The descent from the mountains was quicker than the climb, but far more treacherous. Jagged cliffs loomed on either side, and loose rocks skittered beneath Kael's boots as he followed the narrow trail downward. Nyxar soared overhead, his dark silhouette a stark contrast against the golden sunrise. The air was crisp and carried the faintest hint of smoke, a grim reminder of the Shadowborn's presence in the region.
Kael's new blade rested comfortably on his back, its weight both literal and symbolic. Forged in the heart of the Flame, it was unlike any weapon he had ever wielded. The blade shimmered with an inner fire, its surface etched with intricate runes that seemed to pulse in rhythm with his heartbeat. The forge had changed him, in more ways than one. He felt the Flame coursing through him, no longer a chaotic force but a steady, burning presence.
"You're quiet," Nyxar said, his voice breaking the morning silence as he landed beside Kael with a gust of wind. "Lost in thought?"
Kael glanced up at the dragon, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Just thinking about what comes next. The forge was… intense, but it's only the beginning. The Shadowborn won't wait for me to catch my breath."
Nyxar rumbled in agreement. "True. But you've taken an important step. The Flame isn't just a weapon; it's part of you now. That connection will be your greatest strength—and your greatest challenge."
Kael frowned. "You mean the corruption."
The dragon nodded, his molten eyes narrowing. "The stronger your bond with the Flame, the more it will test you. It's a force of balance, Kael. Creation and destruction, light and shadow. If you're not careful, it will consume you."
Kael's grip tightened on his sword's hilt. He had felt the pull of the Flame's darker side during the trials—a seductive whisper promising power without restraint. It had been terrifyingly easy to imagine giving in, to let the Flame burn away his doubts and fears. But he couldn't afford to lose himself. Not now, with so much at stake.
"I'll control it," Kael said firmly. "I have to."
By mid-afternoon, they reached the forest's edge, the dense trees giving way to rolling hills and scattered farmsteads. Smoke rose from one of the distant homes, a thin, dark plume against the clear sky. Kael and Nyxar exchanged a glance, unspoken urgency passing between them.
"Think it's them?" Kael asked, already breaking into a jog.
"Possibly," Nyxar replied, taking to the skies. "But we'll find out soon enough."
The farmstead was in chaos when Kael arrived. The main house was engulfed in flames, its roof collapsing in a shower of sparks. A woman's screams echoed from the barn, where several figures cloaked in black were dragging a young boy toward the shadows. Kael's heart clenched at the sight, and he sprinted forward, drawing his blade.
"Let him go!" he shouted, the Flame surging through him.
The Shadowborn turned, their ember-like eyes narrowing. There were three of them, each armed with wickedly curved blades that shimmered with dark energy. One of them sneered, stepping forward to meet Kael's charge.
"Another bondkeeper," the figure said, their voice dripping with disdain. "You're too late. The child belongs to us now."
Kael didn't waste time with a reply. He swung his blade, the runes flaring to life as it clashed against the Shadowborn's weapon. Sparks flew, and Kael pushed forward, forcing his opponent to retreat. The other two Shadowborn closed in, their movements unnaturally fast.
Before they could strike, a roar shook the air, and Nyxar descended like a thunderbolt. The dragon's claws raked the ground, scattering the Shadowborn and sending the boy tumbling free. Nyxar positioned himself between Kael and their attackers, his wings spread wide and his eyes blazing.
"Leave now," Nyxar growled, his voice like rolling thunder. "Or face the wrath of the Flame."
The Shadowborn hesitated, their ember eyes flickering with uncertainty. But their leader, the one who had spoken earlier, seemed unfazed. They raised a hand, and the shadows around them coalesced, forming a dark sphere that pulsed with malevolent energy.
"You think you can stop us?" the leader sneered. "The Shadowborn are eternal. Your Flame is but a dying ember."
With a flick of their wrist, the sphere shot forward, aimed directly at Nyxar. The dragon roared, unleashing a torrent of fire that collided with the shadowy projectile. The two forces clashed in a dazzling explosion of light and dark, sending shockwaves rippling through the air.
Kael used the distraction to attack, his blade flashing as he struck at the nearest Shadowborn. The runes flared with every swing, the Flame surging in response to his movements. The Shadowborn fought back fiercely, their weapons humming with dark energy, but Kael's newfound strength was undeniable. He moved with a fluidity and precision he had never known, his connection to the Flame guiding his every strike.
One by one, the Shadowborn fell. The leader, realizing the tide had turned, snarled in frustration and stepped back into the shadows.
"This isn't over, bondkeeper," they hissed. "We'll meet again."
With that, they vanished, their form dissolving into the darkness. The battlefield fell silent, the only sounds the crackling of the burning house and the boy's muffled sobs.
Kael sheathed his blade and approached the boy, who was huddled against the barn wall. "It's okay," he said gently, kneeling beside him. "You're safe now."
The boy looked up at him with wide, tear-filled eyes. "They… they killed my parents," he whispered. "They said I had to go with them… that they'd make me like them."
Kael's heart ached. He placed a comforting hand on the boy's shoulder. "I won't let that happen. You're coming with us."
Nyxar approached, his massive form casting a protective shadow over them. "We can take him to the nearest village," the dragon said. "But Kael, we can't save everyone. The Shadowborn are spreading faster than we can follow."
Kael stood, his fists clenched. "Then we need to find their stronghold. If we keep reacting, we'll always be one step behind."
The boy tugged at Kael's sleeve. "I heard them talking," he said hesitantly. "They said something about the Vale of Echoes. That's where they were taking us."
Nyxar growled, his eyes narrowing. "The Vale of Echoes. A place of ancient power, and danger."
Kael nodded, his resolve hardening. "Then that's where we'll go. It's time to take the fight to them."