《Plague of ashen soul》


 Chapter 1: The Emissary of Decay

    The woods of Brynshale were dense, a twisting labyrinth of ancient trees whose roots gnawed at the earth like claws. Mist hung heavy between the trunks, dulling the morning light to a faint glow that barely pierced the canopy. The air was thick, carrying the damp scent of moss and earth, along with something else¡ªsomething faint but wrong. The stillness of the forest felt unnatural, like it was holding its breath.


    A lone figure moved along the overgrown path, his steps steady but purposeful. He walked as one accustomed to solitude, unbothered by the oppressive silence that pressed in from all sides. The Scalesworn of Morbitral had arrived.


    The Scalesworn were knights in service to the great dragons of Zyrranthea. Each one bore the mark of their patron, a gift bestowed through trials that tested body, mind, and spirit. They were not bound to any one land or kingdom but roamed the world, seeking threats to balance and lending their strength where it was needed most. Wherever they went, they were seen as both a blessing and a warning: their presence signaled that something was amiss.


    These knights were more than mere warriors; they were emissaries, protectors, and sometimes, executioners. The trials they endured to earn their place among the Scalesworn left them forever changed, bound by the essence of their chosen dragon. Their presence carried with it the weight of that bond, an aura that demanded respect and attention, whether welcome or not.


    Kalenor Thalarrin was no exception. Chosen by Morbitral, the Great Plague Dragon, his path was one of decay and renewal, a delicate balance that he had sworn to protect. Kalenor stood tall, his gaunt frame cloaked in ash-gray fabric that trailed lightly over the forest floor. At a glance, he appeared frail, his thin limbs and sharp features a stark contrast to the quiet strength in his stride. His raven-black hair was tied back loosely, strands escaping to frame his angular face. A patchy beard clung stubbornly to his chin, completing the look of a man who had little time or care for vanity.


    The pallor of his ashen skin, streaked with faint, pulsing marks of decay, marked him as something otherworldly. The streaks shimmered faintly under his cloak, their glow barely visible in the dim light of the woods. His eyes, sharp and amber, gleamed with a quiet intensity, the kind that made people look away, uneasy under his piercing gaze. Despite his sickly appearance, there was no mistaking the authority he carried, an air that demanded attention and respect.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    He had not come to Hallowglen by design. His arrival felt more like chance, or perhaps fate. The whispers of Morbitral¡¯s influence often guided his steps without explanation, pulling him toward places where he was needed. The village ahead, nestled in the mist-shrouded forest, was such a place. He could sense it even before he saw it: the faint hum of something unsettled, the subtle wrongness in the air that prickled at the edges of his senses.


    As he broke through the treeline, the sight of Hallowglen greeted him. The village was small, its wooden buildings clustered tightly together as if for protection against the encroaching forest. Smoke rose lazily from a handful of chimneys, dissipating into the mist. At first glance, it seemed peaceful, untouched by anything out of the ordinary. But Kalenor knew better.


    The signs were faint but unmistakable. The grass along the outskirts was discolored, patches of yellowed blades mingling with the green. The trees nearest to the village bore curling leaves, their edges tinged with brown as if they had begun to wither. A faint sourness lingered in the air, too subtle for most to notice but clear to Kalenor. Whatever was happening here, it had already begun.


    He adjusted his cloak and stepped forward, his boots crunching softly against the dirt path leading into the village. A man tending a crooked fence looked up as he approached, his expression shifting from indifference to alarm. The makeshift tool he had been working with fell to his side, forgotten, as he stared at the approaching Scalesworn.


    Kalenor stopped a few paces away, his gaze calm but unyielding. ¡°Do you need assistance?¡± His voice was low, steady, but carried an undeniable weight.


    The man blinked, caught off guard by the question. His empty hands twitched before he cleared his throat. ¡°Assistance?¡± he repeated, his voice hesitant. ¡°Well, nothin¡¯ dire¡­ though, we¡¯ve had a few folk fall ill these past days. Nothing horrible, mind you. Just the usual fevers and coughs, I reckon. Why?¡±


    Kalenor¡¯s amber eyes drifted toward the village behind the man, scanning the narrow dirt streets and the handful of villagers moving about their business. He could see the hesitation in their movements, the way their eyes darted toward him before quickly looking away. ¡°I passed through and sensed this place might need aid,¡± he said after a pause, his tone even. ¡°Take me to your elders.¡±


    The man hesitated, his shoulders stiffening slightly, but after a moment he nodded. ¡°If you¡¯re offering help, then it¡¯s not my place to turn you away. Follow me.¡± He glanced down at the tool he had dropped but left it forgotten in the dirt as he turned and began walking toward the center of the village.


    As Kalenor followed the man into the village, the weight of his task settled on his shoulders. The faint hum of wrongness in the air grew stronger with each step, mingling with the sounds of distant coughs and the whispers of villagers who ducked out of sight at his approach. He didn¡¯t know what awaited him in Hallowglen, but whatever it was, it had already begun. And it was only a matter of time before it worsened.

 Chapter 2: Signs of corruption

    Kalenor followed the man down the narrow dirt path leading deeper into Hallowglen. The air had grown even heavier, thick with the weight of decay, and the strange unease that had settled in the village now seemed to cling to him, as though the land itself was infected. He could hear the faint sound of footsteps ahead, echoing on the damp stone, but the stillness of the village pressed in on him, amplifying every sound, every whisper of the wind through the trees. The fog seemed to move with purpose, swirling as if it, too, were alive with something that should not be.


    As they rounded the corner of a crumbling home, Kalenor¡¯s senses sharpened. Ahead, a small group of villagers had gathered, huddled around a man lying on the ground. The air around them was thick with the unmistakable sound of ragged breaths¡ªlabored, strained. Kalenor¡¯s heart tightened as he saw the man¡¯s condition. His body shook in spasms, his skin mottled with dark veins that seemed to pulse and twist beneath the surface, the raw patches where the skin had peeled away revealing a sickly, reddish hue. Black, stem-like growths emerged from these patches, slowly spreading like the creeping rot of the forest.


