The Mark of the Exile

The sun slowly sets behind the mountains, casting a golden glow over the dense forest. The ancient trees, tall as towers, sway gently under a nighttime breeze. On the horizon, I can see the snow-capped peak of Ebony Mountain, where, according to legend, the last dragon egg lies, an ancient artifact of unimaginable power.

I stand at the edge of a clearing, my hands slightly trembling with excitement. In my worn leather bag, I carry a tattered map I found in the forgotten library of the village. It points towards Ebony Mountain, but the path is fraught with dangers: mythical creatures, ancient traps, and mysterious enchantments. Beside me is Kael, a young sorcerer with a sharp mind, muttering incantations to maintain a magical shield around us. Behind me, Lira, an archer with keen eyes, adjusts her quiver and scans the surroundings for any potential threats.

Suddenly, a crack echoes in the darkness. Red eyes glow in the underbrush, and a low growl rises from the creature's throat. Kael grips his magic staff, ready to cast a spell, while Lira draws her bow, an arrow already nocked.

"I think we're not alone," Kael whispers.

Lira quickly glances in my direction, waiting for my signal.

I take a deep breath and let out a powerful roar, a primal cry that echoes in the dark forest. The shadow wolves, startled by the sudden noise, immediately turn their attention to me. Without wasting a moment, I start running in the opposite direction of Kael and Lira, hoping to draw the four beasts away from my companions. My quick steps crush the dead leaves under my boots, and I hear the heavy footsteps of the wolves chasing me, their growls turning into furious howls.

Behind me, I see Kael raise his staff. He murmurs incantations, and an ethereal light suddenly surrounds him and Lira. In the blink of an eye, they seem to blend into the air, becoming invisible to the wolves. The illusion spell is perfectly cast. Kael and Lira are now hidden, with the wolves having no idea of their presence.

I keep running, leading the wolves on a wild chase through the forest. My heart is pounding, but my training allows me to keep a steady pace. The four wolves are close behind, their rough breaths echoing in the darkness.

Kael, well hidden by his invisibility spell, whispers to Lira: "Get ready. If they scatter, you know what to do."

Lira nods, her bow still at the ready, though she is invisible to the predators.

The wolves, spurred on by the hunt, seem closer than ever. They begin to close in on me, one of them leaping forward to try to bite my leg. Thanks to my dexterity, I make a quick jump to the side, narrowly avoiding its poisoned fangs. I know I need to keep them focused on me, at least until Kael and Lira are in a better position.

With the wolves now focused on me, and me alone, I have to decide my next move.

I quickly glance behind me, assessing the distance between the shadow wolves and myself. I need to act quickly and smartly. I know I can't face them all alone, but I trust in Lira's skills and Kael's magic to balance the battle.

In a fluid motion, I slightly change my course to face the wolves chasing me. Their eyes gleam with a malevolent light in the darkness, and their black fur seems to absorb the light around them. I breathe deeply and mentally mark two of the closest wolves, calculating the best approach to fight them head-on. My muscles tense, and I take a defensive stance, ready to face the first wave of attacks.

"Lira, now! Use the enchanted arrows!" I shout, hoping she can hear me.

Invisible to the wolves, Lira nods. With a skillful move, she ignites the tips of her arrows with Kael's light magic. The arrows glow with an intense, almost blinding light. She draws her bow with precision, and as the wolves close in on me, she releases two arrows in quick succession.

The arrows whistle through the air, their light piercing the darkness of the forest. They hit their target with deadly precision. The first arrow sinks deep into a wolf's side, and a burst of light explodes on impact, forcing the creature to retreat, howling in pain. The second arrow hits another wolf on the shoulder, causing another explosion of light. The two beasts back away, disoriented by the intensity of the magical light.

Taking advantage of the wolves' confusion, I leap forward with renewed speed and strength. My sword glows in the twilight, and I deliver a powerful strike to the first wolf, which rises despite the injury inflicted by Lira. The blade cuts deep into the dark fur, and I feel the resistance of its muscles under the force of my blow. The wolf howls and tries to bite me, but I am faster. I dodge to the side, avoiding its poisoned fangs.

Meanwhile, the other two wolves, still disoriented by the light of the enchanted arrows, shake furiously, trying to regain their vision and focus. Kael, remaining invisible, begins to prepare another spell, ready to intervene if the situation becomes too dangerous.

