Murky rainwater pooled into rivulets, winding through the mud-slick streets. Above, the sky pressed down like a leaden lid, stifling all hope of light. The low, squat buildings lining the road were crumbling—bark-peel plaster flaked away to reveal damp timber beneath. A heavy stillness lay upon the border town like a sodden burial shroud.
Raine drew his rough-spun cloak low over his brow, hiding most of his face. Each step was measured, wary of the deepest r
Karrion strode ahead, his stocky frame oddly unobtrusive amid the squalor. The dwarf carried a bulging pack, his gait steady as he scanned the street for threats. For once, his bristling beard was neatly combed, a deliberate attempt at the guise of a simple traveling merchant.
Thalia brought up the rear, almost melting into the folds of her deep black hooded cloak. She moved even more silently than Raine, her breaths
But this town's mood was off—not mere
Every few paces the trio passed
"This place…" Karrion muttered under his breath, voice barely above a growl. "Feels like a king just died—or they're braced for a massacre."
"Quiet." Thalia's whisper cut through the dwarf
Raine said nothing, instead observing the townsfolk. Heads were bowed, steps hurried; whenever a stranger's gaze caught theirs, it flicked away, eyes glinting with a blend of fear…and hateful contempt.
They needed supplies. Their water-
They entered a modest dry goods shop—one of the few still carrying any stock. Shelves held meager staples: salted meat, brittle hardtacks
On the wall hung
Raine's heart clenched. The Church's propaganda engine had
"We heard the northern hamlet fell last week," a hushed conversation drifted from the far corner.
"Corruption beasts?" one whispered.
"Who knows? Some say—
"Quiet
Raine's fingers curled into a fist. "Star-kin." "Plague." Each
Karrion finished bargaining with the shopkeeper, seized their meager loot, and gestured for them to go.
As they turned to
Raine dropped his gaze and tugged his hood down tighter
The priest's brows knitted. He advanced on Raine, silent and determined, radiating a faint, holy aura that prickled Raine's skin with discomfort.
"Friend," the young cleric said calmly, though his voice brimmed with
Raine's heart skipped. The man's eyes probed him like sanctified probes. Was it the after-effects of the starflare? Or had his
"Long journey," Raine rasped, striving for a weary tone. "It wears on a man."
"Oh? And where do you hail from?" the priest asked, each step tightening the questioning noose.
Raine's mind raced for a plausible tale…
Sud
Raine slipped through the priest's gaze and edged for the
The priest studied Karrion's bold eyes, then followed the dwarf's shove, turning to
Outside, hoofbeats—likely the militia—echoed near. The shopkeeper twitched nervously.
Thalia, still in
"Please," Karrion called back, "blessings upon you, Father." He gave a mock salute
The priest remained rooted for a heartbeat—then they vanished into the rain-soaked street.
Raine led them swiftly into the ogre-battered
"By the gods," Karrion spat, "nearly had our hides skinned.
Raine remained silent, the priest's probing words and the hushed rumors of "cursed Star-kin" still echoing in his mind
"We can't linger here," Thalia murmured, her voice
He nodded grimly, and together they melted into the town's shadowed exits, leaving behind streets pawed by fear and faith's cold