The Crimson Dawn

Chapter 9

The next morning, the group emerged from their rooms well-rested and ready for the day ahead. Stella was the first downstairs, sipping a cup of tea at the corner of a large dining table. Gedeon followed soon after, looking slightly disheveled but alert, his keen eyes scanning the room as if by instinct.

Barrett stomped down the stairs next, his heavy boots announcing his presence long before he appeared. His hair was a mess, and he scratched his head lazily as he yawned. “Mornin’, everyone,” he rumbled.

Aydin came down shortly after, looking sharp and well put-together, his eyes narrowing slightly when he saw Derick striding in last with not one but two girls on his arms. They giggled as he escorted them to the door, their laughter echoing through the tavern.

“See you next time, ladies,” Derick said with a grin, giving them a wink before they stepped out into the street.

Barrett let out a loud laugh, slapping the table. “Well, looks like someone had a productive night.”

Derick smirked and took a seat, pouring himself a drink. “What can I say? I’m a man of many talents.”

Aydin rolled his eyes and sat down. “You’ll need more than charm to impress a noble,” he said. “Now listen up, all of you. If we’re going to meet Lord Alden, we need to behave. That means no cursing, no touching anything that doesn’t belong to us, and for the love of the gods, no inappropriate comments.” His gaze locked onto Barrett, who was tearing into a loaf of bread. “Especially you.”

Barrett shrugged. “I’ll keep my hands to myself. But I can’t promise I won’t talk, though.”

Aydin pinched the bridge of his nose. “Just… try. Please.”

After a quick breakfast, the group made their way through Taryndale’s bustling streets, heading toward the castle at the city’s center. Its grand stone walls towered above them, flanked by banners bearing the sigil of Lord Alden’s House—a silver tree on a deep green field.

Inside, they were led through a series of ornately decorated halls until they reached the grand hall. A young man sat on the throne, dressed in fine robes of green and silver. Beside him was an equally young woman with a poised demeanor, her auburn hair framing a sharp but beautiful face.

Aydin stepped forward, bowing slightly. “My lord, my lady. We are the Crimson Dawn. Thank you for granting us an audience.”

Lord Alden rose from his throne, his expression warm and welcoming. “The honor is ours. Taryndale owes you a great debt for your efforts in the mines.”

The group inclined their heads respectfully, listening as Alden continued.

“Unfortunately,” the lord said, his tone growing more somber, “the portal you discovered in the mines has caused an unforeseen complication. It appears to have triggered an imbalance, and five more portals have since appeared in the region. My sorcerers were able to contain them, but not before several creatures escaped into our world.”

“What kind of creatures?” Stella asked, stepping forward, her tone calm but serious.

Lord Alden nodded to her. “We’re not certain of all of them, but my scouts have confirmed at least seven escaped. These are not mere animals. They are beasts from the Fey Realm—some large, some small, and some that can even assume human form. I need your group to track them down and eliminate them before they wreak havoc.”

Derick leaned forward, arms crossed. “And what’s the reward for risking our necks?”

Aydin pinched the bridge of his nose again, muttering under his breath.

Alden chuckled, amused by the bluntness. “Fair enough. Should you succeed, you’ll each be granted three hundred coins for every beast you slay, a manor of your own with a full staff, and a contract as royal hunters under my name. Does that sound acceptable?”

The group exchanged glances, their eyes widening in disbelief.

“f**k yes, that works!” Barrett bellowed, earning a laugh from the lord.

“Then it’s settled,” Alden said.

Stella stepped forward, her brow furrowed. “My lord, with all due respect, how are we supposed to track these creatures? The Fey Realm’s denizens are notoriously hard to detect, especially if they can shape-shift into humans.”

Lord Alden nodded and stepped down from the throne, retrieving a small amulet from a nearby table. It glowed faintly, its green light pulsing softly. “This was crafted by one of my sorcerers who survived the Fey Realm. It will glow brighter when a creature from that realm is nearby. Use it well.”

