The morning air buzzed with activity as we stepped out of the watchtower and into Hybern’s bustling heart. The market sprawled before us like a chaotic tapestry, the mingled scents of roasting meat, fresh bread, and tangy spices carried on the breeze. Overhead, bright awnings in every shade of colour stretched between wooden poles, casting dappled shadows across the cobblestones.

  Misty darted ahead, her sleek form weaving through the crowd as if drawn by some unseen thread. ‘This place is a feast for the senses,’ she quipped, her voice brushing against my thoughts. ‘And by feast, I mean literal food. I’ll scout the bakeries.’

  Elara smiled, brushing her hair behind a pointed ear as her eyes scanned the stalls. “It’s... overwhelming,” she admitted.

  “But beautiful,” Naomi said, as she looked around wide-eyed, her curiosity battling with the fatigue of recent events.

  As we moved deeper into the market, the sounds grew louder—laughter, bartering, the occasional clang of a blacksmith’s hammer echoing from a forge at the square’s edge. A merchant called out to us, his wares a jumble of polished trinkets and faded maps. Elara paused to examine a delicate brooch shaped like an oak leaf, but I tugged her gently along. “Focus. We’ve got a long day ahead.”

  We passed a group of dwarves haggling over barrels of ale, their guttural accents cutting through the din. Nearby, a halfling woman stood on a crate, selling what she claimed were “fireproof cloaks” to a sceptical human farmer. I couldn’t help but smirk. It reminded me of the markets back home—loud, lively, and always a little dishonest.

  At the edge of the market, the chaos began to thin, giving way to a quieter part of the city. The temple district loomed ahead, its spires and arches rising like sentinels over the streets. As we approached, the air seemed to change—fresher, yet heavy with the scent of incense and polished stone.

  “Shall we try to see Ander first?” Elara asked, glancing toward the imposing structure of the town hall standing proudly at the border between the market and temple districts.

  I shook my head. “We’ll make an appointment. I doubt he’s just waiting around for us to drop in.”

  The town hall’s stone facade was stark compared to the ornate designs of the temples nearby. Inside, a harried clerk glanced up as we entered. “Can I help you?” he asked briskly, his quill poised above a thick ledger.

  “Yes,” I said, stepping forward. “We’re here to see Ander. We understand he’s connected to the Seer’s Guild.”

  The clerk sniffed, flipping a page. “He’s busy this morning. I can pencil you in for later this afternoon.”

  “That’ll work,” I said, biting back a sigh. As we stepped outside, the sun had climbed higher, casting long shadows from the temple spires. “Well, we’ve got time to explore.”

  Misty reappeared from the shadows of a stall, licking her lips. ‘And here I thought you’d forgotten me. Let’s hope the temples are more exciting than the market.’

  I chuckled. ‘How could we ever forget about you.’

  Naomi crouched down to scritch Misty’s ears and at the same time scold her for stealing pastries.

  ‘So unfair,’ Misty complains to me. ‘How does she know.’

  I glance down at the crumbs adorning her face and shake my head ruefully. ‘I have no idea cat, but she does have magical powers.’

  As we made our way into the temple district, I couldn’t shake the feeling that beneath Hybern’s bright surface, something darker lingered, just out of sight.

  The temple district was a stark contrast to the bustling market we’d left behind. The streets here were quieter, the noise of trade giving way to the rhythmic hum of chants and the distant tolling of bells. Each temple we passed was a monument to its god, its architecture reflecting their nature in ways both obvious and subtle.

  “We need to visit Myrrith’s temple,” Elara said as we looked about at the multifarious structures, each within its own plot of consecrated ground.

  The one we sought stood at the centre of a small garden filled with lush greenery and vibrant flowers. The building itself was simple yet elegant, its stone walls entwined with ivy and carved with intricate depictions of nature’s cycles—growth, decay, renewal. A wide wooden door stood open, inviting worshippers inside.

  “It’s beautiful,” Elara murmured, her gaze sweeping over the temple with quiet reverence. She stepped forward, and we followed, the scent of fresh blooms mingling with the earthy aroma of the garden.

  Inside, the air was cool and serene, the space lit by beams of sunlight streaming through skylights. A priestess in flowing green robes approached, her steps light and her expression warm. “Welcome, travellers. How may Myrrith’s blessings serve you today?”

  Elara stepped forward, bowing her head respectfully. “We recently encountered one of Myrrith’s shrines in the wildlands. It had been desecrated. We cleansed it as best we could, but I wanted to inform the temple and ensure that balance can be restored.”

