The first rays of dawn filtered through Aurelith's window as she opened her eyes. Today marked her departure for Stonehold. The past three weeks had transformed her capabilities, especially with Gale Force. The wind technique now bent to her will twice daily, each burst lasting ten precious seconds.
Her muscles ached from the relentless training, but pride swelled in her chest. The ward improvements with Caladwen and Nimroth had proven equally fruitful. Their enhanced detection now revealed both numbers and shapes of those crossing the boundary, though the mana drain remained substantial.
In the village hall, Aelindor's silver hair caught the morning light as he embraced her. The other advisors gathered to bid farewell, and even Caladwen managed a curt nod.
"Take this." Nimroth pressed an echostone into her palm, another to Lira. "Weekly reports, without fail."
"We'll keep you informed," Aurelith tucked the stone into her pouch.
Their next stop brought them to Thalindor's forge, where the heat blast hit them as they entered. The dwarf wiped his hands on his apron and gave them each a gruff hug.
"Are the modifications ready?" Aurelith's eyes swept across the workshop.
Thalindor's beard twitched with pride as he pulled out a set of gleaming armor. The metal caught the forge light, its surface etched with intricate wind runes.
"These'll help with that fancy technique of yours. The reinforced joints and enhanced padding should keep your bones from shattering but don't be reckless."
He handed her the matching leggings, their design equally impressive. The dwarf had woven flexible plates between layers of treated leather, creating armor that moved like a second skin.
"And this beauty..." Thalindor lifted a longbow from his workbench. The wood seemed to pulse with life, its grain shifting under the light.
"Treated the wood with a special solution. Doubles the draw weight without sacrificing speed. Should snap back faster than anything you've used before."
He disappeared into the back of his forge, returning with a quiver of arrows that made Aurelith's breath catch. Each shaft was perfectly straight, the fletching precise down to the smallest detail.
"These aren't your ordinary arrows." Thalindor held one up. "Designed them special. It took me weeks. The shafts can handle multiple enchantments at once without breaking apart. Fire, wind, light - whatever magic you want to pour into them, they'll hold."
Aurelith picked up an arrow, testing its weight and balance. The craftsmanship was flawless, with each groove and notch placed with mathematical precision. She could feel the potential humming through the metal tip, waiting to be awakened by her magic.
"These are magnificent." Aurelith turned the arrow in her hands, admiring how the metal caught the forge light. "Your craftsmanship surpasses itself with each creation."
Thalindor's chest puffed up beneath his leather apron. "Well, can't have our best archer running around with second-rate equipment. Though I'd appreciate it if you brought back more than splinters this time."
"That was one time." Aurelith rolled her eyes.
"I'll write you a detailed report after testing these beauties out. Every enhancement, every reaction - you'll get the full breakdown."
"Looking forward to it. And don't forget to bring me exotic materials if you ever come across one." Thalindor's eyes crinkled at the corners.
"Those arrows might surprise you. Got a few new tricks worked into the metal."
Aurelith secured the quiver across her back. "Time to head out. Elena's shop is my last stop before Stonehold."
"Ah, visiting our resident potion master." Thalindor's expression sobered. "Watch yourself out there. Demon activity's been worse than usual, even for Stonehold's standards."
"I will." Aurelith nodded, adjusting the strap of her new armor. "Thanks for everything, Thalindor. I will see you soon."
She turned toward the door, the weight of the new equipment settling comfortably against her frame. The morning sun streamed through the workshop's windows, casting long shadows across the forge floor as she stepped out.
Elena's shop smelled of herbs and crystal dust. The alchemist pressed additional healing potions into their hands, despite their protests that their packs were already full.
The bell above Elena's shop door chimed as Aurelith stepped inside. Elena's face lit up at the sight of her friend, but her expression quickly morphed into one of hopeful pleading. The look she always wore when she had new experimental potions ready for testing.
"Don't give me those eyes." Aurelith shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips. "I'm heading to Stonehold today and you know it."
Elena's shoulders slumped. "But I just perfected this new stamina blend! The crystallization process…"
"I'm here for my orders from last time," Aurelith cut in, knowing Elena could talk about potion theory for hours. "The healing and mana potions?"
"Oh, right." Elena disappeared behind the counter, her silver hair swishing as she bent to retrieve a wooden box. "I added extra stabilizers to these ones. They should last longer in your pack without degrading."
The box contained neat rows of crystal vials, deep red for healing, shimmering blue for mana restoration. Each cork bore Elena's precise handwriting detailing the potion's properties and date of brewing.
"Perfect timing too. I just finished the batch yesterday." Elena's fingers drummed against the counter. "But are you sure you don't want to try just one experimental…"
"Not this time." Aurelith carefully transferred the vials to her pack. "I need reliability for this. Maybe when I return?"
Elena brightened at that. "Promise? I have this fascinating theory about combining frost essence with…"
"One thing at a time." Aurelith placed the payment on the counter.
"Keep those ideas brewing until I'm back."
Elena nodded, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"I'll be waiting for my favorite lab guinea pig. Just think of all the experiments we can do when you return."
A chill ran down Aurelith's spine at those words.
Elena's laughter filled the shop, bright and clear. Her expression softened as she met Aurelith's gaze.
"Be careful out there. The roads to Stonehold aren't what they used to be. And please, try not to be reckless for once."
"I will be careful," Aurelith adjusted the strap of her pack. "I'll see you soon, Elena."
She stepped out of the shop, the bell's gentle chime marking her departure.
At the village gates, Aurelith adjusted her pack one final time. Lira fell into step beside her, and together they set out on the path toward Stonehold, leaving the familiar comfort of Everspring behind.
* * *
The setting sun painted the western edge of Whisperwind Glade in deep crimson hues. Aurelith and Lira paused at the tree line, their boots dusty from the day's travel.
"This spot should work."
Lira dropped her pack near a natural hollow in the terrain.
"The trees will block the wind, and that rock formation gives us cover."
Aurelith nodded, her auburn hair catching the last rays of sunlight.
"I'll find us dinner. Keep your echostone close."
She reached into her spatial ring, the air shimmering briefly as she retrieved one of the paired echostones, ancient communication devices with unlimited playback capabilities, that were among the precious few treasures her parents had managed to secure before Emberveil's fall.
The stone's smooth surface gleamed with a faint blue light as she passed it to Lira, a reminder of both its magical nature and the weight of history it carried.
While Lira gathered kindling and cleared space for their camp, Aurelith melted into the forest shadows. Her steps fell silent on the autumn leaves as she tracked fresh prints in the soil.
Two plump rabbits and a patch of wild berries later, she filled their waterskins at a clear stream before heading back.
The smell of herbs greeted her return. Lira had a small fire going, protected from sight by the rocky outcrop. She'd already laid out her cooking supplies.
Aurelith settled cross-legged by their packs and pulled out their inventory list.
"We've used more bread than expected. The dried meat's holding up well though." She made quick notes with a piece of charcoal.
