As they trudged through the muddy terrain, Welzon muttered again, “Let me down!”Sam only tightened his grip. “Nope. You’re stuck with me.”The sky was unusually clear for the Blighted Plain, and the sun shone brightly, casting an almost ethereal light on the desolate landscape. Sam carried the grumbling Welzon, their bickering echoing through the vast emptiness as they made their way back to Ashen Hearth Village.After a while, Welzon calmed down, and Sam walked without a word either. But suddenly Welzon's voice broke the relative silence. “Sam, do you want to know about the mastermind behind Friedo's death?”Sam adjusted his grip on the old man. “Tell me.”Welzon sighed, his breath shallow. “I can't say the name directly because of a binding curse that forbids us to expose each other. But I can say for sure that the person behind all this… he is connected to the church and also close to a powerful warlock.”Sam chuckled. "People from the church who are close to the warlock they hate?
The sun had just begun to rise, casting long shadows across the quiet town. Sam and Lyra were preparing to leave the small inn where they had spent the night, hoping for a moment's peace after their ordeal in the blighted plain. However, their hopes were shattered as they stepped outside to find a group of holy knights and priests waiting for them."Your appearance is similar to a wanted warlock," one of the knights said, stepping forward with a stern expression.Sam raised an eyebrow, keeping his voice calm and measured. "You've got the wrong person.""There’s no way we got it wrong," another priest interjected, his eyes narrowing. "The person behind you is Lyra Flammenherz, right?"Lyra stiffened beside Sam, her grip tightening on his arm.“Did he use a spell to charm her?” another priest suggested, looking at Sam with suspicion.Sam scoffed. “You suspect me of using magic to control my own wife? That's preposterous.”“We have also heard news of strange happenings in the blighted pl
The pair continued to walk, the early morning sun climbed higher, casting a warm glow over the tranquil wilderness. Birds chirped cheerily in the distance, a stark contrast to the tension that had filled their lives recently."By the way, Lyra, why didn't you just fly or help me fight them there?" Sam asked, his tone curious.Lyra shot him an exasperated look. "I'm trying to hide my power from them, but you instead screamed my name in front of their faces!" she scolded.Sam chuckled sheepishly. "Ah, sorry about that."Lyra sighed, shaking her head. "But I think now they have confirmed that you are that ‘wanted warlock’ and I’m Lyra Flammenherz. Next time, they won’t stop to ask us again.”"That’s true," Sam agreed, scratching his chin."So, I guess I don’t need to hold back either," Lyra said."I’m eager to get your help beating those church people," Sam said with a tone of amusement.“Unlike you, I get no delight in such things, Sam. I just want to help you.”“Really? Even though you
The man grinned widely, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, well, well. It seems I have found some interesting company indeed. What brings you to our humble caravan?"Sam and Lyra exchanged wary glances. Who was this strange man, and what did he want with them? The answers, it seemed, would have to wait. For now, they were thrust into another mystery.“Good day to you,” Sam replied cautiously. “And who might you be?”The man’s monocle glinted in the sunlight as he looked them over. “"I am Barnabas, the humble proprietor of this magnificent caravan. We are but simple traders, traveling from town to town, bringing joy and goods to all we encounter."Lyra stood as well, her curiosity overcoming her initial wariness. “What brings you to us, Sir Barnabas?”Barnabas stroked his mustache, a knowing smile on his lips. “Oh, I have a keen eye for intriguing individuals. And you two... seem like quite an interesting pair.”Sam and Lyra exchanged another quick glance, their interest growing
Sam and Lyra, despite their wariness, accepted Barnabas's offer. They spent more time with the caravan, observing and assisting the members. The initial suspicion began to wane as they saw firsthand the camaraderie and genuine concern Barnabas had for his people.One evening, Barnabas shared his story with Sam and Lyra around the campfire. "I know what it's like to be an orphan," he said, his eyes reflecting the flickering flames. "I was lucky enough to be taken in by kind souls who gave me a chance. Now, I try to do the same for others."Sam began to understood him better. Barnabas himself, a former orphan, had a personal stake in helping those in need. He revealed that half of his caravan consisted of orphans or impoverished individuals whom he had given a chance for a better future.Sam listened intently, still cautious but slowly finding a sense of trust in the merchant lord. "It's a noble cause, Barnabas. I’ll help this cause. But we have to stay vigilant. The church won't stop h
The tunnel opened into a dimly lit chamber below them. Sam, Lyra, and Kaelyn crouched behind a stone near the downward stairs. Their eyes wide open to witness the horror unveiling before them. In that chamber, a group of robed figures stood around a glowing altar.Their faces were obscured by hoods, and the air thick with dark energy. Symbols etched into the altar pulsed with an ominous light, casting eerie shadows on the walls. In the center of the altar lay a young girl, her body bound by glowing chains. Her mouth was gagged, muffling her screams, but the terror in her eyes was unmistakable.Sam's heart pounded in his chest as he took in the harrowing scene. "This is sick," he whispered, his voice trembling with anger.Lyra's eyes widened in horror. "What are they doing to her?"Kaelyn's gaze hardened, her voice a low, angry whisper. "Whatever that is, it must be a torture for her body and mind.”They huddled behind a large rock, trying to stay out of sight. Sam's face was grim, his
The air grew colder as the High Priest stepped forward, his robes flowing around him. His eyes glowed with malevolent energy, and an eerie smile spread across his face.Sam's grip tightened on his sword. "He's not alone."Behind the High Priest, more figures emerged from the darkness—armored paladins, their weapons gleaming in the dim light.Kaelyn's eyes narrowed as she melted into the shadows, attempting to sneak up on the High Priest. But as she moved, the Priest raised his hand, and a bright light illuminated the area around him, casting the shadows back. Kaelyn cursed under her breath, unable to approach."Nice try," the High Priest sneered. "But your tricks won't work here."The Paladins rushed forward, their swords clashing with Sam's.Lyra floated back, cradling the innocent girl they had just saved. "Be careful, Sam!" she called out, her voice filled with concern.Sam’s eyes focused on the paladins. "I'll protect you. Just stay back."The cave echoed with the sounds of battle
The room that once fell into an uneasy silence, now filled with the growl of the hybrids.Sam’s attention turned to the imp-like, human-daemon hybrids now emerging from their cages. Their twisted forms moved erratically, eyes glowing with a malevolent light. He felt a pang of sorrow and confusion, recognizing that these once were children, now corrupted by the dark rituals of the High Priest.Kaelyn’s voice trembled. "Sam, what do we do? We can't just kill them..."Sam nodded, understanding her hesitation. “I know, Kaelyn. But we need to figure out a way to stop them without harming them.”Lyra, holding the rescued girl tightly, looked equally uncertain. “They’re coming closer. We have to defend ourselves.”The hybrids attack with wild, unpredictable movements. Sam and Kaelyn found themselves on the defensive, dodging and blocking attacks. The imp-like creatures moved with a speed and agility that made it difficult to counterattack without causing harm.Sam’s sword, still glowing red,