The road ahead was long and quiet, stretching into a vast, rolling countryside. Jack and Darian walked side by side, their boots crunching against the gravel path. The sun hung low in the sky, casting golden light over the fields, but even the warmth of the day couldn't erase the weight of what they had left behind—or the uncertainty of what lay ahead.
"So," Jack began, breaking the silence, "where exactly are we going? Or are we just wandering aimlessly until another Revenant drops into our laps?"
Darian glanced at him, his expression serious. "Not aimlessly. There's someone we need to meet—a scholar who specializes in ancient magic. If anyone can make sense of the Revenant's reappearance, it's her."
Jack raised an eyebrow. "A scholar? Sounds… safe. Is she going to lecture us to death?"
Darian smirked. "She might. But she's brilliant, and her knowledge of magical history is unparalleled. If there's a connection between the Revenant and other dormant forces, she'll find it."
Jack sighed, adjusting the strap of his pack. "Fine. Where does this magical historian of yours live?"
"In a city called Aldwyn," Darian replied. "It's about a week's journey from here if we keep a steady pace."
"A week?" Jack groaned. "I should've stayed in the village. At least there, I could've gotten a hot meal and a proper bed."
"You'll survive," Darian said dryly.
The two walked on, their banter filling the quiet spaces between the rustle of leaves and the chirping of birds. Despite his complaints, Jack couldn't deny that the open road felt oddly liberating. For years, he'd wandered from town to town with no real purpose, but now, with Darian at his side and a goal ahead of them, the journey felt… different.
Still, a part of him couldn't shake the lingering sense of dread. The Revenant might be sealed, but Darian was right—magic like that didn't just wake up on its own. Something bigger was at play, and Jack had a sinking feeling that they were only scratching the surface.
By the time night fell, they had reached a small clearing near a river. Darian set to work building a fire while Jack scouted the area, his sword drawn just in case. The forest around them was quiet, too quiet for Jack's liking, but he found no signs of danger.
As the fire crackled to life, Jack sat down with a heavy sigh. "So, this scholar of yours… what's her name?"
"Eryndra," Darian said, his tone reverent. "She's one of the most respected historians in the realm. Her family has guarded the archives of Aldwyn for generations."
Jack chuckled. "Sounds fancy. You think she'll actually help us?"
"She will," Darian said firmly. "If anyone understands the risks of the Revenant's magic, it's Eryndra."
Jack stared into the fire, his thoughts drifting. "You know," he said after a moment, "I used to think all this magic stuff was just… stories. Things people made up to scare kids or sell books. But after everything we've seen, I'm starting to wonder if the world's always been this messed up, and I just wasn't paying attention."
Darian poked at the fire, his expression contemplative. "Magic has always been part of our world," he said. "But most people live their lives without ever encountering it. It's easier to pretend it doesn't exist than to face the dangers it brings."
"Yeah, well," Jack muttered, "I don't think I'll ever be able to pretend again."
They lapsed into silence, the firelight dancing across their faces. Jack leaned back against his pack, letting the warmth of the flames lull him into a sense of security he knew was temporary at best.
"Get some rest," Darian said quietly. "We've got a long way to go."
Jack nodded, closing his eyes. Sleep came slowly, his dreams filled with shadows and the faint, echoing laughter of the Revenant.
The next few days passed uneventfully. The countryside gradually gave way to rolling hills, dotted with small villages and farmland. Jack and Darian avoided the larger towns, keeping to the quieter roads to avoid drawing attention.
As they approached Aldwyn, the landscape began to change. The fields grew sparser, replaced by rocky outcroppings and dense patches of forest. The air grew cooler, and the distant silhouette of the city's towering spires appeared on the horizon.
"There it is," Darian said, gesturing toward the city.
Jack whistled low. "Impressive. How big is it?"
"Big enough," Darian said. "Aldwyn is one of the oldest cities in the realm. Its archives are said to contain knowledge dating back to the First Age."
Jack grinned. "Sounds like a fun place to get lost."
As they approached the city gates, Jack couldn't help but marvel at the towering walls and the intricate carvings that adorned them. The gates were made of solid iron, flanked by guards in polished armor.
"Halt," one of the guards said as they approached. "State your business."
"We're here to see Eryndra," Darian said, stepping forward. "Tell her Darian of Aelthar has come seeking her counsel."
The guards exchanged a look before one of them nodded. "Very well. Wait here."
The guard disappeared through a smaller side door, leaving Jack and Darian to wait. Jack shifted uneasily, glancing around at the bustling crowds and the imposing walls.
"Popular place," he muttered.
Darian smiled faintly. "Aldwyn is a hub of trade and knowledge. It attracts all kinds."
After a few minutes, the guard returned, gesturing for them to follow. "Eryndra will see you," he said.
They were led through the winding streets of the city, the noise and activity a stark contrast to the quiet countryside they'd traveled through. Vendors shouted their wares, children darted through the crowds, and the air was filled with the smells of food, smoke, and horses.
The guard finally stopped in front of a massive stone building, its façade adorned with intricate carvings of runes and symbols Jack didn't recognize.
"This is the Archive," the guard said. "Eryndra is waiting for you inside."
Darian nodded in thanks, and the two stepped through the heavy wooden doors.
The interior of the Archive was even more impressive than the exterior. Shelves upon shelves of books stretched toward the high vaulted ceiling, and the air was thick with the scent of parchment and ink. At the center of the room stood a woman dressed in flowing robes, her dark hair streaked with silver.
"Darian," she said, her voice warm but sharp. "It's been a long time."
"Too long," Darian replied, bowing his head slightly. "Thank you for seeing us."
Eryndra's piercing gaze shifted to Jack. "And you must be the swordsman who keeps finding himself in the middle of magical catastrophes."
Jack blinked. "Uh, yeah. That's me, I guess."
Eryndra's lips twitched into a faint smile. "Come. We have much to discuss."
She led them deeper into the Archive, to a private chamber filled with maps, scrolls, and glowing crystals.
"What have you found?" she asked, sitting at a large wooden table.
Darian placed his pack on the table and pulled out a sketch of the Revenant's crystal prison. "The Revenant has been sealed," he said. "But its reappearance wasn't random. Something disturbed its slumber."
Eryndra studied the sketch, her expression unreadable. "You're right," she said finally. "Magic like this doesn't wake without cause. There are forces at work here, Darian—forces older and more dangerous than the Revenant itself."
Jack frowned. "Older? Like what?"
Eryndra leaned back in her chair, her gaze distant. "The Revenant is but one of many ancient entities sealed away long ago. If one has awakened, it's possible others will follow."
"Fantastic," Jack muttered. "More monsters to deal with."
Eryndra's gaze sharpened. "This is no laughing matter. If the seals on these entities are failing, the entire world is at risk."
Darian nodded. "That's why we came to you. We need to know what we're up against—and how to stop it."
Eryndra studied him for a long moment before nodding. "Very well. But if we're to find answers, we'll need to dig deeper than ever before."
She gestured to the shelves of books and scrolls surrounding them. "This will take time."
Jack groaned, slumping into a chair. "Great. I guess retirement really isn't in the cards."
Darian smiled faintly. "Welcome to the fight, Jack."
And so, their journey took another turn, the weight of the unknown pressing down on them as they prepared to face whatever darkness lay ahead.