The journey to Kether's Hollow was not difficult, but the tension between Kael and Lira increased as they traversed the winding forest trails. Kael's mind whirled with thoughts of the Veil Nexus and the Order's growing reach. They were getting closer to the town as they took each step, but also to the unknown challenges that awaited. He couldn't help but ponder: was he actually prepared for what was to come or was he just grabbing at straws?
By noon, the forest thinned out making way to reveal the vast suburbs of Kether's Hollow. The town was bigger than Kael thought it would be, its streets packed with merchants shouting their wares and people from out of town. The wooden structures, while timeworn, still took their toll with a look of unyielding toughness and power. However, beneath the undercurrent of activity, Kael felt a discordant state. The town seemed… restless. The air carried a faint tension, as if unseen forces loomed just beyond sight.
"Stick close," Lira muttered, her eyes scanning the crowd. "Kether's Hollow has its charms, but it's also full of people looking to exploit anyone who seems out of place.
Kael nodded, adjusting the Starforged Blade on his back. Its presence alone seemed to draw the occasional curious or wary glance, but he ignored them, focusing instead on the task ahead. But he could not help but feel the beginning of a prickling at the back of his neck. Every step felt like they were being watched.
Their first stop was a tiny store in the back of a quiet street. The wooden sign above the door read "Gralin's Emporium, its faded lettering barely visible.
Lira swung the door open and the bell above it chimed gently. The interior was dimly lit, the shelves cluttered with an assortment of oddities—from cracked vials of unknown liquids to rusted weapons that looked more decorative than functional. Behind the counter stood a short, wiry man with a scruffy beard and sharp eyes that flicked between curiosity and suspicion. Gralin's grin stretched when he caught sight of Lira, but there was a feeling of caution in his expression.
"Lira! I thought you'd finally gotten yourself killed, the man said, his voice light but tinged with something darker. "What brings you back to my humble establishment?"
"Gralin," Lira said, her tone businesslike. "We need your help. And before you ask, yes, you owe me."
Gralin's grin faltered. "Ah, yes, the debt. I was hoping you'd forgotten about that." He sighed, leaning against the counter. "What do you need?"
Lira gestured to Kael. "Weapons, supplies, and all information about the Order of the Veil. And before you say it, yes, we can pay."
Even Gralin's keen eyes darted to Kael and swept over the Starforged Blade. "That's an interesting piece you've got there," he said, nodding toward the sword. "It appears to be more valuable than all of what can be bought in this store. Dangerous to carry something like that around here."
Kael stiffened but said nothing. Lira stepped closer to the counter, her voice dropping to a low, dangerous tone. "Gralin. Focus."
The merchant held up his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. Let me see what I can dig up. He disappeared into the back room, leaving Kael and Lira alone.
Kael's grip on the blade tightened. "You trust him?"
So far I can throw him," Lira said. "But he's useful. And for now, that's enough."
Gralin reappeared minutes later with a load of belongings and a chafed map. "This should get you started," he said, spreading the map on the counter. He hit a point in proximity to the forest edge. "There's been talk of strange activity here—cloaked figures, strange lights, the usual ominous signs. If the Order is at work, this is perhaps a good place to look."
Lira nodded, gathering the supplies. "Thanks, Gralin. Consider your debt repaid."
Gralin's grin returned, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Pleasure doing business with you. Watch your backs out there. Shadows have a way of sticking closer than you'd like.
Their next stop was the forge in the heart of the town. The rhythmic clang of hammer on metal echoed through the air as they approached. The blacksmith, Jorik, was a broad-shouldered man with soot-streaked skin and a demeanor as solid as the weapons he forged. Always he raised his eyes from his handiwork, and his usually severe countenance would lose a little of its harshness at the mere sight of Lira.
"Lira," he said, his voice a deep rumble. "Didn't expect to see you again."
"It's nice to meet you again, Jorik," Lira replied, giggling softly. "We need your help."
Jorik set his hammer down, crossing his arms. What kind of mess are you dragging me into this time?
The kind that makes contact with the Order of the Veil," Lira answered. "We need gear, and any information you have on their movements.
Jorik's expression darkened. "The Order… They've been getting bolder lately. Just a couple of weeks ago, a contingent of them came through town wanting to ask questions about ancient finds. I told them to get lost, but they didn't seem too happy about it."
Kael stepped forward. "Do you know what they were looking for?"
Jorik shook his head. "Not exactly. But they mentioned something about keys to a nexus. Whatever it is, they seemed desperate. Desperation makes people dangerous."
"And what about gear?" Lira asked. "We need something that can handle whatever the Order throws at us."
Jorik studied Kael for a moment before nodding. "I might have something. Wait here."
He disappeared into a side room, returning moments later with a set of reinforced leather armor and a small, intricately designed dagger. "The armor's lightweight but sturdy. It should help you stay mobile. And the dagger to say the least it has been to a number of campaigns."
Kael accepted the gear with a grateful nod. "Thank you."
Jorik's expression softened slightly. "Stay safe out there. The Order is not the only threat to be found in these lands. And Kael… keep an eye on those shadows. Sometimes they're not as empty as they seem."
Kael and Lira Left the forge, however, the load of the task bore down on Kael's back. They now possessed allies but the horizon ahead remained uncertain. The map Gralin had provided pointed to a new lead, but it also hinted at greater dangers lurking just beyond their reach.
"We're making progress," Lira said, breaking the silence. "But don't let your guard down. Kether's Hollow may be in the rearview mirror, but the Order's influence lingers."
Kael nodded, gripping the Starforged Blade tightly. "I won't. Whatever it takes, we'll stop them."
As they made their way out of town, Kael couldn't shake the feeling that unseen eyes were watching their every move. The shadows seemed deeper here, more alive. Somewhere in the distance, faint whispers brushed against his ears—a reminder that their journey was only just beginning, and the darkness was far from idle.