As the inn grew quieter, with Nyra settling into her room alongside Tar and Luken keeping to his own, Thal slipped out into the night. The city of Kel was still alive with activity, even as the faint glow of the protective barrier cast the streets in an ethereal light.
Thal moved through the winding streets, his steps quiet for someone of his size. He let the rhythm of the city guide him, observing its people their mix of races, their interactions, and the peculiar harmony they seemed to share in this unusual sanctuary.
Eventually, his wandering brought him to a quieter district, where a small gathering caught his attention. Valen was standing in the midst of a group, his charm in full effect as he spoke animatedly to two women. One was a Beastkin, her feline features soft but distinctly sharp ears twitching as she listened, her tail flicking with mild amusement. The other was an Ork woman, her muscular frame leaning casually against a wall, arms crossed as she regarded Valen with a smirk that suggested she wasn't entirely sold on whatever story he was spinning.
Thal lingered in the shadows, watching the interaction unfold. Valen's confidence was undeniable, but there was something endearing about how he seemed genuinely invested in the conversation, even if his motives were likely less noble. The Beastkin woman tilted her head, a sly grin forming on her lips, while the Ork let out a low, rumbling chuckle, clearly entertained by his efforts.
Thal smiled faintly to himself. Valen, for all his bravado, seemed to fit into any situation with ease. He had a knack for disarming people, even those who might normally keep their guard up. But Thal didn't interrupt. Whatever Valen was doing, he was managing just fine without interference.
Satisfied that Valen wasn't in any trouble, Thal turned and continued his walk, leaving the younger man to his socializing. The city stretched out before him, and though the streets were unfamiliar, there was something oddly comforting about the mix of cultures and the sense of peace within the glowing barrier.
For Thal, the night was a rare moment of quiet reflection. Whatever trials awaited them next, at least for now, the city of Kel provided a brief respite. And as he walked, his thoughts drifted to the journey ahead, the past that lingered in shadows, and the companions who had, for better or worse, become his responsibility.
As Thal continued his quiet walk through the city, his thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a deep, gurgling voice.
"You," it rasped, the sound harsh and wet, like stone grinding on wet gravel.
Thal turned to find himself face to face with a towering Kruu'vesp guard. The creature's insect like frame was both intimidating and eerily elegant. Its long, segmented body was covered in a hard, glossy exoskeleton that reflected the faint light of the city's barrier. Two long fangs jutted from its mandibles, twitching slightly as it spoke. Its massive, multifaceted eyes shimmered, the hexagonal texture catching the faint light in unsettling patterns.
On its back, a pair of translucent, wasp like wings quivered, ready to propel the creature into the air if needed. Its forearms ended in sharp, chitinous edges, with two distinct holes in each likely weapons of some kind, though Thal had no desire to find out how they worked.
"The Patron wishes to see you," the Kruu'vesp continued, the gurgle in its voice making each word sound like a struggle.
Thal's brow furrowed. "The Patron?" he asked evenly, his tone calm but wary. The title was unfamiliar, though it carried enough weight to make him tread carefully.
The Kruu'vesp didn't answer immediately. Instead, it tilted its head, its massive eyes studying him with unnerving intensity. "Yes," it said finally, the word sharp and clipped. "You come now."
Thal considered his options. He could refuse, but the Kruu'vesp didn't look like the type to take no for an answer. Besides, whoever this "Patron" was, they clearly knew enough about him to send a personal summons.
He nodded slowly. "Lead the way."
The Kruu'vesp hissed something under its breath, perhaps satisfaction, and turned sharply, its wings giving a brief, buzzing flutter before it began to walk. Its movements were alien jerky but purposeful, its segmented legs making soft clicks against the stone streets.
Thal followed, his massive frame moving with surprising silence for someone his size. The streets grew quieter as they left the more populated areas of Kel, and the architecture began to shift. Buildings became more ornate but also more worn, their designs ancient and unfamiliar, as though they belonged to a time long forgotten.
The Kruu'vesp stopped in front of a massive doorway carved into the side of a cliff. Intricate symbols were etched into the stone, glowing faintly in the dim light. The guard turned to Thal, its eyes gleaming.
"Inside," it hissed.
Thal didn't hesitate. He stepped forward, the weight of the Kruu'vesp's gaze heavy on his back as he entered the darkened chamber. The air inside was cooler, carrying the faint scent of age and something sweetly acrid, like honey left too long to ferment.
In the center of the room, a figure sat on an elevated throne, shrouded in shadows. The faint light from the doorway caught the edges of their form, but not enough to make out their features.
"So," the figure said, their voice smooth and commanding. "Another Nephilim comes to my city."
