Night blanketed Fenmarch in restless shadows as the distant horn's wail faded into a tense hush. Kaelen Rehn and Alyssia Verdante hurried out of the bunkhouse, weapons in hand, joining a growing crowd of anxious refugees along the main street. Every face reflected the same question: Were the warlord's forces already at the city gates?
City watch lanterns blazed at the ramparts, and rumors rippled through the throng—some spoke of a phantom sighting in the northern farmland, others whispered about a large shadow gliding across the sky. But before panic could overtake them, a commanding voice rang out:
"Clear the streets, everyone! Return to your quarters unless summoned by the watch or the council!"
Captain Iyana stood atop a low wall, flanked by two guards. Her auburn hair, cropped at the shoulders, gleamed in the torchlight. She held a rolled parchment, scanning the crowd for familiar faces until her gaze settled on Kaelen and Alyssia.
"Both of you—come with me!" she barked.
They pushed their way forward. "What's happening?" Kaelen asked, adrenaline surging.
"Nothing yet," Iyana replied, "but the watchers spotted movement outside the walls. We're not sure what it was—could be a scouting party or a stray beast. The council has been convened urgently. Follow me."
Without waiting for an answer, she hopped down and strode toward the city's central keep. Kaelen and Alyssia exchanged wary looks and fell into step behind her.
Fenmarch's keep, a squat but sturdy fortress within the city's second ring, was guarded by a heavy iron gate and multiple patrols. Tonight, the gate was wide open, beckoning selected attendees to an emergency council session. Lamplight flickered along stone corridors as Kaelen and Alyssia followed Captain Iyana inside.
They soon reached a grand hall whose vaulted ceiling bore intricate murals of heroic battles and mythical beasts. In the center, a broad table had been assembled, surrounded by chairs. Key figures milled about in heated conversation:
Master Gainan, his gray hair disheveled, whispering with a robed scholar.A tall knight in polished armor, Sir Coren by his crest, gesturing emphatically to a pair of archers.A weary-faced healer, Mistress Karinya, wearing a green tabard marked with a caduceus symbol.Several city officials in formal attire, eyes darting nervously each time a guard entered.
At the head of the table stood Councilwoman Elisia, the stern-faced official whom Kaelen and Alyssia had briefly encountered during the covert archive meeting. She raised a hand for silence as soon as she noticed them arrive.
"Captain Iyana. Perfect timing," Elisia said, her voice echoing in the hall. "We've mustered every key leader available. The watch reports suspicious activity outside the northern walls."
Iyana inclined her head. "We suspect a small infiltration team or perhaps a Summon beast scouting for weaknesses. So far, no direct assault. The watchers say they saw only shapes in the distance."
Elisia nodded grimly. "We can't risk an ambush. The council will decide how to respond. But first—" She turned her steely gaze on Kaelen and Alyssia. "You two were also called here. We want your testimony regarding the warlord's tactics, especially after what you witnessed in Harborough and at the Earth temple."
Kaelen swallowed hard, stepping forward. Around him, the assembled knights, healers, and scholars fell silent. "W-we've seen him destroy walls with a single slash of his Manifested Soul Focus. He also has Summon creatures—some big, some smaller scouts, but all dangerous. He's… unstoppable if we face him unprepared."
Alyssia added, voice steady but quiet, "We found runes indicating he might be after an Ascended Form of the Soul Focus. If that's true, he'll only grow stronger—and faster than we can imagine."
Murmurs rippled through the group. Sir Coren frowned. "So you suggest we strike first, before he reaches full power?"
A portly city official in fine robes retorted, "That's madness. We barely have enough men to guard Fenmarch's walls, let alone launch a preemptive strike!"
Elisia closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Let's discuss systematically."
Once everyone took a seat, or stood behind chairs if none remained, Councilwoman Elisia began the formal deliberation. Master Gainan, Captain Iyana, and the other leaders took turns presenting intelligence. The tension in the hall was palpable.
Sir Coren advocated for an immediate, decisive campaign against the warlord's known outposts. "Let us muster a cavalry squadron and cut off his Summon supply lines," he boomed, slamming a mailed fist on the table. "Bold action might catch him off guard."
Mistress Karinya, the healer, shuddered at the idea of more casualties. "Your strategy would leave the city vulnerable. We have wounded refugees, no guarantee of victory, and if the masked warlord counters, we risk total annihilation."
Councilman Beron, an older official with a beak-like nose, insisted on negotiation. "We know little of his demands. Perhaps he wants territory or tribute. With well-placed envoys, we can avoid bloodshed." A chorus of scornful mutters met this idea—several knights glared at him.
