell it's true. No one your age should be thinking and behaving as you do."
"They said that?" I asked, surprised.
"Yes," she said, smiling proudly. "They believe in you."
We stayed silent for a few moments, and just as I was about to speak again, my mother called us back.
"Cain, Sofia, get ready! We're going to leave soon!" she shouted.
Sofia turned to me, her expression softening. "Don't worry, Cain. We'll train properly when we get home. For now, just rest, alright?"
I nodded, feeling reassured by her words.
Sofia and I hurriedly returned to the carriage.
"I'll help," Sofia offered, smiling at my mother.
"Thank you," my mother replied with a grin as she continued preparing the carriage for the next leg of our journey.
After a few minutes, we were ready to leave. The journey ahead would take a few more days, and I knew there would be more challenges ahead. But I was resolved to face them.