The party trudged through the moonlit forest, their shadows dancing and lengthening with each step. The air was thick with anticipation, a palpable tension hanging heavy in the night. They were bound for Serendus, a city shrouded in mystery and danger. The urgency of their mission was heightened by the knowledge that Quentyn, a man of dubious intentions, posed a threat to both them and the innocent frogfolk.

"We must reach the city gates by dawn," Jacques said, his voice a low rumble in the quiet. "Be vigilant, friends. The night is full of surprises."

Keldrin, still shaken by the events at Quentyn's camp, sent Balgog and Mel Guar to guide Meryl. Jesse, gripped by a mix of fear and anger, clutched his glowing blades, Devil's Dance, as if they were a lifeline.

"Don't let it get to you, Jesse," Rhys said, trying to calm his friend. "You're sheltered from the harsh realities of the world. This is how things are done."

Meryl, oblivious to the undercurrents, asked, "What's wrong with our friend? He seems so troubled."

Jacques answered gently, "Something terrible could have happened to you, and we were powerless to stop it."

Jesse blamed himself, his voice filled with regret. "I should have been stronger, more vigilant."

"It's alright," Rhys assured him. "I'm angry too. We'll get through this."

Jesse turned to Jacques, tugging at his cloak. "My blade is rattling. What does it mean?"

Jacques replied, "Dark magic can sense ill intent. There may be trouble brewing."

Keldrin shushed them, a sudden sense of unease washing over him. He felt watched, a predator lurking in the shadows.

"Could it be corpse eaters?" Rhys whispered.

Meryl shook her head. "They may be active at night, but they wouldn't attack a group like ours. Dark creatures can sense magic."

Keldrin's eyes narrowed. "They're human," he said, spotting a bear trap and disarming it with practiced ease.

The party's unease deepened as they realized their pursuers were not mere bandits, but armored and skilled warriors. A chill ran down Jesse's spine as he prepared for battle.

"Get ready," he ordered, his voice firm.

Rhys nodded. "The Devil's Dance can cloud your judgment. You should lead the charge if trouble arises."

Jesse gritted his teeth. "I'll do whatever it takes. Human, greenskin, or beast, I'll eliminate any threat that stands in our way."

Jacques was taken aback by Jesse's newfound determination. "I've never seen you so serious before."

"I won't lose any of you on this journey," Jesse declared. "We're sworn brothers."

Rhys smiled. "I like the sound of that."

Keldrin echoed their sentiments. "We'll see this through."

Meryl cast a spell, illuminating the thicket with soft, ethereal light.

Keldrin's keen senses detected movement. "There are sixteen of them," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Muscular men, armed with halberds and pole hammers. They've seen battle before. This won't be easy."

The mercenaries, emboldened by their numbers, charged forward, their cries echoing through the forest. Jesse, though surprised, was not intimidated. A surge of anger coursed through him, igniting a fierce determination.

"It's time to unleash the full potential of these blades," he growled, his voice a low rumble.

Keldrin, ever the archer, loosed a volley of arrows, striking down two of the attackers. With a battle cry, he drew his scimitar, ready to join the fray.

Jacques, unable to use fire magic without risking a forest fire, resorted to earth magic. Vines erupted from the ground, ensnaring several mercenaries. With a flick of his wrist, he transformed his puzzle nexus into a deadly rapier, dispatching his foes with swift, precise strikes.

Rhys and Meryl, their weapons a blur of motion, felled two more attackers. Mel Guar and Balgog focused their attention on the crossbowmen, neutralizing their threat.

Jesse, a whirlwind of steel and shadow, danced through the melee. His blades, imbued with the power of Devil's Dance, seemed to have a life of their own, striking with deadly precision. The mercenaries who dared to face him were overwhelmed by his speed and ferocity, their bodies crumpling to the ground as the blades' dark magic took its toll.

"He's a whirlwind of death!" Jacques exclaimed, his eyes wide with astonishment.

"Let's lend him our strength," Meryl said, casting a spell that bathed Jesse in a blinding light. As the light faded, Jesse seemed to vanish, his movements becoming so swift that he was almost invisible to the human eye.

With half the mercenaries slain, the tide of battle turned in favor of the party.

"Should we let the survivors go?" Keldrin asked, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

Rhys hesitated. "It might be a trap."

"Don't fight cornered dogs," Jacques advised.

But the remaining mercenaries, their leader's death a bitter pill to swallow, rallied for one final, desperate stand. Swords clashed and steel rang out as the weary heroes fought to defend themselves.

