Kael and Varyn approached the town of Haldrin as the sun crept over the horizon. The town was nestled in a shallow valley, surrounded by dense forests. Its modest wooden structures were adorned with ivy and moss, blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Smoke rose lazily from chimneys, and the faint hum of activity drifted toward them.
Haldrin had a reputation as a safe haven for travelers and mercenaries, but its peaceful façade was deceptive. Beneath its quiet surface, Kael sensed an undercurrent of unease.
"We'll stop here to rest," Varyn said, sheathing his sword as they walked toward the gates. "And to figure out our next move."
Kael nodded, his gaze scanning the surroundings. Despite the exhaustion tugging at his limbs, he couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.
---
The town square was bustling with activity. Merchants called out to passersby, displaying wares ranging from fresh produce to weapons. Children ran through the cobblestone streets, their laughter a brief respite from the tension Kael felt in the air.
They found an inn on the edge of the square, its sign swaying gently in the breeze. The "Rusted Lantern" was a modest establishment, its exterior weathered but welcoming.
Inside, the innkeeper greeted them with a smile, her round face framed by greying curls. "Travelers, eh? You've come at a strange time. Rooms are scarce, but I've got one left if you're looking."
"We'll take it," Varyn said, sliding a few coins across the counter.
The innkeeper handed them a key and lowered her voice. "Keep your heads down. There've been... strangers in town lately. Not the friendly sort."
Kael's interest piqued. "Strangers?"
She nodded. "Cloaked figures, asking questions about the Mirestone. If I were you, I'd steer clear of trouble."
Kael and Varyn exchanged a glance, their suspicions confirmed.
---
As night fell, the streets of Haldrin grew quiet. Kael sat by the room's single window, watching the shadows lengthen outside. Varyn was sharpening his blade, the rhythmic sound filling the room.
"We're being followed," Varyn said suddenly, his tone matter-of-fact.
Kael turned to him. "How do you know?"
Varyn gestured to the window. "I've seen the same figure pass by three times in the last hour. They're trying to stay hidden, but they're not subtle."
Kael's hand instinctively moved to the hilt of his sword. "What do we do?"
"We draw them out," Varyn said, standing. "Better to face them on our terms than wait for them to make a move."
---
The plan was simple. Kael would remain in the room as bait while Varyn circled around to intercept their pursuer. Kael sat by the window, feigning ignorance as the figure moved closer.
Minutes passed like hours until a shadow shifted near the doorway. Kael tensed as the door creaked open, revealing a hooded figure silhouetted in the moonlight.
"You've been busy," the intruder said, their voice low and rasping. "The Mirestone's power doesn't go unnoticed."
Kael stood, his sword at the ready. "Who are you?"
The figure stepped closer, pulling back their hood to reveal a face marked with scars and piercing eyes. "I'm a Seeker, like you. Or I was, before the Heart consumed my life."
Before Kael could respond, Varyn appeared behind the intruder, his blade resting against their throat.
"Move and you're dead," Varyn said coldly.
The Seeker smirked. "Killing me won't solve your problems. I'm not your enemy."
Kael raised an eyebrow. "Then why are you following us?"
"Because I know what you're up against," the Seeker replied. "And if you think the trials of the Mirestone were difficult, you're not ready for what's coming next."