"We should stock up on preserves when we reach Stonehold."
Lira hummed in agreement as she spiced the rabbits and set them to roast. The berries went into their remaining oatmeal for tomorrow's breakfast.
When the meat turned golden-brown, Lira divided it onto their wooden plates. Steam rose from the perfectly cooked rabbit, seasoned with wild herbs she'd gathered.
"This beats trail rations by leagues," Aurelith sighed between bites.
Lira grinned. "Nothing like fresh meat over a campfire."
They ate in comfortable silence, savoring every morsel as the stars began to appear above the treeline.
After their meal, Lira pulled the echostone from her pocket and extended it toward Aurelith. The crystal's blue glow pulsed softly in the dim firelight.
Aurelith shook her head, auburn hair shifting in the evening breeze.
"Keep it. We'll reach Stonehold tomorrow." Her golden-brown eyes fixed on her friend.
"The stone's range spans the whole territory. If anything happens, we can alert each other."
Lira's silver hair caught the last flickers of their dying fire as she tucked the crystal back into her tunic. "You're sure?"
"I trust you with it." Aurelith gathered their plates, scrubbing them with sand from the stream bank.
The two elves moved in practiced synchronization, erasing traces of their presence. Lira scattered the ashes while Aurelith brushed away their footprints. The forest floor returned to its natural state, leaves and twigs arranged to hide any sign of their camp.
Their bedrolls rustled as they settled in for the night. The stars winked through gaps in the canopy, and nocturnal creatures began their evening chorus. Sleep came quickly to both warriors, their breathing falling into the steady rhythm of seasoned travelers accustomed to nights under the open sky.
* * *
Dawn broke over Whisperwind Glade as Aurelith and Lira continued their journey toward Stonehold. The morning peace shattered when they crested a hill and stumbled upon a scene of carnage.
"What the hell is this?" Aurelith murmured, as she scans the field of corpses stretched before them.
Lira stood frozen beside her, silver hair whipping in the wind as she took in the aftermath of what must have been a massive battle. Demon bodies littered the ground. Lesser demons of various forms scattered across the blood-soaked earth. The remains of imps and hellhounds lay tangled together, their infernal flesh already beginning to decay.
But among the more common demon corpses, stranger forms caught their attention. Several bodies appeared to be half-transformed, one end still maintaining the shape of ordinary objects while the other revealed twisted demon flesh.
Even more disturbing were the small, childlike body parts strewn across the battlefield, tiny hands and feet that looked human but carried an otherworldly wrongness about them.
"Aurelith..." Lira's voice shook. "What are these things? I've never seen demons like this before."
Aurelith's jaw tightened as she surveyed the scene. "The half-transformed ones are mimics, demons that disguise themselves as everyday objects to ambush their prey. When killed, they remain frozen between their true form and whatever they were imitating."
She pointed to the small limbs. "And those... those are changelings. Demons that replace human children, growing up in disguise until they're ready to strike." Her voice carried the weight of ancient knowledge passed down through generations of Emberveil's rulers.
Lira shuddered, taking an involuntary step back from the grotesque display. "This must have been Seraphine's forces."
Aurelith's mind raced as she pieced together the evidence before her. The refugees' stories of demons appearing from nowhere, the changeling remains, the mimics… It painted a disturbing picture of how Stonehold had been infiltrated.
"The demons didn't just attack from outside."
"They grew their numbers from within. Changelings replaced children, mimics positioned themselves throughout the city..."
Lira's silver hair caught the morning light as she turned to her friend. "But Stonehold has always had demon hunters and priests. They should have detected this kind of infiltration."
"Exactly." Aurelith's fingers brushed against the silver circlet on her brow. "Someone must have compromised their detection methods. Or worse, the hunters themselves were replaced."
They pressed forward along the blood-stained path toward Stonehold. The scent of smoke grew stronger as they approached, and soon they came upon a group of survivors. Humans, dwarves, and even a few elves worked together, building pyres to burn the demon corpses.
The flames rose high against the morning sky as the workers methodically sorted through the bodies, ensuring no demon flesh remained to taint the land. Their faces were grim, hardened by the horrors they'd witnessed, but they moved with purpose and coordination.
"Those are Stonehold's elite guard," Lira whispered, pointing to the distinctive armor some of the workers wore. "At least some of them survived."
Aurelith watched the burning parties work, her mind still turning over the implications of what they'd discovered. The systematic infiltration of such a well-defended stronghold shouldn't have been possible without help from within or without someone dismantling the city's protective measures piece by piece.
Two guards stepped forward as Aurelith and Lira approached the burning grounds, their weapons raised in defensive positions.
"Halt! Identify yourselves," the burlier of the two guards barked, his weathered face twisted in suspicion. His calloused fingers tightened around the shaft of his spear, knuckles whitening beneath the grime of recent battles.
"I am Aurelith, advisor to Chief Aelindor of Everspring. This is Lira, my companion." Aurelith's eyes met the guard's stare without flinching, the flecks of red and orange in her irises catching the light of the nearby pyres.
The guards exchanged glances, and a ripple of murmurs spread through the nearby workers. The second guard, a lean man with a scarred face that bore the marks of what looked like demon claws, spat on the ground. The acrid smell of burning flesh made his nose wrinkle as he spoke.
"Everspring? That village was so far from us. You expect us to believe they sent reinforcements which happens to be you two and just happened to show up now?" His voice dripped with barely contained hostility, echoing off the stone walls around them.
Lira's hand drifted toward her bow, her fingers brushing against the smooth wood, but Aurelith subtly shook her head. The autumn-colored fabric of her cloak shifted in the warm breeze as she replied, "Lady Seraphine extended an invitation to discuss an alliance. Send someone to fetch her, and she'll confirm my identity."
"Right," the burly guard sneered, shifting his weight forward aggressively. "And I'm the King of Crownfall himself. We're not disturbing Lady Seraphine with obvious imposters."
The workers had stopped their tasks now, forming a loose circle around the confrontation. Some gripped their tools tighter, as if preparing for a fight. The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a blade, punctuated only by the crackling of the funeral pyres and the distant sound of hammers striking stone.
"You're making a mistake," Aurelith's voice carried an edge of steel. "Lady Seraphine specifically requested my presence to discuss the demon threat."
"The only threat I see is right in front of me." The scarred guard advanced, his sword lifting higher. "Two suspicious strangers appearing right after a demon attack? You'll be coming with us in chains."
More guards emerged from the group, weapons drawn. Lira's bow cleared its holder in one fluid motion, an arrow already nocked.
"Last chance," Aurelith's hand moved to her own weapon, her autumn-colored cloak swirling in the breeze. "Send for Seraphine, or this situation will become very unpleasant."
The tension mounted as more guards surrounded Aurelith and Lira, their weapons glinting in the sunlight. Aurelith kept her voice steady, attempting to defuse the situation.
"We can resolve this peacefully. There's no need for bloodshed among potential allies."
