Dawn came softly, as if the world feared to wake the ashes of last night’s joy.

Mist drifted low over the cobblestones, wrapping the town of Gorinic in a pale shroud. The once-proud banners of red and gold now hung limp, their colors muted by dew. Lanterns guttered in the gutters, their dying embers pulsing faintly like trapped fireflies. Hours ago, laughter had filled these streets; now, only silence remained, heavy with the lingering scent of smoke and spilled wine. 

Cassian Dusk adjusted the strap across his chest, his breath blooming in pale clouds before him. His sword hung across his back the same blade that had saved him and scarred him in equal measure. Every clash of steel, every cry from the last hunt still echoed somewhere deep within. Ghosts that refused to rest.

He walked alone through the empty street toward the eastern gate, his boots crunching against the frost that glittered faintly in the first light. The festival’s remnants. Torn ribbons, scattered petals, and broken masks lay like offerings to some forgotten god of celebration.

Kael was already waiting there, leaning against the stone archway with his usual half-grin and a travel pack slung lazily at his feet. His dark hair fell into his eyes, and he looked for all the world like a man who hadn’t slept but refused to admit it.

“Morning,” Cassian said.

Kael’s grin widened without him lifting his head. “Barely. You look like you wrestled sleep and lost.”

Cassian smirked faintly. “Didn’t bother wrestling. Sleep doesn’t fight fair.”

At the eastern gate, they could hear the participants of today's Wyvern hunt getting ready. The guild masters all over Gorinic started addressing them and making them recite the warriors Creed. In a few hours, they would go out for one of the most important and dangerous missions in their lives. Cassian could not but wish them good luck. Kael could read his mind. 

"Hopefully, they are more lucky than we were" he said. 

"Well, here's to hoping," he paused "it'll make them stronger."

After a few minutes of waiting, Seraphine and Elira showed up together. Both packed loads to the brim on the backs of Nyraxes. They had brought two extra for Kael and Cassian.

"Morning friends, you ready to do this?" Seraphine said with a smile. 

The Nyrax beneath her snorted, pawing at the dirt, but Cassian’s eyes never left Seraphine.

She sat tall in the saddle, sunlight catching her hair until it gleamed like poured gold. A few loose strands danced across her face, and when she brushed them back, he caught himself smiling.

Her blue eyes found his, calm and steady — the same eyes that always seemed to see straight through him. The silk dress she wore shimmered softly in the breeze, simple yet somehow fitting her in a way that made the world around her fade a little.

Cassian let out a quiet breath. “You look beautiful,” he said under his breath, half to himself. Seraphine smiled and blushed. Kael and Elira cringed. 

The guild master Rurik slowly made his way towards them. He walked with such precision that betrays his benevolent demeanor. 

"Good morning. Hope you are well rested," he studied the looks on their faces. A smile crept across his face. He couldn't be more prouder of how far they have come. 

"On to the order of the day," he continued without letting them interrupt. 

Seraphine and Elira got down from their Nyraxes. The group lined up and faced him.

"Morning boss," Kael said, flashing a mischievous grin as he added, "Don't miss us too much."

"On the contrary, I can't wait to get rid of you especially Kael Drayven" Rurik chuckled lightly without looking up. 

"The mission objective is to locate an artifact called Nightfall. It is said to contain enough power to raze a city." He took a minute to study their faces before continuing, "The client is paying heavily and he expects no mistakes." He paused for a moment to ensure that they understood.

"There will be no room for mistakes," he continued before looking behind them into the distance.

A man was walking toward them tall, lean, and quiet. His stride was steady and unhurried. His hair, long and white was the first to catch their attention. Not dull like an old man's, but bright, almost metallic. It moved faintly with the breeze, gleaming each time he stepped closer. His face was sharp, almost handsome in a distant sort of way, and there was something about him that made the air feel cooler.

He was closer now and the group was almost awe struck at how he looked. His clothes were travel-worn but carefully kept. A long, dark coat made of thick leather, fastened at the chest with silver. Beneath it, a simple tunic of gray linen and fitted trousers tucked neatly into high boots, the kind made for long miles on uneven ground.

A thin belt crossed his chest, holding a small satchel and a sheathed blade whose hilt was wrapped in pale cloth. The weapon wasn’t ornate, just practical — the kind used by someone who knew how to survive rather than show off.

"Right on time" Rurik interrupted their thought.

The stranger stretched his slender arm and shook Rurik's hand. The difference in the exchange was obvious, but yet, the men held equal strength. Rurik noted. 

"Everyone, meet Eryx. He's going to be joining you on this mission". 

"Hello, my name is Eryx. I'm a seasoned adventurer. Mr Vanysor asked me to aid you on this expedition" he introduced himself calmly. 

Cassian straightened, surprised but not displeased. He folded the map in his hands and stepped forward, offering a polite nod. 

"Cassian Dusk. I lead this expedition. You are welcome".

Eryx nodded once.

“You’ll find my credentials are in order, if that’s what you mean.”

A short pause hung in the air.

Seraphine, the healer, smiled first. The kind of gentle smile that breaks tension. “Then you’re most welcome, Eryx. Another hand is a blessing.”

