The morning came cold and gray. Mist curled around the hillside as Lioren packed their supplies. The town behind them was quiet, though faint traces of smoke still rose from the chimneys. Somewhere in the distance, a bell rang again, but fainter now, as if even the town was tired of chasing them.
Kael tightened her cloak and adjusted her satchel. How far is it to the northern ruins?
Two days if the road stays clear, Lioren replied. Three if Rattle continues to argue with every bird we meet.
Rattle crossed his bony arms. That crow insulted me first. It said I looked like a broom.
You do, Kael said without looking up.
Rattle gasped. Betrayal, already.
Lioren walked ahead before the skeleton could start another argument. The path wound through tall grass and scattered trees, leading toward the mountain ridges that faded in the distance. The orb on Lioren's belt pulsed faintly with each step, like a quiet heartbeat.
They passed through the edge of a forest by midday. The air smelled of pine and wet earth. Kael walked beside Lioren, her eyes scanning the trees. You move like someone who's always watching for danger, she said.
Old habits, Lioren answered.
From what?
Lioren didn't respond. Rattle looked between them, sensing the tension. Probably from all the people who tried to burn him alive for being spooky, he offered cheerfully.
Kael gave a small laugh. That sounds about right.
They continued on until the trees began to thin, revealing open plains. The wind picked up, sweeping through the tall grass with a low hum. Lioren stopped suddenly and raised a hand. The orb pulsed once.
Something is moving ahead, he said quietly.
Kael reached for her short dagger, while Rattle grabbed the closest stick he could find. I am ready for combat, he declared proudly, holding it like a sword.
From the tall grass came a low growl. The grass parted, and three creatures emerged — large, wolf-like beasts with twisted horns and glowing yellow eyes. Their fur was matted, and dark smoke rose from their paws as they moved.
Kael whispered, Shadowhounds. They hunt anything that carries magic.
Perfect, Rattle said. Guess who glows like a lantern at night.
The first beast lunged. Lioren raised his hand, and bones erupted from the ground, forming a jagged wall. The creature slammed into it and howled. The others circled around, snarling.
Kael moved quickly, slashing at one's leg as it pounced. Her movements were fast and clean. Lioren noticed her precision but had no time to ask how she learned it.
Rattle charged with his stick, shouting dramatically, For honor and slightly polished bones! He swung with surprising strength, smacking a Shadowhound in the jaw. The beast yelped and stumbled back, more shocked than hurt.
Lioren extended his arm, summoning skeletal spikes from beneath the soil. They shot forward, piercing through another beast's chest. It collapsed, fading into black mist.
Kael ducked beneath a claw swipe and drove her dagger into the creature's throat. The final Shadowhound tried to retreat, but Lioren's magic caught it mid-leap, binding its limbs in bone chains. The creature howled once more before dissolving into smoke.
The field fell silent again. The air smelled faintly of ashes.
Rattle leaned on his stick. Victory, he said weakly. My ribs hurt. Do ribs feel pain?
Kael cleaned her blade and looked at Lioren. That was not simple necromancy. Your control is stronger than I thought.
Lioren watched the last traces of black smoke fade. The orb had gone still again. The beasts were drawn to it, he said quietly. They will not be the last.
Rattle slumped down onto a rock. So now we are hunted by magical dogs too. Wonderful. At this rate, by next week, we will be chased by enchanted chickens.
Kael smirked slightly. That would be easier to handle.
Not if they fly, Rattle muttered.
They set camp by evening near a small stream. Kael gathered dry branches while Rattle attempted to start a fire by rubbing sticks together. It ended with him accidentally setting his own arm on fire.
Lioren sighed and waved his hand. The fire flared instantly, warm and steady.
Kael sat near it, her expression thoughtful. So, what happens when you reach the northern ruins?
Lioren poked at the flames. I will find out why the dragon chose me. And what it wants me to do.
You sound calm for someone carrying something that could destroy the world, she said.
He looked into the fire. Calm does not mean unafraid.
For a moment, the only sound was the crackle of burning wood and the soft rush of the stream. Then Rattle broke the silence. If we are being honest, I only joined this quest for the dramatic speeches. You two talk like you are in a prophecy.
Kael laughed quietly. Maybe we are.
Lioren said nothing, but his gaze lingered on the horizon, where dark clouds were gathering again. The wind carried a faint echo of distant thunder. The orb pulsed once, faint but steady, as if it could sense what was coming.