Late At Night…
A fire crackled softly, casting shadows across the surrounding trees. Crickets chirped through the darkness, and occasionally were the rustle of leaves stirred by the breeze.
Halcyon sat cross-legged by the campfire, its warm glow showed her calm expression. Across from her, Asher idly poked at the flames with a stick, his eyes half-opened but alert.
The scent of simmering herbs and meat filled the air, comforting and familiar. A few steps away, one of the courier members knelt beside a pot suspended over the fire, slowly stirring a bubbling stew. Halcyon hummed a soft tune under her breath, barely louder than the breeze.
Jackson sat nearby, leaned forward slightly. The firelight reflected in his eyes as he curiously looked between Halcyon and Asher.
"Seeing you two are mages possibly heading to the yearly hunt?" he asked, sniffing and adjusting his sitting posture.
Halcyon shook her head. "We're not here for the hunt," she replied calmly. "I'm just exploring… looking to learn more about the world."
Asher's eyes narrowed slightly. He glanced at Halcyon, then at Jackson, gauging the situation. He wasn't comfortable sharing too much. They didn't know these people well. But… he trusted Halcyon. Her relaxed demeanor put others at ease, and it was hard to question her sincerity.
She just doesn't want any trouble, especially being so weak right now. But as a whole, would not needling to fight.
However, Jackson's question wasn't random…it held weight. The hunt he mentioned wasn't just a competition. It was nearly time for the Warriors' Hunt, an event held near the damp waters of the Black Swamp. Cities and families from across the continent sent their best to protect continent and prove their strength against the creatures that emerged there.
It was both ritual and necessity.
Asher closed his eyes briefly.
None of has ever been to the black swamp. We all heard about the dangers, that constantly crawl out, that if not stopped yearly amye over run the continent's. But won't Ebonhaven do the same?
Jackson let out a hearty laugh. "Oh, that good! The swamp is the perfect place to meet others. Since we're heading to the Black Swamp and you helped us out, so what do you say? Travel with us?"
Asher eyes snapped open, his mouth remained halfway opened.
"Thank you, Leader Jackson," Halcyon said before he could speak.
Asher shaking his head, sighed and gave a tired smile.
I know Asher wanted to decline. But this to be on the sager side. Rhe silver Bandits, they seemed to be a serious large grounp, that may cause trouble. If he was only able to focus on them.
Jackson had a gratitude grin and nod. "No need to thank me. Everyone has it rough out on the road. And let's be honest… without your magic calming our horses, we'd have lost more than a few crates tonight."
He gestured toward one of the nearby carriages, its wheels newly repaired and horses resting peacefully.
"Besides," He continued, "We'll reach the Black Swamp's outer district by tomorrow. The Swamp's local leader always sends someone to greet our deliveries. It's too dangerous to move at night anyway, so we'll rest here and head out at first light."
While the fire settled into a low, rhythmic crackle, Jackson leaned back on his hands, looking satisfied.
"Funny. If the swamp doesn't kill us, the stew just might."
Halcyon glanced at him, then at the bubbling pot. "Then I hope it has the courtesy to finish the job quickly. I'd hate to limp into battle because of undercooked carrots."
Jackson barked a laugh, nearly choking on his own breath. "Fair enough. If I die tonight, tell the Swamp Lord I was taken down by aggressive vegetables."
Halcyon nodded serenely. "Noted. Heroic… but slightly crunchy."
All the men laughter drifted through the camp like smoke. Jars of stew passed from hand to hand. Some of the members retired to their tents, bellies full and wide smiles. Others uncorked flasks and began to drink. The night was alive with laughter, warmth, and the comfort of company.
Around the fire, a rotation of three to five patrollers quietly moved along the perimeter, eyes sharp despite the relaxed atmosphere.
Halcyon and Asher remained near the fire, listening in silence. Across from them, Aiden leaned back against a log, cradling a carved wooden cup, his cheeks were flushed from drinking.
"So…" Aiden grinned, swirling the drink of his cup, "You two've got that look about you. You know… adventurers. Warriors. Maybe even…" He wiggled his fingers in the air, mimicking a clumsy spellcaster. "…mages?"
"Ha. You wouldn't be wrong."
Aiden leaned forward, his grin widening. "Then show us something! Come on, just a little trick. Please?"