Lira lowered her bow slightly, leaning close to Aurelith's ear. "This isn't working. They're too worked up to listen." Her silver hair brushed against her cheek as she turned. "Why don't we write a letter to Lady Seraphine? Have them deliver it?"
Aurelith's facial features lit up at the suggestion. "That's actually…"
The burly guard cut her off with a snarl. "Shut your lying mouths, knife-ears!" He spat on the ground between them.
"You think we're stupid enough to fall for that? Pass your fake letter to Lady Seraphine?" His face twisted with contempt.
"Probably filled with demon magic, more like. We won't be your messengers, you filthy imposters."
The air grew still. Lira's fingers tightened on her bow until her knuckles turned white. Aurelith's eyes narrowed, the orange flecks in them blazing like embers as she fixed the guard with an icy stare. The casual slur and blatant disrespect hung heavy in the air between them.
Both elves stood rigid, their expressions hardening as they locked eyes with the guard. The breeze caught Aurelith's autumn-colored cloak, making it snap like a banner of war.
"You asked for it." Aurelith's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "Lira, don't kill them. Just make them immobile."
Lira nodded, smoothly retracting her bow. The guards charged forward with battle cries, their weapons raised high.
Aurelith and Lira moved in perfect synchronization, their forms fluid and graceful. They flowed between the guards like water through stone, ducking under wild swings and sidestepping clumsy thrusts. The guards' formation crumbled as the two elves weaved through their ranks.
Quick strikes to the back of necks dropped guards one by one. Bodies thudded against the ground as Aurelith's precise hits found their marks. Lira matched her pace, her silver hair flashing in the sunlight as she disabled another guard with a swift chop.
Screams erupted from the nearby workers. They scattered, fleeing back toward Stonehold's walls in panic. "Attack! We're under attack!" The cries echoed across the battlefield as people scrambled for safety.
Just as Aurelith dropped the last guard with a precise strike, bells began tolling from within Stonehold. The wall's battlements filled with archers, their bows drawn and arrows trained on the two elves.
Aurelith calmly raised her hand and waved at the assembled forces. The archers held their positions, arrows nocked but not released, as an uneasy stillness fell over the scene.
A figure emerged atop Stonehold's highest watchtower, sunlight glinting off golden hair. Lady Seraphine surveyed the scene below. Dozens of guards sprawled unconscious around two familiar elves. Her eyes narrowed as she recognized Aurelith's distinctive autumn cloak and Lira's silver hair.
Seraphine's lips curved into a practiced smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. She raised her voice to carry across the battlefield.
"Look who's finally here! Hmmm. I see you've already introduced yourselves to our guards."
The tension among the archers eased slightly at their leader's casual tone, though their bows remained drawn.
Seraphine turned to the guard captain beside her. "Stand down. Stop the alarm." Her command rang clear and firm. The bells fell silent, their echoes fading across the blood-soaked field.
She descended from the tower, emerging through Stonehold's gates moments later with a small retinue of knights. Their armor clinked as they approached Aurelith and Lira, stepping carefully around the unconscious guards.
"I apologize for the... enthusiastic welcome," Seraphine called out as she drew closer. "Recent events have left everyone rather on edge." Her hair caught the sunlight as she gestured to her companions. "Though I must say, your method of announcing your arrival was quite memorable."
"Don't blame me," Aurelith sighed dramatically, pressing a hand to her chest. "Here I brought gifts from Everspring, our finest autumn wine and those special forest herbs you mentioned loving from the echoshard, only to be greeted with such hostility. My heart bleeds, Lady Seraphine."
Seraphine's eyes widened as she clutched her own chest in response. "Oh, the shame! To think my guards would treat such a thoughtful guest this way. I shall never recover from this disgrace!"
The knights exchanged bewildered glances. Lira's mouth hung open as she watched the two leaders engage in increasingly theatrical displays of distress. Several of the conscious guards shifted uncomfortably, completely lost as to whether they should intervene or continue watching this bizarre scene unfold.
"The wine will surely turn to vinegar from this treatment!" Aurelith declared, swooning slightly.
"And the herbs will wilt from witnessing such rudeness!" Seraphine countered, dabbing at nonexistent tears.
The two women locked eyes for a moment before bursting into peals of laughter, their previous dramatic personas vanishing instantly. The gathered crowd stared in confusion as Seraphine and Aurelith embraced like old friends.
"Welcome to Stonehold, Advisor Aurelith," Seraphine said warmly, composing herself. "I trust your journey from Everspring was less eventful than your arrival?"
"My sincerest apologies about your guards," Aurelith replied, her tone genuine. "They should regain consciousness within the hour, no lasting harm done."
"No, no, I must apologize for their behavior. Such disrespect is unbecoming of Stonehold's defenders." Seraphine turned to her knights. "Please see to the unconscious guards. Have them taken to the infirmary."
The knights moved quickly to comply, carefully lifting their fallen comrades.
"Now then," Seraphine gestured toward the fortress gates. "Shall we show you and Lira to your quarters? I imagine you'd like to rest before we discuss matters of demons' attack."
"While I appreciate the offer of rest, I'd prefer to discuss recent events first." Aurelith gestured to her pack. "I brought more than just wine and herbs."
She laid out her findings on a nearby table, weapons with strange markings, sections of tree trunk bearing demonic script, and detailed documentation of her investigation. The metal of the recovered weapons gleamed dully in the sunlight, their surfaces etched with symbols that seemed to writhe and shift when viewed directly.
"These were recovered from demon encounters near Everspring." Aurelith spread the papers across the table. "The patterns suggest organized movements rather than random attacks. And these markings..." She traced a finger along one of the tree trunk sections. "They form a communication network of sorts."
Seraphine's practiced smile faded as she examined the evidence. Her golden hair fell forward as she leaned in to study the demonic script.
"This matches reports from our own scouts. The demons have been using similar markers throughout our territory." She picked up one of the weapons, turning it over in her hands.
"And these weapons, we've found identical ones on demon corpses within our walls."
"I've compiled everything I've learned so far in these documents," Aurelith said, pushing forward a leather-bound folder.
"Including patterns of movement and potential weaknesses we've identified."
"This is invaluable information." Seraphine's eyes skimmed the detailed reports. "We've lost so many good people trying to gather intelligence on their operations." She straightened, her expression grave.
"Perhaps it's time I bring you up to speed on Stonehold's situation."
She gestured for her knights to secure the room, ensuring their privacy before beginning her report on the city's recent struggles against the demon invasion.
* * *
Seraphine led them through winding stone corridors to a meeting room. Oak panels lined the walls, and a polished table dominated the center. Sunlight streamed through tall windows, catching dust motes that danced in the air. The room retained an air of dignity despite the wear visible in the faded tapestries and scuffed floors.
"You've managed to keep some spaces remarkably intact," Aurelith said, running her fingers along the smooth wooden surface of the table.
