The air around the ancient temple felt thick with malevolent energy, an invisible force pressing down on Haru and his companions as they approached. Each step closer made the oppressive feeling stronger, as though the darkness lurking within was watching them, waiting for them to come closer. The stones beneath their feet seemed to hum faintly, charged with ancient, twisted power.
"We're almost there," Haru said, his voice low but steady. He could sense that the source of Naome's power was just beyond the temple's towering entrance. Yet, something gnawed at him a feeling that they were walking into something much darker than even they had anticipated.
Suddenly, from the edge of the nearby forest, a voice interrupted the silence. "You don't want to go any further, not yet."
The group froze, their hands instinctively moving to their weapons as they turned toward the sound. From the shadows of the trees emerged an old man, his tattered robes hanging loosely around his thin frame. His long, tangled beard and the wild look in his eyes gave him the appearance of someone who had spent years alone, disconnected from the rest of the world. But despite his ragged appearance, there was something calm and assured in his posture, as if he understood far more than he let on.
"Who are you?" Lirael asked, her bow drawn but not aimed, her eyes sharp with suspicion.
The old man held up his hands in a gesture of peace. "Name's Bramble. I've lived here for as long as I can remember," he said, his voice hoarse from disuse but carrying a weight of wisdom. "This temple… it's been dormant for centuries, but lately… well, you've felt it, haven't you? That dark energy stirring inside?"
Seraphine nodded cautiously, stepping forward. "You're right. It's powerful. But we don't have a choice. We have to stop what's inside."
Bramble chuckled softly, though there was no humour in his eyes. "I can see you're determined, and I won't stop you. But you're walking into a force far beyond what you've faced before. That dark energy it's not just power. It feeds on fear, on doubt, on every weakness inside you. Without protection, it'll tear you apart before you even reach the heart of the temple."
Haru frowned, his instincts telling him that this old hermit knew more than he was letting on. "And what do you suggest? We don't have time to wait."
Bramble's eyes glinted with something like amusement. "Time is exactly what you have if you want to survive what's in there. Come with me, my home's not far from here. I might have something that'll help you face what's inside that cursed temple."
Nerissa, who had been listening intently, spoke softly. "His words carry truth. The darkness in the temple feels like it's probing us, searching for a way to break our will."
Haru exchanged glances with the others. They were all worn from the long journey, and Bramble's offer though strange, seemed sincere. Besides, facing the dark magic of the temple head-on without any means of protection felt reckless, even for them.
"Lead the way," Haru said, finally lowering his hand from his katana. "But we won't stay long."
Bramble nodded and turned, walking with surprising agility through the forest path. The group followed, still wary, but the sense of tension in the air lessened as they left the oppressive aura of the temple behind, if only for a short while.
Bramble's home was a small, ramshackle hut nestled in a grove surrounded by ancient trees. It was far more humble than they had expected, with vines creeping over the walls and a small garden where strange, glowing plants grew. Inside, the smell of herbs and smoke filled the air, and the walls were lined with shelves stacked with old scrolls, strange trinkets, and bottles of various potions.
The old man motioned for them to sit around a low table. "I've been keeping watch over this area for a long time," he explained as he rummaged through a chest in the corner of the room. "The temple's always had a dark history, but it wasn't until recently that it became… alive again. I suspect it has something to do with that dark mage you've been chasing."
Seraphine's brow furrowed. "Naome. She's using the temple's power to strengthen herself."
Bramble nodded grimly. "That's right. The temple's been drawing in dark energy from the land, and it's growing more powerful every day. But there's a way to protect yourselves, to resist the pull of the darkness."
He pulled out several small bracelets, each made of woven vines and silver strands, with a faint glow that radiated from the gemstones embedded within them. "These are enchanted with ancient Fey magic," Bramble explained, holding one up. "They'll help suppress the effects of the dark energy in the temple, give you a fighting chance to resist its pull."
Nerissa's eyes widened slightly in recognition. "These… they were crafted by the Fey long ago, to guard against corrupting forces. How did you come by them?"
Bramble gave a mysterious smile. "I've been around long enough to know where to find what's needed." He handed one of the bracelets to each of them. "Wear these, and they'll dampen the influence of the dark magic in the temple. It won't make you invincible, but it'll give you the strength to fight back."
Haru fastened the bracelet around his wrist, feeling the subtle hum of power it contained. The moment it touched his skin, the oppressive feeling that had clung to him since they'd neared the temple seemed to lift, replaced by a sense of clarity and calm.
Seraphine examined hers closely, marvelling at the craftsmanship. "These will help," she said, her voice filled with hope.
Borgak grinned, slipping his on. "Looks like we're in better shape than I thought. Thanks, old man."
Bramble waved a hand dismissively. "Don't thank me yet. You've still got a long road ahead of you. The temple won't give up its secrets easily, and Naome's already got a foothold in there."
Lirael adjusted her bracelet, her sharp eyes never leaving Bramble. "Why are you helping us? What's your stake in all of this?"
Bramble's face softened, his gaze growing distant for a moment. "I've lived a long time, seen the rise and fall of many. This world… it has a delicate balance. Darkness like what's inside that temple if it spreads, it'll destroy everything. And I'm not ready to see that happen just yet."
Nerissa nodded in understanding. "Thank you for your help. These bracelets may be the edge we need."
Bramble stood and walked them to the door. "One last thing," he said, his voice low. "Be careful in that temple. It'll test you, and make you question everything. But as long as you stay together and trust in your strength, you might just come out the other side."
Haru gave a curt nod. "We'll stop Naome. Whatever it takes."
As they left Bramble's home and made their way back toward the temple, the weight of what lay ahead pressed down on them once more. But this time, they had hope. With the enchanted bracelets protecting them from the dark energy, they had a chance, a small one, but a chance nonetheless.
The temple loomed ahead, its dark walls waiting. Naome was inside, waiting for them to make their move.
"Let's end this," Haru said, his voice steady, and together, they walked toward the heart of the darkness.
The final battle was coming.