The dawn brought with it a restless energy, and Darian could barely find a moment's peace as he and Sumner continued their flight, putting as much distance between themselves and the Shadow Weaver as possible. His thoughts swirled with doubt and fear—memories of the Shadow Weaver's red eyes, the way he controlled the darkness with such ease. He couldn't shake the feeling that no matter how far they flew, they'd never truly be free of him.
We have to stay focused, Sumner's voice broke through Darian's troubled thoughts. The more we fear him, the stronger he becomes. Our power comes from the flame within us, not from our doubts.
Darian took a deep breath, nodding. "You're right. We can't let him get to us. We've come too far."
They flew until the sun reached its peak, its golden rays illuminating a vast forest below. The trees swayed gently in the wind, and a glimmering river snaked its way through the foliage. There, nestled by the water's edge, was a small clearing that seemed as good a place as any to rest and regroup.
As they landed, Darian dismounted and ran a hand along Sumner's scales, feeling the warmth emanating from them. "We should be safe here for a little while."
But as he said it, Oryn's words echoed in his mind: The Shadow Weaver will sense the power of the First Flame. He will come for you.
Darian's gaze wandered to the orb resting inside his satchel. It no longer glowed as brightly, but he could feel its heat, pulsing like a heartbeat. "We can't keep running, Sumner," he muttered, kneeling by the river to splash water on his face. "If we do, he'll just keep chasing us."
We need allies, Sumner replied thoughtfully, folding his wings. Oryn mentioned that the resistance fighters are still out there, scattered across the lands. If we can find them, rally them together, maybe we can stand a chance against the Shadow Weaver.
Darian felt a flicker of hope at the idea. "But where do we start looking? The land is vast, and we don't have much time."
Before Sumner could respond, a rustling sound came from the forest, followed by a faint shimmer of light. Darian jumped to his feet, drawing his sword. "Who's there?" he called out, his voice steady despite the fear gnawing at him.
A figure emerged from the trees, clad in a cloak of deep green, their face hidden beneath a hood. A soft, melodic voice drifted from the shadows. "You carry the flame, yet you speak as though you are lost."
Darian's grip tightened on his sword. "Who are you?"
The figure pulled back their hood, revealing a young woman with striking emerald eyes and hair as dark as midnight. She carried a staff etched with ancient runes, and as she stepped forward, Darian could feel an aura of power radiating from her. "My name is Elira," she said, her gaze unwavering. "I am a Seeker of the Verdant Circle."
"The Verdant Circle?" Darian repeated, frowning. "I've never heard of it."
"You wouldn't have," Elira replied, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "We've stayed hidden, waiting for the right moment to strike against the Shadow Weaver. And now, it seems that moment has arrived."
Darian lowered his sword, though he kept it within reach. "You know about the Shadow Weaver? About the Beacon of Avarice?"
"More than you might imagine," she answered, glancing at Sumner with an appraising eye. "The First Flame is one of the only forces capable of breaking the Beacon's hold on this world. But to wield it, you will need more than just courage."
"We're trying to learn," Darian said, his shoulders slumping slightly. "We're training every day, but it's not enough. The Shadow Weaver… he found us last night. He was toying with us, and we barely escaped."
Elira nodded thoughtfully. "He underestimates you, as most do. That will be his downfall. But you must be careful—if he senses that you have the First Flame, he will stop at nothing to take it from you."
"That's why we need to find others," Sumner interjected. We can't fight him alone. If there are still people willing to resist, then we have to unite them.
Elira's eyes brightened at the suggestion. "You're not as alone as you think," she said. "There are others who still fight, though they hide in the shadows, biding their time. And I know where to find them."
Darian's heart skipped a beat. "You do?"
She nodded, pointing her staff toward the distant mountains that loomed on the horizon. "The hidden city of Ethryndor lies within those peaks. It is a sanctuary for those who still resist the Shadow Weaver's rule. If you can make it there, you'll find allies, warriors, and knowledge—everything you'll need to stand against him."
Darian felt a surge of hope, but it was quickly tempered by doubt. "Why should we trust you?" he asked, narrowing his eyes. "How do we know this isn't some trap?"
Elira didn't flinch. "You have no reason to trust me. But I know what it means to fight against the darkness. I've seen what the Shadow Weaver has done, the lives he's destroyed. I've lost family to his horrors. If there's a chance to stop him, to end this nightmare, then I will do whatever it takes."
Darian studied her for a long moment, searching for any sign of deception, but all he saw was sincerity and determination. Finally, he nodded. "Alright. We'll go to Ethryndor."
Elira's smile returned, softer this time. "Good. We leave at first light. The journey will not be easy, and the Shadow Weaver's reach extends far. But together, we may just stand a chance."
As night fell, they gathered around a small fire, and Darian felt the weight on his shoulders lighten just a little. They were no longer alone in this fight. There were others out there, waiting for their chance to strike back.
Do you think we'll make it? Sumner's voice broke through the silence, his golden eyes reflecting the flickering flames.
Darian looked at his dragon companion and felt a surge of warmth. "We have to," he said simply. "For everyone who's counting on us. We can't let the darkness win."
The embers of the fire glowed bright, mirroring the flame that burned within Darian's heart. He would master the power of the First Flame, he would find the strength to defeat the Shadow Weaver, and he would unite the resistance.
No matter how long it took.