### **Chapter 4: The Dark Forces**
As the group delves deeper into their quest, they attract the attention of Lord Malachar, a dark sorcerer who desires the power of the Whispering Grove for his own malevolent ends. Malachar, aware of their journey, sends his minions to intercept them. A fierce battle ensues, testing their skills and resolve. Though they barely escape, the encounter solidifies their determination to reach the grove before Malachar.