The Urban Legend Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Chapter 83

Emily and Stephanie sat quietly across from Anwen in her candlelit cottage, recounting the attack on the temple by the monstrous creatures. Anwen listened intently, her brow furrowed.

"You showed courage and skill driving them off," she said when they had finished. "But very dark magic must be involved for such beasts to roam these woods."

Emily nodded gravely. "Afterwards, we went to check the Source. Thankfully it's still protected, but barely. Whatever they were after, I know they'll be back."

Stephanie shuddered at the memory of the creatures' gnarled limbs and razor-sharp claws. "We hoped you might know what they are, and who controls them."

Anwen was silent for a moment, gazing into the flickering hearth fire. "Long ago, an evil Druid named Balinor was banished from the grove," she spoke slowly. "His twisted ambitions led him down a dangerous path in pursuit of power."

Emily and Stephanie exchanged uneasy glances at this news.

Anwen continued. "It is possible the years have co