Seraphine shook her head. "This is the best we could salvage from the chaos. You should see the state of the other wings." She pulled out a chair. "Most rooms are filled with refugees or converted to makeshift infirmaries."
They settled into their seats, the leather cushions creaking softly. A young servant slipped through the door, carrying a silver tray laden with an ornate teapot and delicate cups.
"Fresh mint from what remains of our gardens," Seraphine explained as the servant poured steaming liquid into their cups. The fragrant aroma filled the room, momentarily masking the underlying mustiness.
Aurelith wrapped her hands around the warm porcelain, while Lira examined the intricate pattern on her cup before taking a careful sip. The three women sat in comfortable silence, letting the hot tea ease the tension from their journey.
"The tea is excellent," Lira said, breaking the quiet. "Almost reminds me of home."
Seraphine smiled over the rim of her cup. "Small comforts become precious in times like these."
Seraphine set her cup down, the porcelain clinking against the saucer. "The situation here is grim. My forces are holding, but barely. Over half my troops lie in the infirmary with severe injuries."
"How did it get this bad?" Lira leaned forward, her silver hair catching the sunlight.
"When we first arrived..." Seraphine's eyes darkened. "The streets looked normal, but something felt wrong. Chairs attacked people. Wardrobes snapped shut on unsuspecting refugees. Even simple items like books tried to devour anyone who touched them."
Aurelith's fingers tightened around her cup. "Mimics."
"Yes. But that wasn't the worst of it." Seraphine's voice dropped. "People weren't who they claimed to be. A merchant would close his shop, then appear simultaneously in the tavern and the square. Children would wave to their mothers, only to find their real mother had been home all along."
"Doppelgangers," Aurelith said. "Working with the mimics. a textbook case."
"The corruption ran deeper than we imagined. When we finally fought our way to the council chambers..." Seraphine's hand trembled as she reached for her tea. "The leader of Stonehold, Lord Durnham, was already under a succubus's control. She had him wrapped around her finger, signing orders to let more demons slip into the city."
Lira exchanged glances with Aurelith. "You think the succubus orchestrated all of this?"
"She must have. The timing was too perfect. While we were distracted by the mimics and doppelgangers, she was slowly replacing the population with demons. The corruption had undoubtedly taken root months before we first arrived in the city." Seraphine's jaw clenched.
"Only half the city's real inhabitants remained by the time we realized what was happening."
Aurelith set down her cup. "We saw mountains of demon corpses outside the city walls. A battle of that scale doesn't happen without a story."
Seraphine's shoulders slumped. "It started when Lord Durnham ordered our forces out of the city. We knew something was wrong. He'd never abandon his people like that. But his guards were loyal to a fault."
"The succubus's influence," Lira said.
"Exactly. We gathered what remained of our army and tried to force our way back in. That's when the demons poured out of every gate, every crack in the walls." Seraphine's knuckles whitened around her cup.
"They came in waves. Claws, fangs, wings, and even more types than I'd ever seen. We lost good soldiers holding the line and many more, injured."
"But you prevailed," Aurelith said, gesturing toward the window.
"Not alone. While we fought outside, the citizens inside started their own rebellion. They'd seen enough of Durnham's madness, watched too many neighbors disappear." Seraphine's eyes lit up with pride.
"Common folk armed themselves with mining picks and smithing hammers. They overwhelmed the demon patrols from within, and opened the gates for us."
"The dwarves of Stonehold were never ones to bow quietly," Lira said.
"No, they weren't. Once we breached the walls, it became a proper cleansing. Street by street, building by building. The demons had nowhere to run." Seraphine traced the rim of her cup.
"That's why you saw so many bodies outside. We dragged every corrupted thing we killed and burned them beyond the walls. Couldn't risk any taint remaining in the city."
"And Durnham?" Aurelith asked.
"Still holds the inner keep with his demon mistress. We haven't managed to break through their defenses yet."
Aurelith set her teacup down with a decisive clink. "What if we helped you eliminate Durnham and his succubus?"
Lira choked on her tea, droplets spattering the polished table. Seraphine's eyes widened until the whites showed all around.
"You can't be serious." Seraphine's voice came out in a harsh whisper. "The inner keep is a death trap. We've lost three scout teams just trying to map the entrance."
"Not to mention we have no idea what's waiting inside," Lira dabbed at the spilled tea with her sleeve. "The succubus has had months to fortify her position. She could have transformed the entire layout."
"Exactly." Seraphine leaned forward, her palms flat against the table. "The keep used to be a straightforward design, typical dwarven architecture with clear halls and chambers. But now? Reports suggest the walls themselves shift and change. Corridors lead to dead ends that weren't there before. Rooms appear and disappear."
Lira touched Aurelith's arm. "The space would be too confined for your usual tactics. No room to maneuver, and no clean shots with your bow. We'd be fighting in close quarters against who knows what."
"The succubus likely has more demons guarding her," Seraphine added. "Shapeshifters, mimics. We'd be surrounded the moment we stepped inside. It would be suicide to attempt an assassination without proper intelligence."
"Our soldiers who made it out alive spoke of shadows that moved on their own," Lira's voice dropped lower. "And whispers that drove men mad. We can't just walk in there blind."
A sly grin spread across Aurelith's face as she reached into her pack. Her fingers brushed against the smooth crystal surfaces of the detection wards she'd been perfecting.
"Who said anything about going in blind?" She placed three palm-sized crystals on the table. Each pulsed with a soft amber light, intricate runes etched into their faceted surfaces.
Lira's eyes lit up with recognition. "The detection wards! You actually finished them?"
"What are these?" Seraphine leaned closer, studying the crystalline structures.
"Enhanced detection wards." Aurelith arranged them in a triangle formation. "They reveal any demonic presence within their range. Shapeshifters, mimics, even those shadow creatures your men encountered. No demon can hide its true nature from these."
Lira nodded. "We've been testing prototypes in Everspring. They're incredibly effective at exposing concealed threats."
"The range extends about fifty feet in all directions," Aurelith explained. "Place them strategically, and we can map out every demon's location in the keep."
Seraphine's expression brightened, but Aurelith held up a hand.
"There's one significant drawback. The mana consumption is astronomical. Each ward drains magical energy at a rate I've never seen before. Using them for more than an hour could completely deplete even my reserves."
"And running out of mana in demon-infested territory would be..." Lira grimaced.
"A death sentence," Seraphine finished.
"Exactly. We'd need to move fast and have a clear extraction plan. No room for delays or second-guessing once we're inside."
Aurelith traced her finger along the crystal's surface. "Before we plan anything, we need to understand the keep's original layout. Do you have maps from before the corruption?"
Seraphine's eyes lit up. "Actually, yes. Two of my best men managed to recover blueprints from the archives." She strode to the door and called out into the hallway. "Marcus! Elena! Join us, please."
Heavy boots echoed against the stone as two figures entered the room. The man stood tall and broad-shouldered, a network of scars crisscrossing his tanned face. His companion was shorter, lithe, with close-cropped black hair and sharp green eyes that missed nothing.