    The woman hovering anxiously over him was gaunt, her eyes wide with fear. Her face twisted in grief and desperation as she tried, helplessly, to comfort the afflicted man.


    Kalenor stopped the man who had been leading him, his eyes still fixed on the suffering figure. "I¡¯ll go check on him. You go ahead to the elders," Kalenor said, his voice low but firm, a quiet authority in his tone.


    The man hesitated but then nodded, his face marked with worry. "Be careful, Scalesworn," he muttered before continuing his way toward the village center.


    Kalenor approached the huddled group, his every step deliberate. As he drew near, he saw the full extent of the man¡¯s affliction. The raw patches of skin, flaking off in thin strips, left the flesh beneath open and vulnerable. The growths, like black tendrils, curled out from the man¡¯s body in unnatural directions, pulsing as if alive.


    ¡°Step aside,¡± Kalenor instructed, his voice carrying an air of calm authority. The villagers moved back, giving him space.


    From his satchel, Kalenor drew a small vial of pre-made medicine¡ªherbs from the surrounding woods, mixed with his own Essentaria. He had always carried it for emergencies, a simple remedy to slow the effects of illnesses or injuries that needed a quick cure. He opened the vial and carefully imbued it with more of his own Essentaria, the energy flowing through his fingers and into the mixture. The medicine began to glow faintly as the power of decay, inherent to his connection with Morbitral, blended with his essence, fortifying the remedy.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    He gently applied the medicine to the man¡¯s raw skin, watching as the black tendrils recoiled, slowing their growth. The afflicted man let out a faint sigh, his body relaxing slightly as the intense pain began to ease. His breathing steadied for a moment, though the signs of illness still lingered on him like a shadow.


    Kalenor looked up at the woman, his amber eyes sharp and focused. ¡°What happened to him?¡±


    The woman trembled as she spoke, her voice low and shaky. ¡°He went out to gather firewood for our home three days ago... He came back with a cough, just a little at first. We thought it was nothing, just the cold. But... but he collapsed while walking to the market. He¡¯s been like this since. Worse and worse every day.¡± She looked down at her husband, helplessness clouding her features. "He doesn''t even remember how he fell. We thought maybe it was a fever, but it''s... it''s not right."


    Kalenor nodded, his face unreadable. He could feel the weight of her words, the growing certainty that this illness was no ordinary affliction. This plague, if it could even be called that, was not just ravaging the body¡ªit was altering it, changing it, warping it in ways that Kalenor could not yet fully understand.


    ¡°I¡¯ve slowed the progression of the illness for now,¡± Kalenor said, his voice firm with the authority of his role. ¡°Make sure he rests, and keep him warm. But the plague is far from over, and you¡¯ll need to keep him under watch.¡±


    The woman nodded, her fear still palpable, but there was a flicker of hope in her eyes. ¡°Thank you... thank you, Scalesworn.¡±


    Kalenor nodded once, standing to his feet. ¡°I¡¯ll see that he is taken to the elders,¡± he said.


    He turned back to the group of villagers, then to the man still groaning on the ground. The woman gently cradled her husband¡¯s head in her lap as Kalenor gestured for the villagers to help lift the man. They carefully assisted him, the once vibrant man now nothing more than a husk of pain and affliction. Kalenor led them towards the village center, his thoughts heavy with what he had seen. There was something deeply wrong in Hallowglen, something far worse than a simple illness. The balance had been disturbed, and whatever was responsible was more insidious than any plague Kalenor had ever encountered.


    ¡°Take him to the elders,¡± Kalenor instructed the man as he continued on his way. The villagers nodded and disappeared into the shadows of the village.


    Kalenor¡¯s steps grew heavier as he approached the village center. Whatever had taken root here, whatever had brought the plague to this place, it would be up to him to find it¡ªand stop it¡ªbefore it consumed Hallowglen entirely.

 Chapter 3: Echoes of the blue cloak

    Kalenor followed the villagers carrying the afflicted man into the elder¡¯s hut. The air inside was heavy, thick with the weight of exhaustion and fear. The elder women sat around a table, their faces lined with both age and worry, waiting for him. Kalenor approached them, offering a brief nod of acknowledgment before asking, ¡°Do you have anyone else afflicted like the man I just brought in?¡±


    One of the elders, an older woman with silvered hair, nodded gravely. ¡°There is one other, Scalesworn. He¡¯s currently in The Briarhouse.¡±


    Kalenor allowed himself a brief sigh of relief. ¡°Two afflicted. That¡¯s all?¡±


    The elder nodded again. ¡°For now, yes.¡±


    ¡°Is the man in The Briarhouse getting better? Or has his condition worsened?¡± Kalenor asked.


    The eldest of the group, a woman with the weight of many years upon her, looked troubled. ¡°We don¡¯t know. He hasn¡¯t worsened, but he hasn¡¯t improved either.¡±


    Kalenor¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°This isn¡¯t a simple illness,¡± he said firmly. ¡°This is more than a plague¡ªit¡¯s a corruption of Essentaria. It¡¯s feeding on the very life force of the people.¡±


    The elders exchanged uneasy glances, but Kalenor¡¯s words resonated with an uncomfortable truth. The air in the room felt even thicker as they processed his statement.


    ¡°I need to see the man in The Briarhouse,¡± Kalenor continued, his voice steady. ¡°Please bring me to him.¡±


    The elders gave reluctant but understanding nods. Kalenor gestured for the villagers to help lift the man and carry him to The Briarhouse. Just as they were about to leave, an elder called to him.


    "Scalesworn, there is something else you should know," the woman said, her voice edged with fear.