Just as it seemed that the party might be overwhelmed, a magical arrow flew through the air, striking the mercenary leader square in the head. The man collapsed, lifeless.

Before Keldrin could react, more arrows rained down, their source hidden in the darkness. A figure emerged from the shadows, a female elf wielding a slender estoc. With graceful precision, she disarmed the remaining mercenaries, leaving them at Meryl's mercy.

The mercenaries, their pride shattered, begged for their lives. Jesse, his anger subsiding, ordered them to drop their weapons. They complied, their bodies trembling with fear.

"Thank you for your assistance," Keldrin said, his gaze fixed on the elf. He was captivated by her beauty and grace.

The elf bowed. "I am Aibine, from Riverdell."

Jacques, his curiosity piqued, asked, "Are you from the Independent States of Muse? Riverdell is a long way from Serendus."

Aibine smiled. "Indeed it is, master. I have been observing your party since your battle in the Satyr Forest. We share the same goal."

Jesse, ever cautious, raised an eyebrow. "What goal is that?"

Aibine replied, "I am also searching for the Blade of the Sun. And I believe we should join forces. We share the same enemy."

Jesse's eyes narrowed. "Enemy?"

"Aside from the humans we captured, a dark lord is rising. This is what the Violet Wizard, Elynna, told us. She lives in the Ancient Grove of Muse."

Meryl exclaimed, "Elynna, one of the Seven Magi?"

"Yes. We encountered trolls in the forest, and they bore dark markings. They were resistant to fire, but acid magic and corrosion proved effective."

Jacques pondered the implications. "A fire-based dark lord is a threat, but could it simply be the work of a sorcerer gone wrong?"

Aibine shook her head. "It is not the work of a sorcerer or a necromancer."

Keldrin, sensing Aibine's sincerity, spoke up. "Unlike humans, pure-blooded elves are direct with their intentions. People from Riverdell are generally good-natured. I know this firsthand, as I am a half-elf."

Jesse, trusting his sworn brother's judgment, extended a hand. "Welcome to the party, sister."

Aibine accepted his hand with a nod, her eyes filled with determination. "Thank you. I am glad to join you."

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

As the party continued their journey, Aibine shared more about her past and her reasons for seeking the Blade of the Sun. She revealed that she had been a student of Elynna, and that the wizard had warned her of the impending threat.

"Elynna believes that the Blade of the Sun is the only weapon capable of defeating the dark lord," Aibine explained. "It is a powerful artifact, forged in the heart of the sun itself."

"Thank you," Aibine said, her voice filled with gratitude. "And one more thing."

"What is it?" Rhys asked, his brow furrowed.

"We cannot bring these wounded mercenaries into the city," Aibine replied. "They are from Serendus, and they bear the banner of the Black Lions."

Meryl, her eyes wide, exclaimed, "You know a lot, sister, even though you've never been to this part of the world. What do you suggest?"

"They are near death and badly wounded," Aibine explained. "Plus, bringing them to the gates of Serendus would only attract the people who sent them after us, leading to new threats."

Keldrin, his senses heightened, said, "Balgog and Mel-Guar are sensing something in these woods. Could it be giant spiders or ghouls?"

Jacques nodded. "We must dispose of the dead, or corpse eaters will come here quickly."

One of the mercenaries, his voice weak, pleaded, "Please, spare us from that cruel fate."

Rhys scoffed. "You wanted to kill us, and now you ask us to spare you?"

Jesse, his anger reignited, demanded, "We will spare you, but only if you tell us who sent you."

Another mercenary spat at Jesse, calling him a "halfling." "You won't get any answers from us," he snarled.

Aibine shook her head. "It's no use. These men are criminals, who rape, pillage, and murder like sellswords. Even if we spared them, we would still face their main leader one way or another."

Jesse, his voice heavy with regret, said, "I understand. I must be strong as the leader of our party. We are still without any leads. Serendus will be dangerous."

"We leave them here for the corpse eaters to finish them off," Keldrin said, his voice cold.

A young mercenary, his voice filled with desperation, asked, "Please, give us the gift of Idir, the god of life and death."

Jacques, his heart torn, replied, "We cannot allow them to suffer any longer."

"We should do it quickly," Jesse agreed, his voice firm.

Meryl, her eyes filled with tears, performed the rites and prayed for the mercenaries as they cried and embraced each other.

In the heart of the fray, where steel and shadow meet,Meryl's voice rose, a plea so sweet.To Idir, the god of life and death,She offered a prayer, her breath held in her chest.

