The village of Eldwyn had returned to a semblance of peace in the days following Kael's victory over Malakar and the destruction of the obelisk. However, an undercurrent of unease lingered. The villagers' newfound hope was tempered by the knowledge that their struggles were far from over.
Kael spent much of his time in quiet contemplation, his thoughts consumed by the events at the obelisk and the revelations they had brought. Sitting atop a hill overlooking the village, he gazed at the horizon, his golden eyes reflecting the fading sunlight.
Lyra approached him, her soft footsteps barely audible on the grass. She carried a small basket of food, which she placed beside him before sitting down.
"You've been quiet lately," she said, breaking the silence. "Even more than usual."
Kael glanced at her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Just thinking."
"About what?"
"About what comes next," he admitted. "The obelisk was destroyed, but it was only a fragment of something much larger. Malakar wasn't working alone."
Lyra frowned, her gaze drifting to the horizon. "Do you think the village is still in danger?"
Kael's expression darkened. "Not immediately. But whatever force is behind the shadow beasts won't stop with one failure. It's only a matter of time before they strike again."
Lyra's hand tightened around the hilt of her bow. "Then we'll fight them. Just like we did before."
Kael chuckled softly. "Your courage is admirable, Lyra. But this isn't a battle that can be won with weapons alone. We'll need more than strength—we'll need knowledge."
Later that evening, Kael gathered Aldric, Lyra, and the village's other leaders in the chapel. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows on the walls as they discussed their next steps.
"We need to understand what we're dealing with," Kael said, his tone commanding. "The obelisk was a conduit for dark energy, but its design wasn't something Malakar could have created on his own. Someone, or something, gave him that power."
Aldric nodded solemnly. "Do you have any idea who—or what—it might be?"
Kael hesitated, his mind racing through fragments of ancient knowledge. "There are many possibilities, but one stands out. Long ago, there was a being known as Zarathus Primus, a figure of immense power and ambition. He was banished to the void after challenging the natural order, but his influence lingers. If he's involved, this is only the beginning."
The room fell silent as the weight of Kael's words sank in. Finally, Lyra broke the silence. "So, what do we do?"
Kael's gaze was steady. "We prepare. And I'll need to leave the village again—to seek answers and allies."
The following morning, Kael stood at the edge of the village, ready to depart. Lyra, Rynn, and a handful of others had gathered to see him off.
"You're leaving again," Lyra said, her tone a mixture of frustration and concern.
Kael nodded. "I have to. The answers we need won't be found here."
Rynn stepped forward, his expression determined. "Take me with you. I've been training hard, and I'm ready to fight by your side."
Kael placed a hand on the young mage's shoulder. "Your potential is great, Rynn. But your time hasn't come yet. Stay here and continue your training. The village will need you if anything happens."
Rynn looked disappointed but nodded. "I won't let you down."
Kael turned to Lyra. "Keep an eye on him. And on the village."
Lyra crossed her arms, her brow furrowing. "You talk like you're not coming back."
"I'll come back," Kael said, his voice firm. "I always do."
With that, he turned and began his journey, his cloak billowing behind him as he disappeared into the forest.
Kael traveled for several days, his path leading him deeper into the wilderness. The air grew colder, and the trees became twisted and gnarled, their branches forming an ominous canopy overhead.
One evening, as he made camp near a crumbling ruin, he sensed a presence nearby. Rising to his feet, he gripped his staff and scanned the darkness.
"Whoever you are, show yourself," he called out.
A figure stepped into the firelight—a woman clad in dark robes, her pale skin contrasting sharply with her raven-black hair. Her eyes glinted with a mix of curiosity and amusement.
"You're a bold one," she said, her voice smooth and melodic. "Most would flee at the sight of me."
Kael's grip on his staff tightened. "Who are you?"
The woman smirked. "You may call me Alyssa. And you… you're not an ordinary traveler, are you?"
Kael didn't answer, his gaze never leaving her.
Alyssa tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. "Relax. If I wanted you dead, you'd already be lying in a pool of your own blood."
"Comforting," Kael said dryly. "What do you want?"
"Information," Alyssa replied. "The same thing you're seeking, I'd wager. The obelisks, the shadow beasts… they're connected to something far greater."
Kael's eyes narrowed. "What do you know about them?"
Alyssa's smirk widened. "Enough to know that you're out of your depth. But you're not entirely useless. Perhaps we can help each other."
Kael hesitated, weighing his options. He didn't trust her, but her knowledge could be invaluable.
"Speak," he said finally.
Alyssa stepped closer, her movements graceful and deliberate. "There's a ruin not far from here—a place steeped in dark magic. It's said to hold the answers you seek. But be warned: the path is treacherous, and the guardians are merciless."
"Why are you telling me this?" Kael asked.
"Because I'm curious to see if you'll survive," Alyssa said with a sly grin. "And because if you do, you might prove useful to me."
Kael's expression remained unreadable. "Very well. Lead the way."
As they set out together, Kael couldn't shake the feeling that Alyssa was hiding something. Her motives were unclear, and her demeanor was unsettling. But for now, she was an ally—and in the fight against the darkness, Kael needed all the help he could get.
End of Chapter 6