    Kalenor turned to face her, raising an eyebrow. "What is it?"


    The elder, who seemed older than the rest, took a breath before speaking. "A noblewoman passed through here not long ago. She was dressed in a gown of ocean-blue, with intricate designs that shimmered like the sea itself. Her hood was deep and draped in such a way that her face was hidden, but her presence was unmistakable¡ªserene, yet commanding. The gown itself was adorned with silver thread in swirling patterns that resembled the tides, with delicate seashells sewn into the hem. The fabric seemed to glow in the sunlight, as though the ocean had infused it with its very essence."If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Kalenor¡¯s brow furrowed as he listened, his mind turning over the details. "And what did she want? Did she stay long?"


    The elder continued, her voice thick with unease. "She stayed for only a few days. At first, she seemed like a quiet traveler¡ªreserved, almost cold. She didn¡¯t speak much, and the people thought nothing of it. But there was something about her. The air around her felt... different, heavy with power. When she left, the sickness began. We didn¡¯t make the connection at first, but now, it seems as if her arrival triggered this corruption. It¡¯s not a coincidence.¡±


    Kalenor paused for a moment, considering the implications. A Lady of Nyxalian. His mind flashed to the eerie presence he had felt upon his arrival. The description of the woman in blue and the sense of power that lingered around her seemed too significant to ignore. Could she have been involved in some way? Perhaps she had come to help, or maybe she had been a conduit for something darker.


    ¡°What exactly did she do here?¡± Kalenor asked, his voice calm but filled with an unspoken urgency. ¡°Did she perform any rituals or speak of any cause?¡±


    The elder shook her head slowly. "No, nothing like that. She didn¡¯t mention anything of the sort. She simply left, and soon after, the affliction began to spread. But it was subtle at first... small signs, nothing alarming until it grew worse."


    Kalenor¡¯s amber eyes narrowed, his thoughts racing. Could this noblewoman have been tied to the decay in some way? Was she a part of something far more sinister than just a simple traveler? The connection was there¡ªher presence and the plague had both arrived around the same time, but Kalenor couldn¡¯t yet grasp what role she might have played.


    ¡°I need to know more,¡± Kalenor said, his voice firm. ¡°Did she leave anything behind? Any clue as to who she was, or where she was headed?¡±


    The elder hesitated before answering. ¡°No, nothing. She left quickly, without a word. It was as if she simply vanished. And after that... things have only gotten worse.¡±


    Kalenor nodded slowly, his mind clouded with questions. A Lady of Nyxalian, cloaked in ocean-blue, tied to the decay somehow¡ªhe would have to find out more. Whatever had happened here, it was connected to her arrival, but how?


    ¡°I will find her,¡± Kalenor said with conviction. ¡°But first, I need to see the man in The Briarhouse. We need to understand the extent of this affliction.¡±


    The elder nodded solemnly, allowing Kalenor to proceed.


    Turning to the villagers, Kalenor gestured toward the afflicted man. ¡°Take him to The Briarhouse,¡± he instructed. ¡°We¡¯ll find answers there.¡±

 Chapter 4: A Hollowed Soul

    The group carrying the afflicted man reached the Briarhouse, a sturdy structure hidden behind a tangle of overgrown brambles and vines. The building, constructed from weathered wood and stone, exuded an aura of solemnity¡ªa place where illness and desperation were no strangers. Kalenor stepped forward and knocked firmly on the door. Moments later, the Briar, a thin, wiry man with a face marked by years of tending to the sick, opened the door. His dark eyes briefly studied Kalenor before he nodded in recognition.


    ¡°This must be the new one,¡± the Briar said, gesturing to the afflicted man. ¡°Bring him inside. There¡¯s room.¡±


    Kalenor turned to the villagers. ¡°Lay him on the bed and return to your homes. Thank you for your help.¡±


    The villagers obeyed without question, placing the afflicted man on one of the wooden cots lining the walls. They avoided Kalenor¡¯s gaze as they shuffled out, clearly unsettled by the weight of his presence and the condition of the man they had carried. Kalenor waited until the last villager exited before turning to the Briar.


    ¡°I need to see the other afflicted man,¡± Kalenor said.


    The Briar hesitated. ¡°He¡¯s... not like the others. I¡¯ve had to keep him sedated. He¡¯s been lashing out¡ªviolent, uncontrollable. It¡¯s as if he¡¯s not himself anymore, more beast than man.¡±


    ¡°I need to see him,¡± Kalenor repeated, his tone firm but calm.


    The Briar nodded reluctantly and gestured for Kalenor to follow. The room they entered was dimly lit, the air tinged with the scent of herbs and faint decay. On the far side of the room lay a man strapped to a cot. His body was grotesquely altered¡ªblack, branch-like growths jutted from his arms and legs, curling and twisting unnaturally. His chest rose and fell rapidly, his skin slick with sweat, and his veins pulsed with a dark, unnatural hue.


    Kalenor moved closer, his sharp amber eyes studying every detail of the afflicted man¡¯s body. ¡°How long has he been like this?¡± he asked, his voice low.


    ¡°Three days,¡± the Briar replied. ¡°It started with a fever, like the others, but then he became... something else. I had to restrain him after he attacked my apprentice. He¡¯s no longer himself. I¡¯m certain of it.¡±Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Kalenor placed a hand lightly on the man¡¯s chest, feeling the fever radiate through his own gloves. The branches seemed to pulse faintly under his touch, as if alive. He closed his eyes, focusing on the faint traces of Essentaria within the husk. What he sensed made his stomach tighten. This wasn¡¯t just illness or decay¡ªit was something far more insidious, something sentient. The man was gone, his body now a vessel for a darker force.