The figure leaned forward, her form emerging from the shadows as Thal's eyes adjusted to the dim light of the chamber. Sitting on the throne was a Kruu'Strata woman, her presence radiating a quiet, controlled power. Her crimson hair and irises burned like molten embers within the black sclera of her eyes, unblinking and sharp as they studied him.
Her horns were unlike anything Thal had seen before. They curved outward from the sides of her head, ridged and jagged like the branches of a lightning struck tree, before arching upward in a crescent. Yet, the horns didn't end there they continued downward along the back of her skull, fusing seamlessly with an exposed exoskeleton that traced her spine. The intricate ridges of the spine armor extended down her back, disappearing into a long, whip like tail that swayed lazily as she watched him.
Her skin was a pale, ashen gray that gleamed faintly under the flickering light of the chamber's torches. She wore a dark, form fitting tunic with armor plates accentuating her shoulders and waist, though her attire did nothing to undermine her imposing, regal demeanor. She was not particularly tall especially not compared to Thal but her stature didn't seem to matter. Every movement, every gesture carried the weight of absolute authority.
"You're not what I expected," she said finally, her voice low and smooth, yet laced with an undercurrent of something sharper. "The stories spoke of a Nephilim who towered over all, wielding the strength of a thousand storms. Kael spoke of a warrior whose presence alone could cow armies." Her red eyes flicked over him, lingering for just a moment on his weathered face and the way he carried himself. "You seem... different."
Thal remained silent, his expression unreadable, though he didn't miss the name she dropped. Kael. That explained how she knew him Kael and his loud mouth.
The Kruu'Strata woman rose from her throne, her movements fluid and deliberate, like a predator that didn't need to hurry. She stepped closer, the sound of her tail dragging faintly against the stone floor. Despite her smaller stature, she stood before Thal with an air of command that demanded respect.
"I am Na'reth," she said, her voice cutting through the stillness. "Patron of this city and its protector. I am told you are Thal, a Nephilim of the old blood. You walk the lands as if you are a ghost, yet wherever you tread, the shadows ripple, and whispers follow. I have heard the tales of your strength, your silence, and your refusal to stay bound to any one place."
Thal nodded slightly but said nothing.
Na'reth tilted her head, her crimson eyes narrowing slightly, as if weighing him. "Your kind are rare, and your presence here is... intriguing. Kael spoke of you, though even he couldn't say what brings you to my city. I'm not one to question chance, however. The fact you are here now is... convenient."
She turned and began to pace slowly, her tail curling behind her as she spoke. "You see, we have a problem. Something stirs in the shadow of these lands something ancient and dangerous. A Harbinger."
At the mention of the word, Thal's expression darkened, though he remained silent.
Na'reth caught the shift in his demeanor and smiled faintly. "Ah, so you know of them. That much, at least, is true of your kind. The Nephilim and their secrets. The Harbingers are spoken of only in legends dead gods, vengeful dragons, beings of pure chaos. But you know what they are, don't you?"
Thal didn't respond, his silence an answer in itself.
Na'reth stopped pacing and turned to face him fully. "Kael has been dealing with the signs for some time now. He's been tracking its movements, sensing its influence. But even he admits this is beyond his ability alone. A single Nephilim can only do so much. But two?" She paused, her gaze locking onto Thal's. "Two Nephilim working together could end this before it becomes something worse. That is what I am asking of you. Help him. Help us."
Thal's eyes flicked toward the faint glow of the barrier outside the chamber's entrance, his jaw tightening. "And if I refuse?"
Na'reth raised an elegant brow, her crimson eyes gleaming. "You won't. Not because I command it, but because you understand what's at stake. Your kind exists to deal with threats like this. It is in your blood, Thal, whether you acknowledge it or not."
Her words hung heavy in the air, the weight of her request pressing down like the gravity of a storm on the horizon. After a moment, she stepped back toward her throne, her tail swaying behind her like a pendulum.
"I don't pretend to understand the Harbingers, nor the role your kind plays in stopping them," she admitted. "But I know this: without your help, this city and perhaps all the lands beyond it will fall."
Thal's gaze remained steady, though his mind churned beneath his stoic exterior. The mention of a Harbinger stirred old concerns, and his thoughts strayed to the north to the Hunter's Haunt and the two souls he'd left behind to face their own trials. Neo and Tor. They were strong, capable in their own right, but the weight of their task wasn't lost on him. He had chosen to leave them there, trusting them to handle what they could, yet hearing of another Harbinger so soon filled him with unease.