  Del cleared his throat, stepping in. “There was a necromancer there. Skeleton, big fella. I dealt with him and the ones he’d raised. The place seemed... tainted, but it felt different after we handled them.”

  The priestess’s serene expression flickered with concern. “Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Such defilement cannot be taken lightly. You’ve done well to act in Myrrith’s name.”

  Elara nodded, and then, almost hesitantly, added, “We also found something else—not at the shrine, but in a beast lair nearby.” She reached into her satchel and carefully withdrew the wooden figure we’d found in the skep nest.

  The priestess’s eyes widened as she took the carving, turning it gently in her hands. “This... this is not of Myrrith. It depicts Thaldris, the God of War and Honour. It’s ancient—older than any depiction I’ve seen. Where did you say you found this?”

  “In a skep nest,” Elara clarified. “They had been causing problems to a farmer so we offered to help him clear them out. Once the nest was destroyed, we found this in the dirt. We thought the statuette might have significance, given its age.”

  The priestess frowned, her fingers tracing the intricate carvings. “Thaldris’s influence is one of honour and resolution in conflict. For this to appear now... it is worth noting. Temples are places of balance, and this may yet hold meaning. I encourage you to keep it close, for the time being.”

  The priestess handed the carving back, her expression thoughtful. “Thank you again. If you find more, bring it here. Myrrith’s temple will do what it can to understand this.”

  As we stepped back into the sunlight, the temple’s serenity felt distant, almost fragile. The streets of Hybern seemed brighter than ever, but the priestess’s words lingered in my mind. ‘Honour and war—Thaldris certainly has his place, but I hope it’s not one we’ll need soon.’

  ‘Come now Del, I thought you were getting to enjoy this whole conflict thing.’ I couldn’t seem to help quipping back

  Misty, padding alongside me, flicked her tail. ‘Balance is fine, but if we’re heading toward conflict, I vote we skip to the resolution part.’

  It didn’t take long and soon enough the town hall loomed ahead, its sturdy stone facade weathered but proud, a symbol of order amid Hybern’s lively chaos. Inside, the air carried a faint scent of parchment and ink, mixed with the occasional tang of oil from the polished wood. Clerks bustled about, their quills scratching across ledgers as messengers darted between rooms.

  We were ushered into a modest office, where Ander sat behind a wide desk cluttered with scrolls, maps, and a single steaming cup of tea. His sharp eyes, framed by the beginnings of crow’s feet, assessed us as we entered. He was a man of average height, with dark hair streaked by a few strands of silver, and an air of calm authority that suggested he was used to managing chaos.

  “Ander?” I asked, stepping forward. “We were told you’re a member of the Seer’s Guild. We need your help.”

  His gaze shifted between us before settling on Naomi, who hovered behind me, clutching her satchel. “I’d heard there were travellers asking for me. What’s the nature of your business?”

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  Elara took the lead, her voice measured. “This is Naomi. She has a rare gift—Dreamwalking. She’s untrained, but her potential is clear. We believe she needs guidance, and you’re the most qualified to provide it.”

  Ander leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in thought. “Dreamwalking is not a gift to be taken lightly. It can open doors to incredible insight—or to dangers that should remain closed. Have you had... incidents?”

  Naomi glanced at me, unsure, so I answered. “She’s glimpsed things. Warnings, visions. They’ve been helpful, but they’ve also left her shaken. She’s just a kid—she needs someone who knows what they’re doing.”

  Ander studied Naomi, his gaze piercing but not unkind. “You’re right. She does need training, and the Guild has protocols to handle this. But it’s not as simple as taking her under my wing. Hybern is no safe haven, and I have responsibilities here.”

  Naomi stepped forward, her voice soft but steady. “I want to learn. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

  The corner of Ander’s mouth twitched, almost a smile. “Determination is good. You’ll need it. Very well. I’ll begin her training, but the road ahead will not be easy. And when the time comes, I’ll see her safely to the Guild House in Stenfield.”

  A quiet weight settled over the room. I glanced at Naomi, whose wide eyes shone with both nervousness and resolve. She was trying to be brave, and damn if she wasn’t doing a good job of it.

  “We’ll leave her in your care,” Elara said, her tone filled with the kind of trust I wasn’t sure I could muster. “Thank you, Ander.”

  He nodded. “You have my word.”

