The wind swept across the barren plains, carrying with it a chill that bit through Elaine's cloak. The shard in her satchel pulsed steadily, its glow faint against the morning light.
"How much farther?" Ferran asked, his voice heavy with frustration.
Elaine glanced at the shard, its warmth resonating faintly in her hands. "We're close. The shard's pulse is getting stronger."
Kael, walking a few paces ahead, scanned the horizon. "Good. I'd rather not camp out in the open again. We've been too exposed since we left the ridge."
Lira tightened her grip on the satchel containing the crystal, her face pale. "And carrying this thing isn't helping. It's… louder now. I can feel it humming in my bones."
Elaine's gaze softened. "We'll find somewhere to stop soon. Just hold on."
Lira nodded, though her expression didn't ease.
The Settlement of Tethered Hollow
By midday, the jagged outline of a settlement appeared in the distance. Its buildings leaned haphazardly against one another, their construction a patchwork of stone, wood, and metal. A crude sign at the entrance read: "Tethered Hollow—Trespass at Your Own Risk."
Ferran smirked. "Friendly place."
Elaine ignored him, her focus on the figures moving among the buildings. Unlike the desolation of Rathall, Tethered Hollow was alive with activity. Traders bartered in the streets, and groups of armed men and women patrolled the edges of the settlement.
"This isn't a town," Kael said, his tone wary. "It's a mercenary hub."
Elaine nodded. "And places like this attract people looking for power."
Lira glanced at her. "You think someone here knows about the Nexus fragments?"
Elaine's jaw tightened. "If they don't, they'll know someone who does."
A Dangerous Welcome
As they entered the settlement, the noise of the crowd pressed in around them. Eyes lingered on their weapons and travel-worn clothes, and Elaine could feel the weight of suspicion in every glance.
"We don't blend in here," Kael murmured.
"We're not trying to," Elaine replied. "Keep your guard up."
They made their way to a central square, where a group of traders had set up stalls selling everything from weapons to crude alchemical supplies.
Elaine approached a stall run by a wiry man with a scar running down his cheek. He eyed her cautiously as she stepped closer.
"Looking for something?" he asked, his voice rough.
"Information," Elaine said. "I'm looking for someone who deals in rare artifacts. Crystals, runes—anything tied to Nexus power."
The man's eyes narrowed. "That's dangerous talk, stranger. People around here don't like Nexus business."
Elaine leaned in slightly, her voice low. "I'm not asking them. I'm asking you."
The man hesitated, glancing around before leaning closer. "There's someone. Calls himself Calder. Runs with a group out of the eastern quarter. If you've got coin, he might talk."
Elaine nodded, slipping a small pouch of coins onto the table. "Thanks."
The Alliance Offer
They found Calder in a dimly lit tavern tucked into the edge of the settlement. The room smelled of smoke and spilled ale, and its patrons were a mix of mercenaries, traders, and people who didn't want to be found.
Calder sat at a table near the back, his dark eyes sharp and calculating. He was flanked by two armed guards, their hands resting on the hilts of their weapons.
Elaine approached cautiously, Kael and Ferran close behind her.
"Calder?" she asked.
The man raised an eyebrow. "Depends who's asking."
"Someone with questions," Elaine said. "And someone who can pay for answers."
Calder smirked, gesturing for her to sit. "Then let's talk."
Elaine took a seat, her team standing behind her. "I'm looking for information on Nexus fragments. Crystals, artifacts—anything tied to its remnants."
Calder's expression darkened. "Dangerous line of inquiry. Plenty of people would kill you just for mentioning it."
"Are you one of them?" Elaine asked.
Calder chuckled. "Not today. But that depends on what you're offering."
Elaine leaned forward, her voice steady. "We've found a fragment. A powerful one. But we're not the only ones looking for it. If you know something, now's the time to share."
Calder studied her for a moment before nodding. "There's a group—a coalition of sorts. They call themselves the Convergence. They've been buying up artifacts, recruiting anyone with even a whisper of Nexus knowledge. Word is, they're trying to rebuild what you destroyed."
Elaine's chest tightened. "Where are they?"
Calder hesitated. "That's the tricky part. They're spread out, moving from place to place. But there's a central point—a meeting ground. They call it the Convergence Point."
"And where is it?" Elaine pressed.
Calder smirked faintly. "You don't just walk into the Point. But… I might be able to help you find someone who can get you there. For a price."
Elaine's eyes narrowed. "Name it."
Calder gestured to the guards at his side. "There's a package I need delivered. A delicate matter. You take it, and I'll point you in the right direction."
Kael frowned. "Sounds like a trap."
"Everything's a trap," Calder said with a shrug. "But it's your best shot."
Elaine stood, her decision already made. "We'll do it. But if you double-cross us, you won't live to regret it."
Calder's smirk widened. "Understood."
The Price of Trust
As they left the tavern, Lira shot Elaine a concerned look. "Are you sure about this? He doesn't exactly scream trustworthy."
Elaine adjusted the satchel on her shoulder. "We don't have a choice. If the Convergence is real, we need to find them—and stop them before they grow stronger."
Kael nodded. "Then we move fast. The longer we stay here, the more attention we draw."
Ferran grunted. "I'll keep watch. Let's hope this 'package' of his doesn't get us all killed."
Elaine didn't respond. The weight of the crystal in Lira's satchel and the shard's pulse in her hand reminded her of what was at stake.
The Convergence was out there, and they were growing stronger with every fragment they claimed.
Whatever the cost, Elaine would ensure they didn't succeed.