The sun was barely up when Simon awoke, his body stiff from a night spent on the cold, hard ground. He blinked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he took in the clearing. The air was crisp, and the early morning mist still hung low among the trees. Elara and Callan were already up, quietly gathering their supplies, while Kieran stood at the edge of the clearing, his gaze focused on the horizon.
Simon pushed himself to his feet, rolling his shoulders to work out the stiffness. The journey had taken its toll, but they couldn't afford to rest any longer. Every minute they spent here was a minute closer to being found by the Architects. He moved to where Elara was packing her supplies, giving her a small smile.
"Ready to keep moving?" he asked, his voice still rough with sleep.
Elara looked up, her eyes meeting his. There was a determined set to her jaw, and she nodded. "We need to reach Maren before nightfall. If we're lucky, she'll be willing to help us."
Simon nodded, glancing over at Kieran. The former Architect had been silent since they'd left the village, his focus unwavering as he led them through the hills. Simon wasn't sure what to make of him—Kieran was guarded, his past with the Architects shrouded in mystery. But he had agreed to help them, and for now, that was enough.
"Let's move out," Kieran said, his voice cutting through the morning silence. He turned to face the others, his expression serious. "We have a long way to go, and the path ahead isn't easy. Stay alert—if the Architects are tracking us, they'll try to catch us off guard."
Simon tightened his grip on his pack, falling into step behind Kieran as they moved out of the clearing and back onto the narrow path that wound through the forest. The trees were tall and dense, their branches forming a dark canopy overhead, and the air grew colder as they moved deeper into the woods.
They traveled in silence, the tension palpable. Every sound seemed amplified—the crunch of leaves underfoot, the rustle of branches in the wind. Simon kept his eyes forward, his senses on high alert. He couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched, that at any moment, the Architects would emerge from the shadows.
Hours passed, the sun climbing higher in the sky. The path twisted and turned, the ground uneven and covered in roots that made every step a challenge. Simon's legs ached, his muscles protesting with each movement, but he pushed on, his determination unwavering. They had to reach Maren, had to convince her to help them. Without allies, they didn't stand a chance against the Architects.
Suddenly, Kieran held up a hand, signaling for them to stop. Simon froze, his heart pounding as he scanned their surroundings. The forest was still, the only sound the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze. Kieran turned, his eyes meeting Simon's, a warning in his gaze.
"We're not alone," Kieran said, his voice barely a whisper. "There's someone up ahead."
Simon swallowed hard, his hand instinctively moving to the ring on his finger. He could feel the faint pulse of energy within it, the shop's power waiting to be called upon. He took a deep breath, steadying himself. Whatever was ahead, they had to be ready.
Kieran moved forward slowly, his steps silent as he approached a cluster of trees that blocked the path. Simon followed, his heart pounding in his chest. As they neared the trees, Simon caught sight of a figure—a woman, her back to them, her head bowed as she knelt by the side of the path.
Kieran raised a hand, motioning for Simon and the others to stay back. He stepped forward, his voice low. "Maren?"
The woman turned, her eyes wide with surprise. She stood quickly, her hand moving to the dagger at her side. Her eyes were sharp, her face lined with worry, but there was a strength in her gaze that Simon recognized instantly.
"Kieran," she said, her voice wary. "What are you doing here?"
Kieran held up his hands, a gesture of peace. "We need your help, Maren. The Architects are moving again. They're after the shop, and we can't fight them alone."
Maren's eyes narrowed, her gaze shifting to Simon, then to Elara and Callan, who stood a few steps behind. "The shop?" she repeated, her voice filled with disbelief. "You brought the Keeper here?"
Simon stepped forward, his eyes meeting Maren's. He could see the fear in her eyes, the hesitation, but he also saw something else—something that told him she understood the stakes, that she knew what was at risk.
"I'm Simon," he said, his voice steady. "The shop chose me, but I can't protect it alone. We need allies—people who know what the Architects are capable of, who are willing to stand against them."
Maren studied him for a long moment, her eyes searching his. Then she sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "You're brave, I'll give you that," she said. "But the Architects are relentless. They won't stop until they have what they want. You're risking your life by being here."
Simon nodded. "I know the risks. But I made a promise—to protect the shop and its secrets. And I intend to keep that promise, no matter the cost."
Maren was silent for a moment, then she nodded slowly. "Very well," she said. "I'll help you. But know this—once you stand against the Architects, there's no turning back. They will come for you, and they won't rest until they have what they want."
Simon felt a surge of relief, a spark of hope igniting within him. He nodded, a determined smile crossing his face. "We know," he said. "But we're ready to fight."
Maren glanced at Kieran, then at Elara and Callan. "Then follow me," she said. "There's a place we can talk—somewhere safe."
She turned, leading them off the path and deeper into the forest. Simon followed, his heart pounding with a mix of fear and hope. They had found their first ally—someone who understood the danger they were facing, someone who was willing to fight. It was a small step, but it was a step in the right direction.
The path ahead was uncertain, and the danger was real. But with Maren by their side, Simon felt a renewed sense of purpose. They would find the others, they would build their alliance, and they would stand against the Architects together.
He was the Keeper, and he would protect the shop and its secrets.