Arcane Fang

## 7. Into the Depths ### 7.1. The Ruins Below The swamp's oppressive stillness lingered as Calwyn and Vera finished their search of the encampment. The tents, now eerily silent, yielded little else of value. A faint breeze stirred the fire's embers, sending tendrils of smoke curling upward into the mist. Calwyn stood by the camp's edge, his amber eyes narrowing as he studied the weathered stone staircase leading down into the earth. Its edges were smooth and faintly rounded, as though worn by countless years. Vines twisted through the cracks, clinging to the ancient structure like skeletal fingers. "This is what they were guarding," Calwyn muttered, nodding toward the entrance. Vera joined him, her golden eyes flicking between the staircase and the swamp around them. "Primekin ruins," she said quietly, her voice tinged with a mix of awe and unease. "They wouldn't post this many guards if it wasn't important." Calwyn adjusted the strap of his quiver resting on his lower back, his fingers brushing the now-limited supply of arrows. "Important or dangerous," he said grimly. "Either way, we'll need to be ready." Vera's grip tightened on the worn hilt of the short sword. "We've come this far. No point turning back now." Without another word, they descended. --- The staircase spiraled downward, the faint glow of wall-mounted torches casting flickering shadows against the moss-covered walls. The air grew colder with each step, carrying a metallic tang that made Calwyn's senses sharpen. Each footfall echoed faintly, swallowed quickly by the oppressive silence below. Vera moved ahead, her short sowrd held low but ready, her sharp eyes darting to every crevice where danger might lurk. "Feels like the swamp is a memory here," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Calwyn's fingers hovered near his bowstring, his gaze fixed on the walls as they descended. Strange carvings began to appear-spirals, angular patterns, and symbols that seemed to pulse faintly with a bluish glow. He stopped, running his hand over one of the carvings. "Aetheric markings," he said, his voice low. "I saw these in the ruins before... but they weren't this active." Vera crouched nearby, her golden eyes scanning the patterns. "Active means someone-or something-has been disturbing them. They don't glow like this on their own." The staircase ended abruptly in a wide, circular chamber. The walls were adorned with more carvings, these larger and more intricate. A central pillar dominated the room, its surface covered in spirals that seemed to shift subtly when viewed from the corner of the eye. The torches here burned brighter, as though feeding on something more than mere oil. "Stay close," Calwyn muttered, his voice tense. "We don't know what we're walking into." They stepped forward cautiously, their boots clicking against the polished stone floor. A faint hum filled the air, emanating from the carvings and vibrating faintly in their bones. Calwyn felt the familiar pull of the Aether, a subtle but insistent tug that seemed to connect him to the ruins. The path ahead split into two corridors, each framed by archways carved with more spiraling patterns. The left passage glowed faintly, its carvings more active than the others, while the right was darker, its torches casting long, uneven shadows. "Which way?" Vera asked, her grip tightening on her short sword. Calwyn hesitated, his instincts warring with logic. "Left feels more... alive," he said. "But it might also be more dangerous." "Then we take it," Vera replied firmly. "We can't afford to waste time wandering." They pressed into the left corridor, the glow of the Aether carvings intensifying as they advanced. The air grew colder still, each breath visible as a faint mist. The walls seemed to narrow slightly, and the floor sloped gently downward. Small alcoves lined the path, each containing strange, weathered artifacts-broken statuettes, shattered orbs, and what appeared to be tools of unknown origin. Calwyn paused at one alcove, reaching out to touch a shard of crystal that seemed to hum faintly under his fingers. The moment his hand brushed it, the glow of the carvings surged briefly, illuminating the corridor with an almost blinding intensity. The hum grew louder, and a faint voice-too fragmented to discern-whispered at the edges of his mind. "Cal," Vera's voice cut through the haze, snapping him back. Her golden eyes were sharp, her posture rigid. "Don't touch anything. We don't know what this place is capable of." He nodded, swallowing hard as he stepped back. "You're right. Let's keep moving." ### 7.2. The Ritual Chamber The corridor opened into another chamber, large and awe-inspiring. At its center lay a shallow, circular pool of water, its surface unnaturally still, reflecting a faint, rhythmic pulse of light that seemed to breathe life into the room. Surrounding the pool were seven ancient stone slabs, their surfaces etched with intricate carvings that had withstood the passage of time, adding to the chamber's enigmatic presence.  