The village of Eldralis lay at the foot of the mountain, a humble settlement surrounded by dense woods and farmland. Smoke from cooking fires curled into the evening sky, and villagers bustled about, unaware of the group approaching from the forest's edge.
Kael stopped, gesturing for the others to pause. "We'll rest here for the night," he said. His voice carried an edge of exhaustion, though his composure remained intact.
"Finally," Rynn muttered, stretching. "My feet are killing me. A hot meal wouldn't hurt either."
Alyssa glanced toward the village, her arms crossed. "Are you sure it's safe? After what happened back there, I wouldn't be surprised if Zarathus has eyes on us."
Lyra adjusted her quiver, her expression guarded. "She's right. We don't know if this place is compromised."
Kael nodded, his golden eyes scanning the village. "It's a risk, but one we have to take. The Celestial Core's energy is attracting attention. If we don't rest and regroup, we won't be ready for the next battle."
The group entered Eldralis cautiously, their presence drawing curious glances from the villagers. Most of the townsfolk were simple farmers and craftsmen, their lives untouched by the grand conflicts of gods and magic.
An elderly innkeeper greeted them at the village's lone inn, her wrinkled face breaking into a kind smile. "Travelers, eh? You've come a long way. Rooms are humble, but they'll keep the cold out."
Kael nodded, his tone polite but firm. "Thank you. We'll take four rooms."
As they settled into their rooms, the group gathered in the common area to discuss their next steps. The fire crackled in the hearth, casting flickering shadows across their faces.
"Let's not mince words," Alyssa said, leaning forward. "The phantoms were bad enough, but Zarathus won't stop there. He's going to come at us with everything he has."
Rynn leaned back in his chair, tossing a dagger into the air and catching it absentmindedly. "And we'll deal with it, like we always do. What's the plan, Kael?"
Kael placed the Celestial Core on the table, its faint glow illuminating the room. "The Core is a fragment of the heavens, a source of immense power. It's not just a weapon; it's a beacon. Zarathus wants it because it's a key to unraveling the balance between creation and destruction."
Lyra frowned, her sharp gaze fixed on the artifact. "If it's so dangerous, why not destroy it? Why risk carrying it around?"
Kael's expression hardened. "Because destroying it would cause even greater chaos. The Core is tied to the fabric of this world. If it's destroyed, the energy it holds could tear the heavens apart."
The room fell silent, the weight of Kael's words sinking in.
As the conversation continued, the door to the inn burst open, and a young woman staggered inside. She was dressed in tattered armor, her face pale and her eyes wide with fear.
"Help… please…" she gasped before collapsing to the floor.
Kael was the first to move, kneeling beside her and placing a hand on her forehead. His magic flowed gently, easing her pain. "She's injured but stable. Alyssa, help me."
Alyssa nodded, summoning a small orb of shadowy light that hovered above her palm. "This will help numb the pain."
The woman's eyes fluttered open, her voice weak. "They… they're coming. The Sentinels… they destroyed my village."
Rynn's dagger froze mid-spin, his expression darkening. "Sentinels? You mean Zarathus's mercenaries?"
The woman nodded, tears streaming down her face. "They're headed here… they'll burn everything… please, you have to stop them."
Kael stood, his golden eyes glowing faintly. "How far are they?"
The woman's voice trembled. "Not far… they'll be here by dawn."
Lyra cursed under her breath, already reaching for her bow. "We need to move. Now."
Kael's voice was calm but commanding. "No. We stand our ground here. These people won't survive if we run."
Alyssa raised an eyebrow, her tone skeptical. "You're willing to risk everything for a village of strangers?"
Kael met her gaze, his expression resolute. "I'm willing to risk everything for the balance of this world. If we abandon them, Zarathus's influence spreads unchecked."
Rynn smirked, twirling his dagger. "Well, when you put it like that, I guess I'm in."
Alyssa sighed, shaking her head. "Fine. But if we die, I'm haunting you."
Lyra rolled her eyes, her hand already on her bow. "Let's just focus on surviving."
As the night deepened, the group prepared for the impending attack. Kael stood on the outskirts of the village, his staff glowing softly as he inscribed protective runes into the earth. The air was heavy with anticipation, and the faint sound of marching footsteps echoed in the distance.
The villagers, though fearful, rallied to help. They brought tools and supplies, fortifying the village as best they could.
Kael glanced at the horizon, his expression unreadable. The battle to come would be fierce, but he was determined to protect the village and its people.
"Zarathus," he murmured to himself, gripping his staff tightly. "You won't win this day."
End of Chapter 14