Chapter 4 - Chapter 4: Refuge among the Halflings **

The forest of the whispers seemed more threatening now that Kael was not alone. The shadows danced more aggressively around the trio, whispering specific doubts for each one: to Kael, memories of the burned village; for Elara, the cry of her parents; To Brom, the fear of failing his friends. However, the presence of the two new companions dissipated part of that pressure. The sound of Brom's ax cutting firewood and the firm sight of Elara with the bow provided a precarious sense of safety. "This forest is denser than I thought," Brom commented, scraping a thick twig with his knife. "Caiden said his refuge is close to a clearing with a pure water well. We have to find this point of reference." Elara nodded, looking up. "The trees are different here. More ... alive. As if they were watching us." Kael, who led the group, stopped abruptly. He felt a familiar presence, a soft heat that contrasted with the cold of the forest. He looked around and saw a streamed fire in a distance, surrounded by short and hairy figures, hammering metal and laughing. "Caiden," Kael murmured, an involuntary smile emerging on his face. "He said that his refuge was near here." The group advanced towards the camp. When they arrived, the Halflings stopped working and looked at them curiously, but without hostility. Caiden, who was hammering a piece of metal, lifted his head and smiled widely at seeing them. "Kael! And you brought friends," he said, cleaning the sweat from the forehead. "Welcome to the guardian refuge. Come, come! We have hot food and stories to tell." He called some halflings, and soon a simple but generous banquet was served: vegetable soup, hard bread and dried fruits. While they ate, Caiden examined the new members of the group. "So you're Elara, the archer, and Brom, the blacksmith," he said, beating Brom gently on the shoulder. "I've heard of you. Kael spoke very well of you." Elara frowned, but a slight relaxation appeared on her face. "We just ... We find a common purpose." Brom laughed, a deep and friendly sound. "This is the essential, boy Caiden. A common purpose unites to the most different." Caiden nodded. "Truth. And your purpose, Kael, is still the shadow talisman?" Kael squeezed the sword in his holster. "Yes. We're going to Eldor's ruins. We need information on the way and ... maybe advice." Caiden landed his cup and looked seriously at Kael. "The ruins of Eldor ... are a dangerous place, full of ancient traps and disturbed spirits. And the talisman ... He protects himself. Who dares to approach runs the risk of being consumed by ambition or fear." He looked at Elara and Brom. "Do you two have enough courage to accompany Kael on this path? Do you know what you can find?" Elara crossed her arms. "I know what I can find, and I know that destroying the talisman is the only way to stop this war." Brom nodded. "I'm strong, boy Caiden. And I have faith in my friends. We will do whatever it takes." Caiden smiled, but his gaze was serious. "Then prepare yourself. Eldor ruins are not just a physical location. They are a test for the soul. And the talisman ... He selects those who seek power. Be careful. Corruption can come from unexpected places." Later, while Kael rested near the fire, Caiden approached him, bringing a small leather and metal bracelet. "This is an amulet I did," Caiden said. "He repells smaller shadows and gives a little protection against the illusions of the forest. Take him. You and your friends will need all the advantages they can." Kael accepted the amulet with gratitude. "Thank you, Caiden. For all." Caiden shook his head. "There's nothing to thank, Kael. The war joined us in strange ways. And you ... you have something special. A determination that transcends revenge." He looked at the night sky, where the stars glittered through the treetops. "Remember, the way to the ruins of Eldor goes through dangerous territories. There are rumors that a nearby village is under attack of Nox's bands. Will you go to help them, risking your mission, or will continue in front, Focused on your goal?" Caiden's question echoed in Kael's mind while he fell asleep, surrounded by the heat of fire and the protective presence of his new friends. The choice he made there could shape not just the rest of his journey, but also the fate of all around him. The next day, the trio departed from the refuge of the Guardians, the Caiden amulet hanging on Kael's pulse, and the knowledge that the most dangerous way was still to come. The forest of whispers watched them, but now they had allies, tools and, above all, a shared purpose. And with that, they advanced deeper into the darkness, ready to face what Eldor's ruins kept.