    ¡°He¡¯s not human anymore,¡± Kalenor said quietly. ¡°He¡¯s a husk.¡±


    Before the Briar could respond, the man¡¯s body jerked violently, his eyes snapping open to reveal black pits. With a guttural roar, the husk tore at its restraints and lunged toward Kalenor. Kalenor dodged back, his instincts sharp, and slammed his fist into the creature¡¯s jaw, sending it staggering.


    The husk let out an ear-piercing screech and whirled toward the Briar, who froze in terror. Kalenor moved quickly, placing himself between the Briar and the creature. The husk¡¯s blackened branches lashed out, scratching Kalenor¡¯s arms and face as he grappled with the creature. ¡°Sedative!¡± Kalenor shouted.


    The Briar yelled to his apprentice, who fumbled to retrieve a vial from a nearby shelf. With trembling hands, the apprentice threw the vial toward them, but the husk flailed wildly, knocking the bottle to the ground, where it shattered.


    ¡°Do you have more?¡± Kalenor growled, his focus locked on the flailing creature.


    ¡°None that is ready,¡± the Briar stammered, his face pale.


    The Briar scrambled backward. ¡°What are you going to do?¡± he asked, his voice trembling.


    Gritting his teeth, Kalenor seized the husk by its limbs and forced it to the ground. The creature screeched again, and suddenly a jagged spike of black wood erupted from its mouth, aiming directly for Kalenor¡¯s chest. He rolled back just in time, narrowly avoiding the attack.


    ¡°What will you do?¡± the Briar asked, his voice trembling.


    Kalenor rose to his feet, drawing his sword. The blade shimmered faintly with the infusion of his Essentaria. ¡°This man is lost. There is no saving him.¡±


    The husk lunged again, and with a single, decisive swing, Kalenor severed its head. The lifeless body crumpled to the floor, and the room fell into an oppressive silence.


    ¡°You killed him,¡± the Briar whispered, his face pale with shock. ¡°He was one of our own.¡±


    Kalenor sheathed his sword, his expression grim. ¡°He was gone long before this moment. What you saw was no longer a man. There is no cure for this.¡±


    The Briar hesitated but finally nodded. Together, they lifted the body onto the cot. Kalenor noticed something strange¡ªthere was no blood. The husk was utterly drained of life, its body more plant than flesh.


    ¡°I need to examine him further,¡± Kalenor said. ¡°We must understand what we are dealing with.¡±


    The Briar swallowed hard. ¡°Very well. But I insist on supervising.¡±


    Kalenor nodded and began his work, cutting through the twisted flesh and branches with precision. What he found sent a chill through his core. The husk¡¯s organs were shriveled, its veins filled with a dark, resin-like substance. The blackened branches seemed to grow from the heart itself, their roots coiled tightly around it like a parasite. As Kalenor probed deeper, he felt the oppressive weight of something malevolent¡ªa dark force beyond his understanding.


    He paused, his hands trembling slightly. ¡°This is no natural plague,¡± he said quietly. ¡°This is corruption. Something evil.¡±


    The Briar¡¯s face turned ashen. ¡°What kind of evil could do this?¡±


    Kalenor stood, his amber eyes hard and unyielding. ¡°Something that will not stop until it consumes all it touches. And it is not done with this village yet.¡±

 Chapter 5: The Restless Dead

    The air in the Briarhouse was suffocating, heavy with the lingering scent of decay. Kalenor wiped his blade clean and glanced at the Briar, who stood pale and uneasy near the strapped-down patient. The decapitated husk, its headless body finally still, lay lifeless on the adjacent cot. Yet, something about it gnawed at Kalenor¡¯s thoughts¡ªthe eerie stillness felt more like dormancy than death.


    ¡°This plague is unlike anything I¡¯ve encountered,¡± Kalenor said gravely. ¡°Its corruption spreads deeper than just the body. We need to secure this newest patient and inform the elders of the severity of this threat.¡±


    The Briar nodded hesitantly. ¡°You¡¯re right. If this spreads further, we¡¯ll lose the village entirely.¡± He turned to his apprentice, who hovered near the corner, trembling. ¡°Strap down the new patient and watch over both bodies. Do not leave this room until we return.¡±


    The apprentice nodded shakily, his eyes darting nervously toward the husk. Kalenor and the Briar stepped out into the foggy streets, the weight of urgency pressing on them.


    As they made their way toward the elders¡¯ hall, a young boy ran up to them, tears streaking his cheeks. ¡°Sir, please! My mom¡ªshe collapsed! She¡¯s coughing so much, and I don¡¯t know what to do!¡±


    Kalenor exchanged a look with the Briar, their concern mounting. Without hesitation, the Briar said, ¡°I¡¯ll go to the elders and inform them of what¡¯s happening here. We cannot delay.¡±


    Kalenor nodded. ¡°Do it quickly. I¡¯ll tend to the boy¡¯s mother.¡±


    The Briar broke into a brisk jog toward the elders¡¯ hall while Kalenor followed the boy through the twisting village streets. They arrived at a weathered home on the edge of the village. Inside, Kalenor found the boy¡¯s mother lying on the ground, her body trembling with fevered convulsions. Black veins twisted up her neck, and faint, branch-like tendrils pushed against her skin. Her shallow breathing rasped in the quiet room.


    ¡°We need to get her to the Briarhouse,¡± Kalenor said, his voice calm but firm. He bent down, gently lifting the frail woman into his arms. Turning to the boy, he said, ¡°Stay close and keep watch. She¡¯ll need care, and I¡¯ll see to it.¡±


    The boy nodded silently, following as Kalenor carried his mother back through the misty streets. With every step, Kalenor¡¯s mind churned. The spread was accelerating, and the symptoms were worsening. Perhaps it was time to gather all the afflicted in one place¡ªnot only to treat them but to contain the growing threat.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    As they approached the Briarhouse, unease prickled at the back of Kalenor¡¯s mind. Something felt off. He stepped inside and carefully laid the woman on an empty cot. Turning to speak to the apprentice, he froze. The cot where the decapitated husk had lain was empty. The body was gone.