"Oh, Idir, hear my plea,In this hour of direst need.Grant mercy to these souls, I pray,And lead them to a better day."

As her words echoed through the air,A sense of peace began to bear.For in the midst of chaos and strife,Meryl found solace, a glimmer of life.

And as the final blow was dealt,A heavy weight from her heart was felt.For though the battle raged on,She knew that peace would soon be won.

Rhys and Keldrin, their tasks grim, dispatched the remaining mercenaries swiftly.

Meryl, her heart heavy, suggested, "Perhaps we could bury them deep in the forest, away from the city."

"That would be best," Aibine agreed. "We should also mark the graves to prevent others from disturbing them."

The party gathered the slain mercenaries, their bodies broken and bruised. They carried them to a secluded spot deep within the forest, a place where they would be undisturbed.

As they prepared to lay the mercenaries to rest, one of them, his voice barely a whisper, asked, "Will you remember us?"

Jesse, his heart softened, replied, "We will remember you, and we will pray for your souls."

With heavy hearts, the party performed the last rites. They buried the mercenaries, marking their graves with stones and prayers.

As they turned to leave, a sense of peace washed over them. They had fulfilled their duty, and they had done so with compassion, even in the face of their enemies' cruelty.

Jesse approached Aibine, his mind racing with questions. "What should we do now? How should we approach the king?" he asked.

Aibine nodded. "The leader of the Golden Guild wants us to help him choose a new king. And Aethred's connection to Drakthar is undeniable. We must depose him if possible."

"Even though King Bertram sent word for us to meet King Aethred, we never got to see him in the frogfolk village," Jesse pointed out.

Aibine smiled knowingly. "The king wouldn't come there anyway. I've been trying to get an audience with him for weeks. Serendus is still in turmoil after losing their heir, Aamon, and General Bruin leading a revolt. The peasants are rising up."

"If King Bertram gave us word and said we could be recognized by the dual blades and the permit, there's no reason to delay," Jacques said. "We must attack Drakthar at once."

"We should also find Odarin in Muse," Jacques added.

Aibine's eyes widened. "I met him in the library. He told me to meet with a halfling-led party. It was a vague instruction, but it seems like causality at work."

Rhys, the half-dwarf, grinned. "It could be fate leading us to our purpose."

Meryl jumped up and hugged Aibine from behind. "It's so good to have another woman in the party, especially a smart one."

Keldrin nodded. "This is good news for the king. Quentyn said the Blade of the Sun is in a dwarven ruin."

Aibine replied, "I came with another elf, Yonsil Narn, from the eastern country of Taehan."

Keldrin's eyes widened. "Yonsil Narn, the wyvern rider?"

Jesse's heart skipped a beat. "Where can we meet her?" Old memories started flashing back at him, calling him "Estil."

"She's at the stables," Aibine said, breaking his trance.

Jesse's mind raced. Could Yonsil Narn be the woman he had dreamed of for so long?

The party, accompanied by Aibine and their wagon, continued their journey. They carried with them the weapons they had seized from the mercenaries, intending to sell them at the nearest armorer to fund their travels.

On the tenth day of Frostbite, in the month of Stormwatch, they arrived in Serendus.

Serendus, the bustling capital of the realm, was a city of stark contrasts. Its imposing walls, built of weathered stone, stood guard over a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and sprawling condominiums. The city's heart was a grand arena, where gladiatorial contests and public executions were held. A wide river, teeming with fish, snaked through the city, connecting it to the vast marshes that lay beyond. These marshes, a treasure trove for alchemists, were filled with an abundance of rare mushrooms and herbs.

The city's main thoroughfare was a bustling marketplace, where merchants from all walks of life gathered to trade their wares. Clay ceramics, intricately carved glassware, and exotic textiles were just some of the items on offer. Beyond the city walls lay vast fields of pumpkins and wheat, and rolling pastures where sheep grazed. However, the once-verdant pastures were now overgrown and neglected, a testament to the unrest that had gripped the kingdom.

The city was filled with the constant hum of activity. Soldiers marched back and forth, their armor glinting in the sunlight. The air was thick with tension, as the people of Serendus lived in fear of the rising darkness. The city's name, a whispered secret among the people, was a reminder of the ancient evil that lurked beneath its surface.

Jacques, upon seeing Serendus, sighed. "It's sad to see it in this state," he said.

Aibine replied, "Yonsil isn't at the stables. I told her to wait for us there. Let's go to our quarters and discuss."

