Kieran's cottage was still and quiet as dawn broke fully, the early morning light filtering through the thin curtains and casting long shadows across the room. Simon sat at the table, the worn map spread before him, the markings and routes that Kieran had drawn crisscrossing over the faded parchment. He traced the lines with his finger, his eyes focused on the names—places and people who could be their allies in the fight against the Architects.
Elara sat across from him, her eyes flicking between the map and Kieran, who stood by the hearth, warming his hands by the fire. Callan was near the door, his eyes scanning the outside through the cracked window, ever vigilant. The tension in the air was thick, a reminder that time was not on their side.
"We need to move quickly," Kieran said, breaking the silence. He turned to face Simon and Elara, his expression serious. "The longer we stay here, the greater the risk that the Architects will find us. They have eyes and ears everywhere, and they're relentless. If they catch wind of what we're planning…" He trailed off, his eyes darkening.
Simon nodded, his gaze fixed on the map. He knew the risk—they all did. But they couldn't afford to hesitate. If they were going to stand a chance against the Architects, they needed allies, and they needed them now.
"Where do we start?" Simon asked, his voice steady. "Who's closest?"
Kieran moved to the table, pointing to a spot on the map—a small town nestled in the hills, far from any major roads. "Here," he said. "There's a woman named Maren. She used to be part of the Architects, but she left when she saw what they were doing. She's been in hiding ever since, but she's strong. She'll fight if she believes in the cause."
Elara leaned forward, her eyes narrowing as she studied the map. "How far is it?" she asked.
"Two days' journey, if we move quickly," Kieran replied. "The path is treacherous, and there are places where we could be ambushed. But it's our best shot."
Simon took a deep breath, the weight of the decision settling over him. Every step they took brought them closer to danger, but it also brought them closer to the allies they desperately needed. He looked up at Kieran, his eyes filled with determination. "Then we go," he said. "We leave now, before the Architects have a chance to track us."
Kieran nodded, a hint of respect in his eyes. "Very well. Gather what you need. We leave within the hour."
Elara stood, moving to the shelves that lined the walls, her hands deftly picking out supplies—herbs, bandages, vials of shimmering powder. Simon followed suit, gathering what they could carry without slowing them down. They needed to be fast, to stay ahead of the Architects, and they couldn't afford to be weighed down by unnecessary items.
Callan stepped away from the window, his gaze meeting Simon's. "I'll take point," he said, his voice low. "The path ahead is dangerous, and we'll need to be ready for anything."
Simon nodded, grateful for Callan's presence. He had proven himself capable and trustworthy, and Simon knew they were stronger with him by their side. Together, they moved to the door, the cold morning air hitting them as they stepped outside.
The village was quiet, the fog still clinging to the ground, the buildings dark and lifeless. It felt as though the village itself was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen. Simon glanced around, his senses on high alert, every shadow a potential threat.
Kieran led the way, his movements sure and confident as he guided them down a narrow path that wound its way out of the village and into the surrounding hills. The trees loomed overhead, their branches bare and twisted, casting long shadows across the path. Simon could feel the weight of the forest pressing in on them, the silence broken only by the sound of their footsteps and the occasional rustle of leaves.
They moved quickly, their pace steady but cautious. The path was uneven, the ground covered in roots and fallen branches that made every step a challenge. Simon kept his eyes forward, his focus on Kieran's back as they made their way deeper into the hills. The air grew colder, the fog thickening as they climbed higher, the trees growing denser.
Hours passed in silence, the tension palpable. Simon's mind raced, his thoughts a jumble of worries and fears. He couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched, that the Architects were already onto them, just waiting for the right moment to strike. He glanced at Elara, her face set with determination, her eyes scanning the trees. She met his gaze, giving him a small nod, a silent reassurance that they were in this together.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, they reached a small clearing, the ground covered in a thick layer of leaves. Kieran stopped, turning to face the others. "We'll rest here for the night," he said. "We need to stay off the main path, keep our presence hidden. We'll move again at first light."
Simon nodded, lowering his pack to the ground. His body ached from the long journey, his muscles sore from the constant tension. He sank to the ground, his back resting against a tree, the cold seeping through his clothes. Elara sat beside him, her eyes fixed on the darkening forest.
"Do you think we'll make it?" Simon asked, his voice barely a whisper. "Do you think we can really find enough allies to stand against the Architects?"
Elara was silent for a moment, her gaze distant. Then she looked at Simon, her eyes filled with determination. "We have to try," she said. "The shop chose you, Simon. It believes in you. And I do too."
Simon felt a warmth spread through his chest, a spark of hope igniting within him. He nodded, his eyes meeting hers. "We'll find them," he said, his voice steady. "We'll find them, and we'll fight. Together."
Kieran moved to the edge of the clearing, his eyes scanning the darkening forest. "Get some rest," he said, his voice low. "I'll take the first watch."
Simon closed his eyes, the exhaustion of the journey pulling at him. The ground was hard beneath him, the air cold, but he felt a sense of purpose that he hadn't felt before. They were on the right path, and with Kieran, Elara, and Callan by his side, he knew they stood a chance.
The Architects were powerful, but they weren't invincible. And as long as Simon had the shop's power, as long as he had his allies, he would fight to protect the shop and its secrets—no matter the cost.