Kael, grunted, crossing his arms. “Or a liability. We don’t even know if he can keep up.”

Eryx’s eyes flicked to him, calm and unreadable. 

“You’ll know soon enough.”

Cassian hid a small grin. He liked that answer.

"All right, Eryx. Welcome to the team. Let’s hope you’re as good as the Guild says.”

Eryx’s mouth curved slightly, not a smile, exactly, but close.

“You’ll find I’m better.” he said half to himself.

Mr Rurik was looking with keen interest. He needed them to have some form of familiarity without him interfering.

Elira who hadn't spoken up before finally joined the conversation. 

"Where did you come from?" 

"I came through Mereveen," he replied gently.

"You travelled alone through the frostpass?. Most don't make it out of there unscathed or alive," her voice carried a hint of doubt. 

Eryx shrugged, unbothered. "Most don't know which voices to ignore in the dark."

The group exchange uneasy glances. A faint smirk tugged at Cassian's face. 

Kael chimed in. "Just what we needed. A cryptic guy."

Eryx turns his sharp gaze slightly towards him.

"You misunderstand me. My job is not to make you like me, it is to make you find the artifact, and come back breathing."

"That's supposed to reassure me?" Kael folded his arms.

Mr Rurik finally had enough. "Enough, stop this nonsense at once. If Eryx is as good as they say he is, you are going to need it. It would be best for you to be in good terms."

"Kael?" Mr Rurik said while looking sternly at him. 

Kael grunted something to himself. 

"There would be no problems sir" he said out loud finally. 

"Good, there better not be" Rurik continued.

"Now, I'll be leaving you so you can discuss, I have other things to attend to."

He put his left arm above his head and right behind his back.

"Steel to shadow, flame to heart."

The group did the exact same. 

"Steel to shadow, flame to heart".

The group watched as his shadow receeded into the distance before turning around.

Cassian spoke up. 

"Eryx, what is the next order of the day?"

"Hold on a second, let me get my map," Eryx responded, shifting his backpack around to the front and digging through it.

While rummaging through his bag, Seraphine's eyes caught something. A grimoire. 

"You are a mage?" She asked with enthusiasm.

Eryx looked up. A small smile crossed his face.

“Not just any mage. A Rune Warden,” he said.

Seraphine’s eyes lit up. Ever since she was a kid, her family had taught her about mages and she had always wished to meet them. Yet, here was a rune warden in the flesh.

"I'm also a Pathfinder. Trained at the Lyceum of Seven sigils. That's why I was recommended for this job," he continued. 

Seraphine was still curious.

"What's it's name," she asked while pointing at his grimoire. 

"You recognize it?" He teased.

"No, but it looks like a divine class." She said.

He paused for a moment and asked. 

"You do not seem like a mage yourself, how do you know so much."

"I'm a healer, and since I was a child, i had always wanted to be a mage, but I do not have it in my blood," she said a little dejectedly.

"I understand perfectly," he continued, "We all have our parts to play don't we?"

"And this grimoire is called 'The Umbral Concordance' and it's not divine class, it is actually an Elder class" he said proudly. He had found the map he was looking for earlier. 

Seraphine gasped. Even the others recognized that name. They had heard it a lot in the past. 

"You mean..." She asked, her voice trailing off.

"Yes, the same grimoire of Valmir White Handed, one of the Pentacircle that defeated Durandor."

The group was impressed. He had gotten their approval.

"Cassian nodded. “Then we’ll be glad to have you. Could use a mage on this one.”

Kael smirked. “As long as he doesn’t turn us into frogs.”

“Not unless you deserve it,” Eryx replied, straight-faced.

That made Seraphine laugh, and even Cassian cracked a grin. The tension broke just enough for the air to feel lighter.

Eryx handed over the map to Cassian. After a few minutes of talking and debating.

“Alright,” Cassian said, straightening up. “Mount up. We head east till we reach the ridge, then we make camp by the Shatterpeak Crossing.”

Kael swung onto his Nyrax. “Here we go again,” he muttered. “Another job, another possible death.”

“Let’s hope not,” Elira said, adjusting her cloak.

The gates of Gorinic groaned shut, sealing the town behind them as they set off. The mist still hung low, curling around the town as it faded from view. Ahead, the road stretched pale and empty, leading toward the far mountains.

For a while, no one said much. The sound of hooves and wind filled the silence.

After a bit, Kael glanced back at Eryx. “So, what’s your story, snow-hair? You don’t look like a man who takes the easy road.”

Eryx looked ahead, his tone calm. “Never liked easy roads.”

Kael smirked. “Yeah, figures.”

Cassian looked over his shoulder. “Save the talking for when we camp. We’ve got a long day ahead.”

“Fine by me,” Kael said, leaning back in the saddle.

Seraphine smiled faintly. “It’s good to have new company,” she said to Eryx.

He nodded once. “We’ll see if you still think that after the Frostpass.”

Cassian’s voice carried from the front. “Then we’d better make it through first.”

The group rode on as the first rays of sun broke through the mist. The wind grew colder, and the mountains loomed closer with every mile.