I know time is running out, and I need to get rid of these two wolves before the others fully recover.

Keeping my calm amidst the chaos, I shout to Lira: "Lira, let's finish these off! Use a quick attack, conserve your energy!"

Lira, still hidden by Kael's illusion, nods and moves with agility to get a better angle for her shot. She pulls two arrows from her quiver, this time without the light magic, to conserve her strength. She fires quickly, using her talent for precise and deadly shots.

The arrows fly through the air and hit the two disoriented wolves. One penetrates deep into a wolf's neck, piercing a vital artery, while the other strikes the second wolf just behind the ear, penetrating the skull. The wolves collapse, their growls fading with a final breath.

I take advantage of this moment of respite to turn to the nearest tree, a massive oak with low, sturdy branches. I quickly sheath my sword and jump towards the lowest branch, pulling myself up with agility. My training as a ranger allows me to climb quickly, and in a few seconds, I find myself on a higher branch that gives me a clear view of the clearing and the surroundings.

From this height, I quickly assess the situation. The two remaining wolves, though still alive, are still slightly blinded by the light magic and move slowly, their senses disturbed. I see Kael further away, focused, ready to cast a spell if necessary. The clearing is surrounded by a thick forest, but I notice a slight rocky slope leading to a hill to the north. At the top of this hill, ancient ruins loom, half engulfed by vegetation.

I realize that these ruins could offer a strategic advantage or temporary shelter, but I must first deal with the two remaining wolves. Looking around, I also spot several large rocks that could be used for cover or to set up an ambush.

The two remaining wolves begin to shake off their confusion and reposition themselves, their predatory instincts slowly returning. They turn back towards me, growling with renewed determination.

From my perch, I observe the two remaining wolves as they slowly regain their senses. Their movements are still clumsy, offering an opening I don't want to miss. In a fluid motion, I pull several throwing knives from my belt, holding them between my fingers, ready to be thrown. Their weight is familiar and reassuring in my hands.

Aiming at one of the wolves that still seems slightly disoriented, I quickly throw the knives. My precise training and experience allow me to hit the targets with great accuracy. The knives whistle through the air and embed themselves in the wolf's flesh. One knife lodges deep in its flank, another pierces its shoulder, and the last sticks just below its eye, causing a cry of pain and rage. The creature staggers, its dark blood mingling with the earth.

Without wasting a moment, I leap from the branch, using my momentum and dexterity to land softly on the ground. The sword already drawn in a swift and fluid motion, I rush towards the second wolf. Using my speed ability, I move with lightning speed, my feet barely visible on the ground, leaving a trail of dust behind me.

The wolf, still reeling from the previous attack, only sees me at the last moment. With surgical precision, I aim for one of its vital points, just below the ribcage where the ribs leave a small open space. My blade pierces the thick fur and sinks deep into the beast's body, reaching its heart. A final, piercing howl echoes through the forest before the wolf collapses, its glowing eyes losing their luster.

I withdraw my sword and turn around, breathing hard but with a sense of triumph. The first wolf, riddled with throwing knives, finally collapses, blood flowing from its multiple wounds.

Lira and Kael emerge from their hiding place, Kael releasing the illusion spell that had concealed them. They approach me, inspecting the wolves' bodies to make sure they are truly dead.

"Well done, Alaric," Kael says, wiping the sweat from his brow. "These wolves were no easy feat."

Lira retrieves her arrows from the wolves' bodies and nods, her expression serious. "We should head towards those ruins you saw up the hill. It might be a good place to rest and figure out our next move."

I nod, casting a final glance at the lifeless bodies of the shadow wolves. "Yes, but we need to stay alert. Those ruins could harbor other dangers."

As we approach the mysterious ruins, a palpable tension fills the air. Each step echoes with a strange resonance, as if the ancient stones were whispering forgotten secrets. Kael, still attuned to magic, suddenly stops and raises a hand.

"Wait," he says. "There's a strong magical energy here. Something is protecting these ruins, perhaps an ancient enchantment or a trap."

Lira scans the surroundings, her keen eyes searching for clues in the shadows and collapsed walls. "I don't see anything unusual for now, but we should be cautious."

Observing the ruins, I notice there are several possible entrances: a large central arch that appears to be the main entrance, and two smaller passages on the sides, partially covered by debris and vegetation.

