The journey to the village took longer than Kael expected. The Veilwood seemed endless, its glowing trees and eerie silence making every step feel like a test of endurance. Lira led the way with quiet confidence, her staff casting a soft light that cut through the forest's gloom. Kael followed close behind, his mind racing with questions he wasn't sure how to ask.
"How much farther?" he finally said, breaking the silence.
"Not far," Lira replied without turning around. "We should reach the edge of the forest soon. The village is just beyond it."
Kael nodded, though she couldn't see him. He glanced down at the shard in his chest, its faint pulse a constant reminder of how out of place he was. "Lira," he said after a moment, "what's this village like? Are the people there… friendly?"
Lira hesitated, her steps slowing slightly. "Emberfall is a refuge for those who've been affected by the Veil's corruption. The people there are survivors, but they're wary of outsiders. Especially Veilwalkers."
"Great," Kael muttered. "So, they're not going to welcome me with open arms."
"Not exactly," Lira admitted. "But they'll tolerate you as long as you don't cause trouble. And if we're lucky, we might find someone who can help us."
Kael wasn't sure what kind of help they could find in a village full of people who didn't trust him, but he didn't argue. He was too tired, and the thought of a warm meal and a place to rest was enough to keep him moving.
As they neared the edge of the forest, the trees began to thin, and the air grew warmer. The oppressive energy of the Veilwood faded, replaced by the faint smell of smoke and the sound of distant voices. Kael felt a flicker of relief as they stepped out of the forest and into the open.
The village of Emberfall lay ahead, nestled in a valley surrounded by rolling hills. It was smaller than Kael had expected, with a cluster of wooden buildings and a few stone structures scattered throughout. Smoke rose from chimneys, and the faint glow of lanterns illuminated the streets. It looked… normal, almost peaceful. But Kael could feel the tension in the air, a subtle undercurrent of unease.
"Stay close," Lira said as they approached the village gates. "And let me do the talking."
Kael nodded, his nerves kicking in as they reached the entrance. Two guards stood at the gate, their armor worn but sturdy. They eyed Kael and Lira warily, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords.
"State your business," one of the guards said, his voice gruff.
"We're travelers seeking shelter," Lira replied calmly. "We mean no harm."
The guard's eyes narrowed as he looked at Kael. "And him? What's with the glowing shard?"
Kael tensed, but Lira stepped forward, shielding him slightly. "He's under my protection. He won't cause any trouble."
The guards exchanged a glance before the second one shrugged. "Fine. But if he causes any problems, you'll both be thrown out."
"Understood," Lira said, her tone firm.
The gates creaked open, and Kael followed Lira into the village. The streets were narrow and winding, lined with small shops and houses. People moved about, their faces drawn and tired, but there was a sense of community here that Kael hadn't expected. Children played in the streets, their laughter a stark contrast to the tension he'd felt at the gate.
"This place… it's not what I expected," Kael said quietly.
"Emberfall is a haven for those who've lost everything," Lira explained. "But it's also a place of secrets. Be careful who you trust."
Kael nodded, his eyes scanning the crowd. He noticed a few people staring at him, their expressions a mix of curiosity and fear. He couldn't blame them. The shard in his chest made him stand out, and in a world like this, standing out was dangerous.
Lira led him to a small tavern near the center of the village. The sign above the door read The Cracked Lantern, and the warm light spilling from the windows was inviting. Inside, the air was thick with the smell of roasted meat and ale. A few patrons sat at wooden tables, their conversations hushed as Kael and Lira entered.
"Wait here," Lira said, gesturing to a table in the corner. "I'll see if I can find someone who can help us."
Kael sat down, feeling out of place as Lira disappeared into the crowd. He glanced around the room, his eyes landing on a group of travelers sitting nearby. They were dressed in rough, practical clothing, and their weapons were well-worn. One of them, a woman with short, dark hair, caught his eye and gave him a nod.
Kael nodded back, unsure of what else to do. He wasn't used to this kind of attention, and the shard in his chest made him feel like a walking target. He looked down at the table, his fingers tracing the grooves in the wood.
"You're new here," a voice said, pulling him out of his thoughts.
Kael looked up to see the woman from the group standing by his table. She had a confident air about her, and her sharp eyes seemed to take in every detail.
"Yeah," Kael said, trying to sound casual. "Just passing through."
The woman raised an eyebrow. "With a shard like that? You're either very brave or very foolish."
Kael forced a smile. "A bit of both, maybe."
The woman chuckled, sitting down across from him. "Name's Ryn. I've seen a few Veilwalkers in my time, but none quite like you."
"What do you mean?" Kael asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Most Veilwalkers are… intense," Ryn said, leaning back in her chair. "They've got this air of destiny about them, like they're here to save the world or something. But you? You look like you'd rather be anywhere else."
Kael laughed despite himself. "Yeah, that about sums it up."
Ryn grinned, but her expression turned serious. "Listen, if you're planning to stick around, you should know that not everyone here is as friendly as me. There are people in this village who'd sell you out for a handful of coin. Be careful who you trust."
"Thanks for the warning," Kael said, his tone sincere.
Ryn nodded, standing up. "Good luck, Veilwalker. You're going to need it."
Lira returned a few minutes later, accompanied by a tall, broad-shouldered man with a scar running down the side of his face. He looked like a fighter, his presence commanding respect.
"Kael, this is Garrick," Lira said, gesturing to the man. "He's agreed to help us."
Garrick nodded, his eyes scanning Kael with a critical gaze. "So, you're the Veilwalker," he said, his voice deep and gravelly. "Let's hope you're worth the trouble."
Kael stood, extending a hand. "Nice to meet you."
Garrick ignored the hand, turning to Lira instead. "We'll leave at first light. Be ready."
With that, he walked away, leaving Kael standing there awkwardly.
"Don't take it personally," Lira said. "Garrick's not the friendly type, but he's one of the best fighters in the region. We'll need his help if we're going to find the other Veilwalkers."
Kael nodded, though he couldn't shake the feeling that Garrick didn't trust him or maybe just didn't like him. Either way, it was clear that their journey was about to get a lot more complicated.