The moon hung high above the ruins of the old fortress. Its cold light silvered the cracked columns and shattered dragon sculptures that once guarded this valley. Valdor raised his head — he sensed something approaching.
A figure emerged from the shadow of one of the collapsed gates. A tall man, his shoulders covered with a cape made of frayed fabric, stood in the twilight, not approaching too quickly.
— I didn't think anyone else was still alive here, he said to the strangers, his voice tired but confident.
Valdor instantly stood at the ready. His hand reached for the hilt of his sword, and his gaze pierced the stranger.
— Who are you? — he asked sharply.
— Calm down — replied the man, raising both hands in a gesture of peace. — I am no longer with the Empire.
— No longer? — asked Mayuri, who had been silent until then. Her eyes sparkled in the light of the fire like two purple gems.
– I belonged... to the Black Guard. The Empire's elite. But they betrayed us. They burned their own people when they didn't fit their "new vision." Since then, I've been fighting alone.
Valdor kept his eyes on him, but he did not sense any deception.
Night had fallen. Three people sat around a fire lit among the rocks.
— Are you looking for ruins? Artifacts? — asked the man who introduced himself as Kael.
— Do you know them? — asked Valdor.
Kael smiled slightly.
– Too good to let you go there alone.
Mayuri watched him closely. His magic was different from that of the Empire. Sharp... but untainted.
Dawn came unexpectedly.
The valley was flooded with the golden light of the morning sun. Valdor, Mayuri, and Kael stood together, looking toward the distant ruins of the castle.
— From now on, we're a team. — Kael said quietly.
— I'm not looking for loyalty... but I'll take the help. — Valdor replied, glancing at him.
Mayuri didn't answer. She just nodded.
When they reached the hill overlooking the ruined bastions, Valdor took a few steps forward. The wind blew his dark hair, and his cloak fluttered like the wings of an old dragon.
— I swear... I will reclaim the Dragon Throne. — he whispered with determination.
Kael put his hand on the hilt of his sword.
– You have my blade.
Mayuri gazed into the distance.
– And my shadow.