Deep within the obscured corners of Ethoria, a malevolent force lurked, shrouded in darkness and fueled by ancient grudges. This malevolence was known as the "Umbric Coven," a clandestine organization composed of sorcerers who had forsaken the path of benevolence, choosing instead to embrace dark and forbidden magic.
For centuries, the Umbric Coven had harboured a deep hatred for the unity that once bound Ethoria under the guidance of the Guardian Sage. Their ambition knew no bounds, and their insidious plans sought to plunge the realm into eternal darkness, eradicating the memory of unity and ushering in an era of chaos.
The Umbric Coven's sinister origins traced back to the Dark Rift War, where their ancestors had sought to possess the coveted Heartstone for themselves. In their thirst for power, they unleashed devastation upon the realm, forever tainting the peaceful memories of Ethoria's past.
Heightened by resentment and hunger for supremacy, the Umbric Coven sought to undermine any attempt at unity between the realms. They revelled in sowing seeds of discord and mistrust, exploiting the lingering animosity between Faerundale and Shadowglade.
As rumours of the Enchanted Alliance reached their ears, the Umbric Coven's malevolent gaze sharpened. They saw the prophecy as a potential threat to their dark machinations. For if Prince Callahan and Princess Lyra united, their bond might unveil the path to the Heartstone - a prospect the Umbric Coven dreaded.
Therefore, the Umbric Coven began to enact their nefarious plans in the depths of their hidden citadel. With twisted incantations and cursed artefacts, they summoned dark creatures and unleashed them upon the innocent lands of Ethoria. These malevolent beings, corrupted and twisted by dark magic, sowed terror and chaos wherever they went.
As the darkness spread, Ethoria's inhabitants felt the growing menace, their once peaceful lives marred by fear and uncertainty. The floating cities that once glimmered with enchanting lights were now veiled in shadows, and ancient ruins were swallowed by the ever-expanding darkness.
But the Umbric Coven's most sinister creation had yet to emerge. Deep within their citadel, they toiled to create a monstrous abomination - a colossal creature born from the darkest depths of their malevolence. This creature, known as the "Eclipse Behemoth," was a convergence of all the twisted energies they could muster, intended to be an unstoppable force of devastation.
As the Umbric Coven's plans unfolded, their dark leader, a being veiled in shadow and draped in malevolence, gathered his minions for a grim assembly. He rasped in a chilling voice that sent shivers down the spines of his followers.
"The realms of Faerundale and Shadowglade must not unite. Their alliance must be shattered before it comes to fruition."
"B-But the Eclipse Behemoth nears completion," one of the minions reported. "Its dark power grows with every passing moment, Lord Vortannis."
"Excellent. Then, we can let the Enchanted Alliance come after all. We'll be using their unity as a beacon to unleash the full might of our Eclipse Behemoth upon them. Let Ethoria witness the true darkness we wield," Lord Vortannis, the leader of the Umbric Coven, said with a malevolent glint in his eyes. "Right, Malvora?"
He added, turning his malevolent gaze towards High Wizard Malvora, who stood among the minions, his heart pounding with fear. Malvora knew he had to gather any information he could about the Umbric Coven's plans, so he summoned his magical power to peer into the enemy's progress.
"Ah, trying to pry into our secrets, are we, High Wizard? You should know better than to underestimate the power of darkness," Lord Vortannis' menacing smile widened as he sensed Malvora's intrusion. His raspy voice took on an even darker edge.
Terrified, Malvora shut his power, cutting the connection he made to one of the minions there. He panted and sweat poured down his brow from the evil gaze and the creeping, chilling aura of Lord Vortannis, leader of the Umbric Coven. He knew revealing his abilities would only put Ethoria in further danger.
As the malevolent gaze of Lord Vortannis continued to haunt his thoughts, Malvora's body trembled uncontrollably. His heart pounded in his chest as terror gripped him like icy claws. In his desperate attempt to distance himself from the malevolence he had witnessed, Malvora unknowingly backed away until he lost his balance and tumbled off the bed frame of the small inn room where he had sought refuge.
At that precise moment, the door creaked open, and a middle-aged man with greying hair stepped in, carrying a tray of food and drink. He was a notable figure in the quaint town, often referred to as Mayor Orin. The tray clattered on the table, forgotten for the moment as he rushed to Malvora's aid.
"Malvora! Are you alright?" Mayor Orin's voice was laced with concern as he helped the shaken wizard back to his feet.