Captain Iyana shook her head. "We've seen enough of this warlord's actions. He thrives on fear and destruction. Diplomacy is pointless if the other side doesn't want peace."
The debate raged, voices rising. Some called for a defensive posture, strengthening the city's fortifications and hoping the warlord might bypass Fenmarch. Others insisted on forming alliances with nearby strongholds or seeking specialized Summoners to counter his Summon beasts.
Kaelen and Alyssia hovered at the edge of the group, absorbing the chaos. Alyssia felt her heart pounding—not just from the heated argument, but from the flickers of Earth Flow that pulsed at her bracer. The Summon within her stirred, sensing fear in the room.
She closed her eyes, taking a calming breath. Focus… don't let it take over.
Eventually, Councilwoman Elisia rapped the table with a small mallet, demanding order. "Captain Iyana, you suggested a preemptive scout mission, yes? Something more robust than just our watchers on the wall?"
Iyana nodded. "We can't commit our entire force, but a small, elite team can gather intel. If the warlord is truly closing in, we'll confirm it. If we find an opening, we can sabotage or strike key Summon staging points."
Sir Coren's eyes flashed. "I'll not see Fenmarch be overrun by illusions of safety. We need more than a handful of scouts. We should gather the best we have—knights, archers, and Flow-wielders—and push north."
Elisia held up a hand. "We can't risk the city going undefended. But Captain Iyana's plan is a middle ground. A specialized scout force, guided by those who know the warlord's tactics." Her gaze landed on Kaelen and Alyssia.
Kaelen felt a surge of nerves. They can't be asking us to head back into danger already. But he realized if anyone had insight into the warlord's Summons, it was them.
"I accept," he said quietly. "We'll do what we can."
Alyssia, jaw tight, nodded. "As do I. If we can warn the city or disrupt his Summons before they attack, it might save lives."
Elisia's face softened a fraction. "Very well. Alyssia, we also learned about a crucial Earth temple that might be threatened." She hesitated, scanning her notes. "The temple you visited was partially collapsed, correct?"
"Yes," Alyssia said. "We suspect more temples or shrines exist that hold runes related to Summon gates or advanced Soul Focus lore. If the warlord is collecting them, he might gain unstoppable power."
A hush fell. Mistress Karinya placed a gentle hand on Alyssia's arm. "You're an Earth-Affinity wielder, dear. With that Summon Pact… perhaps you can sense or protect these temple sites?"
Alyssia swallowed. "I can try."
Sir Coren heaved a sigh. "Then it's settled. She secures the Earth temple. Kaelen—" He turned to the young Fire wielder. "We'll need your flame in the scouting mission up north."
Elisia nodded, pressing a quill to parchment. "So we have two tasks: one, confirm the warlord's approach via a covert scout mission led by Captain Iyana, with Kaelen's aid. Two, secure the Earth temple site and glean any runic knowledge we can. Alyssia, you will have the city's blessing to travel to the temple region."
At that moment, a loud crash echoed from the corridor outside. Voices shouted in alarm.
All heads whipped toward the main doors. The guards posted there suddenly stumbled back, weapons raised. "Intruders!" one guard yelled. A swirl of shadow flickered past him, accompanied by a sickly green glow.
Captain Iyana cursed under her breath, drawing her short sword. "We're under attack!"
The hall erupted in confusion as a wave of black-robed figures poured in—the masked warlord's minions. Their eyes shone with an unnatural gleam. One robed figure brandished a staff that crackled with eerie purple Astral Flow, while another conjured a swirling sphere of dark wind. They moved with disquieting speed, scattering the city's leaders.
"Form up!" Sir Coren bellowed, raising his sword. Several knights rushed to defend the council table. Master Gainan flung out his palm, channeling a controlled burst of wind that buffeted two attackers back.
Kaelen felt adrenaline spike. He and Alyssia instinctively put their backs together, scanning for threats. Alyssia's knuckles whitened on her staff, Earth Flow crackling beneath her feet. Kaelen drew his half-forged sword, embers flickering along the blade.
Another robed assailant lunged with a dagger, attempting to stab Councilwoman Elisia. Kaelen dashed forward, intercepting the blow with a burst of flame. The robed figure shrieked, cloak catching fire. He toppled to the floor, rolling in a frantic attempt to extinguish the flames.
Meanwhile, Alyssia swung her staff, causing the stone tiles under a second attacker to heave upward. With a rumble, a pillar of rock surged beneath the intruder, tossing him into the air. He landed with a thud on the far side of the hall.
