The Village on the Edge of Danger

The village of Windfell came into view after a long and exhausting walk. Small wooden houses formed a semicircle around a central square, where a rudimentary watchtower stood. Smoke rose gently from some of the chimneys, and children played at the entrance to one of the narrow streets. Despite its simplicity, there was something cosy about the place, like a refuge in the wilderness.

'Welcome to Windfell,' said Ceyla, with a hint of pride in her voice. 'It's small, but it's the only home I know.'

Tharion observed the village carefully, noting the serene atmosphere that seemed to mask a latent vulnerability. The fences were low, and there were no visible guards apart from an elderly man leaning against the watchtower. He knew that if the creatures from the shadows that they had faced in the forest made their way here, the village would be an easy target.

'How many people live here?' asked Tharion, as they walked along the main street.

'About a hundred, maybe less,' replied Ceyla. 'Most are farmers, hunters or craftsmen. We don't have any warriors or mages... not that we need them. Or at least, we didn't.'

'That's changed,' he said, glancing at the forest behind them.

She nodded, her countenance concerned. 'You saw what we were up against. That wasn't normal. The woods have always been safe, until now.'

The village council

They reached the central square, where a small group of villagers had already gathered. A tall man with a grey beard and a tired look stepped forward. He seemed to be the leader of the community, with simple clothes but a posture that exuded authority.

'Ceyla, who is he?' the man asked, pointing at Tharion with a tone that wasn't hostile, but firm.

'This is Tharion,' she replied. 'I met him in the woods. He helped us face a strange creature... something we'd never seen before.'

The villagers began to murmur amongst themselves, their expressions oscillating between curiosity and concern. The leader raised his hand, silencing them. 'I am Edran, the elder of Windfell. If what you say is true, then we need to understand what is going on.'

'It's true,' said Tharion, stepping forward. 'The creature was unlike anything I've ever seen. Living shadows, with eyes like embers. If they're attacking the forest, Windfell could be the next target.'

Edran frowned, crossing his arms. 'We don't have the warriors or defences to deal with something like this. Our best chance is to evacuate.'

'Evacuate?' Ceyla exclaimed in surprise. 'Edran, this is our home! We can't just abandon it.'

'If we stay and face these things, it will be the end of us,' he replied sombrely.

Tharion's Choice

Tharion watched the debate in silence. He knew Edran's words weren't wrong, but abandoning Windfell didn't seem right. Those villagers had nowhere to go, and the world outside was unknown and unforgiving. He felt something stir inside him - a need to protect.

'I'll stay,' he said, interrupting the discussion.

Everyone turned to him in surprise.

'You will?' repeated Ceyla, with a mixture of relief and incredulity.

'Yes. These creatures are dangerous, but not invincible. I can help protect this place while we find out what's causing these attacks.'

Edran assessed him for a long moment before nodding. 'If you're willing to fight for us, then you're welcome, Tharion. But know that we can't offer you much in return.'

'I don't need anything other than a place to rest and information,' he said.

Preparations and Mysteries

Throughout the rest of the day, Tharion and Ceyla helped organise makeshift defences. Simple weapons such as spears and bows were distributed, while barricades were erected at the entrances to the village. Although most of the villagers were inexperienced, there was determination in their eyes.

As they worked, Ceyla approached Tharion. 'Why are you helping? You don't know anyone here.'

He paused for a moment, looking at the horizon. 'In the life I had before... I made a lot of mistakes. I let people who trusted me pay the price. I'm not going to make the same mistakes here.'

She remained silent, but watched him with a new respect.

The Arrival of Darkness

As the sun began to set, the air grew colder, and the wind brought with it a strange sound - a distant whisper, as if the woods were alive. Tharion felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.

'They're coming,' he said firmly.

Ceyla picked up her bow, positioning herself next to him. 'Are we ready?'

'Ready or not,' replied Tharion, his voice as firm as steel, 'we're going to fight.'

As darkness enveloped the village, red eyes began to glow in the forest. It was the start of something much bigger - and Tharion knew that this was only the beginning of his new battle.