The Tale of Drayden

Chapter 15: Zaglas The Fang

A few days earlier, before Kael and his team reached the Shadowveil Swamp, the hidden outskirts of Shadowfen loomed before the Radiant Vanguard, shrouded in an eerie mist that clung to the dense, twisted trees. The air was thick with humidity, and the unsettling chorus of unseen creatures echoed through the dense foliage. Alaric Stormblade led his team with vigilance, each member poised and ready for whatever dangers might lie ahead.

"Stay alert," Alaric murmured, his dragon-emblazoned armor glinting dully in the dim light. "This place reeks of dark magic."

Miri Windwalker, her staff emitting a faint, reassuring glow, nodded. "I can sense the dark energies. They are strong here."

As they moved cautiously through the underbrush, a rustling sound brought them to a sudden halt. Thalos Swiftarrow's hand was already on his bowstring, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the shadows.

"Something's coming," Thalos whispered, his voice barely audible.

Before them, a massive blue tiger emerged from the shadows, its piercing eyes gleaming in the dim light. The Vanguard instinctively fell into battle stances, weapons drawn and magic at the ready.

"Hold," Alaric commanded, his shield raised. "We don't know its intentions yet."

The tiger, unfazed by their readiness, began to speak in a deep, resonant voice. "You must be the Radiant Vanguard Lyandra informed me about."

Startled but maintaining their guard, the Vanguard watched as the tiger's form shimmered and began to change. In moments, the great beast had transformed into a tall man, his features bearing the ageless quality of a mythical being. Though he appeared in his thirties, his eyes betrayed centuries of wisdom.

"I am Zaglas, a were-tiger of Elysium," he introduced himself, his voice calm and steady.

The Vanguard lowered their weapons slightly, still cautious but curious. Zaglas, now in his human form, had an aura of quiet strength and wisdom. His clothes were simple yet elegant, befitting someone of his ancient lineage. His eyes, though young in appearance, held the weight of countless years.

"Master Lyandra informed you about us?" Miri Windwalker asked, her staff glowing softly with arcane energy.

"Yes," Zaglas confirmed. "She knew you would need guidance through these cursed lands. Shadowfen is no ordinary domain; it's infused with dark magic and teeming with malevolent forces."

Torin Ironfist's massive frame shifted uneasily in his heavy armor. "What kind of threats are we talking about?"

"Illusions, traps, and creatures of shadow," Zaglas explained. "But most concerning are the dark sorcerers who control this region. Their power is formidable, and their leader is cunning and ruthless."

Jax Nightshade, his dark attire blending seamlessly with the shadows, stepped forward. "Do you know their plans?"

Zaglas nodded. "The dark sorcerers are planning to open a portal to summon a dark lord from the Shadow Realm. If they succeed, their influence will spread beyond Shadowfen, bringing chaos and darkness to our world."

Alaric's eyes narrowed. "We need to stop whatever they are planning. What can you tell us about their stronghold?"

"It's heavily guarded," Zaglas replied. "But there are hidden paths and weaknesses we can exploit. I've studied their movements for some time now."

Thalos loosened his grip on his bowstring slightly. "Hidden paths? That could be our way in."

"Indeed," Zaglas agreed. "The sorcerers rely on the swamp's natural defenses and their magical wards. But there are ancient routes, known only to a few, that can bypass many of their traps."