The city hall of Tharien's Gate was an imposing structure, its towering spires and ornate stonework a stark contrast to the chaos brewing in the streets. Kaelron adjusted the strap of his satchel as the group approached, his gaze flicking toward Ignis, who had to remain outside under the watch of Nyx's panther. The gryphon ruffled her feathers uneasily, and Kaelron placed a reassuring hand on her neck.
"Let's make this quick," Eryk muttered. He cast a wary glance at the guards flanking the grand doors. Their armor gleamed in the sunlight, but their expressions were grim. "I don't trust these types."
Zerin smirked. "Smart. Bureaucrats love to talk, but they'll leave you out to dry when things go south."
Nyx shot him a warning glance as she stepped forward. "They're our best chance at getting reinforcements. If you can't control your tongue, stay quiet."
The group entered the hall, their footsteps echoing in the vast chamber. Inside, councilors and clerks bustled about, their faces etched with worry. The atmosphere was tense, the usual hum of city governance replaced with whispered arguments and hurried steps.
---
After a brief wait, the group was led to a large meeting room where the city's governing body convened. Five councilors sat at a crescent-shaped table, their robes marking their ranks and allegiances. At the center was Councilor Orlan, a stern-faced man with a graying beard who radiated authority.
"We've heard of your activities in the city," Orlan began, his tone sharp. "You've caused quite a stir."
"We've uncovered something bigger than you realize," Nyx replied, stepping forward. She placed the map and documents from the gang's hideout on the table. "The gang terrorizing this city isn't just a group of thugs. They're tied to a cult worshiping the Eternal Maw, and their leader, the Shadow Tamer, is preparing a ritual to corrupt the jungle shrine."
The councilors exchanged uneasy glances.
"Bold claims," said Councilor Haryn, a younger man with calculating eyes. "But this city has faced rumors and superstition before. Why should we believe you?"
Kaelron stepped forward, pulling back his hood to reveal the faint glow of the fragment in his satchel. "Because I carry one of the fragments they're after. Its energy has been attracting the Maw's forces everywhere we go. If you don't help us stop them, the corruption will spread beyond this city, consuming everything."
The room fell silent as the fragment's faint light pulsed, casting eerie shadows on the walls.
"Even if we believe you," Orlan said finally, "our resources are stretched thin. The gang has infiltrated key parts of the city, and the guard is barely holding the line. We cannot afford to engage in a full-scale conflict."
---
Nyx slammed her hand on the table, her voice cold and firm. "You can't afford not to act. We're not asking you to fight our battle—we're asking you to protect your city. If the gang succeeds, the jungle shrine will fall, and the Maw's corruption will flood this region."
"Enough!" snapped Councilor Lirra, an older woman with an air of authority. "This is precisely the problem. Half the council believes we should appease the gang to maintain some semblance of order, while the other half wants to crush them outright. And now you bring tales of cults and cosmic forces into the mix?"
"Lirra, don't dismiss this so easily," Orlan interjected. "The Guild representative has provided evidence."
"But evidence of what?" Haryn countered, leaning forward. "A map and a few cryptic notes? We've seen no proof of these rituals or this so-called Shadow Tamer."
Kaelron's frustration bubbled to the surface. "We've fought the shadow beasts. We've seen their corruption firsthand. You don't need more proof—you need to act."
Zerin chuckled darkly from the back of the room, drawing everyone's attention. "You people are blind. The gang isn't just infiltrating your city—they're playing you. I've seen the bribes, the deals in dark alleys. Maybe some of you don't want to act because you're already on their payroll."
The councilors bristled at the accusation, but Haryn's reaction was particularly sharp. "How dare you—"
"Enough!" Orlan barked, silencing the room. "These accusations won't help us. What matters now is determining the best course of action."
---
As the council deliberated, Kaelron's attention drifted to the fragment in his satchel. Its pulsing had grown erratic, and a faint whisper echoed in his mind. The jungle shrine flashed in his thoughts—a vision of shadow beasts swarming its guardian, their howls blending with the sounds of chanting voices.
Kaelron shook his head, forcing himself to focus. The council was clearly divided. Orlan and Lirra seemed willing to consider action, but Haryn's resistance hinted at deeper motives.
Nyx leaned close to Kaelron. "Haryn's too defensive. Either he doesn't believe us, or he's hiding something."
Kaelron nodded. "We need to know which."
---
After the meeting, the group was escorted to a waiting room while the council debated. Nyx paced, her frustration evident.
"We're wasting time," she muttered. "Every minute we're here, the gang gets closer to the shrine."
Zerin leaned against the wall, his expression unreadable. "We won't get anything out of that council unless we apply some pressure."
Eryk smirked. "And how do you suggest we do that?"
Zerin shrugged. "Leverage. People like Haryn don't get that defensive without a reason."
Kaelron glanced at Nyx. "You think he's connected to the gang?"
"It's possible," Nyx said. "If he's working with them, we need to expose him. But we can't just accuse him without proof."
Kaelron thought for a moment before speaking. "Then let's find the proof. If Haryn's tied to the gang, he'll have left a trail somewhere."
---
With Zerin's guidance, the group made their way to a discreet district near the council hall. The area was quieter, its stone buildings housing the private offices and residences of the city's elite.
Zerin gestured to a modest but well-guarded building. "That's Haryn's office. If he's hiding something, it'll be in there."
"Breaking into a councilor's office?" Eryk said with a grin. "Now this is my kind of plan."
Nyx frowned. "We can't get caught. If we're discovered, it'll jeopardize everything."
Kaelron nodded, his staff glowing faintly. "Let's move quickly."
Under the cover of night, the group slipped past the guards and into the building. Nyx's panther scouted ahead, its silent movements clearing the way. Inside, they searched the dimly lit office, rifling through drawers and documents.
Finally, Nyx pulled a ledger from a hidden compartment in the desk. Her eyes scanned the entries, and her expression darkened. "Payments to known gang members. Transactions for supplies linked to the Maw's corruption. Haryn's funding their operations."
Kaelron clenched his fists. "He's working with the cult."
"Looks like it," Zerin said. "Now we've got what we need to turn the council against him."
---
The next morning, the group returned to the council chamber, presenting the ledger as evidence. Haryn's protests were immediate and loud, but Orlan silenced him with a glare.
"With this proof," Orlan said, "we have no choice but to act. Haryn, you are hereby stripped of your position and placed under arrest."
As the guards escorted a fuming Haryn from the room, Orlan turned to Kaelron. "You've proven your case. The council will support your efforts to stop the gang, but we can only offer limited reinforcements. The city is still vulnerable."
"It's enough," Kaelron said, his voice steady. "We'll stop the cult and protect the shrine."
As the group left the hall, Kaelron felt a flicker of hope. The battle ahead would be dangerous, but they had allies now—and a chance to turn the tide against the Maw.