Na'reth, sharp and perceptive, observed the faint tension in his frame. Her crimson eyes narrowed slightly, studying him like a puzzle she intended to solve. "You're quiet," she said, her voice cutting through the silence like a blade. She had returned to her throne but leaned forward now, her fingers steepled as if calculating his every move. "I expected more questions. Or perhaps even refusal. But you stand there, lost in thought. Tell me, Nephilim what weighs on you?"
For a moment, Thal said nothing, his broad shoulders lifting slightly as he exhaled. His gaze shifted briefly to the flickering torches lining the chamber before returning to hers. "I'm thinking," he said simply, his voice low but firm.
Na'reth tilted her head, clearly unsatisfied with his vague response, but she didn't press him further at least, not yet. Her tail curled lazily behind her, a silent testament to her patience.
"I'll help," Thal continued after a pause, his voice calm but resolute. "If there's a Harbinger, it needs to be dealt with. I'm not the type to walk away from something like this." His tone was pragmatic, though there was a shadow behind his words, a weight Na'reth couldn't quite place.
She leaned back slightly, her lips curving into the faintest hint of a smile. "Good. I expected no less."
Thal crossed his arms, his expression softening just enough to betray a sliver of familiarity. "I'm not surprised Kael's made a home here," he said, changing the subject with deliberate ease. There was a faint note of wry amusement in his tone. "He's always been good at finding places like this. And trouble to go with it."
Na'reth chuckled softly, her voice carrying a dry amusement. "Trouble does seem to follow him, doesn't it? He's... unique, to say the least. But his talents are undeniable. And with you here now, perhaps we have a fighting chance."
Thal didn't respond to that, his thoughts briefly flickering back to Neo and Tor. His choice to leave them had been deliberate, but he couldn't help but wonder if he'd done enough to prepare them. Pushing the thoughts aside, he straightened, his focus returning to the task at hand.
"When do we start?" he asked, his voice steady.
Na'reth's crimson eyes gleamed, a mixture of relief and intrigue flashing across her face. "Soon," she said, her tone decisive. "Kael will brief you on what he knows, and then we'll act. But first, rest. Even a Nephilim needs a moment to prepare."
Thal nodded, though he didn't move immediately. As Na'reth's gaze lingered on him, he could tell she wasn't entirely convinced by his deflection. Yet, for now, she let the matter rest.
As Thal stood near the throne, his posture relaxed but attentive, the atmosphere in the room shifted when Kael entered. His presence was immediately apparent, larger than life, with his booming voice and a carefree energy that contrasted sharply with the weight of the situation.
"Ah, the Nephilim graces us with his presence!" Kael's voice boomed, his grin as wide as ever. His eyes flicked between Thal and Na'reth, playful mischief evident in his features. Despite the tension in the room, it was clear that Kael was always one to lighten the mood. He walked over to Na'reth, placing a heavy hand on her shoulder, which she didn't seem to mind in the slightest.
"I see you're busy with our brooding friend here," Kael teased, nudging her gently with his elbow. Na'reth rolled her eyes but allowed the playful gesture, a slight smile tugging at her lips. Thal, however, remained unmoved, watching their interaction with an air of familiarity that spoke volumes about their long history.
"Yes, yes, I'm sure you've been very helpful," Na'reth responded dryly, not bothering to play along with Kael's usual antics. She looked up at him with a raised brow, her eyes gleaming with something that bordered between affection and mild annoyance. "Have you finished your little game of 'who can annoy Thal more'?"
Kael raised both hands in mock surrender. "I'll leave you to it. But don't expect me to go easy on you when we get started." With that, Kael took a step back and motioned for Thal to follow him to a more secluded area of the room. Na'reth returned to her throne, settling herself with an air of quiet authority as she allowed the men to talk business.
When they were alone, Thal's posture subtly shifted, his mind steeling for the upcoming discussion. Kael was already in business mode, his playful demeanor dropping into something more serious as he addressed the looming threat. "The Harbinger," Kael started, his voice suddenly serious. "It's not something we can deal with like any ordinary foe. You know how this works. We stop them, but they always come back."
Thal nodded, his expression darkening. "I dealt with one years ago. It didn't take long for it to return, and it was worse the second time around. We can't kill them at least, not in a way we understand. We can only keep them at bay."
Kael gave a small sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's a never ending battle, really. There's no final victory against them, no matter what we do. But every time we stop it, we buy some time." He paused, his eyes meeting Thal's, as if asking for confirmation. Thal gave him a slight nod.
Na'reth, who had been listening intently, asked, "So this Harbinger can't die? No matter how much force is used against it?"
