Shadow's Advent

Chapter Three

Days passed slowly as the group walked north through the old growth forests. Cipher refused to reveal where they were going, a sly smile on her face the entire time. 

After a couple of weeks, Aaralynn had enough. "Cipher! I'm tired of this. Either you start giving us some information or else we are leaving." 

Cipher stopped and looked at her quizzically. "Oh? Really? Now?" 

"Yes! You haven't given us any information since day one! We barely know who you are and least of all her." She glanced sideways at Caraka. 

"Don't bring me into this!" said Caraka. "I want no part of your little squabble." 

"Oh you are part of it," said Aaralynn. "I want to know why Cipher wants to have a girl who has Sorceress' blades." 

Caraka's face darkened. "I told you once; I don't have Sorceress' blades." 

"Prove it," Aaralynn spat. 

"How am I supposed to do that? You will never believe me!"  

"And that is why all of us have to go out on a limb," said Cipher. "We are all putting our faith in each other. That's what makes a good group." 

"Are you saying you purposely collected us?" asked Kytheran. 

"Well, I didn't do it accidentally." 

"Either way, give us something, Cipher." Aaralynn begged. "Anything." 

The desert Atherien pondered for a moment when a chill went up her spine. "I can tell you soon, please, just give me more time." 

Aaralynn bristled and looked up at Kytheran. He shrugged. 

"This better be good," she sighed. 

"Perfect, can we get going now? It's starting to get cold," Caraka complained. 

Kytheran tilted his head. "It is getting colder, isn't it?" 

Cipher rubbed her hands together. "Then I guess there is no reason to stand here, is there? Trilibela isn't coming to us." 

The group continued forward, combing through the brambles and branches.  

As the day wore on, Caraka began to fall behind, slowly separating herself from the rest of the group. She pulled her hood over her head, her ears twitching madly underneath the fabric. Her eyes darted around and her shoulders hunched forward, her wings curling slightly around her arms. 

She didn't like how the shadows darted around the forest. 

Aaralynn looked over her shoulder. "What's wrong with you?" 

"Me?" Caraka blinked. "Nothing." 

"Are you sure? You look tense," said the elf. 

"I'm sure." 

Kytheran and Cipher stopped. "Do you need some rest, Caraka?" asked Cipher. 

She shook her head. "No, I'm fine." 

Cipher walked up to her, placing her hand on her forehead. "You are so clammy! Honestly, Caraka, are you all right?" 

Suddenly, Caraka's eyes went as wide as saucers. The color drained from her face, making the dark circles under her eyes more pronounced. 

Cipher grabbed her shoulders, alarmed. "Caraka? What's wrong?" 

She raised her hand, pointing behind them. "Look." 

Between the trees was a thick wall of fog, breaking the monotonous sight of trees. It didn't move or crawl along the belly of the forest, despite the notable breeze that whistled through the leaves and branches. It simply stood there, as if made of stone. The mist was thick, nearly opaque.