Chapter 8: The Shadows of Vallendara
The hum of the crowd grew louder as Ren and Kael approached the gates of Vallendara. Ren had never seen anything so imposing. The black stone walls, reinforced with gleaming metal plates, were inscribed with glowing runes that pulsed faintly, as if in rhythm with the energy shielding the city. There was order in the chaos of this place, but also an undercurrent of secrecy, as if each stone concealed untold stories.
Ren watched merchants and travelers passing through the gates. Carts laden with goods, groups of warriors in worn armor, and mages draped in ornate cloaks—all moving with purpose. He felt a twinge of unease as he noticed some casting curious glances his way, lingering longer than seemed comfortable.
— "Vallendara is unlike anywhere you've ever been," Kael said without looking at him. — "Here, everyone is searching for something. Power, gold, information. Above all, survival."
Ren tried to absorb the weight of those words as they passed through the gates. Inside, the city unfurled like a world unto itself. Wide streets paved with smooth stones were flanked by tall buildings of dark wood and pale stone. Every corner hosted a spectacle: merchants hawking their wares, duelists displaying their skills in open squares, and musicians playing melodies that vied for attention amidst the din of the crowd.
The atmosphere was both captivating and unsettling. He felt a faint vibration in his backpack—a sensation he recognized instantly. The Codex seemed to be reacting to the environment, as if attuned to the city's invisible tension.
Kael stopped near a plaza where children played among merchant stalls. He turned to Ren, his expression serious.
— "Don't be fooled, boy. Vallendara might seem lively, but it's a place where secrets are currency, and alliances last only until they're no longer convenient."
Ren nodded silently. He had learned to trust Kael's experience, even when he didn't fully understand his intentions.
They continued through quieter side streets until they reached a small tavern tucked between two larger buildings. The entrance was unassuming, marked only by a wooden sign bearing a symbol Ren didn't recognize. Inside, the atmosphere was calmer. Magical lanterns cast a soft light over tables occupied by quiet, reserved figures.
Kael chose a table in the furthest corner. After ordering something simple to eat and drink, he leaned toward Ren, his expression cautious.
— "Before we do anything, we need to make one thing clear."
Ren leaned in, his attention sharp.
— "What is it?"
Kael lowered his voice to a near-whisper.
— "The Codex must remain hidden. If anyone discovers you have it, we'll be hunted down before we have a chance to understand what's happening."
Ren swallowed hard. He knew the Codex was powerful, but hearing those words made it all feel much more real.
— "Do you think someone here would know what I'm carrying?"
Kael glanced around before replying.
— "In this city, everyone has their own interests. Mages, mercenaries, cultists… no one is completely trustworthy. Remember that."
Ren nodded, though his curiosity was already pushing him to ask questions. When Kael left to gather information, Ren remained in the tavern, observing the other patrons. He began to notice small details: the red-robed mage who seemed to measure every movement around him, the group of mercenaries whispering over a map, and even the barkeep, whose attention seemed more focused on conversations than on orders.
---
A Fateful Meeting
After some time, Ren decided to explore the city on his own. He felt the need to understand Vallendara better, even without Kael's guidance.
The streets were even busier than before, illuminated by magical lanterns that cast dancing shadows on the stone walls. Ren passed stalls selling amulets, ornate weapons, and rare herbs. The Codex vibrated again, but this time with a different intensity. It felt as though it were responding to something—or someone—nearby.
Turning a corner, Ren entered a smaller square where a crowd had gathered around a figure. She was a young woman with silver hair, dressed in a white tunic adorned with intricate symbols. Her golden eyes shone with an almost otherworldly intensity, and her presence seemed to command the space.
Ren tried to slip past unnoticed, but she saw him immediately. Her gaze locked onto him, and a knowing smile curled her lips.
— "You."
Ren froze, a chill running down his spine. He didn't know why, but he felt as though this woman already knew far too much about him.
— "What is it you carry?" she asked, her voice clear and firm.
Ren fought to stay calm, though his mind raced. He couldn't reveal the Codex, but lying to someone like her felt equally dangerous.
— "I don't know what you're talking about," he said at last.
The woman took a few steps closer, the crowd parting around her as if compelled.
— "Don't lie. The Codex cannot be hidden from one who knows it. But don't worry… for now, I'm not your enemy."
The Codex pulsed in his backpack, as though confirming her words. Ren swallowed hard but held her gaze.
— "Who are you?"
She smiled again, but this time there was a challenge in her expression.
— "I am Lyria, Heir of the First Gate. And we will meet again."
Before Ren could respond, she turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving him with more questions than answers.
---
The Search Begins
Back at the tavern, Ren found Kael waiting for him. He recounted what had happened, and Kael listened in silence before shaking his head.
— "This is troubling."
— "Who is she?" Ren asked.
Kael sighed.
— "Lyria is one of the most dangerous bearers of the Codex. She believes absolute power is the only way to save this world. But the cost of her choices is greater than anyone can imagine."
Ren felt the weight of Kael's words as he tried to process everything. He knew Vallendara was only the beginning of something much larger, but with Lyria now in the picture, everything felt even more complicated.
Kael stood, his expression more serious than ever.
— "Let's go. I've found where we can begin our search for the fragment. But we're not the only ones after it, so we need to move quickly."
Ren nodded and followed Kael out of the tavern. The night in Vallendara was full of shadows and possibilities, but Ren knew the answers he sought were slipping further from his grasp. And the Codex, as always, pulsed faintly in his backpack, as though just as eager as he was for what lay ahead.