Chapter 28 Shadows of Blackridge
Elias stood at the edge of the forest, the cool breeze rustling the leaves around him. The sprawling town of Blackridge lay ahead, its buildings looming in the distance. He had left most of his undead hidden in the forest to continue their tasks while he ventured into the bustling settlement with only ten of them as protection. Excitement bubbled within him as he approached the town's border, eager to explore the opportunities it held.
As he entered Blackridge, the sounds of merchants hawking their wares and townsfolk chatting filled the air. Elias's senses sharpened; he needed to remain vigilant and blend in, masking his true intentions. He carefully moved through the throngs of people, his eyes scanning for anything that might lead him to the elusive black market.
"Cinder," he whispered, feeling the cool metal of the sentient ring resting on his finger. The ring pulsed slightly in response, its essence intertwining with his thoughts. What do you sense?
A mix of energy here—some light, some dark. But I sense more shadows than usual. Be cautious, Cinder replied, its voice echoing in his mind, carrying a tone of quiet wisdom.
Elias nodded, pushing deeper into the heart of Blackridge. As he walked, he admired the architecture and the lively atmosphere. Yet, beneath the surface, he felt the pull of ambition, an urge to carve out his place in this chaotic world.
After navigating several winding streets, he found himself in a quieter alleyway, the noise of the market fading into the background. The alley felt heavy, as if secrets were lurking just out of sight. It was here he spotted a nondescript door, weathered and unremarkable, but Elias felt an undeniable draw to it. He approached, glancing around to ensure no one was watching.
"Here goes nothing," he muttered before knocking on the door. After a brief pause, it creaked open to reveal a dimly lit room filled with shelves of oddities and trinkets. A hooded figure stood within, a knowing smile creeping across their face.
"Welcome. I trust you're looking for something... unique?" the figure said, their voice smooth and inviting.
Elias stepped inside, a rush of excitement coursing through him. "I'm in need of supplies for... specialized purposes. Perhaps some tools for necromancy?"
The figure's eyes gleamed with interest. "Ah, necromancy. Not a common request. Follow me." They led him deeper into the shop, where a variety of vials and strange objects lined the shelves.
Elias's heart raced as he examined the items. "What do you have?" he asked, his fingers brushing against jars filled with unusual substances.
"We have bone dust, ghost roots, and other rare herbs essential for your... endeavors," the figure replied, pulling out a few jars. "But these don't come cheap."
"How much for the lot?" Elias inquired, already calculating the risk and potential reward.
"Forty silver coins," the figure said, watching him closely.
Elias nodded, reaching for his pouch. He counted out the coins, handing them over with a sense of satisfaction. "I also need someone skilled—someone who operates outside the law," he added, his voice low.
The figure raised an eyebrow. "Connections, you say? I can introduce you to some individuals who may be of assistance, but trust is hard to come by."
"I understand," Elias replied, determination hardening his tone. "I'm willing to prove myself."
As they discussed potential contacts, Elias felt a thrill at the thought of navigating this shadowy underworld. The figure mentioned various individuals known for their dubious dealings, each one a potential ally—or threat. The more they spoke, the more Elias's ambition surged.
"I can set up a meeting with one of them," the figure said, leaning closer. "But be careful. Not everyone in these circles is to be trusted."
"I'm ready for whatever comes my way," Elias assured them, a spark of defiance in his voice.
Once the arrangements were made, Elias stepped back out into the bustling streets of Blackridge, the weight of the information pressing on him. He had supplies, potential contacts, and the thrill of the unknown stretching before him.
"What now?" Cinder asked, its voice resonating in his mind. Do we continue our search for more supplies?
Elias considered this. "We should find a place to regroup and plan our next steps. I want to be prepared before meeting these contacts."
A wise choice. It's essential to stay one step ahead.
With renewed focus, Elias navigated through the town, avoiding the more crowded areas. He sought a tavern where he could rest and strategize without drawing attention to himself. Eventually, he found a dimly lit establishment on the outskirts of town, its worn sign creaking in the breeze.
Inside, the tavern was filled with the low murmur of conversation, the air thick with the scent of ale and smoke. Elias chose a secluded corner table, allowing himself to relax for a moment while he contemplated his next move.
As he settled in, he couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation mixed with uncertainty. The path he was on was fraught with risks, but the rewards were tantalizing. With each passing moment, he felt himself drawing closer to the dark ambitions that had long stirred within him.
Suddenly, a hooded figure approached his table, their presence commanding yet cautious. "You're Elias, aren't you?" the figure asked, their voice barely above a whisper.
Elias's heart raced. "Who wants to know?"
"I have something you might be interested in," the figure said, glancing around as if ensuring no one else was listening.
Elias leaned forward, curiosity piqued. "I'm listening."
The figure slid a small piece of parchment across the table. "A job that requires a certain... expertise. Consider it an opportunity to prove yourself."
As Elias examined the parchment, he felt a thrill of possibility. The darkness was calling, and he was ready to answer.