The early morning light broke through the dense foliage of the Blackfen Swamp, casting an eerie glow over the village that lay on its edge. The air was thick with anticipation and anxiety as Elara and her team prepared for the next phase of their mission. The reports from their scouts had painted a grim picture of the Shadow Shard's plans, and they knew that time was of the essence.
Elara stood at the heart of the village, her gaze scanning the horizon where the swamp's darkness met the first light of day. The villagers were busy fortifying their defenses, their movements swift and purposeful. The tension was palpable, every creak of a wooden board or snap of a rope carrying a weight of significance.
Cedric approached, his face lined with concern. "The reinforcements are en route, but they won't arrive for a few hours. We need to hold the line until then."
