Thelbe shifted uncomfortably in the worn armchair of his carriage, the plush velvet long since faded and the cushions sagging from years of use. He glanced out the window, watching the darkening forest pass by. It had been almost two weeks since the events of Noctum Hallows, and the Arcana Coalition had been traveling steadily through the woods separating the Sun Kingdom to the north and the Iron Empire to the south.

He felt a strange sense of unease being out of the Sun Kingdom's reach, away from the vengeful King Adonis and his spiteful wife, Hellan. The same king whose mother had ordered the slaughter of his family as a brutal message. He supposed he should feel some twisted sense of relief that she had passed away, clutching her heart in her final moments. Rumors whispered of beast magic at work. He could only hope she had suffered right up until the end, much like he still did. Distance might dull the pain, but the past always found ways to haunt him.

After the death of the royal mother, King Apollo and Adonis, his younger brother, had declared war on all non-humans. King Apollo had been murdered a year later, and Adonis ascended to the throne, blaming the Orc tribe for his brother's death. The new king conscripted young males into the Red Army and enslaved all orcs in the kingdom. He wondered where he might be now if his life hadn’t changed so drastically. As he made a name for himself as a thief, Adonis had terrorized non-human creatures, showing no mercy.

The wheels of Thelbe’s carriage began to slow, jolting him from his grim reverie. He stood and stretched, placing the book he had been trying to read in his satchel. He was too restless to focus on its pages. If they had stopped for the night, he might as well get some work done.

He walked over to his vault door, an intricately carved piece of wood imbued with protective enchantments. He knocked in a specific pattern, a sequence that unlocked the magical seals with a soft, satisfying click. The wood slid open, revealing Thelbe’s artifact safe, a hidden alcove filled with arcane wonders. Inside, numerous lockboxes were neatly arranged on shelves, each glowing faintly with protective enchantments. The air hummed softly with magic, a testament to the power contained within.

Thelbe shifted down the hallway, his footsteps muffled by the thick carpet beneath him. He stopped in front of one of the lockboxes, its surface covered in intricate runes that shimmered in the dim light. With deliberate care, he slowly opened the sealed box to reveal a hand mirror wrapped in a deep purple cloth, its edges glinting with an otherworldly sheen.

Thelbe gently took out the mirror, cradling it as if it were made of the most fragile glass. He carried it away from the safe, his movements careful and precise. Behind him, the wooden door closed on its own, the magical seals reactivating with a soft click, ensuring the safety of the remaining artifacts. He placed the mirror carefully in his toolbox and collected his things. He could hear the others outside; the hot forest air must have been affecting everyone. The carriage door creaked open, and Thelbe stepped outside. Orbie, a stone golem made of obsidian, was carrying two large logs over to the pile of wood Spike had set up for a fire.

“Thelbe!” Spike yelled, his raspy voice carrying through the evening air as the little red goblin ran past him. “Spike making fire,” he added, glancing back to give Thelbe a big, toothy grin. Orbie dropped the logs by the woodpile, arranging them to act as benches, while Spike began to bang two stones together, trying to create sparks. Thelbe smiled as he set his tools down.

“Here, let me try,” he said, pulling a book from his satchel and flipping through the pages. It was an Elvish spell book, a gift from Toby when he learned that Thelbe couldn’t read Elvish. Thelbe had been practicing since their escape. “Faernalla,” Thelbe muttered as he extended his hand towards the woodpile.

A weak fireball shot from his palm, flickering, and sputtering before catching the dry wood. The fire crackled to life, casting warm light and dancing shadows around the campsite. Spike dropped his jaw, revealing a set of sharp goblin teeth. “It’s nothing, I'm still practicing my Elvish,” Thelbe laughed.

“Spike not know Thelbe know magic!” the red goblin exclaimed, beginning to shake with excitement. “Spike met little people in forest who poof!” He raised his hands, imitating a magical spell he had seen. “MEAT MOUNTAIN.” The goblin's pupils dilated, and his mouth began to water at the thought of food.

