The Rosflame Chronicles

Chapter 7: The Shadows of the Twelveswood

Galfrid's eyes were sharp, his face lined with the weight of responsibility. As Kiona approached, the leader of the Bannock camp gave a slight nod of approval. "Ah, Kiona. By your tireless efforts, you have proven yourself a friend to Gridania. I believe you can be trusted with sensitive intelligence."

Kiona stood at attention, aware that something heavier than the usual patrols or mundane tasks was coming. Galfrid paused for a moment before continuing, his tone more serious than before.

"I would assign you a mission of considerable import," Galfrid began, leaning in closer. "Yet the need for secrecy prevents me from disclosing its details until you have pledged your participation. I am authorized to tell you only that it concerns suspicious activity in The Twelveswood. Say that you will lend us your aid, and I shall proceed with the briefing."

The wood around them was calm, but Kiona could feel the tension woven into the commander's voice. "I'll help in any way I can," Kiona replied, heart steady despite the undercurrent of unease.

Galfrid nodded, a flicker of relief crossing his expression. "Good. Time is of the essence, so listen well."

Kiona stood still as Galfrid briefed him on the troubling developments. "You will by now have heard that a suspicious individual has been seen prowling the Twelveswood. And you may also be aware that Ixali activity has risen sharply in the region of late. What you may not know is that this increase coincided almost exactly with the first recorded sighting of the aforementioned individual."

A knot began to form in Kiona's stomach as Galfrid continued. "Suspecting a connection, we tightened our surveillance in hopes of tracking down our unknown visitor. Alas, our quarry is proving to be exceedingly elusive—almost as if he knows our movements ahead of time."

The thought of someone evading Gridania's watchful eyes so easily made Kiona frown. "But where whole units have failed, a lone adventurer may yet succeed," Galfrid said, his voice firm. "Acting independently and covertly, you may be able to close in on our quarry unnoticed."

Kiona nodded, understanding what was being asked. Gridania was on edge, its citizens anxious, and Kiona felt the burden of that worry settling on his shoulders. "For their sake, I ask that you aid us in this investigation," Galfrid concluded, eyes meeting Kiona's in a silent plea.

"You have my gratitude," Galfrid said after a moment. "With your help, I am hopeful we will shed light upon this mystery."

Galfrid gestured toward the woods. "Begin your search at Lifemend Stump. It is there that the majority of the sightings took place. Be forewarned—my people cannot offer you support, lest our quarry catch scent of our presence and evade us yet again. Proceed with caution."

Kiona offered a sharp nod of understanding, his mind already racing ahead to the task at hand. The Twelveswood, always mysterious and alive, now felt heavier, as if it carried secrets that pulsed beneath the surface. He would have to tread carefully.

The trees of the Twelveswood loomed overhead as Kiona made his way through the thick foliage, each step drawing him closer to Lifemend Stump, the site of the mysterious sightings. The sounds of the forest were alive around him, but something felt off—a disturbance in the air, an undercurrent of tension that put him on edge. As he neared the clearing, he could see it: Lifemend Stump. And there, thrust into the ancient wood, a sword glimmered in the faint light, its blade slick with the blood of a nearby Ixal lying lifeless on the ground.

Kiona stepped closer, brow furrowed as he examined the scene. Who could have left this blade here? And what had happened to the Ixal?

Before he could investigate further, voices drifted through the trees.