    The apprentice sat in the corner, his face ghostly white and his body trembling. Kalenor strode toward him, his voice sharp and demanding. ¡°Where is it?¡±


    The apprentice raised a shaking hand, pointing toward the door. ¡°It... it got up and walked out,¡± he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.


    Kalenor cursed under his breath, his eyes narrowing. He turned to the boy, whose face was etched with fear. Kneeling before him, Kalenor placed his hands firmly on the boy¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Listen carefully. Lock yourself and the apprentice in that closet.¡± He gestured to a sturdy wooden door nearby. ¡°Do not open it for anyone until I return. Do you understand?¡±


    The boy nodded quickly, dragging the apprentice toward the closet. Kalenor bolted the door behind them, then turned back to the empty cot. The husk had been lifeless. He was certain of it. Yet it had reanimated¡ªand worse, it was now roaming free.


    Drawing his sword, Kalenor stepped outside, his senses heightened. The fog wrapped around the village like a shroud, muffling sound and distorting the shapes of buildings and trees. Every step felt heavier as dread coiled in his chest.


    A piercing scream split the air, cutting through the silence like a blade. Kalenor broke into a run, his boots pounding against the dirt as he followed the sound. Turning a corner, he froze at the sight before him. A man knelt over a lifeless woman, blood pooling around them. The man¡¯s body was unmistakable¡ªblackened veins and branch-like growths jutted from his limbs. It was the husk, moving without its head, tearing into the woman¡¯s flesh with grotesque fervor.


    Kalenor surged forward, his sword slicing through the husk¡¯s arm in one swift motion. The creature screeched, its remaining limbs thrashing violently. Kalenor pressed his attack, severing its legs before finally driving his blade through its chest. The body collapsed to the ground, twitching before finally going still.


    Breathing heavily, Kalenor looked down at the lifeless woman. His stomach turned as he realized who she was¡ªthe wife of the afflicted man from the Briarhouse. Her body was mutilated, her face frozen in a mask of terror. Clenching his jaw, Kalenor wrapped the husk¡¯s severed limbs in a tattered cloth and hoisted the remains onto his shoulders.


    The walk back to the Briarhouse was grim. When he stepped inside, the boy peeked out cautiously from the closet, his wide eyes filled with questions he dared not ask. The Briar stood with the elders, their faces grim as they turned to Kalenor.


    He dropped the remains onto a nearby table, his amber eyes hard. ¡°The plague is worse than you feared,¡± he said, his voice low but firm. ¡°The dead do not stay dead.¡±

 Chapter 6: A Plan for Survival.

    The weight of Kalenor''s words hung heavily in the air as the elders stood in stunned silence, their faces pale and etched with worry. The Briarhouse was quiet now, save for the muffled sobs of the young boy in the corner and the occasional groan of the newest patient strapped to a cot. Kalenor stepped forward, his amber eyes meeting those of the elders.


    "This plague is unlike any I''ve encountered," he said, his voice steady but grave. "If we are to survive, we must act swiftly and decisively. The time for hesitation is over."


    The eldest of the group, a wiry man with a cane, cleared his throat. "What do you propose, Scalesworn?"


    Kalenor crossed his arms, his sharp gaze cutting through the tension. "Every villager showing symptoms no matter how mild must be examined immediately. We need to determine if they are merely sick or afflicted by the corruption. Those afflicted will be brought here to the Briarhouse, where they can be monitored and contained. This place will become our stronghold."


    One of the elders, a stout woman with graying hair, frowned. "And who will watch over them? We cannot leave them unchecked."


    "Your hunters and warriors," Kalenor replied. "You must organize them into shifts. They will guard the Briarhouse day and night, ensuring the afflicted do not leave and no harm comes to those who are caring for them."


    The elders exchanged uncertain glances. The wiry elder asked, "And what of medicine? How do we treat this plague?"


    Kalenor turned to the Briar. "Do you have healers those who can craft remedies or tend to the sick?"


    The Briar nodded. "Three. Old but capable."


    "Bring them here," Kalenor instructed. "We''ll need their help." Reaching into his satchel, he produced several bundles of dried herbs and mushrooms, holding them up for the elders and the Briar to see. "These are ingredients I''ve gathered along my journey. With them, we can create a medicine to slow the progression of the plague. It''s not a cure, but it will buy us time time to find the source of this corruption and put an end to it."


    The stout elder raised an eyebrow. "And where do we find these ingredients? The forest is vast, and we have no time to waste."


    Kalenor spread the herbs and mushrooms on the table, arranging them carefully. "I will provide a list of what you need to harvest and where you''re most likely to find it. Send your best foragers those who know the land and can move quickly. Every moment counts."


    Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    The wiry elder leaned on his cane, his expression skeptical. "How do we convince the villagers to submit to examination or to risk their lives in the forest for these ingredients? Fear is already spreading, and panic will follow."


    Kalenor''s gaze hardened. "Lying to them is not an option. If they want to survive, they must understand the truth. Tell them to come here and see if they need the medicine. If they refuse, they''re putting not only themselves but the entire village at risk."


    The elders murmured among themselves, eventually nodding in agreement. The wiry elder straightened with a weary sigh. "Very well. We''ll gather the villagers and explain what must be done."


    As the elders left to spread the word, Kalenor turned back to the Briar. "We''ll need to work quickly. Show me where your supplies are."


    The Briar led him to a small room at the back of the house, its shelves lined with jars of dried herbs, roots, and powders. Kalenor studied the collection, picking out what was usable and combining it with the ingredients he had brought.


    "These will suffice for now," Kalenor said, laying the items on the worktable. "Watch closely. I''ll show you how to make the medicine."


