Chapter 4: Allies Gather

The wind carried whispers of Kael's discovery far beyond the ruins of Atherion, reaching ears both eager and wary. Across villages and cities, in candlelit corners and bustling marketplaces, rumors spread of a young warrior who had drawn the Blade of Eternity. Some dismissed it as mere legend reborn; others saw it as the dawn of a new chapter in Eldoria's history. But for a select few, it was a call to arms.

Seraphine was the first to answer.

The mage arrived with a dramatic swirl of her violet cloak, stepping into Kael's path as he made his way through the winding streets of Aelbrook. The town was nestled between rolling hills and was known for its vast marketplace, where merchants peddled wares from all across Eldoria. She eyed Kael with a smirk, a staff in one hand and a glint of mischief in her eyes.

"So you're the new hero everyone's talking about," she mused, tilting her head. "I expected someone taller."

Kael raised an eyebrow, shifting his grip on the hilt of Eternity. "And you are?"

"Seraphine," she replied, tapping her staff against the ground. "Archmage-in-training, purveyor of fine sarcasm, and now—your first ally."

Despite her playful demeanor, Kael sensed the depth of her abilities. Magic seemed to crackle in the air around her, waiting to be unleashed. He didn't need to ask why she had come; the blade had drawn her, just as it had drawn him to his destiny.

Next came Brom.

The warrior was found in the fighting pits of Durnholde, where men tested their strength in brutal contests of steel and will. Kael had to wait until the last challenger fell, watching as Brom wiped blood from his knuckles and took a long swig from a tankard. His broad frame was covered in old scars, each a story of battles fought and survived.

"You're Kael, aren't you?" Brom asked, voice like gravel.

"I am," Kael confirmed. "And I need warriors."

Brom chuckled, tossing his empty tankard aside. "You need warriors? I need a reason to keep fighting. Tell me, boy—what's your cause?"

Kael met his gaze without flinching. "To end the darkness before it swallows us all."

The large warrior studied him for a long moment, then nodded. "Good enough."

Lira found them in a different way—by stealing Kael's coin purse.

The rogue had been shadowing them through the markets of Eldoria, listening, watching. She saw opportunity where others saw danger, and when she finally revealed herself, it was not with a handshake, but with a challenge.

"You lot need someone who knows how to move unseen," she said, flipping Kael's purse in her hand before tossing it back to him. "You're assembling a team of heavy hitters, but who's going to get you past locked doors and keep you from getting killed in the dark?"

Kael caught the purse, a small smirk forming on his lips. "I suppose that would be you."

"Smart boy," Lira said with a wink. "Count me in."

And so, in a dimly lit tavern on the border of Eldoria, the four of them gathered at last. The firelight flickered against their faces as they clinked tankards together, each aware of the weight of the journey ahead. Their banter was quick and sharp, laughter masking the deeper understanding that bound them. They were not just allies—they were a force to be reckoned with.

In the days to come, they would face trials that tested their strength, wit, and resolve. But in that moment, as the fire roared and the ale flowed, they were simply warriors, mages, and rogues sharing a drink before the storm.

Their adventure had truly begun.