Dax and Fey walked back to his house.
"It is a nice house." Fey said. "I like it."
"Thanks." Dax said. "Although you know I don't have anything to do with it."
"I know." Fey said. "I still like it though."
"Well, let's go inside." Dax said. He walked over to the door and opened it. He was surprised to see his parents where he had left them. They still had not noticed that he had left. A stray thought entered his mind. He wondered how long it would have taken them to realize he was gone had he went into the cave and died.
"Dax!" Helen called out. "Dinner will be ready soon. Go ahead and wash up!"
"I am already down here mom." Dax said, as he was standing behind her.
Helen turned and saw Dax was covered in dirt and green stains from the foliage. "What happened?!" She shrieked.
"He was attacked." Fey explained.
"Who is this?" Helen asked, pointedly.
"This is Fey, she is a friend." Dax replied. "Her dad just saved me."
"Saved you from what?!" Helen asked. "Frank! Come here right now!"
"I am busy dear!" He called out from the study.
"Now Frank!" Helen yelled back.
A crash was heard from the study followed by footsteps. Frank peaked in. "What is it dear?" He asked.
"I like her." Fey said.
"Dax was apparently just saved by this girl's father, from what I don't know." Helen said.
"What happened?" Frank asked.
"I haven't asked yet." Helen said. "I wanted you to hear it as well."
"I was lured to a cave near here in the forest." Dax explained. "Then some monster tried to eat me."
"A cave near here?" Frank asked, his face stricken with concern. "No…"
"Know something dear?" Helen asked.
"Hold on." Frank said as he left back to his study.
Dax, Fey, and Helen stood in the kitchen awkwardly looking and smiling at one another while loud frantic noises were heard from the study. After fifteen minutes the noise stopped, and Frank returned to the kitchen.
"Found it!" He said as he entered the kitchen. He was holding a leatherbound book in his hand. Odd runes were etched on its cover and from a glance it was clear that the book was ancient.
"What is that dear?" Helen asked.
"Something that was my great, great, great, great, great grandfather's." Frank said while counting the greats on his hand. "It talks about a seal on a tomb near here. Describe the cave, Dax."
"It was just a crack in a big rock in the middle of the forest." Dax explained. "The entrance was covered in moss and vines."
"This big rock, was it in a clearing?" Frank asked, a hint of nervousness was in his voice.
"Yes." Dax replied.
"Well, that's not good." Frank said. "At least if this book is true anyway."
"What does it say dear?" Helen asked.
"My ancestors sealed away some lord of shadows hundreds of years ago." Frank explained. "Maybe even thousands of years. I am unclear on just how old this book is. If there is a crack in that rock and the monster tried to get you inside… it is probably true."
"Lord of shadows?" Dax asked. "What kind of name is that?"
"Look Dax, I don't think this is an appropriate topic of discussion to have near a guest." Frank said. "Why don't we discuss it after your friend here leaves."
"If you know what it is, my dad needs to know." Fey said. "He is the captain of the defense team after all."
Frank thought about it for a moment. "Alright. That monster was a shadow. They are shapeshifting monsters that can copy the appearance and behaviors of anyone whose shadow they come in contact with."
"Wait, that would mean that the monster from earlier came in contact with Fey's shadow." Dax said.
"So, it was her that lured you?" Frank said. "You know when I was your age your mother could…"
"Frank!" Helen interrupted. "Stay on topic!"
"Right, sorry." Frank replied. "The lord of shadows himself should still be locked up tightly. He needs the blood of the heir to free himself."
"The blood of the heir?" Dax asked. "The heir of what?!"
"The book was not clear about that." Frank said. "I am sorry son; some answers have just been lost to time. It is clear though that this lord of shadows is interested in you. I wonder how long he has had these shadowy servants searching."
"Well, I knew you would be interesting, Daxy." Fey said. "I didn't expect ancient monster cult needing your blood to free their trapped for thousands of years master. But it is interesting nevertheless."
"I am so happy I could be entertaining to you." Dax said with a sigh.
"Fey, was it?" Helen asked. "You said your father was the captain? Do you think he could put a stop to this lord of shadows before my Dax gets hurt?"
"He said he was going to take a team and investigate the cave tomorrow." Fey explained. "He might not be the brightest, but there is no one stronger. I am sure Daxy will be fine."
"We will leave it to him then." Frank said. "Although the solution should be to reinforce the seal. This lord of shadows was too powerful for even my ancestors and from what I can gather they were quite formidable themselves."
Maybe a portable forcefield?" Fey asked herself as she thought.
"I am certain they will figure it out." Frank replied. "As for you son, do try to not let any of your blood get taken. If you are whatever this heir is, it would be dangerous."
"Fey, would you like to stay for dinner?" Helen asked. "It is the least we can do after your father saved our boy."
"A home cooked meal sounds nice." Fey said. "I would love to."