"I-I'm fine, Orin. Just... a momentary weakness," gasping for breath, Malvora managed to nod, his voice barely a whisper.
"How many times have I told you, you need to stop pushing yourself too hard, old friend? Staying in our humble town and facing the dangers you do... it takes a toll on even the strongest of us," the mayor's worry was apparent as he supported Malvora to the bed. Just as Orin mentioned, the two had quite a deep backstory together.
"Thank you, Orin. Your hospitality and concern are most appreciated," Malvora took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. After years of being a High Wizard, Malvora couldn't seem to lose his formality in speeches.
"Rest for now, and let me know if you need anything. We're grateful for your presence here, Malvora. You've always been a friend to our town, and we'll do whatever we can to support you in these dark times," Mayor Orin offered a warm smile, but his eyes still held worry.
With that, the mayor stepped back, allowing Malvora some space. The wizard sat on the edge of the bed, feeling the comfort of its familiar wooden frame beneath him. The room's ambience, with its soft candlelight and the distant hum of the town's activity, provided a sense of tranquillity that began to soothe his frayed nerves.
"Is there anything specific troubling you, Malvora? You seemed quite agitated," as Mayor Orin picked up the tray and set it on the small table again, he couldn't help but ask.
Malvora glanced at the kind-hearted mayor, appreciating the genuine concern in his eyes. While he knew he couldn't reveal the full extent of his fears, he decided to share a part of it with this trusted friend.
"Back in our youth," Malvora began, his voice tinged with nostalgia, "when we first learned of the prophecies, I vowed to become a High Wizard and make those prophecies a reality. And you, Orin, vowed to support me in achieving that dream."
"Ah, those were simpler times, weren't they? We were just young dreamers with the whole realm ahead of us," Mayor Orin's eyes twinkled with fond memories.
"And here we are now, facing the very darkness that seeks to smother those dreams," Malvora remarked solemnly. "The Umbric Coven, their real name, or as many refer to them, the 'Mist of the Rift,' their presence has spread far and wide. The rumours have reached even the most remote corners of Ethoria."
"Yes, I've heard the whispers. People in this town may come from different backgrounds, disregarding their nationality, race, and everything else that divides them, but the tales of the Umbric Coven are enough to put fear into the bravest of hearts," Orin nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.
"The Umbric Coven seeks to prevent the Enchanted Alliance, for they fear what it may bring - the revelation of the Heartstone," Malvora explained. "It's said that their leader, Lord Vortannis, holds a malevolence so ancient and powerful that few can withstand the terror of his gaze. I foolishly tried to peer into their plans, and his dark gaze sent me reeling."
"To think that such evil exists, lurking in the shadows. But you, my old friend, you've always been a beacon of light for this realm. You must stay strong and know that you have friends and allies standing beside you," Mayor Orin's expression turned grave.
"You're right, Orin. Your unwavering support has been a guiding light throughout the years," Malvora said, a note of gratitude in his voice. "This town you built, Havenbrook, situated between the borders of Faerundale and Shadowglade, where a barren land once lay untouched because neither nation wanted to claim it, has become a haven for those seeking harmony beyond the confines of nationalities and prejudices. It's a testament to the power of unity and friendship."
"Well, I can't argue that Havenbrook challenged the norms and embraced each other as fellow beings. It's a small but significant step towards the realization of the prophecies," Mayor Orin's smile returned, tinged with pride.
"I couldn't have asked for a better friend and ally," Malvora said, touched by the sincerity in the mayor's words.
"And I couldn't have asked for a more capable and compassionate High Wizard to protect us all," Mayor Orin replied.
As dawn broke, Malvora and Mayor Orin engaged in a heartfelt conversation, reminiscing about their shared dreams from their youth and the unity that Havenbrook represented. The impending Enchanted Alliance was forgotten for a moment as they laughed and exchanged stories.
"I apologise, Malvora, but I must take my leave. The preparations for the Enchanted Alliance have already commenced, and there is much to be done," however, as the minutes ticked away, Orin suddenly remembered his responsibility to prepare Havenbrook. He looked flustered, like a man who had misplaced his glasses.
"Of course, Orin. Your duty to Havenbrook and the realm comes first. Though, I appreciate your hospitality and friendship," Malvora nodded understandingly.
With a grateful smile, Orin hurriedly left the inn, his mind now focused on the crucial task ahead. Malvora watched him go, a sense of admiration for his friend's dedication swelling in his heart.