"Veil of Ruin"

Chapter 21: The Awakening of the Past

The laughter echoed through the glade as the group shared stories, the tension of their recent confrontation slowly easing in the comfort of camaraderie. Dorian regaled them with tales of his childhood mischief, embellishing every detail until even Krisan found herself chuckling despite the gravity of their situation.

"...and then I locked the king's advisor in the pantry for an entire feast!" Dorian exclaimed, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

"You're lucky they didn't banish you!" Kael teased, clapping Dorian on the back. "What were you thinking? That's the sort of thing that would get you on the royal list of 'never let this kid near anything sharp.'"

The group erupted into laughter, their spirits buoyed by the banter, momentarily forgetting the looming threat of the Valtheris Clan and the bloodhound that stalked them.

But beneath the laughter, a tension pulsed in the air, one that only Krisan seemed to sense. Her instincts were sharp, honed from years of survival. She glanced into the darkening woods, the trees whispering secrets that sent a chill down her spine.

Just as the merriment reached a crescendo, a distant, blood-curdling scream shattered the evening peace. The sound cut through the laughter like a knife, freezing everyone in place.

"What was that?" Liora asked, her eyes wide, the color draining from her face.

Kael immediately turned serious, scanning the surroundings. "That sounded like it came from the south—the direction of the old ruins," he said, his voice low.

Dorian's face paled as he recognized the implications. "That's near the territory of Vera's kingdom. The ruins were said to hold the remnants of ancient battles."

Without a second thought, Krisan was already moving. "We need to check it out. Stay alert."

The group fell into formation, instincts taking over as they moved toward the source of the scream. The laughter that had filled the glade moments ago was replaced by an oppressive silence, every step bringing a sense of foreboding.

As they approached the ruins, a chilling sight greeted them. A dozen scouts from Vera's kingdom lay scattered on the ground, their bodies twisted in unnatural positions, faces contorted in terror. Dark figures swarmed around them, grotesque forms illuminated by the fading light—undead orcs, their rotting flesh barely clinging to their bones, brandishing rusted weapons. They were joined by skeletal knights, their hollow eye sockets glowing with a sinister light.

Krisan's stomach churned as she recognized the ancient threat that had risen from the ashes of forgotten battles. "They shouldn't be here," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "This is the work of dark magic, a curse that should have remained buried."

Vera stepped forward, her face pale. "The ruins were sealed. How could they have emerged?"

"There's more," Kael interjected, his eyes narrowing as he focused on a larger figure emerging from the shadows. It was an orc warlord, draped in tattered remnants of armor, its eyes gleaming with malevolent intelligence. "They're not just mindless; they're organized."

The undead orcs surged forward, a wave of death and decay, the sound of clashing metal and anguished cries filling the air. The group sprang into action, weapons drawn and hearts racing.

Krisan was the first to move, her instincts kicking in. She lunged toward the nearest undead orc, her blade slicing through the air with deadly precision. "Stay together!" she shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos.

Dorian and Kael fought back-to-back, exchanging quick glances as they parried blows and struck down their foes. "I thought we were done with ancient horrors!" Dorian yelled, narrowly dodging a swinging blade.