They made their way to Luna, a bustling inn filled with adventurers, merchants, and tourists.

Luna, nestled amidst the bustling streets of Serendus, was an oasis of comfort and fine dining. The inn was renowned for its exquisite French-inspired cuisine, crafted from the freshest local ingredients.

The menu boasted a delightful array of dishes, from succulent roasted pork and plump roasted chickens to hearty wheat bread and sweet pumpkin pies. For those seeking more adventurous fare, Luna offered delicacies such as frog legs and snail dishes, prepared with a delicate touch that transformed them into culinary delights.

The inn's interior was adorned with warm, inviting colors and comfortable furnishings. The aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering stews filled the air, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The attentive staff, clad in crisp white uniforms, were always ready to cater to the guests' every need.

Luna was a popular destination for travelers and locals alike, seeking respite from the chaos of the city. Its reputation for excellent food and service made it a must-visit for anyone visiting Serendus.

Keldrin, curious about Yonsil, asked, "What kind of girl is she? Eastern elves are different from us in the West and Northern Realms of Upsurgeth. They follow a strict hierarchy."

Aibine smiled. "Yonsil is weird and different. She chooses her own path. She's also a princess of Taehan, but she's a strong wyvern rider, and just like me, She took up the mission to search for the Blade of the Sun."

Jesse nodded. "So it's true that every kingdom sent their champions."

Aibine added, "It's better this way. The more people trying to race for our only hope against the dark forces, the better."

Jesse said, "We can try looking for Yonsil."

Aibine shook her head. "That's a bad idea."

Just then, Yonsil burst through the door, kicking it open. She rushed to Jesse, wrapping him in a warm embrace. "Dear Master," she said, her voice filled with excitement. "You didn't need to look for me. We've been searching for you all this time."

Jesse struggled to find words, his mind racing. He saw two people in his mind: a warrior named Estil and an elf named Iriel, both wielding dual blades.

Everyone looked at Yonsil, their expressions filled with confusion and surprise.

"I'm just joking," she said, giggling.

"Let's set out a plan first," Rhys suggested. "It's obvious now that whoever attacked us is searching for the Blade of the Sun."

Yonsil nodded. "You were attacked? I wish I was there to help."

She looked at Jesse's blades. "Your blades have a dark magic affinity. Mine is wind," she said, drawing her sword, a hwando, which she could use to attack with both hot and cold air.

Jesse was impressed. "That's amazing."

Jacques joked, "Jesse might have found a lover and a similar soul in Yonsil."

He then remembered something. "Did Yonsil and Aibine talk to King Bertram's daughter, Rachel?"

They shook their heads. "We didn't have enough time," Yonsil replied. "We wouldn't have been able to catch up to you."

"Muse is peaceful right now," Yonsil continued. "There were some attacks by greenskins, but Finn, the Blue Lightning Corps, dealt with them."

"I hope they don't get overwhelmed," Yonsil said, her voice filled with concern.

Aibine asked, "Do you like Finn?"

Yonsil blushed. "Eastern elves have future sight. We know who we'll fall in love with," she said, glancing at Jesse.

Meryl noticed the exchange and whispered to Yonsil, "Do you like Jesse?"

Yonsil nodded, her face flushed.

Rhys suggested, "We should plan out what we say carefully."

Keldrin agreed. "We should be direct and ask to attack Drakthar."

Jesse added, "We must tell him directly, but we shouldn't bring up the Black Lion mercenaries."

Jacques said, "I think they already know. I believe someone from their court did it."

Rhys sighed. "We're running short of allies."

Yonsil said, "We need to sell the weapons first. Aibine and I have contacts with General Bruin."

Jesse's eyes lit up. "Really? But why should we sell them to rebels?"

Aibine explained, "Most Serendus soldiers have become oppressive under Stephen. They don't obey the Lord Knight. Aethred is still mourning."

Meryl nodded. "Once we meet the king and slay the goblins of Drakthar, we should check on the conditions of the citizens."

Jesse agreed. "That's a good idea."

Yonsil said, "We have to finish this within a month."

Jesse asked, "Do you have your wyvern? We could fly to Muse."

Yonsil shook her head. "I don't have Greenwind. My wyvern is in Taehan. I traveled here by fervia bird."

Jesse was disappointed. "I wish I could ride one."

Yonsil smiled. "Once we go to Taehan, I'll let you mount Greenwind."

Jesse breathed a sigh of relief. "Now that we're complete, let's try to gain an audience with the king."