"These are my most trusted operatives," Seraphine gestured to each in turn. "Marcus led our counter-offensive during the initial demon outbreak. His knowledge of siege warfare proved invaluable. Lyria here? She's our best infiltrator. Half the intelligence we have about the keep's current state comes from her reconnaissance."
Marcus unfurled a weathered scroll across the table, weighing down the corners with smooth stones. Detailed architectural drawings sprawled across the parchment, showing the keep's multiple levels and defensive positions.
"The original blueprints," Lyria said, her voice carrying a slight rasp. "Three main levels. Multiple escape tunnels and dungeon, though most have likely collapsed or been sealed off."
"These were accurate as of six months ago," Marcus added, his deep voice resonating in the chamber. "Before everything went to hell."
Aurelith traced the pathways on the map with her finger, she absorbed every detail. The keep's layout reminded her of ancient elven fortresses that are designed to confuse and trap invaders while providing defenders multiple escape routes.
"How have your troops approached the inner keep so far?" Lira's silver hair caught the sunlight as she leaned forward.
Seraphine's shoulders tensed. "We tried three different strategies. The first wave went through the main entrance, textbook formation, shields locked. They made it to the second level before the corridors started... changing. Only two soldiers returned, babbling about walls that breathed and floors that swallowed their comrades."
"The second attempt?" Lira pressed.
"Stealth operation. Small team, experienced scouts." Seraphine's fingers drummed against the table. "They used the servants' passages, hoping to bypass the worst of it. Found them three days later, curled up in different corners of the keep. Their minds were shattered. The succubus had filled their heads with visions that drove them mad."
Aurelith's attention shifted to the upper levels of the blueprint. "And the third?"
"Split formation. Two teams, coordinated assault." Seraphine's voice grew hollow. "The demons separated them somehow. Redirected them into the same chamber from different directions. They ended up killing each other, thinking they were fighting monsters."
Aurelith placed three markers on the map. "The wards need clear sightlines to be effective. If we position them here, here, and here…" she pointed to strategic intersections, "we can cover most of the approach to the upper level. The main challenge will be maintaining them while we move through the keep."
"These junctions give us the best coverage," she continued, tapping each point.
"The central ward would reveal any demons in the main halls, while the other two would expose threats in the side passages. But we'll need to move fast. The wards won't last more than an hour. And I am waiting for just the trump card."
A soft knock interrupted their strategic discussion. Pela, another of Seraphine's trusted aides, poked her head through the doorway.
"My lady, the adventurers have arrived. Should I bring them in?"
Seraphine nodded to Pela. "Bring them in."
Pela bowed and slipped out of the room, her footsteps fading down the corridor.
Aurelith's brow furrowed. "Adventurers?"
"You don't know what adventurers are?" Seraphine's eyes sparkled with amusement. "And here I thought the great advisor of Everspring knew everything."
"I know plenty," Aurelith crossed her arms. "Just not about random wanderers who call themselves adventurers."
Lira leaned forward. "Are they some kind of mercenary group?"
"Oh, much more than that." Seraphine's smile widened. "They're the brave souls who delve into ancient ruins, face terrible monsters, demons, and occasionally save kingdoms when they're not busy looting everything that isn't nailed down."
"So, organized thieves with a hero complex?" Aurelith's lips twitched.
Lira burst into laughter, nearly falling off her chair. The sound echoed through the stone chamber.
"Says the elf who just proposed we storm a demon-infested keep with experimental magic crystals." Seraphine raised an eyebrow. "You'd make quite the adventurer yourself."
Aurelith's cheeks flushed pink. "I do not have a hero complex. I simply possess a strategic mind and…"
"And a tendency to rush headlong into danger?" Lira wiped tears from her eyes, still giggling.
"I calculate my risks very carefully, thank you very much." Aurelith's pout only made Lira laugh harder.
"The term 'adventurer' is relatively new," Seraphine said, turning back to Aurelith. "It emerged just a few decades ago, so it's not surprising you haven't encountered it before."
She traced the rim of her teacup. "The Adventurer's Guild manages them in most major cities. They've established quite an organized system. Each adventurer starts at G-rank and works their way up through missions."
"And these ranks mean something?" Aurelith asked, with her eyes narrowing with curiosity.
"Indeed. They progress from G through F, E, D, C, B, and A-rank. The most exceptional can even achieve S-rank, though those are rare enough to be legendary." Seraphine's fingers drummed against the table. "Each rank opens up more challenging and lucrative missions."
Lira leaned forward. "How does payment work?"
"Simple enough. Complete the mission successfully, receive the agreed-upon reward." Seraphine's lips curved into a smile.
"The Guild ensures both sides honor their contracts. Makes things much more civilized than the old mercenary system."
"If you were an adventurer, what rank would you be?" Aurelith asked, studying Seraphine's face.
Seraphine paused, considering the question. "I suppose somewhere between B-rank and lower A-rank, given my current abilities."
"Lady Seraphine is too humble," Marcus cut in, his scarred face creasing with disapproval. "She's faced down elder dragons and demon lords. That's solid A-rank territory."
A practiced smile crossed Seraphine's features. "The world is vast, Marcus. I'm but a small fish in a very large pond."
Aurelith's expression shifted, her golden-brown eyes taking on an intensity that made the room feel smaller. "What about me? What rank would I be?"
"Well, with that hero complex of yours…" Seraphine started to joke, but the words died in her throat as she met Aurelith's unwavering gaze. The elf's face remained serious, expectant.
Seraphine straightened in her chair. "Being honest? At your current level, you'd be C-rank at best. Your archery skills are impressive, and your tactical mind is sharp, but you lack the raw combat experience against higher-tier threats that B-rank requires, which is one of the reasons why I invited you here."
Aurelith's brow furrowed as she processed Seraphine's assessment. Her fingers traced absent patterns on the wooden table while her mind churned through the implications of being C-rank.
"Well, that would make me…" Lira's silver hair caught the light as she tilted her head.
A sharp knock cut through the air. Pela pushed open the heavy oak door, stepping aside to reveal four figures whose mere presence seemed to alter the atmosphere of the room.
The first, a mage, wore robes that shimmered with barely contained magical energy. Crystalline focuses clinked softly at his belt, each one pulsing with different colored light. His eyes held the distant look of someone who regularly gazed into realms beyond mortal comprehension.
Behind him, a scout moved with liquid grace, her leather armor so well-maintained it barely made a sound. A dozen different knives decorated her belt and boots, and her eyes constantly scanned the room, marking exits and potential threats with professional precision.
The tank towered over his companions, his plate armor bearing scars from countless battles. Despite its obvious weight, he moved with practiced ease, each step measured and deliberate. The massive shield on his back gleamed with protective enchantments.
Last came the blade dancer, twin swords hanging at her hips. She moved as if gravity was merely a suggestion, her feet barely seeming to touch the ground. Scars decorated her exposed arms like silver ribbons, telling tales of countless close encounters with death.
