Elemental Blitz

19

Rael walked into the bustling city of Dreyholm, one of the largest trade hub in the Kiston Kingdom. Its stone streets were crowded with merchants, travelers, and city guards, the latter of whom eyed Rael with suspicion. His hood was up, there was no hiding the hum of power that radiated from him like a second skin. The shadow inside him whispered constantly, feeding him information about the people around him, their intentions, their thoughts, their fears.

The city was alive with energy. Towering buildings of stone and wood lined the streets, their banners fluttering in the wind, carrying the emblems of various trade guilds and noble families. Dreyholm thrived on commerce, with caravans from every corner of Runeheart passing through its gates daily. That made it the perfect place for someone like Rael to blend in, gather information, and, if needed, disappear without a trace.

Rael smirked to himself as he walked through the busy streets. His target, one of the Azure Sky’s middle-level leaders named Lukus Hun, was somewhere in the city. He was in no rush to find them tonight, though. After the entertainment with the Jagged Band, Rael decided he deserved a proper meal and a night of rest before the hunt continued.

A tavern caught his eye as he rounded a corner. Its sign, “The Howling Griffin,” hung above the door, swaying gently in the wind. The warm glow of lanterns spilled out onto the street, and the sound of clinking mugs and laughter promised a more relaxed atmosphere than Rael had experienced lately. He pushed open the door and stepped inside, scanning the room with a casual glance.

The tavern was crowded but not rowdy. Several tables were filled with travelers and locals, drinking, eating, and sharing stories. The barkeep, a burly man with a scar running down his cheek, nodded at Rael but didn’t pay him much attention. Good. The last thing Rael wanted was unnecessary attention tonight.

He made his way to a corner table and sat down, motioning to one of the servers, a young woman who looked tired.

“What’ll it be?” she asked, her voice flat, as if she’d seen too many customers like him and hoped he wouldn’t cause trouble.

“Something hot and filling,” Rael said, leaning back in his chair. “And a drink that won’t kill me.”

The woman gave a half-smile and nodded before disappearing into the kitchen.

Rael allowed himself to relax, the warmth of the tavern easing some of the tension in his muscles. The Shadow was quiet for once, content to simply observe the ebb and flow of the city around them.

As he waited for his meal, Rael’s mind wandered. Dreyholm was a maze of intrigue and politics, with countless factions vying for power behind the scenes. The Azure Sky had deep roots here, and his target wouldn’t be easy to reach without some maneuvering or burning the city down around his ears, which wasn’t now an option. The Shadow chuckled at this. Still, he was confident that by end tomorrow, he would have what he needed.

The door to the tavern creaked open, and a cold wind swept in, causing the flames in the lanterns to flicker. Rael’s senses sharpened as he felt a presence—strong, quiet, and deliberate. His eyes shifted to the entrance, where a tall figure in a dark, hooded cloak stood. She stepped inside, her gaze sweeping the room before locking onto him.

An elf. And not just any elf. Rael could feel the weight of her power before she even approached his table. She moved gracefully, her cloak swirling around her like shadows. She wasn’t here for a fight, though. That much Rael could tell by the calm aura she exuded, and the fact that none of the patrons seemed to notice her. She was using her magic to make them ignore her. She was part of the Vael’Thor, without a doubt.

The elf stopped in front of Rael’s table, her emerald eyes studying him with an intensity that made it clear she was sizing him up. “May I sit?” she asked, her voice melodic but edged with authority.

Rael gestured to the empty chair across from him. “Suit yourself.”

She lowered herself into the chair with the elegance only elves possessed, folding her hands in her lap. For a moment, they sat in silence, the tavern’s noise dimming around them as if they existed in a world apart.

“You’re not here to fight,” Rael said, breaking the silence. “So, what do you want?”

The elf smiled faintly. “You’re right. I’m not here to fight. I’ve come with an offer, Rael Phaze.”

Rael raised an eyebrow. “An offer? From the Vael’Thor?”

The elf inclined her head. “My name is Elowen. I am an emissary of the Vael’Thor. We’ve been watching you for some time now. You’re powerful, far more so than most. We believe you have a unique place in the world. A place that could be with us.”

Rael leaned back in his chair, considering her words. “So, what? You want me to join your little shadowy group of elves? And what exactly do I get out of it?”

Elowen’s expression softened, but there was something steely behind her gaze. “We can teach you what you want to know. About your mother, Elendris. About her legacy. And about the power that flows in your veins.”

At the mention of his mother, Rael’s demeanor shifted. His heart clenched, though he kept his expression neutral. He hadn’t expected the Vael’Thor to use that particular card. They knew more about his mother than anyone else. She had been one of them, after all.

“And if I say no?” Rael asked, his voice colder now.

Elowen shook her head. “Then we’ll leave you in peace. But you’ll be denying yourself answers—answers only we can provide.”

Rael was quiet for a long moment, his mind racing. He hated the Vael’Thor. Their shadow magic had shaped his life in ways he didn’t fully understand, and their secrecy irritated him. But they held the key to his mother’s past. To his past.

The Shadow inside him stirred, reminding him that Elowen was not lying. He could sense it. She was being truthful, her aura clear and steady. It also tell him that there are always other paths to knowledge.

Finally, Rael spoke. “I’ll listen to what you have to say. But I’m not giving you an answer yet. It was one of you who murdered my father. There will be blood spilled for that.”

Elowen nodded. “That faction was not acting with the blessing of the whole. All we ask is that you agree to meet with us when you are ready. I will go back to my masters and inform them. I hope that you will see me again in future.”

She stood and gave him one last, piercing look before turning and leaving the tavern as quietly as she had arrived. Rael watched her go, his thoughts a jumble of emotions he hadn’t wanted to confront.

The server returned with his food, he paid her his appetite hadn’t faded and he dug in. Elowen’s words lingered in the air, wrapping around him like the very shadows he commanded.