    The Briar nodded, his hands trembling slightly as he prepared to follow Kalenor''s lead. Kalenor crushed the herbs and mushrooms together, adding water from a small pot and mixing them into a paste. The Briar mirrored his actions, gathering his own supply of herbs and mushrooms from the shelves.


    As the two worked, Kalenor placed his hands above the mixture, his amber eyes narrowing in concentration. A faint glow emanated from his palms as he poured his own Essentaria into the medicine, strengthening its potency. The paste pulsed faintly before settling into a vibrant green color.


    The Briar''s eyes widened. "Is that part of the medicine?"


    Kalenor nodded. "Yes. My Essentaria enhances its strength and effectiveness. You''ll need to do the same if this is to work."


    The Briar frowned. "But I do not possess your connection to Essentaria."


    "Then I will teach you," Kalenor said. "I''ll write down the incantation. It will be enough to stabilize the mixture for now."


    The Briar''s apprentice appeared at the door, his face still pale, but his composure somewhat steadied. "I''ve fetched the healers," he said.


    Three elderly women in worn robes entered, their faces lined with years of experience. The Briar explained the situation to them, detailing the medicine and their role in its creation. The women nodded solemnly, setting to work alongside the Briar and his apprentice.


    Outside, the sound of murmuring voices grew louder as the villagers began arriving at the Briarhouse. Kalenor stepped out, his sharp gaze scanning the growing crowd. Fear and uncertainty were etched into their faces, but beneath it, he saw a flicker of hope a desperate clinging to the chance of survival.


    As the Briarhouse filled with villagers seeking examination, Kalenor turned back to the workroom. The fight for Hallowglen''s survival had begun, and he knew the coming days would test every ounce of his strength, wisdom, and resolve.

 Chapter 7: The Corrupted Beast

    The days blurred together as Kalenor poured every ounce of his strength into the survival of Hallowglen. For three days, he worked tirelessly, dividing his time between brewing medicine, foraging for ingredients in the surrounding woods, and standing watch at the Briarhouse. The once-lively village had grown quiet, its streets subdued by fear. The afflicted were confined to the Briarhouse, under constant watch, while the healthy villagers kept to their homes, wary of what the plague might bring next.


    On the morning of the third day, Kalenor awoke to the sound of a deep, guttural roar that reverberated through the village. A terrified scream followed, jolting him upright. Grabbing his cloak, he dashed out of his room at the inn, only to realize with a sinking feeling that he had left his sword behind.


    The streets were already in chaos. Kalenor sprinted toward the commotion, his sharp gaze locking onto a father and son fleeing from a grotesque beast. The creature was monstrous, its body matted with roots and brambles, and jagged crystals jutted out from its limbs and spine. Its glowing, blood-red eyes burned with a feral rage as it snarled and lunged after the two villagers.


    Kalenor didn¡¯t hesitate. Raising his right arm, he cast a quick incantation. A faint shimmer of Essentaria enveloped his forearm, forming a small, glowing barrier. He rushed forward, positioning himself between the beast and the fleeing villagers. The creature swiped at him, its claws meeting the barrier with a loud crack, giving the father and son enough time to escape.


    ¡°Go! Get to safety!¡± Kalenor shouted over his shoulder.


    The beast snarled, turning its full attention to Kalenor. Without his sword, he had no choice but to fight with his bare hands and whatever else he could find. The creature lunged again, its claws slashing through the air. Kalenor sidestepped the attack and drove his fist into its jaw, the impact sending a jolt of pain up his arm. The creature staggered but quickly recovered, snarling as it circled him.


    Kalenor dodged and deflected blow after blow, the barrier on his forearm cracking under the relentless assault. His eyes darted around, searching for anything he could use as a weapon. That¡¯s when he spotted it¡ªa jagged piece of broken wood lying a few feet away.


    He gritted his teeth, letting out a powerful uppercut that caught the beast under its chin and sent it reeling. Taking advantage of the moment, Kalenor dashed toward the wooden shard. He grabbed it just as the creature lunged at him again, spinning around and driving the jagged wood straight into its chest.


    The beast screeched, its body thrashing violently as the wood impaled it. But it didn¡¯t stop. Its claws continued to swipe at Kalenor, the crystal-like growths cutting shallow gashes into his arms as he struggled to keep the creature at bay.


    Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    ¡°This thing is corrupted,¡± Kalenor muttered, realization dawning on him. It wasn¡¯t just a wild animal¡ªit was something far worse, twisted by the same malevolence infecting the village.


    Kalenor shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. ¡°Someone! I need help! Fetch my sword!¡±


    A hunter appeared, his bow slung over his shoulder and his face pale with fear. ¡°Scalesworn, what is that thing?¡±


    ¡°Corruption,¡± Kalenor said through gritted teeth. ¡°Go to the inn. My sword is in my room. Hurry!¡±


    The hunter nodded and sprinted off, leaving Kalenor to wrestle with the thrashing beast. The jagged wood remained lodged in its chest, but it seemed to have no effect other than slowing the creature down. Kalenor clenched his jaw, holding the beast at arm¡¯s length as its claws scraped against his barrier.


    Minutes later, the hunter returned, carrying Kalenor¡¯s sword. ¡°Here!¡± he called, tossing it toward him.


    Kalenor caught the sword and gripped it tightly, its familiar weight grounding him. He considered striking the beast down but hesitated, realizing it might hold answers about the corruption. Instead, he raised his blade defensively, keeping the creature pinned with the jagged wood as he turned to the hunter.


    ¡°Help me get it to the Briarhouse,¡± Kalenor said, his voice firm. ¡°We need the Briar to examine this.¡±


    The hunter¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You want to keep it alive?¡±


    ¡°For now,¡± Kalenor said. ¡°This isn¡¯t just an animal. It¡¯s a symptom of the plague. We need to understand what we¡¯re fighting.¡±


    Together, they hauled the thrashing beast through the village streets, its body convulsing as it snarled and clawed at the air. The jagged wood remained embedded in its chest, holding it in place but doing little to subdue it. Villagers peeked out from their homes, their faces etched with fear and confusion as the monstrous creature passed by.


