Shadows over Moonnight - Part 1

The Abyssal Warden emerged from the treeline, framed by the sunlight breaking through clouds. Below them, Moonnight Castle sat in a shallow valley, surrounded by a small, sprawling town. To Galen, the sight was underwhelming. The castle's dark stone walls were weathered, its towers crooked like broken fingers clawing at the sky. The town below was a patchwork of uneven rooftops, thin trails of smoke rising from a few chimneys.

"That's Moonnight Castle?" Galen asked, his voice surprised as he leaned forward in his seat. "Looks like it's one good storm away from falling apart."

"You should concern yourself with its condition," Morrigan said, her presence swelling in his mind. Her tone was sharp, a bit of irritation slipping through. "The castle holds significance far beyond its appearance. It was once the center of my dominion, a symbol of my strength. Its people drew power from me, and I from them."

"Yeah, well, it must've seen better days," Galen muttered under his breath. The Warden's systems hummed faintly.

"We will not approach in the Warden," Morrigan said, her voice cutting through his thoughts. "Its presence would draw unnecessary attention."

Before Galen could respond, Morrigan materialized beside him, her form coalescing from the swirling green glow of the cockpit. "We will proceed on foot... or rather, by something more fitting."

Galen frowned. What did she have in mind this time?

Morrigan stepped forward and raised her hand. The cockpit began to dissolve, the intricate carvings fading away. Galen felt the air shift as the Warden disappeared from around him. He stumbled, his boots meeting solid ground, the sudden brightness of daylight making him squint.

They now stood on a ridge, the Abyssal Warden behind them shimmering faintly as its towering frame began to collapse inward. Morrigan whispered a soft incantation, her voice resonating with power. The Warden shrank rapidly, its frame converging into a single point of light. When the transformation was complete, Morrigan held a pendant in her hand, a bone-white necklace etched with green runes. She put it around her neck.

"There," she said, brushing her hands together as though finishing an unpleasant task. "The Warden is hidden. Now, we ride."

"Ride?" Galen asked, glancing down at the valley. His confusion barely had time to manifest before Morrigan lifted her hands again. The faint sound of hoofbeats echoed from nowhere. In an instant, two horses appeared before them. One was a deep chestnut, the other as black as a moonless night.

"And one more thing." Her form shimmered, the blackness of her dress dissolving into the muted colors of mortal garb. Her figure shifted subtly, her features becoming sharper, her hair braided and adorned with silver. When the illusion settled, she stood as someone new, a noblewoman with piercing blue eyes and a commanding presence.

"They know me as Ana of Darkwater," she said, brushing a speck of dust from her sleeve. "And you will be my escort."

Galen looked down at his own clothes, startled to see his rugged gear replaced with a tailored coat and polished boots. A sword hung at his side, its hilt simple but serviceable. "Will we go in disguised?"

"Precisely," Morrigan said, urging her horse forward. "The less you say, the better."

"Then I'll be the strong and silent type."

"Mount up," Morrigan instructed, already stepping toward the black horse. With practiced ease, she swung herself into the saddle, her movements graceful and precise. She looked down at him, her eyes flashing with impatience. "We have no time to linger."

Galen approached the chestnut horse warily. "I don't know how to ride a horse," he muttered, running a hand along the horse's mane.

"It will do most of the work." She turned her gaze toward the valley. "Moonnight Castle is more than a ruin. In this world the gods draw strength from the lands they hold, and from the devotion of those who reside in them. This place once served me, but it has turned away. If we do not reclaim its loyalty before Richard arrives, I'll have no chance of stopping him."

Galen swung himself into the saddle, adjusting to the unfamiliar feel of the reins in his hands. As they began their descent into the valley, Galen's eyes drifted back to the castle. It might not have impressed him, but the weight in Morrigan's words was enough to make him nervous. He tightened his grip on the reins, letting the horse lead their way downward.

Galen didn't press further. For now, the ride was quiet save for the sound of hooves against the dirt trail and the distant murmur of the town ahead.