“Have you seen the others?” Thelbe asked with a smile, his eyes darting around the camp looking for Toby or Agnus.

Orbie's runes lit up, glowing softly as the golem made a gesture, pointing upward with one large, stone finger and then mimicking a bird in flight with his hand to indicate that Agnus had flown away.

“Oh well it gives me time to work.” The young man said as he walked to the side of his carriage and retrieved a small wooden table that was attached to it. He set it up near the fire and settled into his makeshift workshop, carefully unfolding a leather mat across the table. He meticulously arranged his tools: an array of finely crafted instruments, enchanted gloves, and vials of various protective elixirs. His hands moved with practiced precision, each action deliberate and calculated.

From his satchel, he withdrew a bundle wrapped in dark cloth. Even without seeing it, the mirror’s presence sent a shiver down his spine. He unwrapped it partially, just enough to expose a small section of the ornate frame, ensuring the reflective surface remained covered.

With a steady hand, Thelbe picked up a small mirror and angled it to view the cursed one indirectly. He muttered an incantation under his breath, a protective charm to shield his mind from the mirror’s dark whispers. As he worked, he occasionally paused to jot down notes or adjust his tools, never once rushing the delicate process.

Despite his caution, the mirror seemed almost alive, its surface occasionally flickering with ghostly images. Thelbe’s focus never wavered; he moved with the confidence of someone who had faced such dangers before. His eyes flicked to Spike and Orbie, who watched from a safe distance, their expressions a mix of curiosity and wariness.

“The trick,” Thelbe explained, his voice calm and steady, “is to never look directly into it. Always keep it covered when not in use, and never let your guard down.” He demonstrated by draping the cloth back over the mirror before taking a brief pause to stretch his fingers.

Spike nodded, impressed. “How know so much?”

Thelbe smiled faintly. “Experience and a fair share of mistakes. But mostly, it’s about respect. These items hold power, and power must be handled with care. This mirror is older than my entire species, forged from elves. Something dark must have happened to curse it but it remains elegant nonetheless.”

As he resumed his work, the forest around them seemed to grow quieter, as if holding its breath. Thelbe’s world narrowed to the mirror and his tools. At some point, Agnus must have returned, for the next time Thelbe looked up, she had prepared a goat over the fire. The savory aroma of roasting meat filled the air, yet it wasn't the smell that stirred Thelbe’s senses—it was the sound of Toby’s carriage door closing.

Toby emerged, his presence commanding yet gentle. His long, blonde hair cascaded down his back, catching the flickering firelight. His eyes, a deep shade of green, held a mysterious allure that Thelbe found himself drawn to. Toby's elegant, elven features were complemented by his confident stride and the subtle, knowing smile that always seemed to play on his lips. Thelbe watched Toby approach. The elf flashed his smile and gave them a soft wave. Although he could almost hear Agnus roll her eyes, Thelbe couldn't stop the subtle blush creeping up his cheeks.

Behind Toby came Chiva, the newest addition to the Arcana Coalition. To Thelbe, she was a constant reminder of the bond he wished to share with Toby. She had wild red hair that framed her face in unruly curls, striking green eyes that always seemed to hold a glint of disdain, and pale skin dusted with freckles. Every time she looked at him, Thelbe felt as if she were silently judging him, her expression one of barely concealed contempt.

Chiva was an elvish druid, and the reason Toby had been so preoccupied these last few weeks. Rescued after spending several years trapped in her bird form, she had quickly become the center of Toby’s attention. Toby claimed to be getting her up to speed on the events of the last few years, but Thelbe couldn’t help but sense the deeper connection the two elves shared. Thelbe sat slightly apart from the rest of the group, always the observer, his eyes taking in every detail of the scene before him. The fire crackled merrily, casting a warm glow over the clearing as the goat roasted on the spit. Laughter and chatter filled the air, but Thelbe remained quietly reflective, his thoughts drifting between the past and the present. He watched the group interact, each member adding their own unique energy to the gathering, but he couldn't shake the feeling of being an outsider looking in.

