BALLAD OF THE ORC PALADIN

New Faces

The journey north continued at a gruelling pace. After their encounter with the dark creature and the ancient shard in the shrine, the group was more cautious than ever, and a sense of urgency gripped their every step. The road became less defined, twisting through rocky valleys and treacherous cliffs as they entered deeper into Valkra, a land still scarred from ancient wars. But the oppressive darkness was not the only thing that awaited them; scattered settlements and towns clung to life in the shadow of the rising threat.

After three more days of hard travel, the group finally reached the outskirts of Blackridge, a frontier town on the edge of Valkra's lawless borders. The town was a patchwork of rough stone buildings and wooden huts, built defensively into the hillsides, with watchtowers and barricades scattered along its perimeter. Kaito could see the banners of various mercenary bands hanging from the battlements, fluttering in the bitter wind. Blackridge was a melting pot of all races, each faction here for a different purpose—trade, survival, or power.

The streets were bustling despite the grim surroundings. Humans, orcs, dwarves, and even a few elves milled about the market square. Kaito's eyes widened at the sight of a gnoll merchant—a creature with the head of a hyena and a lean, predatory frame—haggling over a pile of pelts. These races, normally at odds with one another in other parts of the world, seemed to coexist here, united by necessity rather than trust.

"This is Blackridge," Grushak said, his voice low as they entered the town. "A place where you keep your head down and your coin hidden. We'll resupply here, but don't make trouble."

Kaito nodded, though his mind was reeling. This was the first real town he had encountered since his arrival in this world, and it was nothing like he had expected. The mix of races, the tension in the air—it felt like a place on the edge of chaos, where anything could happen. His eyes scanned the crowd, trying to take in as much as he could.

Sylvara led the way through the narrow streets, her eyes constantly flicking between the shadows of alleyways and the rooftops where archers and mercenaries kept watch. Borin and the human mercenaries, Nerik and Mara, moved closer together, their hands never far from their weapons. It was clear that while they weren't in immediate danger, Blackridge was a place where violence could erupt at a moment's notice.

As they reached the heart of the town, Kaito's eyes were drawn to a grander structure, a large stone building that dominated the town square. A faded banner hanging above the entrance marked it as the Silver Fang Inn, a gathering place for adventurers, traders, and mercenaries alike. From within, the sound of raucous laughter and the clinking of mugs could be heard, a sharp contrast to the ominous tension in the streets.

Grushak gestured toward the inn. "We'll rest here for the night. We need information—about the road to the temple and what's happening with the warlords. This is the place to get it."

The group entered the inn, the smell of roasting meat and spiced ale hitting Kaito as soon as they stepped inside. The inn was crowded, filled with adventurers of every race and background. Dwarves and humans sat together at long wooden tables, their weapons leaned against the walls as they shared stories and drank. Kaito even spotted a pair of Lizardfolk, tall reptilian creatures with scaly skin and elongated snouts, seated in a corner, their sharp eyes watching the room with careful calculation.

Grushak approached the bar, exchanging a few words with the barkeep—a stocky human with a scar running down his cheek—before nodding toward a corner table. "We'll sit there. Keep your eyes open."

The group took their seats, and the barkeep soon brought over mugs of ale and platters of bread and roasted meat. Kaito couldn't help but glance around the room, fascinated by the mix of people and creatures. There was a palpable sense of danger in the air, but also opportunity. In a place like this, alliances were made and broken just as easily.