The very air in the room seemed to grow heavier with their arrival. These weren't mere soldiers or warriors. They were living legends, each one capable of turning the tide of battles single-handedly. The kind of people whose names would be whispered in taverns and sung about in ballads.
* * *
Pela bowed deeply to Seraphine. "My lady, may I present The Radiant Dawn, one of our most accomplished A-rank adventurer groups."
She gestured to each member in turn. "Lucas, our master mage and group leader. Elira, our scout extraordinaire. Dorian, our immovable shield. And Isolde, whose blades have felled countless demons."
The adventurers offered respectful bows to Seraphine, their movements carrying the practiced grace of seasoned warriors.
"Lady Seraphine Lionheart," Seraphine inclined her head. "And with me are Aurelith, advisor of Everspring, and Lira, one of their finest archers."
Aurelith and Lira exchanged greetings with the group, noting how Lucas's crystalline focuses pulsed with magical energy as he spoke.
"Now," Seraphine's voice took on a commanding tone, "Stonehold faces unprecedented demon activity. Our scouts report multiple breach attempts along the eastern wall. The dwarven defenders are holding, but their resources stretch thin."
She spread a detailed map across the table. "We've identified three major weak points in their defensive line. However, our primary concern is this." Her finger tapped a location marked with a red circle. "Intelligence suggests the demons are attempting to establish a permanent portal."
"That's where you come in, Lucas," Seraphine turned to the mage. "You're one of the few capable of maintaining an anti-magic field strong enough to disrupt their ritual. While the rest of us engage their forces, you'll need to shut down that portal before it stabilizes."
Lucas nodded, his eyes gleaming with arcane knowledge. "A demon portal of that magnitude would require significant magical anchors. I can nullify them, but timing will be crucial. And I would be able to move while I maintain the anti-magic field."
Aurelith's eyes widened as she traced the location Seraphine indicated on the map. "The inner keep? What are the odds?" A dry laugh escaped her lips.
Seraphine's golden hair smiled. "The succubus orchestrated an ambitious plan to replace everyone in Stonehold with demons. Fortunately, we uncovered it before she could succeed." Her expression hardened. "But it seems she's gathered enough power for this portal attempt."
"Why am I even here?" Aurelith's lips curved into a practiced smile that didn't reach her eyes. "You seem to have everything well in hand."
"Perfect timing, actually." Seraphine's armor clinked as she straightened. "I'll guard Lucas while he maintains the anti-magic field around the inner keep. The rest of The Radiant Dawn will enter and eliminate the succubus." Her gaze fixed on Aurelith. "With your skills added to their force, we can end this threat even faster."
Dorian's massive frame shifted, his plate armor bearing testament to countless battles. Beside him, Isolde's twin swords gleamed with deadly promise, while Elira's fingers drummed silently against her daggers.
Lucas pulled a crystalline focus from his belt, its purple light pulsing stronger. "The sooner we move, the less time they have to complete the ritual."
Seraphine rose from her chair, her armor catching the late afternoon light. "We'll execute the plan at dawn tomorrow. Everyone needs rest after their journey."
The members of The Radiant Dawn exchanged glances, their battle-worn faces showing a mix of relief and anticipation.
"Pela will show you to your quarters." Seraphine gestured to her aide. "Meet me in front of the inner keep at first light."
Pela stepped forward with a graceful bow. "This way, if you please." She led the adventurers from the room, their footsteps echoing down the stone corridors.
After they departed, Lira turned to Seraphine. "Is it wise to wait? The demons…"
"The situation is under control," Seraphine's voice carried quiet confidence. "Portal creation isn't a simple matter. Once we deploy the anti-magic field, their progress halts completely. And no more shape-shifting or moving rooms."
"And if we're fortunate," she continued, adjusting her golden bracer, "the interruption will undo their work entirely. The succubus would need to start the ritual from the beginning."
Lira's silver hair caught the light as she nodded, understanding dawning in her eyes. "That makes sense. The complexity of such magic would make it unstable."
"Precisely." Seraphine's armor clinked as she gathered her maps. "Fresh minds and rested bodies will serve us better than rushed action."
Seraphine led Aurelith and Lira down a torch-lit corridor, their footsteps echoing off stone walls worn smooth by centuries of use. She stopped at a wooden door reinforced with iron bands, producing a heavy key from her belt.
"I trust these accommodations will suffice." She pushed the door open, revealing a modest chamber furnished with two beds, each draped in thick wool blankets.
A copper bathtub occupied one corner, while a separate alcove housed the toilet. Fresh towels lay folded on a side table, alongside pitchers of water and basic washing supplies.
"Thank you, Lady Seraphine." Aurelith bowed her head, Lira echoing the gesture.
After Seraphine departed, they unpacked their essentials. The warm bath proved a welcome respite, washing away the dust of travel. Once cleaned and refreshed, they changed into light scout armor, strapping on minimal weapons for mobility.
As they reached for the door handle, a soft knock interrupted them. Pela stood in the hallway, hand raised to knock again.
"Good evening." Pela offered a slight bow. "Lady Seraphine asked me to inform you that dinner will be served after sunset. She also requested I show you around Stonehold, if you'd like."
"Thank you for the dinner information," Aurelith said. "But we'd prefer to explore on our own, if that's acceptable."
"Of course." Pela nodded. "I'll be nearby if you need anything. Just ask any guard. They'll know where to find me."
"We appreciate it." Lira adjusted her quiver strap.
With another exchange of thanks, Aurelith and Lira left the building, stepping into the late afternoon air of Stonehold.
* * *
I exchanged a knowing look with Lira before we split up - she headed toward the gates and the training grounds while I made my way to the mines. The streets of Stonehold told a story of devastation. Crumbling walls and shattered windows lined my path, yet amidst the destruction, I noticed something remarkable.
"Here's your daily ration, make sure the children eat first," a guard handed out supplies to a group of refugees huddled under a makeshift shelter.
Another guard distributed blankets to families camping in what remained of the town square. The efficiency of the aid distribution caught my attention. Despite the chaos, Lady Seraphine had managed to establish a functioning support system. Perhaps I'd underestimated her organizational capabilities.
A child's cry pierced the air, followed by gentle shushing from their mother. More refugees gathered around cooking fires, sharing what little they had. The scene stirred memories of Emberveil's fall, but I pushed them aside. Now wasn't the time for old wounds.
As I approached the mining district, the destruction grew worse. Entire buildings had been reduced to rubble, their stones scattered across the street like discarded toys.
A tavern with half its front wall missing caught my eye - the Miner's Rest, according to its crooked sign. Voices drifted from inside, along with the sound of breaking glass.
"Keep your voices down!" A harsh whisper.
"They won't hear us back here." Another voice, followed by suspicious shuffling.
I pressed myself against the remaining wall, listening. The conversation didn't sound like typical tavern chatter. My hand moved to my bow as I edged toward the broken window to investigate.