The rhythmic sound of hooves on cobblestone echoed through the narrow streets of the town below Moonnight Castle. Galen kept a tight hold on the reins, trying not to fall off. His eyes darted from one corner of the bustling town to the next. The medieval charm of the place was undeniable. Stone buildings lined the streets, their slanted roofs adorned with flickering runic lanterns that glowed faintly even in the daylight. The air was alive with sound: the chatter of merchants hawking wares, the metallic clang of blacksmiths at work, and the hum of a strange contraption turning water into steam near the edge of a fountain.

"It's like going back in time," Galen muttered, steering his chestnut horse around a cart. The scent of freshly baked bread mixed with the sharp tang of iron.

"This is no time to marvel," Morrigan said, her voice low. She rode slightly ahead, her black horse navigating the cobbled path with ease. In her guise as Ana of Darkwater, she carried herself with authority that seemed to part the crowd as they passed. "The family that holds Moonnight Castle has influence over the surrounding lands. Securing their loyalty is essential. We need to focus on the task ahead."

Galen shifted in his saddle, his gaze following a pair of children who ran past, chasing after a small cat. "You think they'll just hand over their support when they hear about Richard?"

"That would be too easy," Morrigan said. "The Iron Crusade consumes all in its path. These lands will either stand with me, or they will fall under Richard's heel. But it has been a generation since I've ruled over them. A speck of sand for me, but an eternity for them. Their loyalty is mostly gone."

As they approached the gates of Moonnight Castle, the cobblestone path widened, and the noise of the town faded into the background. The towering gates stood open, flanked by guards clad in armor marked with the crest of a silver moon. At the base of the steps leading into the castle stood a striking figure: a young woman with flowing blonde hair and sharp blue eyes. Her scarlet dress was caught by light, its intricate designs shimmering faintly like woven fire.

"Lady Ana," the woman called out, her voice warm and familiar. She descended the steps with practiced grace, her gaze briefly flicking to Galen before returning to Morrigan. "It's been far too long. My father will be pleased to see you."

Morrigan inclined her head slightly, her voice adopting a measured tone. "Lady Elenor. The pleasure is mine. I bring urgent news for your father."

"Then come," Elenor said, offering a small smile. "He's been expecting you."

With a subtle nudge of her horse, Morrigan urged it forward. Galen followed, his unease growing as they passed under the shadow of the gates and into the heart of Moonnight Castle.

The grand hall leading to the lord's office was dimly lit, the sunlight filtering through narrow stained-glass windows that painted the polished stone floors in muted shades of red and gold. Elenor led the way, her scarlet dress sweeping behind her with every step. Morrigan followed, her movements precise and purposeful, the noble guise of Ana of Darkwater fitting her like a second skin. Galen trailed a step behind, glancing at the tall, arched ceilings adorned with intricate carvings. At that moment he felt incredibly out of place.

When they reached a heavy wooden door at the end of the corridor, Elenor paused. "My father is expecting you, Lady Ana," she said, her voice soft but steady. Her green eyes flicked to Galen for the briefest moment before returning to Morrigan. "I'll remain here and see to your companion."

Morrigan gave a slight nod, her expression unreadable. "Thank you for your warm hospitability," she said curtly before pushing open the door and stepping through, her presence vanishing as the heavy door closed behind her with a dull thud.

And then, silence.

Galen stood stiffly, the faint sound of distant voices muffled behind the door. Elenor lingered a few paces away, her hands clasped neatly in front of her. For a moment, she looked as though she might say something, but instead, her gaze dropped to the floor.

Galen shifted uncomfortably, clearing his throat. "So... uh, nice place you've got here."

Elenor's lips twitched, as though suppressing a smile. "Thank you," she said, though the faint tension in her tone suggested she was equally unsure how to fill the silence.

Seconds stretched into what felt like minutes. Galen awkwardly adjusted the cuffs of his coat, his mind grasping for anything remotely appropriate to say. Nothing came.

As they stood waiting the sound of heavy silence filled the room.