The Arcane Beast Tamer

The monastery loomed in the distance, its jagged silhouette framed by the pale light of the rising moon. Perched atop a hill just beyond the outskirts of Draycott, the ruins were an eerie sight. Broken spires jutted toward the sky like jagged teeth, and crumbling stone walls were half-covered in creeping ivy.

Kael paused at the base of the hill, his breath misting in the cool night air. He glanced at Ember and Umbra, both of whom stood silently beside him. Lira was perched on a nearby rock, idly tossing a small dagger in the air and catching it by the hilt.

"So, this Orlin guy," Kael said, his voice low. "What's his deal?"

Lira caught the dagger and twirled it between her fingers. "He's a recluse. Smart, but paranoid. Rumor has it he used to be part of the Mage's Guild, but they kicked him out for experimenting with forbidden magic."

Kael frowned. "And you're sure he can help us?"

Lira shrugged. "As sure as anyone can be. If he can't help you, no one can."

Ember growled softly. "Sounds like a great start."

Kael sighed, adjusting his satchel. "Alright. Let's get this over with."

They began the climb up the hill, the path narrow and uneven. Loose stones shifted underfoot, and Kael had to steady himself more than once to avoid slipping. The closer they got to the monastery, the colder the air seemed to grow, and an unnatural stillness settled over the landscape.

"This place feels… wrong," Umbra murmured, his glowing blue eyes scanning the shadows.

Kael nodded, his unease growing with each step. The monastery had an oppressive atmosphere, as though the very air was weighed down by the echoes of something ancient and malevolent.

They reached the massive wooden doors of the monastery, which were surprisingly intact despite the ruin surrounding them. A weathered iron knocker, shaped like the head of a snarling beast, hung in the center of the door.

"Well, go on," Lira said, motioning toward the door. "Knock."

Kael hesitated, then grabbed the iron knocker and slammed it against the door. The sound echoed through the night like a thunderclap, and Kael couldn't help but flinch.

For a long moment, nothing happened. Then, slowly, the door creaked open, revealing a narrow sliver of darkness.

A voice drifted from within, low and raspy. "Who dares disturb me?"

Kael swallowed hard. "My name is Kael Draven. We were told you might be able to help us."

The door opened wider, revealing a man standing in the dim light of a single flickering lantern. He was tall and thin, his long, silver hair falling in tangled strands around his gaunt face. His piercing green eyes seemed to glow faintly, and his robes were dark and tattered, lined with arcane symbols that shimmered faintly in the light.

"Help?" the man repeated, his tone laced with suspicion. "Few come to me seeking help. Most come seeking secrets they cannot understand."

"We're not here to waste your time," Ember said, stepping forward. "We're dealing with a curse—a powerful one. We were told you might know how to break it."

Orlin's gaze shifted to Ember, then to Umbra. His eyes narrowed. "A shadow wolf… How curious."

Umbra bristled under the scrutiny but didn't look away. "The curse controlled me," he said, his small voice firm. "I don't know who cast it, but they used me as a weapon."

Orlin's expression darkened, and he stepped aside, motioning for them to enter. "Come in. Quickly."

Kael hesitated, glancing at Lira, who gave him a reassuring nod. Taking a deep breath, he stepped inside, followed closely by Ember and Umbra.

The interior of the monastery was just as eerie as the outside. The walls were lined with faded tapestries depicting long-forgotten battles and rituals. Shelves overflowing with dusty tomes and strange artifacts filled the room, and the air was heavy with the scent of old parchment and incense.

Orlin led them to a cluttered table covered in scrolls, vials, and strange glowing crystals. He gestured for them to sit, then leaned against the table, his sharp eyes fixed on Kael.

"Tell me everything," he said.

Kael recounted their journey, starting with the night he encountered Umbra in the forest. He described the golden thread, the transformation, and the encounter with the Serpent Guard. Orlin listened in silence, his expression unreadable.

When Kael finished, Orlin let out a slow breath. "A beast curse of this magnitude is no small feat," he said. "The caster would need immense power—and a very specific purpose."

"Why would someone do this?" Kael asked. "Why target Umbra?"

Orlin's gaze flicked to Umbra, then back to Kael. "Beast curses are rarely used randomly. They're tools of control, usually to turn powerful creatures into weapons. The fact that you encountered the Serpent Guard suggests they were involved—or at least aware of what was happening."

Umbra growled softly, his small form trembling. "They wanted to take me."

"And they likely still do," Orlin said grimly. "You're a valuable asset—one they won't give up on easily."

Kael clenched his fists, frustration bubbling to the surface. "There has to be a way to stop them. To stop whoever did this."

Orlin studied him for a long moment, then nodded slowly. "There might be. But the answer lies in the nature of the curse itself. To break it fully—and to uncover who cast it—you'll need to confront the source of its power."

Kael frowned. "The source?"

"The magic used to bind Umbra is arcane in nature, but it's also deeply tied to the caster's intent," Orlin explained. "If you can sever the connection between the caster and the curse, you can free him completely—and likely uncover the identity of the one responsible."

"And how do we do that?" Ember asked.

Orlin's expression darkened. "There is a ritual. It's dangerous and requires powerful arcane artifacts to perform. But if you succeed, it will sever the curse and reveal the truth."

Kael's heart raced. "Where do we find these artifacts?"

Orlin motioned toward a map spread across the table. "There are three artifacts you'll need. One lies deep within the Forest of Whispers. The second is hidden in the ruins of an ancient temple to the north. And the third…" He hesitated, his expression grave. "The third is held by a collector in Draycott—a man known as Calder Venric. He's dangerous, and he won't part with it willingly."

Kael exchanged a glance with Ember and Umbra. The path ahead was daunting, but there was no turning back now.

"We'll get them," Kael said firmly. "Whatever it takes."

Orlin's lips twitched in the faintest hint of a smile. "Then your journey begins. But be warned—once you set this plan in motion, there's no going back."

Kael nodded, determination hardening his gaze. "We're ready."