Part 13: The Tide of Shadows

The sun had just risen, marking the beginning of a new day for Kaelan's group. After the events of the previous night, they agreed to hasten their journey toward the city of Eldarion, a place rumored to have an impregnable magical fortress. It was also known as a hub for adventurers and a center of information.

Kaelan led the way, trying to decipher the cryptic warning given by Valdrik, the Dark General. Valdrik's words echoed in his mind: "Varion will strike soon. There's no safe place for you."

Gravin, walking beside Kaelan, broke the silence. "We need to use the time we have before they launch a major assault. Eldarion is the best place to find allies."

"But can we trust anyone there?" Lyra asked, her voice tinged with doubt. "If Varion knows about us, who's to say he doesn't have spies in Eldarion?"

"Then we'll have to outsmart them," Azura replied firmly. "We're not just protecting ourselves—we're fighting for the entire world. If we hesitate, we lose."

Kaelan stopped abruptly, turning to face them with a serious expression. "We've come this far. If anyone wants to back out, now's the time. But if not, we need to prepare for anything, even in Eldarion."

No one spoke. They all nodded, silently affirming their resolve.

As they resumed their journey, Kaelan felt something strange. The blue crystal in his chest began to pulse, as if sending a warning. "Something's not right," he said softly.

Gravin immediately tensed, gripping the hilt of his sword. "Is it another trap?"

Before they could prepare further, the ground around them began to tremble. From behind the trees emerged a horde of terrifying creatures—dozens of massive Orcs clad in black armor wielding gleaming weapons. Behind them stood a mysterious figure cloaked in black, observing like a commander.

"This isn't an ordinary force," Azura whispered, readying a spell.

Kaelan stepped forward, blue flames igniting around his body. "We knew they were coming. Now it's time to show them our strength."

The Orcs growled in unison, then charged with incredible speed. Gravin was the first to step up, his sword gleaming as he struck down the nearest enemy. Azura stayed back, chanting protective spells to shield Lyra, who fired arrows rapidly at the advancing Orcs.

Kaelan leaped into the air, dodging a swing from a spiked mace. With swift movements, he unleashed a blue fireball that engulfed three Orcs at once, reducing them to ash.

But the Orcs didn't falter. Their movements were coordinated, as if guided by intelligent strategy.

The cloaked figure at the rear finally moved, raising a staff. The ground beneath them cracked open, releasing small spider-like creatures with glowing red eyes.

"Those creatures… they're using magic!" Azura shouted in alarm.

"Don't let them get near Azura!" Gravin yelled, slashing at the spider-like creatures.

Kaelan closed his eyes briefly, listening to the crystal's rhythm in his chest. Grant me the strength to protect them, he prayed silently. The blue flames around him intensified, and with a powerful shout, he unleashed a massive wave of fire that incinerated all the spider-like creatures in an instant.

The cloaked figure took a few steps back, seemingly caught off guard by the display of power. However, before Kaelan's group could celebrate their small victory, the figure let out a cold laugh.

"You're strong, but this is just the beginning," he said, before vanishing into a black mist along with the remaining Orcs.

Kaelan stood panting, his body still surrounded by faint blue flames. He stared into the darkness where the enemy had disappeared, realizing their threat was only growing.

"We need to reach Eldarion as quickly as possible," he said. "Varion won't stop until he destroys us."

They continued their journey, their steps heavier but their resolve stronger. In the distance, the silhouette of Eldarion began to emerge, standing tall amidst a green valley, as if waiting for their arrival.

---

Dark clouds hung low as Kaelan's group arrived at the green plains surrounding Eldarion. The city loomed majestically, its towering stone walls glowing faintly—a magical barrier protecting it from enemy attacks. Yet, an unusual tension lingered in the air.

"Do you sense something strange?" Azura asked, scanning the surroundings.

Kaelan nodded. "This crystal..." He touched his chest, feeling the irregular pulsing of the power within him. "It's as if something is watching us."

Ahead, the city gates slowly creaked open, but no guards came to greet them. The creak of an old wagon passing by was the only sign of life.

"This isn't the usual welcome Eldarion gives travelers," Gravin said, gripping his sword tightly.

They stepped in cautiously. The main street, usually bustling with merchants and adventurers, was eerily quiet, inhabited only by a few townsfolk hurrying past with worried expressions.

"Wait," Lyra whispered suddenly. "Over there."

In one of the narrow alleys, a hooded figure stood watching them with piercing eyes. But as Kaelan and his group moved closer, the figure quickly ran, disappearing around a corner.

"We're being followed," Gravin said, his face tense.

"Let him go," Kaelan replied, stopping Gravin's hand. "If we chase him, we might walk into a trap. Focus on our goal."

They continued until they reached the central square, where a towering structure stood with a shining sun emblem at its peak. This was the Eldarion Guild Hall, where adventurers and mages gathered to exchange information and accept missions.

Before they could approach the tower, the sound of clinking metal echoed. A group of heavily armed soldiers emerged from the shadows, led by a tall man in gleaming black armor. His face was stern, a scar running from his brow to his cheek.

"Who are you?" the man demanded in a deep voice. "And what is your purpose in Eldarion?"

Kaelan stepped forward, keeping his tone calm. "We're travelers. We seek shelter and information."

The man narrowed his eyes, as if weighing Kaelan's honesty. "Many come to Eldarion with the same reasons, but this city is no longer what it used to be."

"What do you mean?" Azura asked, sensing something was being withheld.

"Our enemies have infiltrated. Varion's spies roam freely, and they won't hesitate to kill anyone they see as a threat."

"Wait," Lyra interrupted, pointing to the sky. "What's that?"

Above the Guild Hall, a massive shadow suddenly appeared. A colossal creature with pitch-black, scaly wings hovered in the air, letting out a deafening roar.

"Drakolith!" one of the fleeing townsfolk screamed, naming the feared dark dragon.

The creature descended rapidly, slamming into the square with enough force to crack the surrounding stones. Chaos erupted, and the few hidden townsfolk began fleeing in every direction.

"Get ready!" Gravin shouted, raising his sword.

Kaelan stared at the dragon with unwavering focus. The crystal in his chest pulsed more intensely, as if signaling that this was his next trial. "Handle the townsfolk! I'll take care of this."

Azura protested, "You can't do it alone!"

Kaelan gave a faint smile. "Trust me."

He stepped forward, his body shrouded in a blazing blue aura. The dragon snarled, seemingly recognizing the immense power before it. With a single beat of its wings, it unleashed a powerful gust of wind that nearly knocked Kaelan off balance.

But Kaelan stood firm. With a swift motion of his hand, he hurled a massive blue fireball at the dragon, initiating an epic battle that would determine whether they could earn Eldarion's trust or lose everything.