---
The marketplace was buzzing with energy. Bright colors of merchant stalls filled the square, and the aroma of baked goods drifted through the air. Amidst the bustling crowd, a tall figure wearing a cloak that concealed most of his face walked quietly through the village of Brighthollow.
Villager 1:
"Look! It's him… Mordryn the Dread."
Villager 2:
"Huh? That can't be! Why would he dare come here?"
Villager 1:
"I swear it's him! That cloak, that aura. Who else would cast such a shadow?"
The murmurs grew, and soon the entire square was filled with anxious whispers. Mordryn's steps slowed, his hood still covering his eyes. He knew this would happen—everywhere he went, the villagers assumed the worst.
Child:
gripping his mother's skirt
"Mama, is that the bad man?"
Mother:
pulling her child back
"Yes, my love. We must stay far away."
Mordryn paused, but he said nothing, his heart heavy with the weight of misunderstanding. Before he could take another step, a voice shouted from the crowd.
Village Elder:
"There he is! The one who brings the storms and curses upon our lands!"
A circle of people gathered, forming a wall around him. The village elder, a tall man with a white beard, stepped forward, his eyes blazing with accusation.
Village Elder:
"You dare show your face in Brighthollow, Mordryn? After everything you've done?"
Mordryn:
softly, but firm
"I've done nothing to harm you."
The crowd erupted in jeers.
Villager 3:
"You lie! The crops withered after last week's storm! And the forest beasts grow more dangerous!"
Villager 2:
"And what about the darkness that creeps closer to our homes each night? We know it's your doing!"
Mordryn looked around at the angry faces, each one filled with fear. He could feel the tension rising, but he remained calm.
Mordryn:
quietly
"You do not understand. The storms, the darkness—they are not my doing. I've been protecting you."
The village elder scoffed.
Village Elder:
"Protecting us? From what? Your own magic?"
Before Mordryn could reply, the ground shook beneath them. A deep, guttural sound echoed through the valley, sending a chill down everyone's spine.
Child:
Muttering
"Mama… what's that?"
From the edges of the village, a thick fog began to roll in, and with it came the sounds of growls—inhuman and terrifying. The villagers gasped, backing away from the mist.
Village Elder:
"Another one of your tricks, Mordryn?"
Mordryn:
"No... this is not me. It's them."
Villager 1:
panicked
"Them? Who are you talking about?"
Mordryn's eyes, once filled with patience, turned serious. He stepped forward, pulling back his hood to reveal a face worn by years of battle and sorrow.
Mordryn:
"They are the creatures from the Shadowrealm. For years, I've been keeping them at bay with the magic you so fear. But now they've grown stronger, and my magic alone won't hold them for much longer."
The crowd fell silent, the gravity of his words settling in. The fog thickened, and through it, shadowy figures began to emerge—grotesque beasts with glowing red eyes.
Village Elder:
Stammering
"Wh-what do you mean? Why didn't you tell us?"
Mordryn:
gritting his teeth
"Would you have listened? All these years, you've called me a villain. You've feared and hated me without knowing the truth. But now... now you will see why I live in Shadowspire."
The beasts howled, breaking through the fog. Panic spread like wildfire.
Villager 2:
terrified
"What do we do? We can't fight them!"
Village Elder:
desperate
"Mordryn! If what you say is true... how do we stop them?"
Mordryn turned, his cloak billowing in the wind as he raised his staff. His voice, deep and commanding, echoed through the village.
Mordryn:
"We fight together. My magic can weaken them, but I will need your help. Grab your weapons. Protect your families. If we do not stand united, Valendar will fall."
For a moment, the villagers hesitated, unsure of whether to trust the man they had feared for so long. But the beasts were closing in, and there was no time to doubt.
Village Elder:
raising his voice
"Do as he says! We have no choice now!"
The villagers scrambled to gather their weapons—pitchforks, bows, anything they could find. Mordryn began chanting under his breath, ancient words of power filling the air. A barrier of light formed around the village, pushing the fog and beasts back for a moment.
Mordryn:
grunting with effort
"This will only hold them off for a short time. Once it breaks, we fight."
The villagers took their positions, trembling but resolute. Mordryn stood at the center, his eyes glowing with power. He knew the battle ahead would be unlike any other, but there was no turning back.