The group stood in the clearing, the ancient altar's faint glow casting long shadows over their faces. The air was dense, vibrating with an unspoken promise of danger. Jacob traced his fingers along the carvings on the altar, his eyes narrowing as he deciphered the ancient symbols.
"These markings" he began, glancing at Zara. "They're not just about the darkness. They're a warning."
Zara moved closer, her golden eyes scanning the runes. "The language of the Elders," she murmured. "It speaks of a key lost to time, a piece of the puzzle we'll need to face what lies ahead."
"A key?" Liara asked, her hazel eyes flicking between the two. "Where do we even begin to look for it?"
Jacob's amulet pulsed faintly, as if in response. He felt a tug, not physical, but something deep within his mind. Images flashed before him: an overgrown temple, a rushing river, and a stone chamber bathed in flickering torchlight.
"I... I think I know where it is," he said, his voice steady despite the uncertainty he felt. "There's a place, far from here. I've seen it before, in dreams. A temple hidden deep within the jungle."
Zara's brow furrowed. "If your visions are true, then the key is tied to you. The darkness wants it as much as we do. We have no time to waste."
The journey to the temple was treacherous. The jungle seemed to resist their progress, each step met with twisted roots and thorny underbrush. The further they traveled, the heavier the air became, as though the jungle itself was trying to protect the secrets it held.
As they crossed a shallow stream, Liara's sharp ears caught the sound of movement. She raised a hand, signaling for the others to stop.
"We're not alone," she whispered, drawing an arrow and nocking it to her bow.
From the shadows emerged a figure cloaked in tattered robes. Their face was obscured, but the glint of a blade in their hand was unmistakable. Behind them, more figures appeared, each armed and moving with precision.
"Raiders," Zara said under her breath. "Servants of the darkness."
The leader of the raiders stepped forward, their voice echoing unnaturally. "The key belongs to the shadow. You will not take it."
Jacob's grip tightened on his dagger. "We're not backing down. If you stand in our way, you'll regret it."
The raiders charged, and the clearing erupted into chaos. Liara's arrows flew with deadly precision, each shot finding its mark. Zara's staff glowed brightly, unleashing waves of energy that sent the attackers reeling. Jacob moved with practiced skill, his dagger flashing as he parried blows and struck back with lethal force.
Despite their prowess, the raiders' numbers seemed endless. For every one they felled, two more took their place. The group found themselves being pushed back, their strength waning.
"We need an opening!" Jacob shouted, his voice strained.
Zara raised her staff high, chanting in the ancient tongue. A burst of blinding light erupted from its tip, scattering the raiders and giving the group a moment to regroup.
"This way!" Liara called, spotting a narrow path through the trees. They ran, the sounds of pursuit fading as they plunged deeper into the jungle.
Hours later, they stumbled upon the temple Jacob had seen in his vision. Vines and moss clung to its ancient stones, and the air around it hummed with energy. The entrance was marked by two towering statues of warriors, their expressions stern and unyielding.
"This is it," Jacob said, his voice filled with awe. "The key is inside."
Zara stepped forward, her staff glowing faintly. "Be cautious. The darkness won't let us take it without a fight."
As they entered the temple, the shadows seemed to deepen, and a cold wind swept through the corridors. The group pressed on, their resolve unwavering. Whatever lay ahead, they would face it together.
ns 15.158.61.21da2
