The map Karo had given them felt heavier than any parchment Aran had ever held. It wasn't just because of its age, or the worn edges that told of years of secrets. It was the knowledge of what lay beneath the city, an ancient power that the Pale King had guarded for centuries.
The walk back to the surface was silent. Alara didn't ask questions, and Aran was grateful for her restraint. They both knew that the next step would be the most dangerous. If they succeeded, they could weaken the Pale King. But if they failed, they'd be added to the growing list of bodies that had tried and fallen short.
As they emerged from the sewers, the fresh air hit them like a wave, washing away the stench of rot and despair. Aran inhaled deeply, his mind already racing through the details of the map. The temple was located deep beneath the city's older districts, in a place long forgotten by most of Eldrath's citizens.
"We'll need to prepare," Aran said, breaking the silence as they walked back toward their hidden base. "This isn't something we can rush into."
Alara nodded, her face set with determination. "What are we dealing with? More of those creatures like Nera summoned?"
Aran shook his head. "Possibly worse. Karo didn't give us details, but if the Pale King has fanatics guarding the temple, they'll be dangerous. They won't hesitate to die for him."
The gravity of the situation hung between them as they made their way through the twisting alleys. The sun was beginning to rise, casting a dull light over the cobblestone streets. The city was waking up, oblivious to the threats lurking below.
When they reached the base, Aran found the rest of the team waiting. Torin, their resident strategist, sat at the central table, poring over maps and documents. Beside him, Rina, their expert in arcane traps, tinkered with a small device that hummed with faint magical energy.
"You're back," Torin said, glancing up. "Did you find anything?"
Aran placed the map on the table, smoothing it out so everyone could see. "We found more than we expected. The Pale King is behind this, and there's an artifact hidden in an ancient temple beneath the city. If we can get it, we might be able to stop him."
Rina raised an eyebrow, her fingers pausing in their work. "A temple beneath the city? That's not something I've heard of before."
"It's not common knowledge," Aran said. "Karo—a former follower of the Pale King—told us about it. He was terrified of what the Pale King could do, but he gave us this."
Torin leaned in, studying the map closely. "This is old. Very old. It predates most of the city's records. Are you sure this temple even still exists?"
Aran nodded. "Karo seemed convinced. And even if it's a ruin, that artifact is our best shot at taking down the Pale King."
Torin sat back, his expression thoughtful. "We'll need a solid plan. We don't know what kind of defenses are waiting for us down there."
"I can handle any magical traps," Rina said confidently. "But if this temple is as ancient as it seems, there could be things I've never seen before."
"That's why we'll be cautious," Aran said. "We won't rush in. We'll scout the area first, make sure we understand what we're up against."
Alara crossed her arms, her gaze steady. "And if we run into the Pale King's followers?"
"We fight," Aran said simply. "But we avoid confrontation if we can. This mission isn't about glory. It's about getting that artifact and weakening the Pale King."
The room fell into a tense silence as the weight of the task settled over them. Each of them understood the risks involved, but there was no turning back now. They had come too far, and the city's future was at stake.
---
The Approach
Three days passed as they made their preparations. Aran and Alara scouted the area around the temple's entrance, disguised as ordinary citizens moving through the older districts of Eldrath. The entrance was hidden beneath an old, abandoned warehouse, its exterior crumbling with age. Few people passed by, and those who did paid it no mind.
"We'll go in tonight," Aran said quietly as they stood in the shadow of a nearby building, watching the warehouse from a distance.
Alara nodded, her eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger. "There hasn't been much movement. Either the Pale King's followers are inside, or they're hidden nearby."
"We'll have to assume they're watching," Aran said. "But we can't wait any longer. The longer we delay, the more time the Pale King has to strengthen his hold."
As dusk fell, the team gathered at the rendezvous point. Torin carried a small bag of supplies, while Rina had her magical devices carefully packed and ready. Alara, as always, had her daggers strapped to her sides, her movements silent and deadly.
"This is it," Aran said, his voice low. "Once we're inside, we move quickly. No unnecessary risks. Our priority is the artifact."
The others nodded, their expressions grim but determined.
They moved swiftly through the shadows, making their way to the warehouse without incident. The entrance to the temple was hidden beneath a large stone slab in the floor, worn smooth by time. It took all four of them to shift it, revealing a narrow staircase leading into the darkness below.
"Stay close," Aran whispered as they descended, the air growing colder with each step.
The staircase led to a long, narrow corridor lined with ancient stone. Torches flickered on the walls, casting eerie shadows as they passed. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the sound of their footsteps echoing off the walls.
As they reached the end of the corridor, Rina held up a hand, signaling them to stop. She knelt down, examining the floor in front of them.
"There's a trap here," she said softly. "An old one, but still functional."
Aran watched as she carefully dismantled the trap, her fingers moving with practiced precision. After a few tense moments, she stood up, wiping her hands.
"It's clear."
They moved forward, entering a large chamber at the heart of the temple. The room was dominated by a massive stone altar in the center, upon which rested a strange, glowing artifact. The artifact pulsed with a faint, otherworldly light, casting long shadows across the room.
"That's it," Aran said, his voice barely above a whisper.
But before they could move closer, a figure stepped out from the shadows, blocking their path. He was tall, his features hidden beneath a dark hood. His presence radiated a cold, unnatural energy.
"The Pale King's chosen," Aran muttered, recognizing the aura of power surrounding the figure.
The man's voice was low and calm, but it carried an undeniable menace. "You should not have come here."
Aran's hand moved to his sword, but he didn't draw it. Not yet. "We're not here to fight you. We just want the artifact."
The man's lips twisted into a cruel smile. "And you think I'll let you take it?"
In that moment, Aran realized there was no reasoning with him. The Pale King's influence was too strong. This man would fight to the death to protect the artifact.
"Alara," Aran said quietly.
In the blink of an eye, she moved, her daggers flashing as she attacked the man from the side. But he was faster than they expected, his hand shooting out to block her strike with a shield of dark energy.
Rina acted next, throwing one of her magical devices toward the man. It exploded in a burst of light and sound, momentarily disorienting him. Aran seized the opportunity, charging forward with his sword drawn.
The battle was fierce and fast, the man's dark magic clashing with their combined strength. But despite his power, they had one advantage—teamwork. While he focused on Aran, Alara slipped behind him, landing a blow that sent him staggering forward.
With a final, coordinated strike, Aran drove his sword through the man's chest. The light in his eyes flickered, then died, and he collapsed to the ground.
Breathing heavily, Aran turned to the others. "We don't have much time. Grab the artifact."
Rina approached the altar cautiously, her eyes wide as she examined the glowing object. "This… this is ancient magic. I've never seen anything like it."
"Can you carry it?" Aran asked.
She nodded, though her expression was one of awe and fear. "Yes, but we need to be careful. If it's tied to the Pale King, there could be consequences."
Aran glanced around the chamber, half-expecting more enemies to emerge from the shadows. But for now, they were alone.
"Let's move," he said, his voice urgent.
With the artifact in their possession, they began their retreat, knowing that their real battle with the Pale King was only just beginning.
---