The path through the northern woods was treacherous, littered with gnarled roots and cloaked in a mist that refused to dissipate. Selyna and Elvara moved swiftly but cautiously, their earlier victory overshadowed by the lingering unease of what they had encountered.
'That mage wasn't just throwing around dark magic for fun,'
Selyna said, her voice low.
'Whoever sent them had a purpose.'
'Agreed,'
Elvara replied, her silver staff glowing faintly.
'The question is, what was it? The runes on those stones were ancient, older than anything Verath has ever used.'
'And more dangerous,'
Selyna added.
'We need to warn Kade.'
Elvara nodded, her expression grave.
'This is bigger than we thought.'
Kade was pacing the war chamber when Vask entered, his crimson eyes scanning the room.
'My lord, the commanders have returned,'
he announced.
Kade stopped mid-step, relief flickering across his face.