We stand before the mysterious ruins, the air heavy with ancient magic. The stone walls, worn by time, are covered with indecipherable engravings and runes that glow faintly in the growing darkness. Lira and Kael await my instructions, each aware of the potential danger.

"These runes..." Kael murmurs as he cautiously approaches a wall. "They seem to belong to an ancient magical language, used by the Ash Mages centuries ago, even before the great war of the Western Kingdoms."

Lira, her senses always on high alert, scans the area. "Maybe these side passages are less protected by enchantments. They could allow us to enter without triggering anything."

I take a moment to think. The history of the Ash Mages is vaguely familiar to me, powerful sorcerers who ruled a vast territory before mysteriously disappearing after a great magical war against the Western Kingdoms. This war disrupted the balance of the world, and its consequences are still felt today in the current geopolitics of the different regions.

Rumor has it that the Ash Mages aimed to release an ancient entity, a god sleeping in the bowels of the earth. But no one really knows what happened to them or what they left behind.

The architecture of the ruins seems to confirm this story: a blend of ancient beauty and subtle menace. I can almost feel the echo of spells cast long ago, still resonating in the stone walls.

Before deciding which path to take, I raise my hand to signal my companions to stay still.

"Kael, can you decipher these runes? If we understand their nature, it could give us an advantage," I say, pointing to the engravings on the stone wall in front of us.

Kael cautiously approaches, his staff faintly illuminating the ancient engravings. He passes a hand over them without touching, feeling the residual energy emanating from the stones. The runes glow slightly under the magical light, and a murmur seems to resonate in the air, as if the stones were whispering forgotten secrets.

"These runes belong to the ancient language of the Ash Mages," he murmurs. "They are rare, but I studied some of their texts during my years of apprenticeship. Give me a moment."

Kael closes his eyes and begins to murmur incantations in an ancient language, his hands tracing symbols in the air. After a few minutes of intense concentration, the runes begin to glow brighter, a soft blue light enveloping the wall.

The runes then start to change, transforming into comprehensible words. Kael reads slowly aloud:

"Only those who seek the truth beyond shadows and fire may pass. Those who enter with ill intent will see their soul burn in eternal light."

Kael frowns, turning to me. "It's a warning, Alaric. A test of purity of intent. If we enter with deceit or malice in our hearts, these ruins will consume us."

Lira listens intently, adjusting her quiver on her shoulder. "We are here to discover what lies within these ruins and perhaps find something useful for our quest. Our intentions are pure, but will that be enough?"

I ponder for a moment. The ruins might hold treasures and ancient knowledge, but they are also protected by powerful enchantments. I wonder what the Ash Mages wanted to protect or keep secret. Perhaps a powerful object, a source of lost magic, or even forbidden knowledge.

"We must be honest with ourselves," I say calmly. "We don't know what awaits us inside. But if what we seek is truly for a just cause, then these protections should not harm us."

Kael nods, still focused. "I can also cast a protection spell on us before we enter. It could protect us against the most dangerous magical traps."

I look at the side passages, still half-covered by debris and vegetation. If they are also enchanted, it would be wise to take additional precautions.

I take a deep breath, carefully observing the runes on the walls and thinking about the best way to proceed. The message of these ancient engravings is clear: these ruins will tolerate no deceit or ill intention. The idea of leaving Kael and Lira outside begins to seem like the best decision to minimize risks.

I turn to them, determination in my eyes. "I will enter alone. These ruins seem sensitive to our intentions, and I don't want to risk your lives. Stay here. Keep watch at the entrance, and if I haven't returned by..." I pause, thinking. "By an hour from now, assume I've failed. Find a safe path out of here and continue without me."

Kael steps forward, his face worried. "You can't do that, Alaric. We are a team. We should face this danger together."

Lira, although agreeing with Kael, also understands the logic behind my decision. "If that's what you want, then we'll stay here. But know that I don't like the idea of letting you go in alone."

I give them a determined nod and begin to remove my weapons. I lay down my longsword, my throwing knives, and even my bow and quiver, leaving my personal effects on the ground beside Kael and Lira. By disarming myself, I hope to show that I am entering the ruins without any hostile intent, emphasizing my purity of intention.

Before heading towards the entrance, Kael mutters one last incantation and places his hand on my shoulder. "A basic protection spell. It won't last long, but it might give you an extra chance against minor magical traps." I feel a slight warmth spread through my body, a sign that the magic is in place.