"More are coming through the side!" Mistress Karinya cried, pointing toward an arched doorway. Indeed, a tall figure in a horned mask stepped through, swirling dark energy around his hands. He locked eyes with Kaelen.
"You… the warlord's chosen wants a word," the masked man hissed, voice distorted. "But if you won't come willingly, we'll drag you in pieces."
Kaelen's blood ran cold. He raised his blade, Fire Flow surging in his veins. "Not a chance."
The intruder unleashed a scythe-like slash of dark Astral Flow. Kaelen ducked, flames dancing at the tip of his sword. He returned fire with a sweeping arc of heat, forcing the masked man to recoil.
All around, the hall degenerated into scattered skirmishes. Some city officials cowered beneath tables, while the knights formed protective lines. Captain Iyana engaged two robed cultists at once, her blade humming with concentrated wind Flow. She disarmed one with a swift slash, but the other conjured a tendril of inky darkness that lashed around her ankle.
Alyssia rushed to help, thrusting her staff into the ground. The stone floor rippled, cracking under her command, and a wedge of rock slammed into the cultist, breaking his hold. "Iyana, watch out!" Alyssia cried.
Iyana nodded in thanks, finishing the cultist with a sharp strike to the temple. He crumpled, unconscious.
Meanwhile, Kaelen found himself locked in combat with the horned-mask man. Every time Kaelen unleashed a wave of flame, the man countered with swirling darkness that extinguished the heat. Embers flickered and died in the gloom. I can't keep a steady burn. He's dampening my Fire Flow.
"Your power is still so small," the masked foe mocked, voice dripping with disdain. "No wonder the warlord let you live—he finds your struggles amusing."
Rage flared inside Kaelen's chest. He let me live? Why? He attacked again, ignoring the confusion. Fire roared along his blade, but the masked opponent evaded with uncanny grace. A thrust of dark Flow grazed Kaelen's arm, sending pain lancing through his body. He staggered, teeth clenched.
"Kaelen!" Alyssia shouted, noticing his distress. She couldn't assist; a second wave of robed minions pressed her from another side.
Suddenly, Master Gainan intervened, his own swirling wind clashing with the horned-mask man's darkness. "Stand firm, Kaelen," he urged. "Control your Fire. Don't let anger overshadow your technique."
Kaelen drew a ragged breath, focusing on the steady burn in his core. Let the flame guide the blade. With Gainan's wind providing an opening, Kaelen lunged again, slicing a small arc of flame at the masked man's flank. This time, the man couldn't fully dodge. Fire grazed his side, forcing him to retreat with a hiss.
"Enough of this," the masked intruder snarled, cradling a scorched wound. "We came to deliver a message."
Master Gainan, breath heaving, glared at him. "You came to slaughter us."
A chilling laugh emanated from behind the horned mask. "You can't hide behind these walls much longer. The warlord knows of your pathetic council. He grows weary of your meddling. Soon, Fenmarch will burn."
Then, with a swirl of black miasma, the masked man and his remaining cohorts began to withdraw, darting for the exit. Some knights tried to block the way, but the minions used illusions and shadow Flow to slip past. In moments, they vanished into the night, leaving behind a handful of unconscious or wounded attackers sprawled on the hall floor.
Panting heavily, Kaelen clutched his wounded arm. Sparks of pain flickered where the dark Flow had sliced his skin, but he forced himself upright. He surveyed the hall: tables overturned, chairs splintered, and a few city officials trembling behind rubble. Captain Iyana rushed around, checking for injuries, while Mistress Karinya treated a guard with a nasty gash across his shoulder.
Master Gainan helped Councilwoman Elisia to her feet. She exhaled shakily, her usual composure rattled. "They infiltrated the keep with startling ease," she murmured. "We must've overlooked a breach in our perimeter. Or… we have spies in the city."
"Or both," muttered Sir Coren, his armor dented in places.
Elisia squared her shoulders, raising her voice to address everyone. "It's clear the masked warlord won't wait for us to decide. He's already sending agents to sow chaos. The time for debate is over."
The battered group reconvened around the damaged table. Captain Iyana patted the hilt of her sword. "We proceed with the original plan, but faster. My scouts will leave at first light—maybe even sooner. Kaelen, I need you with us."
Kaelen clutched his half-forged sword, swallowing his apprehension. "I'll be there."
Elisia turned to Alyssia. "And the Earth temple—your mission remains vital. If those Summon gates lie dormant in other shrines, the warlord's minions will target them next. You must depart quickly, gather any allies you can, and secure that temple."
