Chapter 28: chapter 28

As the winged figure emerged from the shadows, Caspian squinted, trying to make out his features. When the figure stepped closer, the dim light of the forest revealed a tall young man with piercing pale blue eyes that seemed to glow faintly, contrasting sharply with his dark, unruly hair. His black clothing hugged his lean frame, blending him with the shadows of the forest. Caspian watched in awe as the magnificent wings folded back and vanished entirely, leaving him standing like an ordinary man, though nothing about him felt ordinary.The stranger stopped a short distance away, his icy gaze fixed on Caspian. His voice was calm yet cutting, each word laced with authority. “Go back. Tell your father to end this madness… or he won’t live to regret it.”Caspian frowned, his defiance masking the unease creeping into his chest. “Who the hell are you?"The young man’s expression hardened, his pale eyes narrowing. “ You have no right to be here. You and your people dare to invade my land. Destroy my trees, and for what? Leave now, or I will kill every last one of you".Caspian tried to mask his fear, “We’re not here to destroy the forest. We are looking for something, the blood stone. If you know where it is, tell us, and we will leave. We really don't want any trouble. Ivar’s lips curled into a bitter smile. “ You fool, Do you even understand what you’re asking for?” He took a step closer, his voice lowering into a growl. “That stone is not yours to take and you will never have it.”Frustration surged in Caspian. “Listen, my father won’t stop until he gets it,” he snapped. “You can’t fight him forever. But if you hand over the stone, we can negotiate. Whatever price you ask, it will be yours and  we’ll leave, Isn’t that what you want?”For a moment, Ivar stood still, his pale blue eyes glinting like ice. Then he let out a cold, humorless chuckle. “You really don’t get it, do You?“ Ivar’s expression hardened, his steps deliberate as he close the distance between them. Without any warning, he delivered a swift punch to Caspian's face, sending him staggering backward. Caspian felt the metallic taste of blood on his tongue as he steadied himself. " You will not get another warning, leave while you still can" Ivar said coldly.Caspian stepped closer, wiping the blood from his lips, his determination unwavering. “You think I care about your warnings? I’m trying to stop this. My father won’t stop. But if you work with me, we can avoid bloodshed. This doesn’t have to end in destruction.”Ivar’s gaze turned colder, and his voice dropped into a dangerous whisper. “You’re already on the path to destruction. Leave now, or you’ll see what that looks like.”Before Caspian could respond, Ivar moved with unnatural speed. A single, sharp motion of his hand sent Caspian flying backward as if hit by an invisible force. He crashed to the ground outside the towering trees, his body aching from the impact.As he groaned and tried to stand, he watched in disbelief as the cut tree he’d damaged earlier began to heal. Branches intertwined and sealed together, the trunk whole once more. The forest seemed to draw a protective shield around itself, the towering trees forming an impenetrable barrier.Caspian sat in the dirt, his breathing labored. He knew that winged man wasn’t bluffing. But he also knew his father wouldn’t take no for an answer.The morning sun rose, casting golden hues over the forest's edge where King Alden's men stood at an impasse. The tree barrier loomed large before them, its gnarled branches intertwining like unyielding chains. Axes swung with relentless force, but every strike seemed futile. Prince Caspian, pacing near the edge of the encampment, glanced toward the commotion. His thoughts were still clouded by the events of the previous night. He approached General Alrick, who stood observing the soldiers’ efforts with a grim expression.“General,” Caspian began, his voice low but steady. “I need to speak with you. Last night… I saw someone. He wants us to leave. And I don’t know if you’ll believe me, but… he has wings.”General Alrick’s weathered face tensed, his expression hardening as he glanced at the prince. His lips pressed into a thin line before he spoke. “You saw him too? How did you see him? Did he come to you?”Caspian’s eyes narrowed. “I dug a hole and went into the forest last night. That’s where I saw him. Did you see him too?”Alrick’s eyes widened in alarm. “Why on earth would you go there alone, my prince? If something happened to you, it would be our heads on the line!”“You didn’t answer my question, Alrick,” Caspian said firmly. “Did you see him?”After a brief pause, Alrick sighed and nodded. “Yes, my prince. I saw him—years ago. He isn’t human, and he holds immense power. Back then, he killed all our men.”Caspian’s gaze sharpened. “Who is he?”“I don’t know,” Alrick admitted. “People say a Guardian resides in that forest—a supernatural being.”“Did he harm the people?” Caspian asked.“No, my prince,” Alrick replied. “Not that I’ve heard of.”Caspian's voice cut through the tense silence like a blade. “Order the men to find a weak spot in the barrier,” he commanded, his tone resolute. “That’s how I went inside the forest last night.”Alrick bowed his head slightly in acknowledgment. “As you command, my prince,” he replied, though a flicker of unease passed across his face, betraying his otherwise steady demeanor.Without hesitation, the soldiers moved swiftly to carry out Alrick’s orders, spreading out along the perimeter of the barrier. Their sharp eyes scanned for the slightest hint of weakness, their movements methodical and precise.Caspian remained behind, standing still at the forest’s edge. His gaze was fixed on the shadowy expanse before him, the depth of his stare hinting at a world of thoughts he kept carefully concealed.