The convoy trudged through the winding tunnels, the dim light of the glowing minerals casting long shadows along the walls. Kael led from the front, his katana resting at his side, his cybernetic eye scanning for threats. The clicking of distant termites echoed faintly behind them, a reminder of the relentless pursuit they had narrowly escaped.
The group came to a sudden halt at a fork in the tunnel system. One path veered left, its entrance narrow and jagged, while the other stretched wide and open. As the villagers whispered nervously, the sound of skittering claws grew louder. A single termite lunged from the shadows, but Kael was faster. With one smooth motion, he drew his katana and bisected the creature, its remains collapsing in a twitching heap.
“Alma,” Kael called over his shoulder, his voice steady. “I need you to close the left tunnel.”
The young girl nodded, stepping forward with trembling hands. Her Terran Mana flickered faintly as she extended her palms toward the jagged opening. The ground rumbled, loose rocks falling as the tunnel began to collapse inward. Alma exhaled sharply as the passage sealed, leaving only the right tunnel open.
“Good work,” Kael said, nodding to her before gesturing toward the remaining path. His fingers traced the faint scratches on the walls—intricate patterns carved into the stone. “These are Molvari markings,” he explained to the group. “We’re in their territory now.”
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The convoy pressed forward, the air growing colder as the tunnel opened into a vast cavern. Stalactites hung like jagged teeth from the ceiling, and the floor was littered with remnants of a camp—broken tools, scattered stones, and faint traces of long-dead fires. Kael’s expression shifted as he surveyed the scene.
“This was one of their old camps,” he said, his voice carrying across the chamber. “The Molvari stayed here before moving deeper into the mountains. We’re on the right path.”
The villagers murmured uneasily, their fear of the unknown still palpable despite Kael’s reassurance. At the rear of the convoy, the defenders fought fiercely, finally dispatching the last of the termites. As silence settled once more, the group regrouped in the cavern, the wagons forming a loose circle as the villagers collapsed in exhaustion.
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The air was heavy with tension as the convoy took a brief rest. The defenders leaned on their weapons, their breaths ragged, while the villagers huddled near the wagons. Whispers began to ripple through the group.
“Is this really the right path?” one man muttered. “We’re running from one danger to the next. How long can we survive like this?”
Another nodded. “We’re lost in these mountains. We don’t even know if there’s an end to this.”
Elira stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. “I understand your fears, but Kael has brought us this far. He knows the way. We must trust him.”
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Her father, the former village leader, added his steady voice. “The dangers we’ve faced are great, but they are nothing compared to what awaits us if we turn back. Stay strong. We are close to safety.”
The villagers’ murmurs quieted, their resolve slowly rebuilding under Elira’s and her father’s guidance.
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A sudden sound from the shadows made the group tense, hands moving to weapons as a figure emerged from the darkness. The Molvari scout stepped into the dim light, his movements cautious yet confident. His dark, lithe form was adorned with the intricate tattoos and ornaments of his people, and his piercing eyes scanned the group with curiosity.
Kael’s tension melted into relief as he stepped forward. “Tharuk,” he said, his voice carrying warmth. “It’s good to see you.”
The villagers froze, their weapons raised in uncertainty. Felix and Drennor exchanged wary glances, their hands tightening on their weapons. The scout tilted his head, his gaze shifting between Kael and the group.
“Lower your weapons,” Kael commanded, his tone firm but calm. “He’s a friend.”
When the villagers hesitated, Tharuk raised a clawed hand in a gesture of peace, his voice low and melodic. “No harm,” he said, his words broken but clear. “I am… ally.”
As the tension eased, Kael and Tharuk exchanged a few words in the complex, lilting language of the Molvari. The villagers watched in stunned silence, none more so than Berry, whose jaw dropped as Kael conversed fluently.
“You can speak their language?” Berry asked, his voice a mixture of awe and disbelief. “I tried to learn it for weeks. It’s nearly impossible!”
Kael turned with a faint smile. “I have a knack for languages. It’s a skill that’s served me well.”
Tharuk chuckled, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. “Knack… small word. He is… how you say… natural. Better than most Molvari.”
His broken speech drew curious glances, but the scout quickly continued, his tone more serious. “I come with message. Scouts sent to other clans. Tell them… the sacred city of Skarven is open. The way… is clear.”
Kael’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded. “Then we’re not far.”
Tharuk’s gaze shifted to the group. “But you must hurry. Many dangers… still wait.”
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As the group rested, the tension in the cavern began to ease. The villagers sat in small clusters, their breathing steadying as the chaos of the past hours faded into the background. Tharuk stood near Kael, his sharp, calculating eyes scanning the group as he considered their next move.
Kael approached him, his voice low. “How far are we from Zharakai?”
Tharuk tilted his head thoughtfully before responding. “The path you take… long. Winding. But there is… another way.”
Kael’s brow furrowed. “A shortcut?”
Tharuk nodded. “Yes. Old passage. Narrow, but safe. Will bring you… to the edge of the sacred city by sunrise.”
Kael glanced back at the group. The villagers were tired, and many of the defenders still bore the weight of recent battles. A shorter path could save them hours of hardship, but it could also come with risks.
He turned back to Tharuk. “Is it clear? No creatures waiting to ambush us?”
Tharuk’s expression was solemn. “Clear. Molvari used it for many years. But now… forgotten by most.”
Kael took a deep breath before addressing the convoy. “We’ll take the shortcut. Rest time is over. Form up and be ready to move.”
The villagers groaned but complied, gathering their belongings and securing the wagons. The defenders adjusted their weapons, their exhaustion tempered by Kael’s steady command. Elira moved among the group, offering words of encouragement as Felix and Drennor worked to reorganize the rear guard and the convoy started moving again.