Alyssia shifted, her staff sliding in her grip. "I understand. I'll go at dawn as well."
Sir Coren set his jaw, addressing them both. "We'll bolster the city watch, but we can't protect you outside the walls. Move swiftly, keep hidden, and rely on your Astral Flow. If you find conclusive proof of the warlord's location or Summon caches, send a messenger hawk or a runner back to Fenmarch. We'll coordinate a larger strike."
In the post-battle tension, the council quickly formalized their decisions. Messengers dashed out to spread word of an imminent scouting expedition. Knights combed the keep for any more lurking infiltrators. The wounded were carried to the city infirmary. The hall gradually emptied, leaving only a core group of leaders—and Kaelen and Alyssia.
Captain Iyana approached Kaelen, her expression resolute yet concerned. "That was close. If we don't root out their spies, they'll strike again. But for now, focus on the northern farmland mission. We have to know how big the warlord's force is."
Kaelen inclined his head, feeling the burn in his injured arm but ignoring the pain. "Understood. Where do I meet you?"
"Outside the west gate. We'll gather supplies, choose a small team. We leave by sunrise."
She clasped his good shoulder in a gesture of solidarity, then turned to bark orders at a few battered knights.
Meanwhile, Alyssia walked over to Master Gainan, who was helping a guard realign an overturned shelf. "Master… any advice before I leave for the temple region?"
He sighed. "The Earth temple might resonate strongly with your Summon Pact. Keep your Flow balanced. Don't let fear empower the spirit." He hesitated, then pressed a worn scroll into her hands. "This might help. It's a record of partial Summon-binding techniques. Study it on the road. Perhaps it can keep the Summon from overtaking you."
Alyssia felt a lump in her throat. "Thank you. I'll do my best."
Gainan placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Return alive, Alyssia. We're all counting on you."
Once the main hall cleared, only Kaelen and Alyssia remained near the shattered council table. The flicker of lanterns played across their tired faces. They'd fought side by side, and now they faced separate missions. Neither spoke at first, each struggling with the weight of what lay ahead.
Finally, Kaelen broke the silence. "I guess… this is goodbye for now."
Alyssia's eyes flickered with uncertainty. "Yes. We both leave at dawn, but in different directions." She tried for a wry smile. "Seems like the warlord wants to tear us all apart, one way or another."
He exhaled, stepping closer. "We'll see each other again. We have to. We're in this fight together, remember?"
She studied his face in the lantern glow, recalling the moments they'd shared: the temple revelations, nights in the Fenmarch bunkhouse, training sessions, and that ephemeral closeness that had blossomed. "I'll hold you to that, Kaelen." Her voice was soft. "But promise me you won't take unnecessary risks. You nearly lost control before."
He glanced at the faint ember lines on his sword, the memories of unleashing too much flame roiling in his mind. "I'll be careful. You too—don't let the Summon overshadow you."
A shadow of a smile touched her lips. "Deal." She hesitated, then impulsively took his uninjured arm, pulling him into a brief embrace. Her heart pounded, and for an instant, the swirl of responsibilities around them fell quiet.
Kaelen's heart thudded in his chest, taken aback by the warmth of her closeness. He returned the embrace gently, feeling a surge of protectiveness. "Stay safe," he whispered.
Then they separated, tension and unspoken hopes hanging between them. Tomorrow, dawn would scatter them across the land, each chasing the warlord's shadow in a different way. Yet the bond they'd forged burned bright in that moment, a spark of hope in a world threatened by darkness.
Outside, the keep's courtyard was alive with activity. Soldiers rushed to organize gear. A handful of scouts prepared horses. The battered defenders began repairs on the keep doors. Overhead, the sky remained moonlit and watchful, as if anticipating the clash to come.
Kaelen parted ways with Alyssia at the courtyard's edge, heading to meet Captain Iyana for a final briefing. She watched him go, shoulders set with grim resolve, before turning in the opposite direction to gather supplies for her own journey.
A messenger sprinted into the courtyard, breathless, almost colliding with Kaelen. "Urgent—urgent dispatch from the northern farms!" he wheezed, holding up a crumpled note. "They've sighted a Summon horde… at least a dozen beasts… and maybe more behind them."
Hearing this, Kaelen felt his blood run cold. A dozen Summons? So soon? He caught Iyana's eye across the yard. Her expression mirrored his alarm. At the same time, on the far side of the courtyard, Alyssia overheard a whispered rumor from a robed scholar: "Earth temple guardians… all missing."
Two warnings, equally dire. Fenmarch teetered on the precipice, and its two newest champions stood at a crossroads of life and death.