Whispers of Amethyst:The Sparrows Quest

Chapter 14: The Search For Past Knowledge And Masters Part 2

Kagerou approached Sparrow and Claire before the group split, a look of concern on her face, she knows the swamps well, as well as the roads to and from that area, however something felt off, she felt as if this was all too easy, the group had been walking for almost two hours without a single obstacle, let alone tracker or foe, she knew Vincent would take care of everything, still she hoped to have found an enemy or tracker, some stragglers who flanked Vincent and Vladis yet here they were...alone in the road. Kagerou walked over to Claire and Sparrow who had sat down for a rest and to eat some food.

Kagerou approached Sparrow and Claire, her expression twisted with concern, her eyes scanning the surrounding area as if searching for hidden threats. The fading sunlight cast long shadows across her face, accentuating the worry etched on her features.

"Be alert, both of you," she warned, her voice barely above a whisper. "Something feels wrong up ahead. It's disturbing, like a festering wound in the earth."

Claire's eyes met Kagerou's, a shared understanding passing between them like a spark of electricity. Claire's face paled, her lips compressing into a thin line.

"Not yet," Claire whispered, her voice trembling. "I didn't think we'd encounter them so soon."

Kagerou's gaze swept the swamp's edge, ten minutes ahead. Her eyes narrowed, as if piercing the veil of twilight. "They've dug deep into the swamp's heart. Semi-transfigured. I sense their Arcanum... It's vile, a corruption that seeps into the soul."

Sparrow, lost in thought, focused on Claire, his eyes seeking answers. "What's wrong? This place seems to unnerve you both. Who are these people, and what's happening here?"

Claire's voice trembled, her words spilling out like a confession. "A cult, worshiping blood and death gods. They seek knowledge and power through atrocities, human sacrifices, and dark rituals. Their madness is contagious, spreading like a plague."

Kagerou's eyes locked onto Sparrow, her words dripping caution and anxiety. "I know the swamp's dangers, but these cultists... They're twisted, driven mad by power. Their rituals corrupt the land, summoning horrors from the depths. We can't warn Vladis and Vincent... We'll be late, and every minute counts."

Sparrow's brow furrowed, his mind racing. "No alternative route?"

Kagerou's tone turned bleak, her words cutting off hope. "None that'll get us there on time. The other path would take three weeks, circling back to meet Vincent. We must push through this... this horror."

The trio packed their rations, anxiety settling over them like a shroud. The swamp's darkness seemed to closing in, waiting to devour them whole.