The battlefield had quieted, but the atmosphere remained tense, the villagers and Marcus catching their breath as they regrouped on the quarry's edge. The relief of survival filled the air, but Marcus's eyes stayed fixed on the distant figure cloaked in shadow—a silent watcher who hadn't moved throughout the clash.
"Who is that?" Ellie muttered, following Marcus's gaze. She tightened her grip on her weapon, instinctively stepping closer to him.
Borin, catching sight of the figure, frowned. "That's no ordinary bandit, I'll wager. Someone with influence, perhaps... or something worse."
The figure began to move, slow and deliberate, stepping forward with an unnerving calm. As the dark figure approached, Marcus felt a chill spread through him. He could sense the power radiating from this mysterious stranger—a dangerous aura that set every nerve on edge.
"Stay on guard," Marcus whispered, gesturing for the villagers to hold their positions.
