Chapter 35: A Call for Allies
The sun hung low in the sky as Srabon stood at the edge of the village, his eyes fixed on the horizon. Behind him, the villagers worked tirelessly to rebuild the walls, repair the houses, and clear away the rubble left by the Goblin King's dark magic.
"The village is in shambles," Mira said, approaching him with a grim expression. "If the Shadow Master strikes now, we're finished."
Srabon's jaw clenched. "That's why we need allies. If the Shadow Master is as powerful as Aria claims, we can't face him alone."
Magnus strode up, a map rolled in his thick hands. "I've marked the neighboring villages that might help us. The problem is, after the Goblin King's attacks, most of them have fortified their borders. They won't trust outsiders easily."
"We'll have to convince them," Srabon said, crossing his arms. "But how?"
[New Quest: Rally the Allies - Convince three neighboring villages to join your cause. Reward: 7000 Gold, 5000 Elixir.]
Srabon's eyes narrowed as the system notification flickered in his mind. "We need to act fast. Mira, gather a scouting party. Magnus, get the blacksmith to forge some weapons. We're going to visit these villages and show them we're serious."
Hours later, Srabon, Mira, and a small contingent of warriors set off toward the first village — Brighthold. The path was long and winding, and the tension in the air was palpable.
"Brighthold used to be an ally," Mira said, her eyes scanning the forest around them. "But after the Goblin King's forces attacked, they cut off all contact."
Srabon nodded. "If we can convince them we're strong enough to fight back, they might reconsider."
As they approached the village gates, armed guards stepped forward, spears pointed at Srabon's group.
"Halt! State your business!" the lead guard barked.
Srabon stepped forward, his voice firm. "I am Srabon Sharder, Chief of the village of Clashhaven. We seek an audience with your leader. We have information about a new threat — one far worse than the Goblin King."
The guards exchanged wary glances. "Wait here."
Minutes later, they were led inside the village square, where a towering man with a scar running down his cheek awaited them. His arms were crossed, eyes narrowed.
"You're the one who took down the Goblin King?" he asked, his voice gruff.
"Yes," Srabon said, meeting the man's gaze without flinching. "But there's a new enemy. One who can use dark magic. We need allies. We need you."
The man smirked. "Why should we risk our men for your village? We barely survived the last attack."
Srabon's jaw tightened, but Mira stepped forward, her eyes blazing. "Because if the Shadow Master isn't stopped, he'll come for you next. And when he does, you'll wish you had allies to back you up."
The man's smirk faded, and for a moment, silence hung heavy in the air.
"Fine," he said finally. "But if you're lying, if you can't prove this 'Shadow Master' is a real threat, you'll be the first to pay the price."
[Quest Updated: Rally the Allies - Brighthold has agreed to join. Two more villages remain.]
Srabon exhaled as they turned to leave. "One down, two to go."
Mira glanced at him, her expression grim. "And each one will be harder than the last."
Srabon nodded, eyes fixed on the path ahead. "Then we better be ready."