The bustling streets of Rivermoor greeted Kaelan once more, alive with the hum of daily life. Yet, his perspective had shifted. Every face he passed, every voice in the crowd, reminded him of what was at stake. These people went about their lives, unaware of the darkness gathering beyond the horizon, the threat that loomed over them all. The Dawnstone at his chest pulsed warmly, a steady reminder of his purpose.
His first task was clear: to seek out those allies Sister Elara had mentioned. With Rivermoor's size, finding them would be no small feat, but he knew the city held both knowledge and strength he could call upon.
He began by making his way to the northern part of the city, where merchants and travelers alike gathered in a large, open marketplace. The area was bustling with traders from all across the land, their stalls overflowing with exotic wares and rare trinkets. Among them were mercenaries and adventurers, men and women of all trades drawn by the lure of opportunity in Rivermoor.
As he surveyed the crowd, a loud voice caught his attention. A gruff, older man with scars across his face was barking orders to a few younger men, all equipped with sturdy armor and weathered weapons. His presence radiated authority and experience, marking him as someone who might know the threats lurking around Rivermoor.
Kaelan approached cautiously, waiting for a lull in the man's instructions before speaking. "Excuse me," he began, and the man turned, sizing him up with a single sharp glance.
"Newcomer, are you?" he grunted. "You don't look like one of my usual lot. What's your business here?"
"I'm seeking allies," Kaelan replied, choosing his words carefully. "I've heard of strange happenings, creatures of darkness stirring in the land. I want to know more about these threats, and I'm looking for those willing to face them."
The man's expression changed, a hint of intrigue sparking in his eyes. "Aye, you're not the only one to notice. Name's Garrick, Captain of the city guard. Strange sightings, attacks on travelers, rumors of dark forces… Rivermoor's seen more than its fair share of trouble lately. Most folks are content to stay safe within the walls, but a few brave souls have ventured out to investigate."
He paused, studying Kaelan. "Tell me, newcomer—are you brave enough to be one of them?"
Kaelan nodded, a glimmer of determination in his gaze. "I don't think I have a choice. I was sent here to face this darkness, and I intend to see it through."
Garrick's mouth curved into a faint smile. "Good. In that case, I'll point you to a few who share your determination. There's Anwen, a tracker who knows these woods better than any scout I've seen. She's been gathering reports of strange creatures near the city's borders. Then there's Alaric, a warrior who's fought against darkness before, though he doesn't speak of it often."
He scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Both of them can be found around the barracks this time of day. I'll tell them to keep an eye out for you."
Kaelan thanked him, grateful for the leads. As he made his way toward the barracks, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. Each ally, each fragment of knowledge brought him one step closer to understanding the threat he faced—and to finding the strength needed to confront it.
At the barracks, he quickly spotted Anwen, a slender woman with sharp eyes that missed nothing. She moved with the quiet grace of someone who knew the wilderness well. Standing beside her was a tall, broad-shouldered man with a stern expression—Alaric. His presence was imposing, and his armor bore faint marks of old battles, scars of a past he had clearly not forgotten.
They both turned to Kaelan as he approached, curiosity evident in their gazes.
"Captain Garrick mentioned I'd find you here," he said, meeting their eyes. "My name is… well, it may not matter, but I've come to help in the fight against the darkness gathering around Rivermoor. I'm looking for others who are willing to stand against it."
Anwen nodded, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Then you've come to the right place. The creatures in these woods aren't normal, and we've both seen enough to know this is no ordinary threat."
Alaric crossed his arms, his gaze intense. "Darkness is no stranger to me," he said quietly. "I lost friends to it once. If this city is under threat, then I won't stand idly by."
Together, the three of them stood united by a common purpose. With Kaelan's first allies by his side, the path forward felt clearer. He may not know the full scope of what lay ahead, but with each step—and each new ally—the light within him grew stronger.
The fight was only beginning, but now, he was no longer alone. Together, they would face whatever darkness dared to stand in their way.
The weight of Kaelan's mission felt lighter with Anwen and Alaric beside him. The city around them bustled on, oblivious to the storm that stirred beyond its walls, but he knew that every step he took was one closer to facing it head-on.
As they discussed the strange happenings around Rivermoor, Anwen revealed her recent findings. "The sightings have been concentrated near the old ruins to the west," she said, her tone serious. "Creatures like shadows, twisted and fierce. They're unlike anything I've encountered before, even in the darkest parts of the woods."
Alaric nodded, his jaw set in determination. "The ruins have long been a place of mystery, but something's changed. A few travelers and guards who went to investigate never returned. If the demon king's influence is spreading, that might be where it begins."
The three of them exchanged determined looks. The ruins were dangerous territory, but they could hold the answers they needed—and possibly the first real test of their strength as a team.
As evening settled, they gathered supplies, ensuring they had food, water, and weapons ready for whatever awaited them. The Dawnstone was a warm, reassuring weight against Kaelan's chest, and as the sun dipped below the horizon, the three of them set out from Rivermoor, stepping into the cool embrace of the night.