FRACTURED EXPEDITION | CHAPTER 01

a short story by Danny van Eck

Few dared to cross the Silent Vale, the dense forest that lay between Corin and Sernatum—a no-man’s land unclaimed by either kingdom. By law, civilians were strictly forbidden from setting foot within its borders unless granted an official permit. The consequences for trespassing ranged from hefty fines to imprisonment, with Sernatum enforcing the harshest of penalties.

For Alex and Shauni, however, there was no cause for concern. Alex's research permit granted them temporary access to these forbidden lands, allowing them to explore without fear—at least, for now.

But their journey wasn’t just about research—this expedition was also a chance to rebuild what had been strained between them.

Shauni’s banishment weighed heavily on her, and Alex knew it all too well. Shame lingered in the back of his mind, refusing to fade; he had never intended for their relationship to cost her so much. Yet, in hindsight, he should have seen it coming—he understood her culture well enough to anticipate the consequences.

Still, falling for each other had been unexpected, but the thought of turning away from it was unthinkable.

It had been six months since Shauni was cast out of the Valleteian Guard, her own family turning their backs on her. Not once had she blamed Alex. But he could feel it—the quiet sorrow beneath her strong exterior. Her culture had been everything to her, and in a single day, it was taken away.

___

They walked through the woods in silence, the kind that felt heavier with each passing step. It had been two hours since they crossed the Corin border, yet neither had spoken a word.

They could have requested a ship to fly them closer to their destination, but they had chosen to walk. This journey wasn’t just about reaching a place—it was about something more. They just needed to find the right moment.

The forest was alive, its harmony woven through rustling leaves and distant calls of unseen creatures. From the smallest insects to the largest beasts, it was as if the entire woodland was engaged in a quiet, unbroken conversation.

Shauni was the first to break their silence.

"It’s so different," she murmured.

Alex glanced back and saw her gaze drifting over the landscape, taking in the world behind them as they moved forward.

"Different?" he asked.

She smirked and paused, as if lost in thought.

"Yeah. Valleteia isn’t exactly known for vast forests filled with animals. Though, one could argue the sea has its own kind of wilderness—coral reefs, creatures hidden beneath the waves."

Alex chuckled. "Fair enough. But yeah, it is beautiful."

___

Slowly, the silence crept back between them.

Alex ran his fingers over the straps of his backpack, his mind overanalyzing every possible word, every possible action. He wanted to say something—needed to say something—but nothing felt right.

Shauni glanced at him, recognizing the hesitation in his posture. She tried to push the meaningful words out, but all she managed was a quiet, “We need to keep moving.”

Alex met her gaze, offering a sad smile before nodding in confirmation. No words, just understanding.

They walked on. The only sounds that filled the forest were the murmurs of rustling leaves and the chorus of unseen creatures, as if the forest itself carried on the conversations they had interrupted.

By noon, they finally stopped for a break. They had been walking since early morning, and the strain of the journey had settled into their feet.

Alex unfastened his pack, pulling out a small portable stove, a loaf of bread, a canister of Hawler Soup, and Valleteian Tea—the latter packed especially for Shauni.

He set the stove down, pressed the white button, and watched as it smoothly unfolded into two heating compartments. As he prepared the meal, Shauni turned her attention to her Throne.

“Any updates?” Alex asked without looking up.

She shook her head. “No. But I do wonder if it will even work.”

Alex finally glanced at her. “Whatever happens next is out of our control.”