    When they reached the Briarhouse, Kalenor pushed open the door with his shoulder. The Briar and the elders were already inside, their conversation halting as they turned to see Kalenor and the hunter struggling with the restrained beast.


    ¡°What in the name of the stars is that?¡± the Briar asked, his voice trembling.


    Kalenor dropped the beast onto an empty table, pinning it with his sword while the hunter tied it down with thick ropes. ¡°This,¡± Kalenor said, his voice low and grim, ¡°is what the plague does. It twists and corrupts everything it touches.¡±


    The creature let out another guttural roar, its crystal claws scraping against the table as it struggled against its restraints. The Briar stared in horror, his face pale. ¡°It¡¯s still alive.¡±


    ¡°Barely,¡± Kalenor replied. ¡°But we need to keep it that way, for now. If we can learn anything about this corruption¡ªhow it spreads, how it can be stopped¡ªthis creature may be the key.¡±


    The elders exchanged uneasy glances, their fear evident. The Briar stepped forward, his hands trembling as he examined the creature from a safe distance. ¡°I¡¯ll do what I can,¡± he said quietly. ¡°But this... this is beyond anything I¡¯ve ever seen.¡±


    Kalenor nodded, his amber eyes burning with determination. ¡°We don¡¯t have a choice. If we¡¯re going to save Hallowglen, we need answers. And we need them fast.¡±

 Chapter 8: Echoes of Power

    Kalenor and the hunter wrestled the thrashing Crystalclutch ape onto a reinforced table in the Briarhouse, binding it tightly with thick ropes. The creature growled and snarled, its jagged crystals glinting in the flickering light of the room. As they worked, one of the hunters stepped closer, his face pale with recognition.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ a Crystalclutch,¡± the hunter said, his voice trembling. ¡°I never thought I¡¯d see one up close. These creatures are rare, powerful. For it to be afflicted like this¡­¡±


    Kalenor¡¯s sharp amber eyes turned to the hunter. ¡°Where would a Crystalclutch naturally be found?¡±


    The hunter hesitated, his gaze shifting uneasily to the bound creature. ¡°Their territory is deep in the Cragthorn Caverns, two days¡¯ walk from here. They don¡¯t stray far from their home.¡±


    Kalenor¡¯s chest tightened at the revelation. His mind churned with the implications. If the plague had reached the Cragthorn Caverns, two days¡¯ journey away, then this corruption was spreading far faster and farther than he had feared. This wasn¡¯t an isolated incident¡ªit was a growing blight that threatened everything it touched.


    He turned to the elders, his expression grim. ¡°We need to send word to the Scalesworns of Ignisaros immediately. We need their help.¡±


    One of the elders, a stout man with a furrowed brow, frowned. ¡°Why Ignisaros? What would the Scalesworns of the flame do here?¡±


    Kalenor¡¯s gaze hardened. ¡°Because we may need to cleanse this entire area, even if that means burning the forest to the ground. The plague cannot be allowed to spread any farther.¡±


    The elder¡¯s face darkened, but he nodded reluctantly and left to fetch the village courier. Kalenor turned back to the bound Crystalclutch, its glowing red eyes boring into him with unrelenting malice. He tightened the restraints, ensuring the creature wouldn¡¯t break free again, then began his examination.


    As Kalenor inspected the creature, he spoke to another elder who lingered nearby. ¡°We need every villager to stay in their homes unless absolutely necessary. And we¡¯ll need more volunteers to stand guard and patrol the village. The corruption won¡¯t stop on its own.¡±


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    The elder nodded but hesitated, their voice trembling. ¡°Kalenor¡­ how are we going to protect ourselves if something bigger comes? What if we¡¯re not enough?¡±


    Kalenor paused, his sharp gaze meeting the elder¡¯s. ¡°If something comes, I¡¯ll handle it,¡± he said firmly, though the weight of his words settled heavily on his shoulders.


    The Briar stepped forward, his voice low and uncertain. ¡°And what of you, Scalesworn? You push yourself harder than anyone here. What if you fall?¡±


    Before Kalenor could respond, the Crystalclutch let out a guttural roar and thrashed violently against its restraints. The ropes strained under its immense strength before snapping one by one. The creature broke free, its crystalline claws slashing at the air as it barreled toward the gathered villagers.


    ¡°Get back!¡± Kalenor shouted, stepping between the beast and the panicked crowd.


    The Crystalclutch lunged, its claws tearing through the air. With a surge of adrenaline, Kalenor grabbed the creature by its crystalline arm and, with a roar of effort, hurled it through the Briarhouse doors and out into the open. The crowd inside fell silent, their eyes wide in shock as they watched the frail-looking Scalesworn display a strength that seemed impossible for his gaunt frame.


    It was then that they noticed the transformation. Kalenor¡¯s right arm shimmered with draconic scales, its shape twisted into a claw-like appendage. The faint glow of his Essentaria pulsed through the scales as he strode outside to face the beast.


    The Crystalclutch snarled, recovering quickly and charging again. Kalenor met its attack head-on, sidestepping its claws and driving his draconic claw into its chest. The creature screeched in pain, its crystal-covered body convulsing as Kalenor¡¯s claws tore into its corrupted flesh.


    With a guttural growl, Kalenor slashed upward, splitting the beast¡¯s torso apart in a brutal display of power. The creature¡¯s body fell in three pieces, its corrupted essence spilling onto the ground in a thick, black ichor.