I take one last deep breath, slowly moving towards one of the side passages. With my heart pounding, I cross the threshold of the ruins. The world seems to hold its breath as I enter, the daylight dimming behind me.

Inside, the air is heavy, filled with a strange mix of ancient magic and dust. The walls are covered with more runes and magical symbols that glow faintly, illuminating my path with a bluish light.

Each step I take seems to echo in the silence, as if the stones themselves were watching my every move. I feel observed, not by physical eyes, but by an intangible presence, something that judges my intentions and my heart. I continue to move cautiously, looking for clues about the magic protecting these places.

The corridor divides in several directions, leading deeper into the ruins. I feel a draft coming from the right, a slight breeze that might indicate an exit or a more open space. To the left, a corridor seems to slope down slightly, leading to a darker area, possibly a chamber or an underground room.

As I advance, memories start to resurface. I recall stories from my childhood, tales told around the campfire about the Ash Mages and their mysterious downfall. There are also more personal memories, moments of training, difficult choices I had to make to get here. The runes on the walls seem almost to react to my thoughts, their glow intensifying at times.

I decide to stay in place, my gaze focusing on the ancient runes and symbols that cover the walls around me. Each mark seems to vibrate with subtle energy, as if they were alive and reacting to my presence. I take a few moments to calm myself, listening to the heavy silence that fills the air. The ruins seem to be waiting for something, a sort of response or action from me.

I know that the magic of the Ash Mages is powerful and enigmatic, capable of discerning the true intentions of those who dare to enter their sanctuaries. I close my eyes, breathing deeply, and focus on my motivations. Why did I really come here? Is it truly a quest for knowledge, or is there another, darker reason driving me to explore this place?

After a moment of reflection, I open my eyes and, with a clear and honest voice, say aloud: "My intentions may not be as pure as I thought. Yes, I am driven by curiosity. I want to know the history of this place, understand the hidden secrets here, and discover what the Ash Mages were protecting. My desire to learn more is driven by personal interest, a thirst for knowledge, and perhaps even a hope to benefit from whatever I might find here."

The words echo in the corridors of the ruins, and for a moment, there is only silence. Then, slowly, I feel a vibration beneath my feet, as if the walls were reacting to my confession. The runes start to shine more intensely, their bluish light brightening, and a strange warmth fills the air, as if an invisible presence was weighing on me.

Suddenly, an ethereal voice resonates in the corridor, deep and distant, like an echo from a long-lost past. "He who seeks from a desire to learn, and not from greed, may still be judged worthy... Approach with sincerity."

The runes in front of me suddenly part, revealing a secret passage that slowly opens in the stone wall. A staircase descending towards a soft, golden light appears, inviting yet mysterious. The magical presence that weighed on me seems to calm, as if my words had been heard and judged sincere. Perhaps the story of these ruins will be revealed to me, not because of my purity of intent, but because I have been honest about my quest for knowledge.

My heart beats faster, caught between apprehension and excitement at the thought of discovering what lies beyond this newly revealed passage. The words of the mysterious voice still resonate in my mind, reminding me that every step must be taken with caution and sincerity.

Deciding to proceed with caution, I stand before the secret passage, my mind alert and my body tense. I know these ruins are not to be taken lightly and that every decision could have profound consequences. Taking a deep breath, I focus on every visible detail around me.

The steps of the descending staircase seem ancient but well-built, with smooth edges worn down by time. The stones forming the walls of the passage are engraved with more runes, more complex than those I saw at the entrance. They are intertwined, forming circular patterns that repeat, like a sort of visual language that could be an ancient spell or a warning.

I lean in a bit, examining the carvings more closely. Some runes resemble those I saw at the entrance, but there are others, smaller and more detailed, that I have never seen before. It is possible that these new runes have a different function—perhaps protection spells or magical preservation marks to maintain the integrity of the ruins.

Concentrating further, I also notice small red crystals embedded in some of the stones. They glimmer faintly, almost imperceptibly, emitting a faint reddish glow. They could serve as a source of magical energy, powering the runes or triggering a spell if the passage is crossed by those deemed unworthy.

Cautiously, I extend my hand towards the walls without touching them and use my trap detection ability. My training allows me to sense subtle fluctuations in magical energy, and I feel a slight pulsation in the crystals, confirming that they are indeed active and ready to trigger something if an intruder disturbs them.