  The conversation turned practical—schedules, expectations, arrangements. Misty’s occasional mental grumbles about “bureaucratic nonsense” gave me a strange moment of levity in the otherwise sombre discussion.

  When the details were set, Ander rose from his chair. “You should take your time saying goodbye. I’ll have someone escort you out when you’re ready.”

  Outside the office, the weight of the moment hit harder than I’d expected. Naomi clung to Elara in a tight hug, her small frame trembling slightly. “I’ll miss you,” she murmured, her voice muffled by Elara’s tunic.

  Elara pulled back, her hands on Naomi’s shoulders. “You’ll do great. Just remember what we taught you and trust yourself.”

  When it was my turn, I crouched down to meet Naomi’s gaze. “You’ve got this, kid. Ander’s going to teach you all the boring stuff, but don’t forget what Misty and I taught you about fun.”

  Naomi’s laugh was soft but genuine. “Like how to not get eaten by ashfangs?”

  “Exactly.” I smiled, ruffling her curls before standing. Misty hopped onto a nearby bench, eyeing Naomi with something approaching fondness. ‘It’s never easy when a kitten first walks out alone’ she quipped.

  Naomi giggled as Misty's soft nose nuzzled her own, her spirits lifting just enough to make the goodbye easier. With one last glance back, she turned and followed Ander down the hall, her small figure disappearing into the building’s depths.

  As we left the town hall, the silence between us spoke volumes. I knew we’d done the right thing, but it didn’t make it any easier. For now, all we could do was move forward.

  The walk back to The Sleepy Crescent Inn was quiet, each of us lost in our thoughts. The streets of Hybern had grown darker as the sun dipped below the horizon, the flickering light of street lanterns casting long shadows across the cobblestones. The hum of the market had faded, replaced by the muffled sounds of laughter and conversation spilling from nearby taverns.

  Inside the inn, the landlord greeted us with his usual cheerful demeanour, but his gaze lingered on us a moment longer, sensing our mood. “Rough day?” he asked gently. “Would you prefer supper in your room tonight? I can have it sent up when it’s ready.”

  I glanced at Elara, who nodded slightly, then back at the landlord. “That’d be appreciated,” I said. “Thank you.”

  “Not a problem,” he replied with a knowing smile. “Get yourselves settled—I’ll make sure you’re not kept waiting.”

  We headed upstairs, the familiar creak of the wooden steps underfoot grounding me more than I expected. Once inside our room, Misty leapt onto the small cot she had shared with Naomi and stretched luxuriously. Elara sank into a chair by the window, her gaze distant as she stared out at the faint lights of the temple district beyond. I dropped onto the other bed, letting the day’s events wash over me.

  After a long moment, I broke the silence. “With everything that’s happened, I forgot to check...” I trailed off, opening my status screen. The familiar glow bathed my face as I scanned the details. “Looks like I levelled up. Did you?”

  Elara turned, her face brightening. “I did,” she said, opening her own screen. “After the farm fight and... bits of the ogre, it must have been enough.”

  We spent the next few minutes quietly allocating points and considering skills. Elara’s insight proved helpful, even if Misty couldn’t resist adding her own commentary.

  ‘You should invest in something to improve your decision-making, Del. Maybe a ‘Don’t Get into Trouble’ skill?’

  I smirked. ‘If only it were that easy.’

  As the glow of our screens faded, a knock at the door signalled supper’s arrival. Elara moved to the small table to accept the tray, setting it down with a soft smile. “It smells good and I am starved.”

  The quiet clink of plates and cutlery filled the room as we ate. The warm stew and fresh bread offered a small comfort, but the tension of the day lingered.

  Elara’s voice was soft when she finally spoke. “Do you think Naomi will be all right?”

  I nodded, though the question lingered in my mind. “She’s strong. Ander will look after her. And she’ll be safer there than with us.”

  The words felt hollow, but they were true. Naomi’s departure left a gap in our little group, one I wasn’t sure we could fill. Still, there was no room for second-guessing now. She had her path, and we had ours.

  I moved to the window, gazing out at the darkened streets. A faint movement caught my eye—a cloaked figure slipping between the alleys, their steps purposeful yet cautious. They paused at an unmarked door, glancing around before disappearing inside.

  “Someone’s busy,” I murmured, more to myself than anyone else.

  Elara joined me, her expression unreadable as she followed my gaze. “Hybern has its secrets,” she said quietly. “And we’ve only scratched the surface.”

