The sun rose higher as the group trudged through the dense forest, the morning air heavy with dew and tension. Eryon, leading the way, could feel the shard pulsing faintly in his pocket like a second heartbeat. Each step seemed to carry the weight of their uncertain future.
Althea's gaze remained sharp as she scanned their surroundings. "We're not far from the village now," she said, glancing at Lorin. "Do you think they'll help us?"
Lorin shrugged, his bow resting across his shoulder. "Depends on who's in charge. The smaller villages don't like strangers, especially now. They're scared of the Voidspawn."
"We don't have a choice," Eryon said. "We need supplies, and maybe someone there knows what's happening with the Void."
Tia stumbled over a root but caught herself before falling. Eryon reached out to steady her. "You doing okay?"
She nodded, though her face was pale. "I'm just tired."
"We'll rest when we get to the village," Eryon promised.
The group pressed on, the thick canopy of the forest gradually giving way to clearer skies. By midday, they crested a hill and saw the village in the distance. It was small, nestled in a valley with fields of wheat and a few scattered cottages. A wooden palisade surrounded the settlement, and smoke rose from chimneys, a sign of life and activity.
"Finally," Lorin muttered. "Let's just hope they don't slam the gate in our faces."
As they approached the village, the air grew warmer, and the sounds of daily life reached their ears—children laughing, hammers striking anvils, and the distant bleating of sheep. It was a stark contrast to the chaos they had left behind in Eldenridge.
The guards at the gate eyed them warily. One of them, a tall man with a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "State your business."
"We're travelers," Althea said, her tone measured. "We need food, supplies, and shelter for the night."
The guard's eyes narrowed. "Travelers, huh? You're armed like soldiers."
Lorin stepped forward, raising his hands in a placating gesture. "We've had to defend ourselves. The roads aren't safe anymore."
The guard exchanged a glance with his companion, then nodded reluctantly. "Fine. But don't cause any trouble. And don't stray too far from the main square."
The gates creaked open, and the group entered the village. The villagers watched them with wary eyes, their expressions a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
"They don't trust outsiders," Tia whispered, clinging to Eryon's arm.
"Can't blame them," Lorin said. "The Voidspawn have everyone on edge."
In the square, they found a bustling marketplace. Stalls sold everything from fresh produce to handmade tools, and the smell of freshly baked bread filled the air. For a moment, it almost felt normal.
Eryon's stomach growled, reminding him how long it had been since their last proper meal. "We need food first," he said.
They pooled their remaining coins and purchased bread, cheese, and dried meat. Sitting on the edge of the square, they ate in silence, their eyes constantly scanning the crowd for potential threats.
As they finished their meal, an elderly woman approached them. She wore a simple cloak, and her piercing blue eyes seemed to see straight through them. "You're not ordinary travelers," she said, her voice low but firm.
Eryon tensed, his hand instinctively moving to the shard in his pocket. "What do you mean?"
The woman chuckled softly. "Don't play coy with me, boy. I've seen the signs. The Void follows you, doesn't it?"
Althea's grip tightened on her staff. "Who are you?"
"Call me Rhea," the woman said. "I've lived in this village for many years, but I wasn't always here. I know more about the Void than most."
Lorin frowned. "Why would someone in a tiny village know about the Void?"
Rhea ignored him, her gaze fixed on Eryon. "You carry something, don't you? Something powerful."
Eryon hesitated, then pulled the shard from his pocket. Its faint glow seemed to brighten in Rhea's presence.
Her eyes widened, and she took a step back. "So it's true. The shards have awakened."
"What do you know about it?" Eryon asked, his voice urgent.
Rhea gestured for them to follow her. "Not here. Too many ears."
They followed her to a small hut at the edge of the village. Inside, the air was filled with the scent of herbs and old parchment. Shelves lined the walls, cluttered with books, jars, and strange artifacts.
Rhea motioned for them to sit. "The shard you carry is one of twelve," she began. "Each one is a fragment of an ancient seal that kept the Void at bay. Long ago, the Twelve Empires came together to create the seal, using their combined magic and will. But over the centuries, the seal weakened, and now the shards have scattered."
"Why me?" Eryon asked. "Why did this shard choose me?"
Rhea studied him for a long moment. "The shards choose those they deem worthy—or those with the greatest potential. You've been marked, whether you like it or not."
Althea leaned forward. "How do we stop the Void? How do we fix the seal?"
Rhea shook her head. "It's not that simple. To repair the seal, all twelve shards must be reunited. But even then, the magic to restore it has been lost to time."
Lorin crossed his arms. "So what you're saying is, we're doomed."
"Not necessarily," Rhea said. "The shards are powerful. Together, they might hold the key to defeating the Void once and for all. But finding them will be no small task. Others are searching for them too—dangerous people who would use their power for destruction."
Eryon looked at the shard in his hand, its light flickering like a heartbeat. "Then we'll find the shards. We'll stop the Void."
Rhea's lips curved into a faint smile. "You're brave, I'll give you that. But bravery alone won't be enough. You'll need allies, knowledge, and strength beyond anything you've known."
Tia, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "What about the people who are hunting us? Will they stop if we find the shards?"
"No," Rhea said gravely. "If anything, they'll come after you even harder. But you can't let that stop you. The fate of the world depends on it."
As they left Rhea's hut, Eryon felt the weight of her words settle heavily on his shoulders. The journey ahead would be perilous, but he couldn't let fear hold him back.
For the first time since the Void fell, he felt a flicker of hope.