    The villagers gathered at the Briarhouse entrance, their faces a mixture of awe and fear as they stared at Kalenor. His draconic arm shimmered faintly before the scales faded, returning to his normal, gaunt form. Kalenor dropped to one knee, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The strain of the transformation weighed heavily on his body, but he forced himself to rise.


    He turned to the gathered villagers, his face pale but resolute. ¡°This is only the beginning,¡± he said, his voice steady despite his exhaustion. ¡°We need to prepare. There¡¯s no telling what else is coming.¡±


    The chapter ends with the villagers staring in stunned silence, the weight of Kalenor¡¯s warning settling over them like a shadow as the fight for survival grows ever more perilous.

 Chapter 9: Flame of defense

    The stillness following the battle was short-lived. As the severed pieces of the Crystalclutch ape lay on the ground, a faint twitch began to ripple through its remains. At first, it was subtle¡ªa finger curling here, a claw shifting there¡ªbut soon the movements became undeniable. The villagers, who had been cautiously stepping forward, froze in place, their faces pale with fear.


    Kalenor¡¯s sharp amber eyes narrowed, his body tensing as he watched the grotesque display. ¡°It¡¯s still moving,¡± he muttered, his voice low but steady. Then, with a sudden clarity, he barked, ¡°We need fire!¡±


    The villagers exchanged uneasy glances. One of the elders, his face lined with apprehension, stepped forward. ¡°Scalesworn, we don¡¯t use fire here. It¡¯s dangerous, unpredictable in a place like this.¡±


    Kalenor turned to the elder, his gaze stern but understanding. He took in the moss lanterns that hung from rope baskets throughout the village, casting their faint, ethereal glow. ¡°I understand your concerns,¡± Kalenor said. ¡°But this corruption does not fear light¡ªit fears fire. If we don¡¯t act now, this thing will rise again. Bring me wood.¡±


    The villagers hesitated for a moment, then scattered to gather what they could. Kalenor stepped outside, his mind racing. He rummaged through his pack and pulled out a flint stone, holding it tightly in his hand. With practiced efficiency, he struck the flint against the edge of his blade, sending sparks onto a small pile of dry twigs and leaves. The sparks caught, and Kalenor carefully fed the fledgling flame until it grew into a controlled blaze.


    The villagers returned with armfuls of wood, piling it onto the fire until it roared with intensity. Kalenor turned to them, his voice carrying over the crackle of flames. ¡°This is what will save us. We need bonfires across the village, one at every corner, to hold back the corruption. Spread the word¡ªfire is now your first line of defense.¡±


    The Briar emerged from the Briarhouse, his apprentice trailing behind him, the ape¡¯s remains bundled tightly in a tarp. ¡°Is this wise?¡± the Briar asked, his voice tinged with doubt. ¡°What if it doesn¡¯t work?¡±


    ¡°It will work,¡± Kalenor said firmly. ¡°It has to.¡± He gestured toward the bonfire. ¡°Toss the remains in.¡±


    The Briar hesitated, but after a moment, he complied, heaving the bundle onto the fire. The ape¡¯s severed limbs and torso began to blacken and crumble, releasing an acrid smoke that stung the air. Within moments, the corrupted body was reduced to ash, its sinister essence finally dispelled.


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    Kalenor exhaled, a rare flicker of relief crossing his features. ¡°It¡¯s done,¡± he said quietly. ¡°From now on, every patrol needs to carry torches. Fire is the only way to ensure this doesn¡¯t happen again.¡±


    The villagers nodded, their fear slowly giving way to resolve. They dispersed, some to gather more wood, others to prepare for the patrols. Kalenor, however, turned back to the Briarhouse, his instincts tugging at him. Something still felt off.


    Inside, the Briarhouse was in chaos. The afflicted, who had been docile and lethargic under the effects of the medicine, were now restless. They thrashed against their restraints, their eyes wide with panic, their guttural groans filling the air. Kalenor moved quickly, helping the healers and guards secure the patients.


    ¡°What¡¯s causing this?¡± the Briar asked, his voice strained as he tightened a strap around one of the afflicted.


    Kalenor¡¯s mind raced. The afflicted had been calm before¡ªthe medicine had dulled their aggression. So why this sudden change? His gaze flicked to the small, glowing lanterns hanging in the Briarhouse. Then it hit him.


    ¡°The fire,¡± he said aloud, the realization dawning on him. ¡°They¡¯re terrified of it.¡±


    He turned to the two men stationed at the door. ¡°Close the doors. Seal the room. We need to block out any sight or smell of the flames.¡±


    The guards hesitated but obeyed, shutting the heavy wooden doors and barring them securely. Almost immediately, the afflicted began to settle, their frantic movements slowing until they lay still once more. The groans subsided, replaced by an uneasy quiet.


    Kalenor stood in the center of the room, his sharp gaze scanning the rows of patients. The fire was both a weapon and a weakness¡ªan invaluable tool for defense, but one that agitated the afflicted, making them even more dangerous if not handled carefully.


    ¡°This is our way forward,¡± Kalenor said, turning to the Briar. ¡°Fire will hold back the corruption, but we¡¯ll need to be strategic. Keep the afflicted away from the flames. Let the patrols handle the fires outside. Inside, we maintain calm.¡±


    The Briar nodded, his expression one of wary determination. ¡°Understood. We¡¯ll do what we must.¡±


    Kalenor stepped back, his thoughts heavy. There was hope now¡ªfire had given them a chance to fight back¡ªbut it wasn¡¯t enough. The corruption was spreading faster than he had imagined, and the forces behind it were still a mystery.


    As the night fell, the glow of new bonfires lit up the village, their flames crackling defiantly against the encroaching darkness. Kalenor stood on the steps of the Briarhouse, watching the patrols move through the streets with torches in hand. For the first time in days, there was a glimmer of hope in the air.


    But Kalenor knew better than to trust hope alone. The fight was far from over, and the worst was yet to come.