Chapter 15: Shadows of Ironholt

The journey to Ironholt stretched on as the days passed, each step bringing Kael and the group closer to the rumored mage who could provide answers. The terrain shifted as they left the dense forests behind, giving way to rolling hills and rocky outcroppings. Though the oppressive atmosphere of the woods was gone, a sense of unease still hung over them. The destruction of the totem had been a small victory, but the Master's shadow lingered, his influence unmistakable.

Leena walked beside Kael, her posture more confident than it had been days ago. Though she still gripped her short sword awkwardly, there was a newfound determination in her eyes. She hadn't complained about the journey, even as the group pushed through harsh terrain with little rest.

"Kael," she said quietly, breaking the silence. "Do you really think this mage will know how to stop the Master?"

Kael glanced at her, then ahead to Marra, who was leading the group with her usual sharp focus. "If he doesn't, we're back to square one. But right now, it's the only lead we've got."

Leena nodded, her expression thoughtful. "It's just… what if we're too late? What if the Master's already moved on to something worse?"

Kael's jaw tightened. The same thought had been gnawing at him since they left the clearing. "Then we'll deal with it when it comes. Worrying about what-ifs won't help us now."

Leena sighed but didn't press further. Kael appreciated her restraint, though the weight of her question still lingered.

***

The first sign of Ironholt appeared on the horizon late on the fourth day of travel. The jagged silhouette of the settlement rose from the rocky landscape, its weathered stone walls standing defiant against the elements. Smoke curled lazily from chimneys, and the faint hum of activity reached their ears as they approached.

"Ironholt," Marra said, her voice low. "It's smaller than I expected."

"It's a mining town," Corin said. "Not much here besides stubborn people and iron. But the mage Thane mentioned is supposed to live here, so let's hope he's as helpful as they say."

Thane adjusted his staff nervously. "I've only heard stories. He's supposed to be eccentric, but he knows a lot about dark magic. If anyone can tell us more about the Master, it's him."

"Let's hope he's willing to talk," Marra said.

As they approached the gates, two guards stepped forward, their battered armor and spears marking them as locals rather than professional soldiers. They eyed the group warily, their grips tightening on their weapons.

"What's your business in Ironholt?" one of them asked, his tone gruff.

"We're looking for someone," Marra replied calmly. "A mage. We've been told he lives here."

The guard frowned, glancing at his companion. "You mean old Gerric? What do you want with him?"

"That's our business," Marra said firmly. "Is he here or not?"

The guards exchanged a look, then nodded reluctantly. "He's here. Lives on the far side of town, near the cliffs. But I'll warn you—he doesn't take kindly to visitors."

"Thanks for the warning," Marra said. She motioned for the group to follow as the guards stepped aside, allowing them entry.

***

Ironholt was as rough and weathered as its walls suggested. The streets were uneven, lined with simple stone buildings that bore the marks of years of use. The townsfolk watched the group warily as they passed, their expressions a mix of curiosity and suspicion. Kael couldn't blame them—his own group looked like they'd been through a war.

"This place feels… tense," Leena said, glancing around.

"It's a mining town," Corin replied. "They don't see a lot of strangers, and they probably don't want us sticking around."

"We're not here to make friends," Marra said. "Let's find Gerric and get what we need."

The group made their way to the edge of town, where the buildings thinned and the sound of waves crashing against rocks filled the air. Perched on the cliffs was a squat stone tower, its windows dark and its exterior covered in moss and vines.

"This must be it," Thane said, his voice tinged with awe.

Marra approached the heavy wooden door and knocked sharply. The sound echoed through the tower, but there was no response. She knocked again, harder this time.

"Go away," a voice called from inside, gruff and irritated.

"We need to speak with Gerric," Marra said. "It's important."

"Everything's important to someone," the voice replied. "Doesn't mean I care."

Marra exchanged a look with Kael, her patience wearing thin. "We're dealing with something tied to dark magic—something dangerous. If you don't help us, people will die."

There was a long silence before the door creaked open, revealing an older man with wild gray hair and a scruffy beard. His robes were faded and patched, but his sharp blue eyes sparkled with intelligence.

"Dark magic, you say?" Gerric muttered, eyeing the group suspiciously. "You're not lying, are you?"

"We wouldn't be here if we were," Marra said.

Gerric grunted, stepping aside to let them in. "Fine. But if you waste my time, I'll throw you off the cliffs myself."

***

The inside of the tower was cluttered and chaotic, filled with shelves of books, jars of strange substances, and half-finished experiments. Gerric led them to a circular room where a table covered in scrolls and diagrams took center stage. He sat down heavily, motioning for the group to do the same.

"Start talking," he said, fixing them with a piercing gaze. "What kind of dark magic are we dealing with?"

Thane stepped forward, his voice steady despite his nerves. "We encountered a man—someone who calls himself the Master. He's controlling goblins with altars that amplify his power. We destroyed one, but he escaped."

Gerric's expression darkened. "Altars, you say? That's not just dark magic—that's forbidden magic. Dangerous, ancient, and very difficult to break."

Kael leaned forward, his hands clenched. "What can you tell us about it? How do we stop him?"

Gerric sighed, running a hand through his messy hair. "If he's using altars to control goblins, he's channeling energy from a leyline. It's a risky process, but it makes him incredibly powerful while the connection is active. Destroying the altar weakens him, but it won't stop him entirely. He'll just move to another leyline and start over."

"So how do we stop him for good?" Marra asked.

"You'll need to sever his connection to the leylines completely," Gerric said. "And that means going after the source."

"What source?" Kael asked, his stomach twisting.

"The Master isn't just tapping into random leylines," Gerric explained. "He's using a focal point—a nexus where multiple leylines converge. If you destroy the nexus, you cut off his power at the root."

Thane paled. "That sounds… impossible."

"It's not," Gerric said, his tone grim. "But it's not easy, either. The nexus will be heavily guarded, and the energy there will be unstable. One wrong move, and it could tear you apart."

Kael exchanged a look with Marra, who seemed as troubled as he felt. The path ahead was dangerous, but it was clear they didn't have a choice.

"Where is the nexus?" Marra asked.

Gerric hesitated, then pointed to a map on the table. "There's a place called the Hollow Vale. It's a cursed land—nothing grows there, and most who enter don't come back. That's where you'll find the nexus."

Kael nodded, his resolve hardening. "Then that's where we'll go."

Gerric studied him for a moment, then sighed. "You've got courage, I'll give you that. But courage won't be enough. You'll need strength, skill, and a fair bit of luck."

"We'll make it work," Marra said. "We have to."

Gerric nodded slowly. "Then I'll help you prepare. But don't expect miracles. What you're walking into… it's not something you'll come out of unscathed."

Kael felt the weight of Gerric's words settle over him like a shroud. The journey to the Hollow Vale would be their greatest challenge yet—and the cost of failure was unthinkable.