The morning sun filtered through the thin curtains of the inn, casting a soft, golden light across the wooden floorboards. Valerius stood by the window, his gaze fixed on the horizon where the distant peaks of the northern mountains loomed. They were shrouded in a thin mist, their jagged edges barely visible against the clear sky. A sense of urgency gnawed at him, a reminder that the calm they experienced now was only a prelude to the storm that was coming.
Orion entered the room, fastening the last buckle on his leather armor. "Elysia's already down in the market," he said, his voice breaking the silence. "She's gathering supplies and information. We should join her soon."
Valerius nodded, but his mind was elsewhere, replaying the conversation from the night before. The darkness they had faced in the dungeon was only the beginning; what lay ahead would be far worse. And yet, it wasn't the impending danger that unsettled him—it was the uncertainty. Despite his vast knowledge and power, there were still forces in this world that he did not fully understand, and that lack of control gnawed at him.
"Orion," Valerius began, turning to face his old ally, "do you trust her? Elysia, I mean."
Orion paused, considering the question. "I trust her as much as I trust anyone in these times. She's been through as much as we have, if not more. But trust isn't the same as certainty."
Valerius sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "I know. It's just… we've been betrayed before. By those we thought we could rely on."
Orion crossed the room, placing a hand on Valerius's shoulder. "We can't afford to be paralyzed by the past. Elysia has her own reasons for fighting this darkness, just as we do. And as long as our goals align, we can work together."
Valerius met Orion's gaze, finding the steady resolve he had always admired. "You're right," he said. "We need all the help we can get."
Together, they left the room and made their way downstairs to the common area of the inn. The morning bustle had begun, with travelers and townsfolk alike preparing for the day ahead. The scent of fresh bread and spiced meats wafted through the air, but Valerius's appetite was dulled by the weight of their mission.
Outside, the market square was alive with activity. Stalls lined the streets, offering everything from weapons and armor to food and rare herbs. Valerius and Orion found Elysia at a small stall near the edge of the square, examining a map spread out on the vendor's table.
"There you are," she said without looking up. "I've found something interesting." She pointed to a section of the map marked with strange symbols. "This shows the old trade routes leading through the northern mountains. Most of them have been abandoned for years, but there's one path here"—she traced a line with her finger—"that's still passable. It leads to the temple we're looking for."
Valerius studied the map closely. The route she had indicated was treacherous, winding through narrow passes and across crumbling bridges. It was no wonder the path had fallen into disuse. "How reliable is this map?" he asked.
"The vendor claims it's based on the records of the last caravan to successfully make the journey," Elysia replied. "But that was decades ago. We'll need to be prepared for anything."
Orion picked up a small, finely crafted dagger from the vendor's display, testing its balance in his hand. "I've also heard rumors of bandit activity in the area. If the darkness is influencing them, they could be more dangerous than usual."
Valerius nodded. "Then we should gather what we need quickly and set out before word spreads of our intentions."
They spent the next few hours moving through the market, acquiring supplies and speaking to those who might have information about the northern mountains. Elysia secured a supply of enchanted arrows and potions, while Orion bartered for a sturdy rope and climbing gear, essentials for navigating the treacherous terrain.
As they made their final preparations, Valerius noticed a group of men watching them from across the square. Their clothes were simple, but their eyes were sharp and calculating. One of them, a tall man with a scar running down his cheek, met Valerius's gaze and held it for a moment before turning away.
"We're being watched," Valerius murmured to Elysia and Orion as they regrouped near the center of the market.
Elysia's expression didn't change, but her voice was tense. "I noticed them too. They've been following us since we entered the square."
Orion's hand drifted to the hilt of his sword. "Bandits?"
"Possibly," Valerius said. "Or mercenaries. Either way, they're not here by coincidence."
"We should leave now," Elysia suggested. "Before they decide to make a move."
Valerius agreed. "Let's head north. The sooner we're on the road, the better."
As they began to move toward the northern gate of the town, Valerius couldn't shake the feeling that they were stepping into something much larger than themselves. The air around them seemed to grow heavier, as if the darkness they sought to confront was already aware of their intentions and was watching their every move.
They exited the town, the cobblestone streets giving way to a dirt path that led toward the distant mountains. The sky above was a clear blue, but the sense of foreboding remained. Valerius glanced back once, catching a glimpse of the men who had been watching them, now standing at the edge of the town, their figures silhouetted against the light.
The road ahead would be long and dangerous, but Valerius knew they had no choice. The fate of Terros, and perhaps all the realms, hung in the balance. And whatever awaited them in the northern mountains, they would face it together.
As they made their way toward the mountains, the sun climbing higher in the sky, the shadows seemed to stretch longer, as if the darkness itself was reaching out to greet them. Valerius tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword, his resolve unshaken.
The storm was gathering, and they were walking straight into its heart.