Homecoming

The remainder of the journey goes smoothly, and within week you find yourselves back at the village. A cheer goes up as soon as you and the rest are spotted, and a crowd quickly gathers, everyone eager to welcome you home. Not long afterwards, Captain Ben and Bella breaks up the crowd, and greet you as well.

Ben shakes your hand, grinning widely. “Good to see you’re ok! Had us all worried with the disappearing act.”

You nod. “Yeah, it wasn’t exactly my idea. Did I miss much?”

Bella shakes her head. “It’s been very quiet. With all our ‘heroes’ gone, everyone has been laying low.”

You chuckle. “Probably for the best. Well, we’re all back now.”

Ben grins. “And you brought a few new faces as well! I don know how you do it, boy!”

Alex giggles. “He’s just smooth like that!”

You shake your head. “Just lucky. Come on, we can all sit down and I’ll introduce you to Sarah. I’ll let Victor introduce Amara, though. Also, we have plans to make, for sure.”

As you speak, you start towards the main building. You’re not watching your step, and your foot catches on an exposed root, tripping you. As you stumble, there’s a hiss, and a glowing purple arrow impacts the tree next to you, right where your head would have been. Everyone gasps, and the arrow puffs into smoke. Turning towards the forest, you don’t have time to react as Ferra shoves you aside, snatching a second arrow out of the air.

Regaining your composure, you draw Caliburn. “Show yourself, assassin!”

There’s an answering growl in the shadows, and a hulking shape shambles forward from the woods. It moves with an animalistic shuffle, though it is humanoid. A glowing bow is clutched in its hand, and you see red glowing eyes in the depths of a ragged hood. Covered in filthy rags, you can’t discern too much of its appearance, but it’s larger than you are, by a good amount. It’s arms and legs are too long, giving it strange, inhuman movements, and it pauses, seemingly eyeing you up.

It opens its hand, and the bow vanishes. In a raspy voice, it speaks, haltingly. “My hunt, over. Time for the kill. Finally. No more waiting. Silence the voices. Kill.”

It closes its hands, and glowing blades appear in each. You ready your sword, and Ferra steps up beside you, bladed arms ready as well. Behind you, you feel heat from Alex’s flames, and catch sight of the others either preparing, or backing away, though Amara seems to be watching this creature thoughtfully.

It pauses momentarily once again, and seems to shudder, growling and shaking its head. “No no no. No! Voices too loud! Must obey. Need the silence. Need the slumber.”

It’s eyes focus on you, and you see it tense, as if preparing to pounce.