Chapter 4 The Gathering Storm

Word spread like wildfire.

By dawn, strange birds circled the skies. The village seer locked herself in her hut. The wells ran dry. Whispers of the Heir swept through the shadows, carried by creatures not of this world.

Kaela knew she couldn't stay.

With the crystal hidden in a satchel against her chest, she said her tearful goodbyes and left before the sun crested the hills. Her grandmother pressed a silver pendant into her hand-a symbol of Eldara, shaped like a phoenix. "For protection," she said, though her voice trembled.

The road ahead was long and fraught with peril. Her first destination was the ruined city of Lythenor, where the first Guardian was said to dwell-a warrior of stone and sorrow.

The journey took her across frost-covered hills, into the territory of the Windcloaks, a band of sky raiders who rode the backs of giant hawks. She evaded them only by using the crystal's magic, which cloaked her in illusion for a few precious minutes.

One night, she camped by the River Ydren, its waters dark and glassy. As she slept, a figure approached-tall, cloaked in blue, eyes aglow like stars.

"I felt the shard," the stranger said.

Kaela shot up, dagger drawn. "Who are you?"

The figure bowed. "A friend. I am Thalen, Guardian of the Sky. And I have waited for you."

The crystal pulsed.

Kaela lowered her dagger, breath held. The first Guardian had found her.

But more shadows were gathering. And the true storm had only just begun.