Warm, the setting of the inn was, almost a sham haven from the wraths that both Cassidy and the man faced. Morning had taken over and had consigned the night's shadow to almost nothing. But this bright day brought scant comfort for Cassidy as deeper and deeper they plunged into what they were undertaking.
They had been trying to contact that man's acquaintances all day long with words of caution, urging in lengthy speech. All the follow-ups they had done in pursuit seemed to lead them further into obscure sources: hidden archives, forgotten tomes, shady people reported to know something about the Order of Shadows.
Evening finally brought them an appointment with such a person. The contact was a kooky academic named Dr. Evelyn Sinclair who lived in a gorgeous, centuries-old house on the outskirts of town. Her reputation promised that she was at once erudite and reclusive, with a decided penchant for the occult.
By the time they reached the big house, the sun began to set. The ivy-covered walls, with its iron creaking gate, made everything so mysterious and almost ominous. Cassidy just couldn't help but feel they were about to go into another world, where secrets lay hidden and begged to be dug out.
The door was opened by Dr. Sinclair herself, who spoke moderately to reflect the identity of the house. In her sixties, she had silver hair coiled upward in a perfect blunt style; piercing green eyes seemed to pierce right through upon first sight.
"Welcome," she said, a flicker of amusement dancing in her voice. "I've heard quite a bit about the both of you. Please, come in.
Equally appealing inside the house was what was out: rows of very old books upon the shelves, strange artifacts, and the smell of old parchments and incense heavy upon the air.
"Please, sit," Dr. Sinclair invited him, nodding toward several plush armchairs arranged around the edges of a large fire. "I understand you have questions about the Order of Shadows.
Cassidy and the man sagged back into their chairs as curiosity overtook them. "Yes," Cassidy started off, taking over. "We have been dealing with some dark forces pertaining to the Order, and we need to know more-what their ritual practices are and what artifacts concern them.
Dr. Sinclair's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Ah, the Order of Shadows-now they are quite something else. Little is actually known about their history, but I have dug up here and there information which may be useful.
She moved across the room, to a large oak desk, and began sifting through a messy stack of papers. A few minutes later, she pulled out an old leather-bound book, full of strange gold writing. "This is sort of a ledger, of various rituals and artifacts associated with the Order," she said.
Cassidy reached for the book, her fingers trailing over the torn cover. "How did you come by this?"
Dr. Sinclair just smiled knowingly. "I have my sources. And sometimes, in the quest for knowledge, that leads one into the unlikeliest of places."
He leaned forward, his curiosity unmistakable. "What can you tell us about the rituals and artifacts?
He opened the book and started to turn its pages. "The Order's rituals are specially developed to focus and magnify dark energy. Very often they use certain artifacts-things impregnated with dark magic, which heighten their abilities. Among such artifacts, there is a kind of artifact that has become known as the Shadow Crystal-an extremely powerful object, able to corrupt and dominate.
Cassidy's eyes went round with apprehension. "Is there any way to neutralize such artifacts?"
Dr. Sinclair listened thoughtfully. "Indeed, there are ways to disable its influence, but it is all about balance. You have to make some sort of counter-rituals to counterbalance that dark energy. Further, some artifacts might be cleansable or even re-usable but through a very complex process.
"Tell me now, do you know anything concerning these artifacts' whereabouts, or how these counter-rituals are performed?" exclaimed the man.
Dr. Sinclair's face clouded. "The legend speaks of a secret archive, a place of refuge where the Order hid its most hazardous artifacts and documents. It is said to be part of the catacombs below an old, abandoned monastery. Entry, however, is rather complicated-it's warded and trapped to defend against intruders."
Cassidy gave him a pointed look; the next apparent destination, it would seem, was that monastery full of risks.
"Could you be more specific as to where this monastery is?" Cassidy asked.
Dr. Sinclair nodded, pulled out a map from one of her drawers: "This map outlines the general area where the monastery is supposed to be. Deep in the forest and far from any main routes, few of those who went to look for it ever returned."
Now, he picked up the map and studied it with much detail. "Thanks, Dr. Sinclair-this information shall be useful to us in all ways. He smiled warmly and then said, "Luck I wish to you. Full of danger, your journey ahead is, yet important. Remember, only you hold the key to overcome the darkness. Cassidy and the man left the house, but the weight of what lay ahead hung over them. The journey to the monastery mirrored a path of menace and dread, yet it was one vital to uncovering the machinations the Order had been concealing. The moon was high in the sky as they made their way back to the inn. Inside Cassidy, there was a growing tide of eager anticipation. They had reached a point where they could initiate an entirely new phase in their mission-a phase that would carry them deeper into the darkness, closer to the very heart of what they tried to destroy. Cassidy and the man prepared themselves in the silent quiet of their room, pending the journey ahead. They gathered different supplies, studied the map, and made a really detailed plan concerning their journey. The coming days were to be crucial in the fight against the Order of Shadows, and they should be ready for whatever would confront them in the depth of the forest. Cassidy burrowed into her bed and let her mind wander again, as she had so often in recent days, to the cryptic words from Dr. Sinclair and his ominous warning regarding the secret archive. The way ahead was fraught at every turn, but Cassidy did nothing to betray that rock-solid conviction in her choice, even when the night closed in. And yet, it was just the beginning of the last leg of their journey, and Cassidy knew trials would be another test of wills not felt before. Yet she felt ready. The war against the dark was not almost won, and she would face whatever lay ahead with unwavering courage and strength.