I peered through the broken window, my eyes adjusting to the dim interior. Three dwarven miners huddled in the corner, passing what looked like gemstones between them. My jaw clenched at the sight.
"Pure sapphires from the eastern shaft," one of them muttered, holding a stone up to catch the light. "We can get good coin for these in Seabridge Haven."
"If we make it there," another dwarf counted his share. "Those demons aren't exactly making travel easy. Don't forget that wine and ale."
"At least it would be better than staying here waiting to die." The third one pocketed his gems. "Besides, everyone's too busy with the demons to notice a few missing stones and some ale and wine."
I shook my head in disbelief. Even with Stonehold under siege, with people dying and children going hungry, these miners thought only of profit. The gems they planned to sell could buy food and supplies for dozens of refugees.
My fingers itched to nock an arrow, but I held back. This wasn't my jurisdiction, and I had more pressing matters to attend to. Still, I memorized their faces. Lady Seraphine might want to know about this - assuming we all survived long enough for it to matter.
"Quick, someone's coming," one of them whispered. They scattered like rats, slipping out through a back door I hadn't noticed.
"Even in this situation, they're going at it," I muttered under my breath, disgust coating my words. The fall of Emberveil had shown me both the best and worst of people under pressure. Some rose to heights of heroism, while others sank to new lows. These miners had chosen their path.
I made a mental note of where they'd gone and pressed on to the mining tunnels. Their secret exit could come in handy, though it was also another weak point in Stonehold's perimeter that we'd need to deal with. Everywhere I looked, dwarven faces showed signs of hopelessness and fear. Not surprising, considering we were dealing with shape-shifting horrors and creatures that could wear our neighbors' faces.
I rounded the corner toward the mines and stopped short. A dwarf with a salt-and-pepper beard stood at the entrance, all alone, his face flushed red as he attempted to repair the damaged doorway. His movements were sharp and aggressive, with less reconstruction and more like he was trying to punch the stones back into place.
"Stupid, greedy, worthless excuses for…" He slammed another stone into position with far more force than necessary. The veins in his neck bulged as he worked.
My earlier encounter with the gem thieves clicked into place. This dwarf's fury made more sense now. I stepped closer, my boots crunching on the scattered debris.
He whirled around, hammer raised. "What do you…" His eyes widened as he took in my appearance. The hammer lowered slightly. "Oh. You're that elf everyone's talking about. The one working with Lady Seraphine."
"Aurelith," I offered, glancing at the partially repaired entrance. "You seem... troubled."
He barked out a harsh laugh. "Troubled? That's putting it mildly." He drove his hammer into another stone.
"Try furious. While we're fighting demons, some rats think it's fine to steal from our reserves. Our people are dying, and they're filling their pockets!"
I crossed my arms. "Would these rats happen to be three miners heading toward Seabridge Haven?"
The dwarf's hammer froze mid-swing. His knuckles whitened around the handle. "You've seen them?"
"Just now, at the Miner's Rest. They were quite... detailed about their plans."
A string of dwarven curses erupted from him. He jabbed his hammer toward the town. "Those ungrateful… I trained two of them myself! And this is how they repay us?"
"It's natural," I said, keeping my voice gentle. "When people's values are tested, when their lives are threatened... not everyone chooses honor."
"Natural?" Gromm's face reddened further. "There's nothing natural about betraying your own people! Not all dwarves are like that. Most of us would rather die than abandon our kin." His hammer struck another stone.
"We've lost so much already, yet we stay and fight. Because that's what real dwarves do!"
His passionate speech trailed off, and his shoulders slumped. The fire in his eyes dimmed, replaced by a deep sadness that made him look decades older.
He straightened, seeming to remember his manners. "My apologies, my lady. I'm Gromm, a blacksmith of Stonehold." He gestured at his work. "Or what's left of it."
I studied the partially repaired entrance. "Are you fixing this to resume mining operations once the crisis passes?"
The question hit a nerve. Gromm's face contorted with grief and rage. "Mining? You think I care about mining?" His voice cracked.
Gromm's hands trembled as he set down his hammer. "You want to know what I lost?" His voice came out hoarse, barely above a whisper. "I had a family. A wife, two beautiful children."
My chest tightened. I knew where this was going.
"Tell me, Lady Aurelith, have you ever..." He swallowed hard.
"Have you ever lost someone and realized they were gone long before you knew? That what you were living with, talking to, sharing meals with... wasn't them anymore?"
Images of Emberveil's fall flashed through my mind, but I remained silent.
"My Mira, she was the kindest soul. Always had a smile ready, even on the darkest days in Stonehold. She'd bring warm bread to the miners when their shifts ended, and tend to their burns without complaint.
And my boy..." His voice cracked, the sound like a hammer striking brittle metal. "I didn't notice. By the gods, how did I not notice? The signs were there - the way they stopped laughing at my jokes, how they wouldn't touch their favorite foods anymore.
Mira's honey cakes sat untouched for days, when before, they couldn't last an hour in our home. My son used to beg to help in the forge, but then... then he just stopped coming." His words carried the weight of a thousand hammered regrets.
Gromm's fist slammed against the stone wall, the impact echoing through the chamber like a funeral bell. "When Durnham expelled Lady Seraphine's forces, that's when the demons showed their true faces. They didn't need to hide anymore."
His shoulders shook with a violence that reminded me of the tremors that used to run through Emberveil's earth before a storm. "I ran home to get my family to safety, but..."
Tears welled up in his eyes, and I felt my heart constrict, recognizing that same raw anguish I'd seen in my own reflection countless times. "They weren't my family anymore. Hadn't been for weeks. Those things wearing their faces just... smiled at me. Their eyes. Their teeth..."
He pressed his palms against his eyes, his weathered hands trembling like leaves in a harsh wind. I could see the blacksmith's calluses on his fingers, evidence of a life spent crafting beauty from metal, now bearing witness to something grotesquely unnatural.
"I torture myself wondering about the moment it occurred. Could it have been when my Mira took that solitary trip to the marketplace? Maybe during the evening, my sons lingered at their companion's home? The answer escapes me forever. My failure was absolute. I couldn't even detect when abominations took their places. They stood beside me through my darkest hours, and because of their support, I climbed to become Stonehold's finest artisan. Yet with their absence, I find myself questioning the purpose of everything."
His voice cracked on the last word, and I saw his thick fingers curl into fists against his knees. As a dwarf who had spent decades forging bonds as strong as the metal he worked, the betrayal cut deeper than any blade.
"Sometimes I dream they're still there, still themselves, and I wake up reaching for them. But then I remember their faces, those twisted smiles, and I..." He trailed off, lost in memories that would haunt any father until his dying day.
I could feel the raw anguish in his voice, each word dripping with the same helplessness I'd felt watching my own kingdom fall.
The demons were masters of deception. They didn't just destroy their victims, they wore their faces like masks, turning loved ones into weapons against their own families. My fingers instinctively brushed against the silver circlet on my head, a reminder of everything I'd lost to their cruel games.