Aydin accepted the amulet with a bow. “Thank you, my lord. We won’t let you down.”

Alden placed a hand on his shoulder. “I have no doubt you’ll succeed. Good luck to you all.”

As the group left the castle, they could hardly contain their excitement.

“A manor with servants,” Derick said, grinning. “We’ll be living like kings.”

Barrett laughed. “And queens. Don’t forget the queens.”

Stella rolled her eyes but smiled. “We haven’t earned it yet. Let’s focus on the mission first.”

Aydin held up the amulet, watching its faint glow. “Seven beasts. This won’t be easy.”

Gedeon smirked. “Nothing worth having ever is.”

The group exited the castle gates and stepped into the bustling streets of Taryndale. The excitement of their new mission lingered in the air, though the weight of the task ahead tempered their enthusiasm.

“So, where do we start?” Stella asked, glancing at Aydin, who still held the glowing amulet.

“We need information,” Aydin replied, slipping the amulet into a pouch on his belt. “The lord said these creatures escaped near the portals. If we can figure out where those are, we’ll know where to look.”

Derick stretched his arms lazily. “Well, that sounds like a tomorrow problem. Tonight, I say we celebrate our soon-to-be luxurious lifestyle.”

“Of course you do,” Stella muttered.

Barrett grinned, slinging an arm around Derick’s shoulders. “For once, I agree with you, lover boy. Let’s find a tavern, drink some ale, and toast to the seven beasts we’re about to slay.”

Aydin shot them both a stern look. “This isn’t a game. We need to take this seriously. The longer those creatures are loose, the more danger they pose to the people of Taryndale.”

Gedeon nodded in agreement. “Aydin’s right. We can’t waste time.”

Barrett sighed dramatically, but there was a hint of respect in his tone. “Fine. No celebrating… yet. Let’s hit the market and see if anyone’s heard anything unusual. Rumors spread faster than the plague in cities like this.”

The group made their way toward the market district, weaving through the lively crowds. Merchants hawked their wares, children darted between the stalls, and the smell of fresh bread and roasted meat filled the air.

Stella took the lead, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd. She approached a fruit vendor, an older woman with a kind face. “Excuse me, ma’am. Have you heard of any strange sightings or attacks recently?”

The woman frowned, her expression growing serious. “Aye, I have. There’s been talk of a beast with glowing red eyes seen prowling near the woods to the east. Some say it’s the devil himself.”

Stella thanked her and rejoined the group.

“That sounds like our first lead,” she said.

Aydin nodded. “Good work. Let’s gear up and head out. The sooner we deal with this, the better.”

As they turned to leave the market, a voice called out to them. “Hey, Crimson Dawn!”

They spun around to see a wiry young man jogging toward them, a satchel slung over his shoulder. He looked nervous but determined.

“Who’s asking?” Gedeon said, stepping in front of Stella protectively.

The man stopped a few feet away, holding up his hands in a gesture of peace. “My name’s Finn. I heard about your mission from one of the castle guards. I thought you might need a guide.”

“A guide?” Barrett repeated, raising an eyebrow. “We can find our own way, thanks.”

Finn shook his head. “Not if you’re going after the beasts. I know the land better than anyone. I can get you to those portals faster than you’d believe.”

Derick smirked. “And what’s in it for you?”

Finn hesitated, then said, “Let’s just say I’ve got my reasons for wanting those creatures gone.”

Aydin studied him for a moment, then nodded. “All right. You’re in. But if you’re lying to us…”

“I’m not,” Finn said quickly. “You’ll see.”

With their new guide in tow, the Crimson Dawn set out toward the eastern woods, the amulet pulsing faintly in Aydin’s pouch. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the road ahead.

“Seven beasts,” Stella murmured, gripping her weapons tightly. “Let’s hope we’re ready.”

“We will be,” Aydin said, his voice firm. “We have to be.”

The group pressed on, their mission clear and their resolve unwavering, unaware of the trials that awaited them in the dark, untamed wilds.