While the morning brought warmth to the sanctuary the deeper forest remained cold shadows stretching long over the ground The Night Takers had vanished into those shadows leaving behind tracks and the silent warning that they would return Evan knew the next confrontation would be worse more organized more dangerous He needed information before they struck again

Dalen and Evan followed a narrow path east toward the river a place where travelers often passed through carrying news gossip or trouble Rumors might lead them to answers

The air smelled of moss and wet earth The river roared softly scraping against rocks Magical insects drifted above the water casting shimmering reflections across the surface The path broadened into a small clearing where a traveling merchant had set up a wagon decorated with enchanted lanterns that glowed with shifting colors

The merchant a middle aged woman with keen eyes and sharp instincts tilted her head when she saw Evan and Dalen approaching Ah two men who walk like rangers but dress like wanderers What business brings you here

Evan spoke calmly We are searching for information A group called the Night Takers They use alchemic traps and illegal magic Have you seen or heard anything

The merchant frowned lowering her voice Do you invite trouble by speaking that name this close to the pines

Dalen crossed his arms We do not fear them

The merchant snorted Fear is not weakness It is survival But yes I have heard of them They operate under a buyer a very wealthy one Someone gathering rare magical beasts for private collections

Evan’s chest tightened Do you know who

The merchant hesitated then looked around nervously There is talk among traders of a noble from the capital A lord with more money than sense collecting magical creatures like trophies He pays the Night Takers to supply beasts for his estate His name is whispered only behind closed doors

Evan leaned in Tell us

The merchant glanced at the surroundings then spoke faintly Lord Varrick of the Obsidian Court

Dalen’s eyes widened That man controls half the trade routes His influence reaches far beyond the capital If he wants magical beasts he will stop at nothing

Evan clenched his fists If he is behind the Night Takers then the sanctuary is in greater danger than we thought

The merchant continued There are also stories of a new type of trap created for him One that drains magic slowly without killing the creature so it can be shipped safely Rumors say these traps could poison entire forests if misused

Evan felt cold dread spreading in his chest That would explain the corruption near the ravine Someone tested one of those traps and left it behind

Dalen shook his head We face a threat far larger than poachers This is organized a chain of command reaching all the way to the capital

The merchant sighed You two look like good men But if you stand against Varrick you stand against a mountain

Evan looked toward the sanctuary direction resolute Then we carve a new path through that mountain

They returned to the sanctuary carrying the weight of the new discovery Evan gathered the council villagers and volunteers explaining what they learned

The elder’s face turned grave A noble from the Obsidian Court Those lords believe the wild exists only to serve them He will not tolerate anyone standing in the way of his collections

Dalen stepped forward Then we make it clear that this sanctuary is beyond their reach This is land of the ridge not the court

A loud crack echoed from the forest The thunder cub growled Sparks snapping from its fur Evan rushed outside

A young scout ran toward them out of breath Breathless report Hunter presence near the northern ridge Not poachers These men wear noble insignia

Evan’s stomach dropped Lord Varrick’s agents already

Dalen cursed under his breath They move faster than we expected

Evan looked at the warden spirit which stood still glowing softly as if expecting this moment

He whispered to the spirit We will not let them harm this land

The spirit stepped forward and the ground trembled faintly Roots and vines stirred responding to its presence

Evan raised his voice so all could hear Prepare the defenses Strengthen the barriers Move the vulnerable beasts to the inner sanctum No one enters this land without our permission

Dalen raised his spear As long as we stand the sanctuary stands

The warden spirit’s light grew brighter illuminating the forest like a green sun

Evan felt the weight of responsibility settle into his bones but it was no longer fear It was purpose

The ridge was no longer just a sanctuary
It was a fortress of life

And the battle for the Arcane Wilds had only just begun