Shadow slave:The Forgotten Spawn

Volume 2: Shards of Unity

Chapter 13: A Fragile Alliance

Solas wasted no time after Eryth's trial. They paced the room, gathering supplies and sketching intricate runes on a map laid across the black stone table.

"If you intend to stand against the Sovereign and survive, you'll need allies," Solas said without looking up. "There's strength in unity, and the Sovereign's forces will test every weakness you possess. The question is—who can you trust?"

Kael crossed his arms, frowning. "That's the problem. Everyone left alive in these ruins is either hiding or under the Sovereign's thumb. Where are we supposed to find people strong enough—and crazy enough—to fight back?"

Solas's eyes glinted as they tapped a specific point on the map. "There are three factions nearby who could be swayed to our cause. But each one will require… persuasion."

Eryth leaned forward, studying the map. "What are these factions?"

Solas traced their finger over the first location. "The Silver Vanguard. Former soldiers who've gone rogue since the Sovereign's rise. They control an outpost in the Ashen Barrens. They're disciplined and resourceful, but their loyalty is hard-earned. You'll need to prove yourselves in battle to gain their trust."

They moved to another mark. "The Broken Accord. A network of merchants, smugglers, and spies operating in the Wraithspire Ruins. They value information and resources above all else. If you can offer them something valuable, they might be willing to help—for a price."

Finally, Solas pointed to the last location, deep in a dense jungle marked only as the Verdant Labyrinth. "The Wildbloods. Nomadic hunters and tamers of nightmare creatures. They despise outsiders, but their strength lies in their connection to the wild and their mastery of creatures like your Nyx. If you can earn their respect, they could be invaluable allies."

Eryth exchanged a glance with Kael, then looked to Nyx, who growled softly, its tail flicking. "And we have to convince all of them?"

Solas nodded. "The Sovereign's forces are vast. Facing them without allies is suicide."

The Path to the Vanguard

It was decided they would approach the Silver Vanguard first. Solas provided rough directions to their outpost, warning of treacherous terrain and roving wraith patrols.

The journey through the Ashen Barrens was grueling. The landscape was a desolate wasteland of cracked earth and jagged rocks, with scorching winds that carried the stench of sulfur. Nyx scouted ahead, its sleek form blending seamlessly with the shadows.

Kael broke the silence as they trudged forward. "Do you think the Vanguard will even listen to us? They're not exactly known for their hospitality."

"They'll listen if they want to survive," Eryth replied, gripping the shard tightly. "The Sovereign's reach is growing. Sooner or later, they'll be targeted. Better to stand together now than fall alone later."

Kael nodded reluctantly. "Let's hope they see it that way."

The Vanguard Outpost

The Silver Vanguard's outpost was a fortress of salvaged metal and stone, its high walls bristling with makeshift defenses. As the group approached, they were met with drawn weapons and wary eyes.

"Halt!" barked a voice from the battlements. A burly figure in battered armor stepped forward, a massive crossbow in hand. "State your business, or turn back."

"We're here to speak with your leader," Eryth called out, raising their hands in a gesture of peace. "We have information about the Sovereign—information that could save your lives."

The guard scoffed. "And why should we trust you? For all we know, you could be spies."

Eryth's eyes narrowed. "If we were spies, would we come knocking on your front door? Let us in, or you'll regret turning us away when the Sovereign's forces come knocking next."

The guard hesitated, then motioned for the gates to open. "Fine. But if you try anything, you'll regret it."

The Vanguard's Leader

Inside the fortress, the atmosphere was tense. Soldiers moved with purpose, their expressions grim as they prepared for battle. Eryth and the others were escorted to a central hall, where a tall woman with a commanding presence waited. Her armor was scarred from countless battles, and her piercing gaze seemed to take in every detail of the newcomers.

"I'm Captain Renna," she said, her voice firm. "You have one minute to explain why you're here."

Eryth stepped forward. "The Sovereign is building an army. They've already taken control of the Wraithspire Ruins and are moving to claim more territory. If we don't stand together, none of us will survive."

Renna crossed her arms. "And what exactly are you offering in return for our help?"

Eryth held up the shard, its golden light illuminating the room. "We have the power to fight back. But we can't do it alone. We need your strength, your tactics, and your soldiers. Together, we can stand a chance."

Renna's eyes narrowed as she studied the shard. "That's no ordinary trinket. And if you can wield it, you're either incredibly powerful or incredibly foolish."

Kael stepped in. "Eryth survived a trial to control that thing. We've already faced wraiths and worse. We're not here to waste your time—we're here to win."

Renna considered them for a long moment, then finally nodded. "You've got guts. But if you want the Vanguard's support, you'll need to prove yourselves. There's a wraith nest nearby that's been causing us trouble. Clear it out, and we'll talk."

Eryth exchanged a glance with Kael and nodded. "We'll handle it."

A Test of Strength

The wraith nest was located in a series of underground tunnels just beyond the outpost. The air was thick with decay, and the flickering light of the shard barely pierced the darkness.

Nyx led the way, its sharp senses keeping them ahead of any ambushes. Kael's staff glowed faintly as he muttered protective incantations, while Eryth kept the shard ready.

The wraiths attacked in waves, their shrieks echoing through the tunnels. Eryth fought with newfound determination, wielding the shard's energy to cut through the shadowy forms. Nyx moved like a blur, its claws tearing through the creatures with precision.

Kael's magic provided crucial support, barriers and firebolts keeping the group from being overwhelmed.

When the final wraith fell, Eryth stood breathing heavily, their hands glowing faintly with the shard's power.

Kael grinned tiredly. "Think that's enough to impress the Vanguard?"

Eryth smirked. "It better be."

The Alliance is Forged

Back at the outpost, Captain Renna listened as they recounted their success. Her expression remained unreadable, but when they finished, she gave a curt nod.

"You've proven yourselves," she said. "The Vanguard will stand with you—for now. But know this: if you lead us into a losing battle, I won't hesitate to pull my people out."

"Understood," Eryth replied.

As they left the hall, Kael glanced at Eryth. "One down, two to go. Let's hope the others are just as reasonable."

Eryth nodded, their thoughts already on the challenges ahead. The path to uniting the factions would not be easy, but it was a start—and the Sovereign's forces were drawing closer with every passing day.