  The fire crackled behind us, filling the silence with its soft warmth. Misty stirred, her voice brushing through my mind. ‘Secrets are fine, but let’s hope we don’t trip over them too soon.’

  I chuckled softly, though the unease in my chest lingered. As I turned away from the window, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Hybern had more in store for us than we were ready for.

  Name: Del Axholm

  Level: 13

  Path: Archer

  Health: 90

  Strength: 26

  Dexterity: 22

  Stamina: 24

  Intelligence: 17

  Wisdom: 13

  Mana: 92

  Spirit: 74

  Agility: 35

  Presence: 10

  Animal Companion: Misty; feline

  Skills:

  Archery lvl 3 – Able to use all manner of handheld bows and crossbows

  Woodcraft lvl 3 – Basic survival skills in wooded areas. Can safely make fires and create crude shelters.

  Tracking lvl 4 – Can find and follow obvious tracks or blood trails.

  Traps lvl 1 – Can make basic snares and pit traps.

  Sneak lvl 4 – Able to hide in available cover. Movement increases the risk of being seen or heard.

  Herbalism lvl 2 – Can identify and gather basic herbs.

  Skinning lvl 3 – Can manage to roughly skin a carcass.

  Leadership lvl 3 - Able to command small groups of up to 20.

  Attacks:

  Bow lvl 3 – Simple Shot.

  Sword lvl 12 – Cut, thrust.

  Dagger lvl 6 – Stab, Slash.

  Special Attacks:

  Bow:

  Sneak attack lvl 1 – Doubles damage

  Master Archer lvl 1 – Cost 1 Stamina: Increased damage and chance of critical hit.

  Dagger:

  Backstab lvl 4 – Double damage.

  Two Handed Melee lvl 7 – Two weapon fighting, twice the fun.

  Name: Misty

  Level: 14

  Path: Feline Companion

  Health: 78

  Strength: 18

  Dexterity: 24

  Stamina: 21

  Intelligence: 16

  Wisdom: 6

  Mana: 90

  Spirit: 36

  Agility: 35

  Presence: 20

  Skills:

  Charm lvl 4 – Can influence the attitude of someone in eye contact with her.

  Transform lvl 5 – Can assume Hellcat form, Strength, Dexterity and Health Double for 25 minutes, These values halved for 20 minutes after effect ends.

  Attacks:

  Claw lvl 12 – Attack with front claws.

  Rake lvl 10 – Double rear leg attack.

  Bite lvl 8 – It’s teeth all the way

  Special Attacks:

  Pounce lvl 12 – Can be used with any or all of the standard attacks. Double damage, with a small chance to cause the target to stumble.

  Sneak Pounce lvl 6 – As above; Triple damage.

  Name: Elara Silvervale

  Level: 10

  Path: Ranger

  Health: 42

  Strength: 20

  Dexterity: 28

  Stamina: 24

  Intelligence: 22

  Wisdom: 10

  Mana: 100

  Spirit: 50

  Agility: 38

  Presence: 14

  Elven Traits:

  Enhanced Perception: Increased tracking and observation skills in woodland

  Dark Sight: Can see in dimly lit and dark environments

  Skills:

  Archery lvl 10 – Able to use all manner of handheld bows and crossbows

  Woodcraft lvl 5 – Basic survival skills in wooded areas. Can live for extended periods off the land

  Tracking lvl 4 – Can follow tracks and trails

  Traps lvl 2 – Can make basic snares and pit traps.

  Sneak lvl 6 – Able to hide in available cover. Movement increases the risk of being seen or heard.

  Herbalism lvl 6 – Can identify and gather basic herbs.

  Alchemy lvl 2 – Can make poultices and basic potions. (Requires recipes)

  Skinning lvl 8 – Can skin a carcass and preserve the hide.

  Magic Spells:

  Growth lvl 4 – Speed plant growth

  Control Plants lvl 5 – Able to manipulate roots and vines within 30 feet

  Light lvl 4 – Can create light from a small lasting glow that can be attached to objects or people, up to a sudden blinding flash. The brighter the effect the shorter the duration.

  Myrrith’s Wrath lvl 3 – Create a magical arrow that deals enhanced damage.; Damage is doubled against undead or evil creatures.

  Attacks:

  Bow lvl 12 – Simple Shot.

  Dagger lvl 4 – Stab, Slash.

  Special Attacks:

  Bow:

  Sneak attack lvl 8 – Doubles damage

  Master Archer lvl 6 – Cost 1 Stamina: Increased damage and chance of critical hit.