The Tale of Drayden

Chapter 10: Shadows of the Past

Kael, Eliah, Jaxon, and Leona huddled together in the shadow of an old oak tree, just outside Willowbrook. The air was thick with tension, the distant screams of villagers mingling with the ominous hum of dark magic. The flickering light from the village fires cast eerie shadows, heightening the sense of urgency and danger.

"Alright," Kael began, his voice steady but urgent. "We need a plan. We can't just charge in and hope for the best."

Eliah nodded, her eyes scanning the village's edge, where the dark silhouettes of the sorcerers moved menacingly. "Agreed. The village is crawling with dark sorcerers. We need to create a diversion to draw them away from the villagers."

Jaxon, crouched over the village layout sketched in the dirt, traced a path with his finger. "If we can lure the sorcerers towards the eastern edge with some smoke bombs and illusions, it should give us enough time to infiltrate their base."

Leona, her brow furrowed in concentration, added, "Kael and Jaxon, you two can handle the infiltration. Eliah and I will create the diversions and keep the sorcerers occupied."

Kael clenched his fist, determination blazing in his eyes. "Sounds like a plan. Let's move."

Eliah placed a reassuring hand on Kael's shoulder. "We'll get through this. Remember, we're all in this together."

Kael nodded, feeling the weight of his responsibility. "I know. Let's just make sure everyone gets out of this alive."

As they prepared to move, Eliah handed Kael a small vial of healing potion. "Just in case," she said softly, her eyes filled with concern.

Kael accepted it with a grateful nod. "Thanks, Eliah. We might need this."

Jaxon adjusted his gear, checking his sword and the small bag of smoke bombs strapped to his belt. "We need to be quick and quiet. The longer we take, the more danger the villagers are in."

Leona, her fingers already weaving the first strands of her illusion magic, glanced at Kael. "We'll create as much chaos as we can. Just make sure you take down that artifact. It's the key to their power."

Kael took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead. "We won't let them down. Let's do this."

As they moved closer to the village, the sounds of crying and shouting grew louder, a stark reminder of what was at stake. The night was heavy with a sense of foreboding, but the group pressed on, united by their common goal.

Just before they split up, Kael turned to his companions one last time. "Stay safe, everyone. We'll meet back here once it's done."

Eliah gave a reassuring smile. "We'll see you soon, Kael. And we'll be bringing good news."

With a final nod, Kael and Jaxon headed towards the heart of the village, their steps silent and purposeful. Behind them, Eliah and Leona began their work, setting the stage for the diversions that would buy them precious time.

The plan was set in motion, and there was no turning back. The fate of Willowbrook rested on their shoulders, and they were determined to see it through.

---

Eliah and Leona crept towards the eastern edge of the village, their movements as silent as shadows. The night was thick with the acrid smell of smoke and the ominous crackle of dark magic. The distant cries of villagers filled the air, mingling with the occasional burst of dark energy.

Eliah moved with purpose, her hands working swiftly to prepare a set of smoke bombs. Each bomb was carefully packed with a blend of alchemical compounds designed to create a thick, suffocating fog. Her brow was furrowed in concentration as she checked each one.