umro's new journey: into unknown land

Shadows on the Reedbank

Episode 5

Umro followed the drifting lantern-orb through the marsh until it settled on a patch of dry reeds beside a narrow wooden walkway. The marsh was quiet — too quiet — except for a faint splashing somewhere behind him. He pretended not to notice.

“Whoever’s stalking me,” he whispered, “at least try to step quietly.”

A frog croaked loudly, as if laughing at him.

Umro sighed. Light-hearted moments were rare here, so he’d take what he could get.

He tightened his grip on the metal feather as the walkway stretched before him like a trap. The Whispering Compass pointed straight ahead, unwavering — unusual for such chaotic terrain. That meant one thing: something important waited at the end.

Halfway across, he spotted a hooded figure kneeling by the water, stirring it with a glass rod that glowed faint blue. Spy work — clearly. The figure froze when Umro approached.

“You’re early,” the stranger said, voice tight.

“And you’re mixing magic into a marsh that dislikes visitors,” Umro replied. “Who sent you?”

The figure stood, revealing a mask carved from bone.

“They warned me about you, Umro… said you’d reach this place sooner than expected.”

The water rippled.

More masked shapes rose from the reeds.

Umro exhaled.

“So the chase finally begins.”