Spike, the little red goblin, was a whirlwind of activity. He scurried around the fire, his sharp teeth gleaming as he sampled bits of the goat with unrestrained glee. "Spike likes meat!" he exclaimed, his voice a mix of excitement and satisfaction. Orbie, the stoic stone golem, sat nearby, his massive frame dwarfing the makeshift wooden bench he had helped create. Despite his imposing appearance, Orbie's runes glowed softly with a gentle, almost playful light as he gestured animatedly, using his hands to mimic Spike's antics. The contrast between Spike's exuberance and Orbie's quiet presence brought a smile to Thelbe's lips, a rare moment of warmth amidst his brooding.

Chiva, with her wild red hair and sharp green eyes, was seated close to Toby. She nudged him gently, pushing a bowl of fresh greens toward him. "You should try this," she insisted, her tone soft but firm. "It's good for you."

Toby glanced at the salad with a polite smile, but his eyes betrayed a longing for the more substantial fare being enjoyed by Agnus. She was devouring a goat leg with gusto, the rich, savory aroma making Toby's mouth water. Despite Chiva's best efforts, Toby couldn't tear his gaze away from the roasted meat, a faint look of longing flickering across his face. Chiva sighed, a hint of frustration evident as she took a delicate bite of her own salad.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

Thelbe's gaze lingered on Toby, noting the subtle tension in the air. It was moments like these that fueled his jealousy toward Chiva. She seemed to have an easy camaraderie with Toby that Thelbe could only dream of. As the night wore on, Thelbe continued to watch, always the observer, his heart heavy with unspoken feelings. Perhaps he had more in common with the cursed artifacts that he covets.

After the meal, everyone pitched in to help clean up. Spike scampered around, gathering dishes and tossing scraps into a nearby pile for later disposal. Orbie, ever the silent helper, carefully lifted heavy pots and pans, placing them gently in the water bucket for washing. Agnus flitted about, her wings creating a soft breeze as she stacked utensils and wiped down surfaces. Chiva, meanwhile, lingered near Thelbe’s table, her eyes drawn to the mysterious items laid out.

From across the fire, Thelbe placed his bowl in the water bucket, his eyes narrowing as he noticed Chiva moving closer to his setup. He felt a surge of anxiety as she reached out, her fingers brushing against the cloth covering the mirror.

"Chiva, wait!" he called, his voice strained, but it was too late. She had already pulled back the cloth, revealing the cursed mirror.

Chiva's scream pierced the night as she gazed into the reflective surface. Thelbe rushed to her side, his heart pounding. He arrived just in time to catch a glimpse of the horrifying vision: Toby’s lifeless body with Chiva kneeling over it, her expression one of utter despair.

Reacting quickly, Thelbe closed his eyes and reached out to cover Chiva's, whispering urgently, "It's not real. It's just the mirror. It isn’t real."

Chiva trembled under his touch, her breathing ragged and panicked. Thelbe's own heart raced, the image he had seen searing into his mind. He struggled to push the vision away, the sight of Toby's dead body gnawing at his resolve. For a moment, the camp fell into a tense silence, the earlier camaraderie shattered by the chilling revelation.

Thelbe gently guided Chiva away from the mirror, his mind a tumult of fear and confusion. The vision had shaken him deeply, and he couldn't dismiss the lingering dread that it might be more than just a trick of the cursed artifact.

T Toby collected Chiva, who clung tightly to him as she sobbed. “Do you have to leave your junk lying around?” Toby's words were venomous, cutting deeply into Thelbe as he had already started to walk away. The sting of the accusation boiled his blood, and he turned on his heel, unable to contain his anger.

“Perhaps she should learn to keep her dirty paws to herself. The goblin has more respect than her,” Thelbe shot back, his voice cold and sharp. The words seemed to hang in the air, heavy with tension.

