Chapter 15: Shadows in the Dark
The early morning sun barely broke through the thick clouds as Nathan and Scarlet made their way toward the eastern gates of Rhys' Landing. The town buzzed with activity, but an undercurrent of tension seemed to linger in the air. The guild had given them their first official quest—an escort mission to protect a merchant caravan traveling through a nearby mountain pass. It wasn't glamorous, but it was a good starting point. A chance to test their skills, and perhaps take a step closer to their ultimate goal.
Scarlet couldn't shake the nagging sense that something was wrong. Ever since their registration at the guild, there had been whispers—furtive glances from other adventurers, hurried conversations that died as soon as they entered the room. Nathan, ever the keen observer, had noticed it too.
"It's strange, isn't it?" Scarlet murmured, her voice low. "Ever since we passed the test, people have been... different."
Nathan glanced at her, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah, I've felt it too. We're being watched. Not just by the guild, but by other adventurers. They're curious."
"Do you think it's because of your resonance with the elements?" Scarlet asked, raising an eyebrow. "You definitely left an impression. And my fire magic isn't exactly common, either."
"Maybe," Nathan replied, voice distant. "But something tells me it's more than that. It feels like we're being pushed into the spotlight before we even had a chance to settle in."
Scarlet's lips curled into a half-smile, eyes sharp with the familiar edge of determination. "Well, whatever it is, let's just hope we can handle it."
***
The Caravan and the Mountain Pass
By midday, they reached the caravan—a ragtag group of traders and their heavily armed guards, preparing for the treacherous journey ahead. The caravan leader, a middle-aged man named Darius, approached them with a firm handshake.
"Glad to have you on board," Darius said, studying them with a mix of skepticism and intrigue. "We've been hearing some troubling reports from travelers—disappearances, figures lurking in the shadows. I'm sure you've heard the rumors."
Nathan nodded, hand resting casually on his sword's hilt. "We've heard. That's why we're here."
The caravan consisted of several large carts laden with supplies, making its way east. Darius directed them to their assigned positions—Nathan at the front, and Scarlet at the rear, ensuring no threats came from behind.
As they journeyed deeper into the mountain pass, the air grew colder, and the terrain more treacherous. Jagged rocks lined the narrow trail, and the sense of danger grew with each step. Scarlet's sharp gaze flitted from the trees to the rocks and the skies above. Her connection to the elements kept her on edge, feeling every disturbance in the air.
"Something's off," she muttered, her voice tight.
Nathan, who had been scanning the trail ahead, stiffened. "I know. Stay alert."
The mountains weren't unfamiliar with danger—wild beasts, bandits, and the occasional monster roamed these parts. But the sense of unease that hung over them was different, something darker. As the sun dipped below the peaks, an unnatural chill settled over the caravan. They paused at a clearing, unaware they had just crossed into a territory far more dangerous than any bandit's hideout.
***
The Ambush
The attack came without warning.
From the cliffs above, cloaked figures descended with terrifying speed. Their movements were fluid, as if part of a coordinated dance. The caravan guards reacted immediately, weapons drawn, but it was clear they were outmatched. The assailants struck with eerie precision, dismantling the guards with unsettling ease.
"Ambush!" one guard yelled, swinging his sword at the nearest attacker. But before his blade could land, it was knocked away, and he was quickly overpowered.
Nathan's senses flared. Dark magic hung thick in the air, something twisted and unnatural. This wasn't a simple robbery. His hand gripped his sword tighter, and the ground beneath him stirred. Vines erupted from the earth, ensnaring one of the attackers, but they sliced through the tendrils with a single, practiced motion.
"Scarlet!" Nathan shouted.
From the rear of the caravan, Scarlet raised her hand, flames swirling in her palm. With a swift motion, she hurled a wall of fire toward the attackers. Several recoiled, but one figure simply waved a hand, and the flames vanished as if snuffed by an invisible force.
"These aren't ordinary thieves," Scarlet muttered, frustration lining her voice. "Are they mages?"
Nathan didn't answer. He was too focused, fending off two attackers, their blades clashing in rapid succession. They were skilled, but not as fast as he was. He struck with precision, sending one tumbling to the ground, vines wrapping around him to hold him in place.
"Focus!" Nathan called. "Keep them away from the caravan!"
Scarlet nodded, her eyes glowing with intensity. Flames crackled around her, but she held them in check, waiting for the right moment to strike.
Just as they seemed to gain the upper hand, a new figure emerged from the shadows—a woman cloaked in dark robes. Her presence radiated power, and even Nathan felt his blood run cold in her presence. She raised her hand, and the air around her seemed to warp.
"You two are far more powerful than I expected," the woman said, her voice soft yet imbued with an undeniable force. "But it won't be enough."
***
The Dark Sorceress
Nathan's eyes narrowed. The magical energy she radiated was unlike anything he had felt before. This wasn't just an ambush—it was a trap, and she was the mastermind.
"Who are you?" Nathan demanded, sword held steady, ready for anything.
The woman smiled, though it was devoid of warmth. "I am Rhea, and you are the key to something far larger than you understand."
Scarlet's heart skipped. She recognized the name. Rhea was a notorious dark sorceress, linked to the Demon King's inner circle. The same enemies they had been hunting for so long.
"We've been watching you," Rhea continued, her voice dripping with mockery. "You're stronger than I expected. But it won't matter. You're still just children, and the world is far too dangerous for you to survive on your own."
Before Nathan or Scarlet could respond, Rhea raised her hand, and the earth trembled beneath them. Dark energy surged from the ground, creating jagged fissures that split wide open. From the chasm emerged a creature—twisted, monstrous, with glowing red eyes and claws that gleamed like daggers. It let out a deafening roar, shaking the very air around them.
"We'll see how you fare against my creations," Rhea said with a cruel smile.