I step back slightly, satisfied to have taken the time to observe. It seems that the passage is secure, as long as I do not disturb the runes or crystals. This information could be valuable for Kael, who might have a better understanding of the exact nature of the protections.

I close my eyes for a moment, mentally visualizing everything I have observed: the ancient staircase, the intertwined complex runes, the circular patterns, and the glimmering red crystals. Each detail is imprinted in my mind, ready to be described to Kael with precision.

I turn towards the exit of the ruins and cautiously make my way back to the entrance. As I emerge into the daylight, Kael and Lira turn towards me, a mix of relief and curiosity on their faces.

"Alaric! What happened in there?" Lira asks, her bow still at the ready.

I take a second to breathe, then share what I have discovered with Kael and Lira, detailing the secret passage, the runes, and the red crystals. Kael listens attentively, his eyes lighting up with excitement.

"Intertwined circular runes and red crystals?" he murmurs. "That's fascinating. These crystals are probably magical amplifiers, powering the runes' spells. And the circular patterns... that could indicate protection against wandering spirits or a barrier against malevolent intruders."

Lira listens carefully, but her gaze remains fixed on the ruins. "So, it's safe to go down as long as we don't touch anything?"

I nod. "Exactly. But we need to stay on our guard. There could be other protections further inside."

Kael straightens up, clearly thrilled by the discovery. "We must explore this passage, but with caution. It could contain ancient knowledge or lost magical artifacts."

Before continuing our exploration of the ruins, I take a moment to assess the situation and ensure that everyone is ready, both physically and mentally, to face the potential dangers ahead.

I turn to Kael and Lira, giving them a serious look. "Before we go any further, I want to know how you both feel. We've faced dangers, and these ruins are not a place to take unnecessary risks. If either of you is tired or feels exhausted, we should rest. And if you're ready to continue, we need to set aside our weapons. It's better not to give the impression of a threat here."

Lira takes a deep breath, closing her eyes briefly as if to assess her state. "I feel good, Alaric. Physically, I don't have any major injuries and I can still fight if necessary. But... psychologically, it's another story. These ruins have a strange aura. They make me nervous, like they're trying to tell us something, but I don't know what."

Kael nods in agreement, his gaze shifting from the runes around us to me. "I agree with Lira. My magical energy is still enough for a few spells if needed, but there's something unsettling about this place. These ruins are ancient and seem to watch every movement, as if they have a consciousness of their own. Still, I am ready to continue. My curiosity is piqued, and I want to know what's hidden here. It's not just a quest for knowledge, but a chance to understand a forgotten era."

I listen carefully to them, considering their words. I know that Kael is a seeker of knowledge, always looking for ancient magic and secrets of the past, while Lira is more pragmatic, focusing on the team's survival and safety.

"And you, Lira?" I ask, seeking to understand her motivations. "What drives you to want to enter these ruins despite the risks?"

Lira crosses her arms and thinks for a moment before answering. "For me, it's the quest for a purpose. We've traveled together for a long time, seeking answers, treasures, and hidden truths. But beyond that, I want to make sure we stay safe. And if these ruins hold something that could help us or represent a threat, then ILira crosses her arms and thinks for a moment before answering. "For me, it's the quest for a purpose. We've traveled together for a long time, seeking answers, treasures, and hidden truths. But beyond that, I want to make sure we stay safe. And if these ruins hold something that could help us or represent a threat, then I want to know what it is. I am ready to enter, but I don't want us to take unnecessary risks."**

Kael nods, seeming to approve of Lira's caution. "For me, it's the opportunity to learn. These ruins are connected to the ancient magic of the Ash Mages, and if we can unlock their secrets, it could not only enrich our quest but also provide knowledge that has been lost for centuries."

I consider their responses, sensing the determination in their voices. They are tired but ready to continue, motivated by a mix of curiosity, caution, and hope. I know it's important to respect their motivations and work together to explore these ruins.

"Very well," I finally say. "We will go in, but we must proceed with the utmost caution. And as I said, we will leave our weapons here. Let's hide them well so they won't be stolen during our exploration."

We find a discreet spot, under a thick layer of vegetation, to hide our weapons. I make sure everything is well concealed before the three of us head towards the entrance of the ruins.

Together, unarmed and with determined hearts, we prepare to descend into the secret passage, ready to uncover the mysteries that lie beyond...