The Stranger's Bargain

Kael and Lira walked at the foot of a slope of jagged rock on a steep trail of dusty earth as the Skyshard Cliffs dwindled into the rear. The echos that hung in the cracks of the cliffs vibrated in Kael's head, phantasms that sometimes ran close to the fringe of his senses. They were worn out from that battle with the Order of the Veil, but with the growing threat that rifts are presenting before their very eyes, they couldn't give themselves a resting place.

"You've been uncharacteristically quiet," Lira said, squinting under the bright midday sun in order to work the straps for her pack secure. "And not just for this little stretch and all."

Kael cast her way a fleeting gaze. A tiny wry smile hovered at the mouth corner.

"You've got that look," she said, not paying attention to his retort. "The one who speaks, 'I am about to do something awful."

Kael chuckled softly. "Maybe. Or maybe I'm thinking about what's next. The system stated that there is more to the rifts than pure disorder artefact. We'd need to figure out where the Order is headed."

Lira rolled her eyes. "Oh, good. A conspiracy. Just what we needed."

Before Kael could even answer, a silhouette against the sun went down on the horizon. The stranger's cloak swirled about in the wind, and as they drew nearer, Kael could make out the flash of metal, a blade surely, or a piece of armour concealed beneath the material.

"Friend or foe?" Lira murmured, her hands already hovering near her daggers.

"We'll see," Kael said, holding the Starforged Blade even tighter.

The stranger stopped a few paces away, and lowering his hood, revealed to be a man with angular features and piercing blue eyes. His hair was a mixture of white and black, and it produced this ageless look, and quite tricky to define his age. Supported on his back lay a monstrously sized blade, with the blade hilt intricately carved and faintly glowing in the dark.

"Travelers," the man said, his voice smooth and measured. "You've made quite the impression. The Skyshard Cliffs haven't seen such... activity in years."

Kael exchanged a wary glance with Lira. "You were watching us?"

The man inclined his head. "Observing, yes. Intervening, no. The Order of the Veil is not something to be brushed aside easily, but for some reason, you disposed of them with an uncanny simplicity.

"And you are...?" Lira asked, her tone sharp.

The male made a hand gesture on his chest and bowed slightly. "I am Calrys, a seeker of knowledge and a. facilitator of rare opportunities."

Lira snorted. "Sounds like a fancy way of saying mercenary."

Calrys smiled, unbothered by the remark. "Call me what you will. However, I couldn't help but see, the sharp edge of your blade, he said, his eyes moved to the Starforged Blade on top of Kael's hip. "A weapon of celestial origin, if I'm not mistaken."

Kael tensed, his hand instinctively brushing the hilt. "What do you know about it?"

Calrys's smile grew faintly amused. He performed a hand gesture and with a very slight movement of his wrist, a golden streak of light danced in the air and disappeared. "More than you realize. Your weapon is a key—power alone, but it is also going to the gut of rifts. The Order's fixation on you is no accident."

Kael's jaw tightened. "What do you want?"

Calrys stepped closer, his piercing gaze locked on Kael. "To help. There is great risk in the way you travel and the Order of the Veil is but one among many dangers you are likely to face. You need allies—knowledge, resources, strength. I can provide these things."

Lira crossed her arms, her expression skeptical. "And let me guess—this help comes with strings attached."

"Everything does," Calrys admitted with awe. "But my price is final, When the moment arises, you will help me in my turn. ".

Kael hesitated, his mind racing. The system was silent, something which bothered him. However, it was not specified whether the system should come to a decision about Calrys or not. Why now? Kael thought. Why stay silent when I need guidance the most?

"What kind of assistance?" Kael asked cautiously.

Calrys's smile widened, but his eyes remained unreadable. "Nothing that will conflict with your goals. Whenever it is appropriate, I will use you. Until then, my knowledge is yours." He gestured vaguely toward the horizon. "A celestial convergence approaches. When it happens, the veil between realms will thin. What lies beyond it. you'll need more than that blade to face. ".

Lira shot Kael a warning glance. "This guy reeks of trouble."

"I know," Kael replied quietly. He looked back at Calrys. However, if this is the case, then how can we be sure that we will be able to trust you?

The opponents with whom you engage are not shy about closing the deals they make. Can you afford to be so rigid?"

Kael exhaled slowly, his gaze steady. "We'll consider your offer."

Calrys inclined his head. "Wise. When you're ready, seek me out. I'll be watching."

With that, he turned and strode away, his figure soon disappearing into the horizon. Lira let out a frustrated sigh, rubbing her temples. "I hate mysterious strangers."

Kael couldn't help but chuckle. "You hate everything."

"Not everything," she replied, smirking. "But this guy? He's definitely trouble."

Kael nodded, his thoughts heavy as they resumed their journey. Either impossible or possible, Calrys had planted the idea of impossibility or possibility. In a world on the verge of outright anarchy, however, they could not afford to discount any potential friend, no thank you, however treacherous the deal may be.