Toby made a face, a mix of disappointment and anger, as he led Chiva back to his carriage. The sight of them together, Chiva clinging to Toby for comfort, only fueled Thelbe’s frustration.

He glanced over at the rest of the team. Spike, usually so lively, stood awkwardly by the fire, his eyes downcast and his earlier enthusiasm gone. Orbie’s runes dimmed slightly, his stone form exuding a quiet sadness. Agnus, who had been so animated during the meal, now avoided Thelbe’s gaze, her wings folded tightly against her back as she busied herself with meaningless tasks.

The lack of eye contact and the somber mood of his companions frustrated Thelbe further. He felt isolated, convinced that he wasn't in the wrong, yet no one seemed willing to see his side. The sense of being an outsider, always watching but never truly part of the group, gnawed at him more fiercely than ever.

Thelbe took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart. He knew he needed to calm down, but the vision he had seen and the lingering tension left him feeling more alone than ever. With one last glance at his teammates, he turned away, the weight of their silent judgment pressing heavily on his shoulders.

“Fine,” Thelbe finally muttered, frustration evident in his voice as he began to collect his things. With haste, he rushed to his own carriage, the wooden door slamming shut behind him.

Inside, the familiar surroundings of his workspace offered a sense of solace. Thelbe carefully inspected the mirror, his hands moving with practiced precision. He avoided looking directly into the reflective surface, instead focusing on the intricate designs etched around the edges. The work required delicate handling, and he wrapped it securely in cloth before returning it to its designated box within the artifact safe. The intricate locks clicked into place, sealing the cursed mirror away.

The process of securing the mirror was almost therapeutic for Thelbe. Each deliberate movement allowed him to calm his racing thoughts, providing a moment of clarity amidst the turmoil. As he worked, he replayed the events in his mind, scrutinizing every detail. He felt a mix of anger and regret, his emotions a tangled web that he struggled to unravel.

With the mirror safely stored, Thelbe took a deep breath, trying to let go of the tension that still lingered. He moved to his bed, the familiar creak of the mattress offering a small comfort. Lying down, he stared at the ceiling, his mind still buzzing with thoughts of Toby, Chiva, and the rest of the team.

The vision he had seen in the mirror haunted him, a dark cloud that refused to dissipate. He couldn’t shake the image of Toby’s lifeless body and the despair etched on Chiva’s face. Thelbe knew he needed to rest, but sleep felt like a distant possibility. He closed his eyes, willing himself to find some semblance of peace, even as the events of the night continued to replay in his mind.

Eventually, exhaustion began to take over, and Thelbe drifted into a restless sleep,

Thelbe awoke to the carriage wheels creaking beneath him. They were moving. He rushed out of bed, still dressed in last night’s clothes. Pushing back the front curtains, he saw Toby at the reins. Thelbe opened the window hatch and climbed out, settling next to Toby. The elf glanced over and offered his usual warm smile, a gesture that momentarily made Thelbe wonder if the events of the previous night had just been a bad dream. Or worse, maybe he had been under the mirror’s spell the whole time, and the night had been a hallucination.

“I’m sorry about what happened last night,” Toby said, breaking the silence and confirming that the events were all too real.

Thelbe took a deep breath, the morning air cool against his skin. He looked at Toby, trying to gauge his sincerity. “It’s not your fault,” he replied quietly. “I should have been more careful with my things.”

Toby nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Chiva... she’s been through a lot. It’s going to take time for her to adjust. She didn’t mean any harm.”

“I know,” Thelbe said, though the frustration from last night still simmered beneath the surface. “It’s just... difficult sometimes.”

Toby gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “We’re all on edge. This mission isn’t easy for any of us.”

Thelbe glanced back at the rest of the caravan, the other carriages trailing behind them. The memories of the vision from the mirror still haunted him, but the morning light and Toby’s presence offered a small measure of comfort. He knew he had to keep moving forward, despite the uncertainty that lay ahead.

The silence between them was interrupted only by the rhythmic creaking of the carriage wheels and the soft rustle of leaves in the forest. For a moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the world, a brief respite from the chaos that surrounded them.