Thal and Kael exchanged a brief glance, silently weighing how much they should reveal to her. Kael spoke first, his voice measured. "It doesn't die in the traditional sense. There's... something about them. They're forces of nature, beyond the understanding of most. They've been around for centuries, and the Nephilim have learned to deal with them by stopping them, not killing them." He gave Na'reth a careful look. "But it's a delicate thing. We're talking about something beyond the reach of mortal understanding, even our own. What you need to know is that we stop them, and that's all we can do."
Na'reth leaned forward slightly, intrigued but also cautious. "And how long does it take for them to come back? What should I expect?"
Thal's gaze hardened. "Faster than we'd like. The one I fought... it returned quicker than I thought. The Harbingers adapt, learn from every fight, and the longer you wait, the worse it gets." He paused, his mind lingering on Neo and Tor, the worry gnawing at him again. "It'll return. It always does."
Kael gave a wry grin. "And when it does, we'll be ready. It'll be tough, but it's not impossible."
Na'reth's sharp eyes glimmered with a mix of fascination and concern. She could see that the two Nephilim were not only experienced but burdened with the weight of this knowledge, a burden that no other race would fully comprehend. The realization that she was dealing with a force that even these powerful beings feared and couldn't fully defeat was unsettling.
"Very well," she said, standing up slowly, her crimson eyes flicking between them. "I'll gather my forces. We prepare for what comes next, then. But I trust you understand if we fail..."
"We won't," Thal interrupted, his tone resolute. "I'll make sure of it."
Kael chuckled softly, his hand resting on his staff. "You've always been one for bold statements, Thal. I like that about you. But this time, I think it's more than just words."
Na'reth regarded the two Nephilim thoughtfully. "Good. I expect results."
As they continued discussing the logistics of the plan, Thal's thoughts wandered again, briefly slipping to the north, to the Hunter's Haunt. To Neo. To Tor. The Harbingers were an unpredictable plague, and the tension in the room was thick with the realization that, no matter what they did, this battle would never end.
As Thal prepared to leave the chamber, Kael stood near the doorway, leaning casually on his thick staff with a grin that could brighten even the darkest dungeon. "Well, Thal, try not to get yourself killed out there," Kael quipped, his tone teasing but carrying an undertone of sincerity. "I'm too old to keep bailing you out."
Thal raised a brow, his lips barely twitching in a ghost of a smile. "I'll keep that in mind, Kael. Try not to drive Na'reth to murder while I'm gone."
Kael gave a mock gasp, placing a hand on his chest as if mortally wounded. "Murder me? Please. She couldn't live without me. Right, Na'reth?"
Na'reth, still seated on her throne, tilted her head slightly, her crimson eyes narrowing. "Live without you? Easily. The peace and quiet would be refreshing."
Kael stepped closer to her, his grin widening. "Oh, come on, love. Don't be shy about how much you'd miss me. Admit it life would be unbearably dull without my charm and wit."
Na'reth crossed her arms, tapping her fingers lightly on her bicep as she gave him a long, unimpressed look. "Charm? Wit? Is that what you call it? I thought it was a relentless ability to irritate me."
Kael leaned in, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. "And yet, here I am, still your favorite person in the world."
Na'reth sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of her nose, though the faintest hint of a smile tugged at her lips. "If you weren't so infuriatingly useful, I might actually consider throwing you out of this city."
Kael laughed, straightening up and throwing a wink at Thal. "See that? She loves me."
Thal rolled his eyes, shaking his head as he turned to leave. "You two have your... whatever this is. I'll be at the inn if you need me."
As he walked out, Kael's voice followed him. "Don't get too comfortable, Thal! I expect you back here soon to help me save the world or at least make it slightly less horrible!"
Thal gave a faint wave without looking back, making his way through the city streets. The quiet night air wrapped around him like a familiar cloak, though his mind was far from settled.
By the time he returned to the inn, the dimly lit interior was hushed, save for the occasional creak of the old wooden floorboards. Nyra, Tar, and Luken were already in their rooms, resting from the day's events. But as Thal found a corner near the wall to settle in, his sharp hearing picked up a muffled sound from Valen's room. Moans.
Thal's brow furrowed slightly, but he made no move to investigate. Whatever Valen was doing was his business, and Thal had no interest in interrupting. Instead, he leaned back against the wall, his massive frame casting long shadows in the flickering light of the inn.
The faint sound of the night outside mixed with the occasional murmur of the patrons upstairs. As always, Thal's thoughts didn't drift to sleep but rather to the challenges ahead. The Harbinger, Kael's antics, Na'reth's leadership, and the burden of his own past weighed heavily on him.
And yet, despite the tension of the day, there was a calmness in simply waiting out the night. Even in the Shadowfern, with its dangers and uncertainties, this small moment of quiet allowed Thal a chance to prepare himself for whatever came next.