[The Village in Peril]
The group traveled for days across rugged terrain, the landscape shifting from dense forests to rolling hills as they approached the hidden village. The air grew thinner, and the sky seemed to stretch endlessly above them. Salah walked at the front of the group, his thoughts heavy with the events of the past few days. Thorgrim's betrayal had shaken him, and the weight of the Shard's prophecy loomed larger than ever.
As they approached the village, they were met with a grim sight. The village was in ruins, the buildings burned and the ground littered with debris. The air was thick with the scent of smoke and blood, and the cries of the wounded echoed through the clearing.
Lady Asura: grimly "We're too late. The orcs have already attacked."
Salah moved among the villagers, his hands glowing with golden light as he healed their injuries and restored their strength. The young girl looked up at him, her eyes filled with tears.
Young Girl: softly "Please… help my brother. He's hurt worse than me."
Salah followed her gaze to a young boy lying on the ground, his body broken and his breathing shallow. He knelt beside him, his hands glowing as he cast a healing spell. But as the golden light enveloped him, he realized that his injuries were too severe. His magic could heal his body, but it couldn't save his life.
Salah: softly "I'm sorry… I can't save him."
The young girl's eyes filled with tears, her voice trembling.
Young Girl: "Please… there must be something you can do."
Salah hesitated, his mind racing. There was one spell he could try—a forbidden spell that could bring the boy back to life, but at a great cost. The spell would drain his life force, weakening him and potentially putting the entire mission at risk.
Before he could make a decision, a familiar voice interrupted his thoughts.
Kael: coldly "Don't waste your energy, healer. Some lives aren't worth saving."
Salah turned to see Kael standing at the edge of the clearing, his arms crossed and his expression unreadable. The villagers recoiled at his presence, their fear palpable.
Lady Asura: sharply "What are you doing here?"
Kael: smirking "I could ask you the same question. This village is beyond saving. You're only delaying the inevitable."
Salah stood, his voice filled with anger.
Salah: "Every life is worth saving. If you're not here to help, then leave."
Kael's smirk faded, replaced by a look of genuine surprise.
Kael: softly "You really believe that, don't you?"
Salah nodded, his resolve unwavering.
Salah: "I do. And I won't let anyone tell me otherwise."
Kael studied him for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he sighed, his tone softer than before.
Kael: "Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you."
He turned and disappeared into the shadows once more, leaving Salah to tend to the villagers. As he worked, he couldn't shake the feeling that Kael's words held a deeper meaning—one that he would need to uncover if he wanted to truly understand him.
[The Aftermath]
The group left the village with heavy hearts, the weight of the villagers' gratitude lingering in their minds. As they climbed back up the cliffs, Kael fell into step beside Salah, his voice low.
Kael: "You're too trusting, you know that? Not everyone has your best interests at heart."
Salah glanced at him, his expression thoughtful.
Salah: "Maybe. But I'd rather trust and be wrong than live in fear of everyone."
Kael didn't respond, but for the first time, there was no mockery in his silence.