As the morning wore on, the dense forest began to thin, and the trees gradually gave way to open terrain. Thelbe and Toby rode in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. The comforting green canopy overhead started to break apart, allowing shafts of sunlight to pierce through and illuminate the path ahead.

The carriage wheels creaked over the uneven ground as they finally broke past the edge of the forest. Before them stretched a wide-open landscape, bathed in the golden light of dawn. They came to a gentle stop at the top of a hill, and Thelbe’s breath caught in his throat as he took in the sight below.

The Compound lay nestled in a vast valley, an impressive fortress of stone and iron. From their vantage point, they could see the high, fortified walls that enclosed the sprawling complex. Towers rose at regular intervals along the walls, manned by vigilant guards. Inside, a labyrinth of buildings spread out, from large training arenas to smaller living quarters and communal halls.

The centerpiece of The Compound was a grand cathedral, its spires reaching towards the sky, gleaming in the morning light. The structure was imposing yet serene, a testament to the duality of the Templars who called this place home—warriors who devoted their lives to both combat and prayer. Surrounding the cathedral were various training grounds where figures could be seen practicing their martial skills, the clash of weapons faintly audible even from this distance.

To the side, a large communal dining area stood, with long tables set up under the open sky. The Templars moved about with purpose, their disciplined routines evident in every step. The sight of them eating, praying, and training together underscored the unity and dedication that defined their order.

Thelbe couldn’t help but feel a mix of awe and trepidation at the sight. This was their next mission area, a place of both sanctuary and strict discipline. It was clear that infiltrating The Compound would be no easy task.

“It’s quite formidable, isn’t it?” Toby said softly, breaking the silence.

Thelbe nodded, his eyes still fixed on the scene below. “Yes, it is. We have our work cut out for us.”

Toby took a deep breath, his expression growing serious. “Thelbe, there’s something you need to know.”

Thelbe turned to look at him, sensing the gravity in Toby’s tone. “What is it?”

“The Templars... they’re all human,” Toby began, choosing his words carefully. “They wouldn’t take kindly to non-humans entering their sacred territory. It’s more than just a rule; it’s a deeply ingrained belief. They see their grounds as pure, and any non-human presence would be seen as a defilement. If any of our team members who aren’t human set foot inside, they’ll be killed on sight.”

Thelbe’s brow furrowed as he processed Toby’s words. The realization slowly dawned on him. “You’re saying I’m going in alone, aren’t you?”

Toby nodded, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and calculation. “I wish there was another way, but this mission needs someone who can blend in, someone who won’t raise suspicion. As a human, you’re the only one who stands a chance of getting inside without immediate hostility.”

Thelbe felt a knot form in his stomach. He had always been the observer, the one who worked in the shadows. The idea of going in alone, without the support of his team, was daunting. “And what’s the plan once I’m in?”

“We need you to find out where they keep the Heart-stone Amulet,” Toby explained, his voice smooth and persuasive. “It’s a relic of immense power, something the Arcana Coalition needs to secure. Then steal it and get beyond the walls of the compound. Agnus can swoop in and pick you up after that.”

Thelbe nodded slowly, the weight of the mission settling heavily on his shoulders. “I understand. I’ll do what needs to be done.”

Toby’s expression softened, his hand reaching out to gently grip Thelbe’s shoulder. “You’re the best at what you do, Thelbe. This entire operation relies on you. If you succeed, we all succeed. If you fail...”

Thelbe felt a warmth spread through him at Toby’s words, a sense of pride mixed with determination. He couldn’t let Toby down, not after everything they’d been through together. “I won’t let you down.”

Toby’s smile was both reassuring and cunning. “I know you won’t. Just remember, we’re here if you need us.”

Thelbe couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. The mission ahead was fraught with danger, and he would be walking a tightrope alone. But Toby’s words had given him a sense of purpose. He would find the Heart-stone Amulet and prove his worth to the team.