When the Dreadknights returned to Eldermoor, they found more resistance than they had expected. The villagers, armed with makeshift weapons and crude defenses, stood their ground. Lyra fought with ferocity, her dagger flashing as she took down enemies with precision and speed. Caelum, wielding both the cursed sword and the Radiant shard, struck down Dreadknights with a power he was only beginning to understand.
But the battle was far from easy. The Dreadknights were relentless, their dark magic sowing fear and confusion among the villagers. Just as the tide seemed to turn against them, Caelum felt the shard pulse in his hand. Its light grew brighter, banishing the shadows and weakening the enemy's magic.
With renewed strength, the villagers rallied, driving the Dreadknights back. The battle ended with a hard-won victory, but not without losses. As the smoke cleared, Caelum and Lyra stood among the survivors, their faces grim but resolute.
"This isn't the end," Garik said, leaning on his blade. "The Shadow King won't take this defeat lightly. He'll send more forces."
Caelum nodded. "Then we'll be ready. But first, we need to find the next shard."