A/N: And here's the next chapter! The rift to the Shadowfell has been sealed, and the forest is slowly returning to normal. Let's see the aftermath of our heroes actions.
Disclaimer: I don't own Dungeons and Dragons. I only own my original ideas.
Chapter 52: Shadows Fade
The path back out of the forest was far easier than the way in. Already, we could see the changes our actions had brought about. The lingering shadows that had been heavy in the air before were quickly retreating, and light once again reached the forest floor. We made our way back down the river, eventually reaching what was left of Stillwater. This place was unfortunately too far gone, and as such remained in its ephemeral state. After more travelling, we made it back to Timberwater. Once there, the guards swiftly brought us before Lord Alxion.
"You've returned," said Alxion, "we here can already see the effects. Thank you for aiding us with this".
"It was our pleasure," said Krisyra.
"I would like to offer you a bounty for your service to the people of the land," said Alxion, "Here you are".
He pulled out a good sized sack of bulging with coins. As he placed it before us, I examined it and observed it to contain 2,500 gold coins.
"Are you sure?" I asked, "this is quite a considerable amount of coin".
"Completely," said Alxion, "You've saved my people, if not all the world from this darkness. By the way, what was the source?"
"An ancient artifact deep within the ruins in the forest," said Narcrath, "it resembled a lantern burning with a blue flame. It seems that the root of one of the forest's trees somehow activated this artifact. From what I could tell, it was a gateway to the Shadowfell. We destroyed the lantern, sealing the portal".
"Well, thank you again," said Alxion, "What will you do now?"
"Most likely continue travelling," said Charles.
"I see," said Alxion, "well, at least allow us to offer you a room for the night".
My companions headed off to the inn, while I found a spot on the edge of town. As I lay down, I caught a familiar scent. I glanced up, and spotted a familiar drake resting in a tree. He smirked at me, and spoke up.
"Well, fancy meeting you here," said the drake.
"Are you following me?" I asked.
"Maybe, maybe not," said the drake, "Good to see this forest is recovering".
"I agree, though that's the second planar rift I've run into recently," I said, "That's worrisome".
"Well, you seem to be handling them alright so far," said the drake, "Anyway, I'd like to extend my personal thanks for destroying the source of the corruption in the forest. This place… well, its special to me",
"Oh," I said, "In what way?"
"It was where I hatched," said the drake, "you didn't run into any members of kind in the forest, did you?"
"No, I saw wolves, owlbears, and humanoids all corrupted by the power of the Shadowfell," I said, "No dragons except me"
"Well, that either very good or very bad," said the drake, "In either case I'll have some work to do clearing what remains of these shadow-touched creatures".
"Would you like my companions and I to aid you?" I asked.
"Nah, I can handle it," said the drake, "But I won't forget the help you've given me. See you around, big guy".
The drake hopped down from his tree, and wandered off into the forest. I couldn't help smiling knowing that at least I was having a small impact to the world, and actually helping others. I soon difted off to sleep, thins knowledge in mind.
The next morning, I rejoined my companions in townm and discovered we had more familiar faces: it was the trio from the Emerald Enclave.
"I see you've been busy," said the Lizardfolk, "You five are making quite a name for yourselves".
"What's going on?" asked Krisyra, "do you need a report on what we encountered?"
"No, Lord Alxion has already provided the information you shared with him," said the Elf, "Good job closing the rift. Based on how much the shadows had spread, I suspect if you hadn't been here, the gate could have stabilized, creating a permanent portal to the Shadowfell. Luckily, you prevented that".
"Yes, you seem to have a habit of being in the right place at the right time," said the human, "whether that's a simple case of luck or you were guided by fate I know not. All that matter is that this threat to the world's safety had been secured once more".
"Has your investigation gotten any results yet?" asked Narcrath.
"Nothing yet," said the human, "but we've heard rumors of an organization calling themselves the Shadow Triad. We don't know how they might be involved, assuming they're not a false lead. That said, there is something that you can aid us with".
"What exactly do you need?" I asked.
"Some distance south of here, there's a lone volcanic peak that is said to have long ago been the lair of a powerful wizard. The Shadow Triad has been spotted in that area. We would ask you to investigate. We know not what exactly their up to, but I doubt it to be anything good," said the elf.
"Well that sounds like it might be worth looking into," said Charles, "We'll do it".
"Very well," said the elf, "Take this map. It will guide you to your destination".
They handed over the back, and looking over my companions' shoulders I could see it would take at least a tenday to reach the nearest town to this mountain.
"Hmm, it's going to be quite a journey," said Lydratir, "we better get on the road soon".
A short time later, our preparations were complete and we set off again, heading toawards our new destination.
A/N: And there we go! Next time, Our heroes make their way to the mountain where the Shadow Triad is lurking. see you then!