A single tear escaped down his weathered cheek, which he quickly wiped away. "Some nights I wake up thinking I hear them calling for help, wondering if they were still in there somewhere when I..." He couldn't finish the sentence.
I unclasped my autumn-hued cloak and draped it over Gromm's shaking form. The fabric settled around him like a protective embrace, shielding him from the world's prying eyes. Though I hadn't experienced his exact pain, the echoes of loss resonated in my chest, a familiar ache that never truly faded.
"Keep your tears," I said softly, adjusting the cloak to cover his face. "A strong man never shows his tears to others, but that doesn't mean you can't shed them in private."
His broad shoulders trembled beneath the fabric. A muffled sob escaped, followed by another, each one carrying years of bottled grief. I stood silent guard, my presence a wordless permission for his pain to finally surface.
The cloak darkened where his tears fell, each drop a testament to the family he'd lost. Minutes stretched like hours as Gromm's sobs gradually quieted, replaced by deep, shuddering breaths.
When he finally stilled, the cloak shifted as he wiped his face. His voice emerged, rough but steadier. "Thank you, my lady. I... I haven't spoken of them since..."
I raised my hand, stopping his explanation. Some wounds didn't need words. They just needed acknowledgment.
Gromm's breathing evened out, his composure returning like a tide washing away footprints in the sand. The weight of his grief, though still present, seemed lighter for having been shared.
I reached into my ring and pulled out a bottle wrapped in autumn-colored cloth. The deep burgundy liquid caught the light as I unwrapped it.
"Wine from Everspring's finest vineyard. Our vintners age it in oak barrels blessed by forest magic."
Gromm's eyes widened, his tear-stained face brightening at the sight. "That's... that's too generous, my lady."
"Consider it a gift between warriors." I pressed the bottle into his calloused hands with a grin. "Sometimes the best medicine for a heavy heart is good wine and quiet contemplation."
His fingers traced the intricate leaf patterns on the bottle's surface. "I've heard tales of Everspring's wines. They say one sip can make you feel the forest's warmth." He clutched the bottle close. "Thank you. Truly."
"You mentioned Everspring," Gromm wiped the last traces of tears from his face. "Is that where you're from? What brings an elf of your standing to our humble Stonehold?"
The question stirred memories of golden fields and autumn leaves, of a kingdom long lost. But I pushed those thoughts aside. "I serve as an advisor to Everspring now. I'm here investigating the increased demon activity in the region."
"An advisor?" Gromm's eyes widened. He straightened his posture, the wine bottle still clutched against his chest. "I had no idea Everspring sent someone of such importance."
"Lady Seraphine extended an invitation to assist with the demon situation here." I adjusted my quiver strap. "The council agreed it would be valuable experience, given my... particular interests in demon-related matters."
Gromm nodded, his thick gray beard catching the dim light from the nearby torches. "They're right. Nothing teaches better than firsthand experience. One must venture out to truly understand the world." His voice carried the weight of someone who had learned this lesson the hard way.
"My thoughts exactly." A small smile crossed my lips, though it didn't quite reach my eyes. The familiar weight of responsibility settled on my shoulders once more.
"Which is why I'm planning to lead an assault on the inner keep tomorrow. It's time to end this demon infestation for good." My hand instinctively brushed against the quiver at my hip, checking the special arrows I'd prepared for just such an encounter.
Each shaft had been carefully enchanted with wind magic, designed specifically to pierce demonic defenses. The familiar texture of the fletching beneath my fingers brought both comfort and determination. After what these monsters had done to Stonehold, there would be no mercy.
The light in Gromm's eyes shifted, hardening into something sharp and desperate, a look I'd seen too many times before in those affected by demon corruption.
"The keep... Lord Durnham might still be there. If he lives..." His fingers tightened around the wine bottle until his knuckles turned white, the liquid inside sloshing quietly.
"Could you bring him back? Alive?" The plea in his voice made my heart ache with memories of my own lost kingdom.
I started to speak about letting go of resentment, about how hatred only poisoned the soul, but the raw intensity in Gromm's face made the words die in my throat. The pain etched in his features wasn't something platitudes could heal.
"We move at dawn," I forced a smile, though it felt brittle on my face. "If Durnham still draws breath, you have my word. I'll bring him back alive."
"Let me join you," Gromm's voice cracked with desperation. "I can't just sit here waiting for news. I need to see him with my own eyes."
I shook my head. "The keep will be crawling with demons. Every second will count."
"I know how to swing a hammer." He lifted his blacksmith's tool. "Been in my share of scraps too. I won't slow you down."
"This isn't a tavern brawl, Gromm. These creatures corrupt everything they touch. One mistake..." The memory of Emberveil's fall flashed through my mind. "One moment of hesitation could mean death or worse."
"I don't care about the risks." His fingers tightened around the hammer. "I've already lost everything that matters."
"I understand your pain, truly." I placed my hand on his shoulder. "But we have a narrow window to strike. Lady Seraphine's forces will create a diversion, and my team needs to move fast and silently. We can't accommodate anyone else, no matter how justified their cause."
The fight drained from his stance. His shoulders slumped, and the hammer lowered to his side. "Then at least keep your word. Bring him back alive if he still draws breath. I need answers."
I met his gaze, and saw the mix of grief and determination in his eyes. "You have my word as an advisor of Everspring. If Durnham still lives, I'll bring him back to face what he's done."
The promise felt heavy on my tongue, but I meant every word. Some debts needed to be paid, and some questions answered. I'd learned that lesson well in the centuries since Emberveil's fall.
I clasped Gromm's shoulder one final time. "Get some rest. Tomorrow will bring its own battles."
He nodded, clutching the wine bottle close. "Thank you for listening, my lady. And for..." His voice caught. He gestured at my cloak, still draped around his shoulders.
"Keep it for tonight." The autumn-colored fabric suited him, in a way. "The nights grow cold here."
The setting sun painted long shadows across Stonehold's stone paths as I made my way back toward the dinner hall. The day's last light caught the edges of the buildings, turning the gray stone to burnished gold.
My boots echoed against the cobblestones, mixing with the distant sounds of hammers and forges still at work despite the late hour. The dwarves' determination to keep their routines in the face of darkness struck a chord in me.
How many times had I done the same, clinging to familiar patterns when everything else crumbled?
The dinner hall's warm light spilled onto the street, carrying with it the scent of hearty stew and fresh bread. My stomach reminded me I hadn't eaten since morning, too caught up in the day's investigations.
I paused at the entrance, looking back at the darkening street where I'd left Gromm. I thought I'd steeled myself for stories like this, but listening to Gromm's story pierces me to my core.
His story weighed on me, another testament to the demons' cruelty. They didn't just kill. They corrupted, twisted, and turned loved ones against each other. The wine might ease his pain tonight, but tomorrow...
I shook my head, pushing the thoughts aside. The dinner hall beckoned, and I had my own preparations to make for dawn's assault.