The settlers gathered near the camp’s edge as Nolan and Kaelun prepared to leave. The braided woman handed Nolan a small pouch filled with dried herbs and smooth stones. She motioned toward her heart then toward his
Kaelun translated quietly
She offers protection for clarity of spirit A gift for travelers who walk into uncertain lands
Nolan took the pouch with both hands and bowed slightly.
Thank you
She smiled and stepped back.
Halren approached next holding out a carved wooden token shaped like a curled leaf.
Kaelun explained
This marks you as a friend of their people Others who see it will not question you
Nolan tied it to his belt
The carved leaf glowed faintly for a moment then dimmed
Nolan felt the weight of responsibility settle deeper not heavy but steady like something he could lean on
Kaelun moved to his side.
We must go before the forest shifts again The path grows darker with each moment
Nolan climbed onto Kaelun’s back and the guardian creature moved with controlled power across the plains leaving the camp behind.
The farther they traveled the more the land changed. The grass thinned into sandy patches. The wind grew stronger carrying a distant low hum like distant chanting.
Nolan leaned forward.
Do you hear that
Yes Kaelun replied It is not voices It is the wind changing direction
Toward what
Toward something rising
Nolan’s pulse quickened.
After several miles the ground transitioned into hard cracked stone forming patterns like scales left behind from ancient creatures. Small rocks rattled as Kaelun’s heavy steps sent small vibrations across the land.
The sky darkened slightly even though no clouds covered the sun. It felt like dusk trying to creep into daylight
Nolan tightened his grip
Kaelun slowed
Something watches us
Nolan scanned the horizon but saw nothing.
Where
Everywhere and nowhere Kaelun said The world itself listens when echoes gather
They traveled onward until a large shape appeared on the horizon a wide canyon carved into the land like a slash made by a giant blade.
Nolan’s breath caught
What is that
The Canyon of Turning Voices
That sounds horrible
It is where the world stores echoes that never became memory
Great So it is full of regret
Yes Kaelun said calmly And more
As they reached the edge Nolan peered over. The canyon was wide and deep with jagged stone formations rising like broken teeth. Faint whispers echoed up from the depths but Nolan could not understand the words.
Kaelun spoke softly.
We must go down
Down there
Yes
Nolan inhaled sharply.
Let’s do it
Kaelun began its descent using the stone formations for support. Nolan held tightly as loose rocks fell into the depths below.
Halfway down the canyon walls began to glow with faint streaks of light forming patterns similar to the echo symbols Nolan had seen before. These patterns pulsed slowly like warning signals.
Nolan whispered.
This place feels wrong
It feels old Kaelun corrected
Something moved below
A ripple of shadow not as massive as the one they fought but still unsettling
Kaelun growled
A remnant
Another one
Not of the hunger Of the rift itself
The shadow remnant climbed up the canyon wall forming into a long serpent like shape twisting with jerky movements. Its eyes were hollow circles glowing with dim light.
Nolan braced himself
Kaelun lunged forward catching the serpent shadow with its claws pinning it against the wall. The creature thrashed but Kaelun’s strength held it down.
Nolan reached toward it and felt the echo in his arms pulse
He touched the remnant
It dissolved instantly into dust
Nolan stepped back breathing heavily
Kaelun looked at him with quiet concern
The echoes respond too easily
Is that bad
It means they become part of you faster than expected
Nolan frowned.
You mean I am changing
Yes
And if that continues
You may become something more than human
Nolan fell silent
Kaelun continued
But that path is not fixed You choose what you grow into
They reached the bottom of the canyon where a large stone pillar stood at the center. The whispers around them grew louder
Nolan stepped closer
Kaelun lowered its head
This is the place the settlers felt tremble The world shifted here
Nolan placed his palm on the pillar
Light spread outward in a burst
The whispers stopped instantly
A hole opened in the stone floor revealing a glowing tunnel
Nolan whispered
What is this
A call Kaelun said From something that knows your echo
Something below knows me
Yes
Nolan inhaled slowly
Then let’s go
Kaelun stepped toward the tunnel
And the world below waited