Morning came slowly in Eldermoor. The sun rose timidly behind the jagged peaks, casting long shadows over the snow-covered village. Brison, seated by the dying embers of his hearth, hadn't slept. His gaze kept drifting to the woman on the cot—Kate.
Her features, now peaceful in sleep, hinted at a life far removed from the rugged harshness of the mountains. Her delicate hands, uncalloused and soft, were those of someone unaccustomed to labor. And then there was the amulet. Even now, it glimmered faintly, as if imbued with a life of its own.
A soft knock at the door broke his thoughts. Brison rose and opened it a crack, finding Elthar standing there with a stern expression.
"How is she?" the elder asked, his voice low.
"She's still resting," Brison replied. "I'll take her to the council later."
Elthar frowned but nodded. "Be cautious, Brison. The villagers are already whispering. They saw you carrying her last night, and they fear what her presence might mean."
"I saved her life," Brison said, his voice firm. "That's all."
Elthar's gaze softened, but only slightly. "Sometimes, saving one life can endanger many others. Watch yourself."
Brison closed the door, irritation flickering through him. He returned to the cot, just as Kate began to stir. Her eyes fluttered open, taking in the room with wary curiosity.
"Good morning," Brison said, his tone softer.
Kate sat up slowly, clutching the amulet. "Morning… Where am I again?"
"Eldermoor," Brison replied. "A village high in the mountains. Do you remember anything about how you got here?"
Kate rubbed her temples, wincing as if her own thoughts were painful. "I was running… There was a forest, and then snow. And shadows." Her voice trembled. "They were chasing me."
"Shadows?" Brison asked, leaning forward.
Kate nodded, her gray eyes wide. "Not people. Not animals. Just… shapes. Dark, and fast. I don't know what they were, but they wanted this." She held up the amulet, its faint glow catching the light.
Brison studied it carefully. Its design was intricate—a silver chain bearing a teardrop-shaped stone, etched with symbols he didn't recognize. Despite its beauty, it radiated an unsettling energy, like a heartbeat out of sync with the world.
"What is it?" he asked.
"I don't know," Kate admitted. "I just remember someone gave it to me. Told me to keep it safe, no matter what."
Brison frowned. "Do you remember who?"
Kate shook her head. "It's all a blur. I can't even remember where I came from, or…" Her voice broke, and she looked down, ashamed.
Brison hesitated, then placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "It's all right. You've been through something terrible. Memories will come back in time."
Kate gave him a faint smile, but her eyes remained troubled. "Why did you help me?"
Brison shrugged, as if the question were unnecessary. "You were dying in the snow. What kind of man would I be if I left you there?"
Kate studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Thank you. I owe you my life."
Before Brison could respond, there was a louder knock at the door. He opened it to find three villagers standing there, their faces grim.
"Brison," one of them said, a broad man named Harlan. "We need to talk."
"What is it?" Brison asked, stepping outside to avoid disturbing Kate.
Harlan shifted uncomfortably. "That woman you brought back—who is she? Where did she come from?"
"She doesn't remember," Brison said.
"That's convenient," Harlan muttered.
Another villager, a wiry man named Jerek, crossed his arms. "Elthar says she has an amulet. A cursed one. If she brings the shadows here, it's on your head."
Brison's temper flared. "She's injured and scared. She's no threat to anyone."
"You don't know that," Jerek shot back.
Before the argument could escalate, Elthar appeared, his presence silencing the group.
"Enough," the elder said sharply. He turned to Brison. "Bring her to the council. Now."
Brison hesitated, then nodded. He returned inside, where Kate was already standing, her expression wary.
"I heard them," she said softly.
"They're scared," Brison replied. "But they'll listen to reason. Come with me."
Kate clutched the amulet tightly as Brison led her through the village. The streets were quiet, save for the occasional villager peering from behind curtains. Whispers followed them, but Brison ignored them, keeping his focus on Kate.
The council chamber, a large hall carved from stone, was cold and dimly lit. Five elders sat at a long table, their weathered faces betraying years of hardship. Elthar took his place at the head, motioning for Kate to step forward.
"What is your name, child?" Elthar asked, his tone gentler than before.
"Kate," she replied, her voice steady despite her fear.
"And what is your purpose here?"
"I don't know," Kate admitted. "I was running from something. Shadows. They wanted this." She held up the amulet.
The room fell silent. The elders exchanged uneasy glances, and Brison could feel the weight of their scrutiny.
Elthar spoke again, his voice grave. "That amulet bears the mark of the Shadowed Peaks, a curse that has plagued these mountains for centuries. If the shadows are chasing you, they may come for us as well."
Kate's grip on the amulet tightened. "I don't want to hurt anyone. I just… I don't know what to do."
One of the elders, a woman named Ysra, leaned forward. "The shadows have not crossed into Eldermoor for generations. If they come now, it will not be by chance. We must consider the safety of the village."
"You can't blame her for this," Brison said, stepping forward.
"Can't we?" Jerek snapped from the back of the room.
Elthar raised a hand for silence. "The amulet must be examined. Its power understood."
"No!" Kate said, her voice stronger now. "I don't trust anyone else with it. If it falls into the wrong hands…" She trailed off, as if recalling something too terrible to speak aloud.
Brison stepped closer to her, his voice calm. "Then we'll keep it safe. Together."
Elthar's expression softened, but his eyes remained troubled. "Very well. But know this, Brison—if the shadows come, it will be your responsibility to protect us all."
Brison nodded, his jaw set. "I will."
As they left the hall, Kate glanced at him. "Why are you doing this for me?"
Brison met her gaze, his eyes steady. "Because I believe you."
For the first time, Kate smiled—a small, fleeting expression, but one that carried a glimmer of hope.