Around them, murmurs of agreement rippled through the group. All eyes turned to Halcyon, expectant and excited.
Asher raised his brow, smirking slightly. "Well, don't keep them waiting."
Without another word, Halcyon set down her cup, her lips curled into a sly smile as she raised her hand toward the fire, fingers spread.
She whispered a single word… one that only Asher understood.
"Quack."
Suddenly, the campfire flames wavered… then coiled upward in a spiral. Sparks shimmered like stars as the fire twisted into the shape of a phoenix, wings stretched wide. The fiery bird beat the air once twice… before soaring in a circle around the camp, trailing embers in its wake. Then, with a final flare, it burst into glowing fragments that rained softly down into the firepit.
A wave of gasps and cheers swept through the group.
Aiden was nearly bouncing in place. "That was incredible! Spirits above, I wish I could do that. How did you… Can anyone learn magic like that?"
Halcyon head tilted. "Some are born with it. Others… learn. But it always costs something."
That silenced him for a moment. They were unsure about her errie words.
"Still…" Aiden , whispered as he stared into the dying phoenix's embers, "…worth it."
Asher looked up, eyes catching the last drift of embers. For just a moment, something distant and sorrowful passed through his gaze. He lowered his eyes, his expression unreadable.
Suddenly, a different voice, quieter, colder cut through the warmth. The fire didn't crackle, the breeze seemed to pause.
"Do either of you carry any relics? Ancient charms, heirlooms… anything unusual?"
From the edge of the circle, a hooded man, older, with sharp eyes half-hidden beneath his cowl, leaned forward just enough to be heard.
Halcyon and Asher exchanged a glance. It was subtle, but tension flared between them.
Asher answered first, his voice friendly but to match their cold. "Not right now. We travel light."
The man's gaze lingered a moment too long, searching them.
Then he sat back, silent again.
The others, oblivious to the undercurrent, resumed their chatter. Halcyon's trick had stolen their attention, their minds drifting back to awe and laughter.
But Halcyon and Asher didn't join them.
They sat a little straighter, eyes a little sharper. They felt it… a subtle shift in the air.
They shared one more glance. No words, just understanding.
Something… or someone was watching them.
Thee Next Day…
The journey took longer than expected, slowed by the nature of their cargo and their3 cautious pace. Yet, during that time, bonds were forged. They learned more about their companions… Liam, the scrawny man, had been with Jackson recently, almost like a disciple to him. Aiden, to was quite recent just ever curious and spirited, had proven himself more than just a friendly face… he'd chosen to accompany them further, helping where he could.
Now, on the final night before reaching their destination, the group gathered once more around a campfire.
The old hooded man, quiet for most of the evening, leaned forward once again. His voice was low, almost swallowed by the wind.
"I meant what I said before." His eyes gleamed in the firelight. "If relics really exist... I'd do anything to get one."
"Yeah… Me to. I heard about their godly power." Aiden said.
Halcyon raised a brow, her casual smile tightening. "Anything?"
The old man turned to her. His expression twisted into something darker… hungry. "Power like that... it changes everything. I don't care what it costs. I'd give up my name, my blood... my soul."
She held his gaze, but the warmth in her eyes faded. She knew that look… knew that obsession. Once, not too long ago, she might've said something similar.
"Be careful what you're willing to give," Asher said softly, his voice cold. "Because something might just take you up on that offer."
Everything around them went silent.
That night, the cold was unnatural. It bit colder than it should be. Even those nestled inside tents beneath thick blankets shivered, murmuring about how the wind seemed... wrong.
Jackson watchful, remained outside longer than the rest. He had just turned to speak… his usual calm smile on his lips.
Suddenly, a scream tore through the night.
"Ahh!"
Every head snapped toward the sound. Heart raced. One of their own… Sammy had gone into the forest earlier, just for a moment… Just for a leak.
Before anyone could move, something burst from the treeline… tumbling, rolling violently across the dirt.
It skidded to a stop near the fire… Gasps echoed around the camp.
Someone whispered. "Sammy?"
They all stared.
They realized, it was a head. Eyes still wide in frozen terror, their mouth wide open.
The old man… The one obsessed with relics.
His head had landed at the center of their camp.