Rectangular pillars lined the outer edges of the chamber, their towering forms carved with depictions of humanoid figures holding spheres of light. The figures' postures exuded authority and reverence, as if standing vigil over some long-forgotten purpose. Above, an opening in the ceiling allowed a faint shaft of natural light to filter in, mingling with the otherworldly blue glow emanating from the carvings and the pool, casting dynamic, shifting patterns on the water and the weathered walls. The faint glow bathed the chamber in a surreal ambiance, its soft light weaving through the carvings and amplifying the room's ancient symmetry. The atmosphere hung heavy with the weight of time and purpose, almost alive, as though the ruins themselves waited in silent anticipation for a moment of fulfillment-or a worthy intruder to awaken their secrets. "Looks like some kind of ritual site," Vera said, her tone uneasy. Calwyn nodded, his amber eyes scanning the room. "Ritual or control... the Primekin always seemed to blend the two." A faint sound-a low rumble, almost imperceptible-reached them. Vera's ears twitched, and her hand tightened around her short sword. "We're not alone." Calwyn turned, his bow already in hand, an arrow nocked. The rumble grew louder, resonating through the stone walls. From the far side of the chamber, a shadow emerged, its form massive and hulking. The torchlight glinted off thick fur and the faint gleam of metal armor. ### 7.3. The Bear-kin's Wrath A Bear-kin. Its massive frame filled the opening from which it emerged, and its commanding posture radiated an air of dominance. Its deep-set eyes gleamed with disdain as they swept over Calwyn and Vera. "Trespassers," it growled, its voice reverberating through the chamber. "I assume you took care of my men upstairs... sloppy fools." Calwyn and Vera exchanged a wary glance, their grips tightening on their weapons. Calwyn gave a half-smirk, his voice light but edged with irony. "Well, you know how it is-saw some stairs, couldn't resist. Didn't think we'd be interrupting anyone's nap." The Bear-kin let out a low, humorless laugh, stepping forward with deliberate menace. "Nap? Hardly. I'm being paid to keep intruders like you out. And I don't care if these ruins crumble to dust or remain standing for another thousand years. It's just a job." Vera's jaw tightened, her golden eyes narrowing, but she held her ground. "You're working with the humans?" she demanded, her voice steady despite the tension. The Bear-kin bared its teeth in a sneer. "Humans with their greedy ambitions-they're predictable, and they pay well. That's more than I can say for your nature-loving kind," it said, its tone dripping with contempt as its gaze fixed on Vera. "They're desperate to get their hands on whatever's buried here, and I'm more than happy to profit while they stumble around in the dark." The room seemed to grow smaller as the Bear-kin loomed closer, its claws flexing. "You've made it this far, but this is where it ends," it rumbled. "Whether for profit or pride, it makes no difference-you'll answer for stepping where you shouldn't." Calwyn's heart pounded as he felt the faint pull of Aether stirring within him. The cold in the air seemed to sharpen, the shadows at the edges of the chamber growing darker. This wasn't going to end without a fight. --- The chamber pulsed with tension as the Bear-kin advanced, his heavy footfalls booming against the stone walls. His massive broadsword gleamed in the dim light, its edge nicked but no less deadly. A wild grin twisted across his muzzle, baring sharp teeth as he trailed the blade's edge along the wall, the faint screech setting nerves on edge. Sparks flickered in brief, jagged bursts, their light dancing across his maddened eyes. He chuckled, low and unhinged, the sound growing into a guttural laugh that echoed through the chamber, each note laced with something far worse than anger-a chilling joy in the chaos to come. He chuckled, low and unhinged, pausing mid-step to glance at his opponents. "Hear that?" he growled, gesturing to the screeching blade. "That's the sound of inevitability." Calwyn's lips twitched into a smirk. "I'd say he's got a flair for dramatics," he muttered, his bow drawn as he circled the fight watching for an opening. The metallic screech echoed through the chamber, a harsh and unyielding proclamation of his relentless approach. Vera's eyes narrowed. Without hesitation, Vera sheathed the short sword at her side and unslung her spear, gripping it tightly as she stepped forward. Her stance was unwavering, every muscle taut with readiness for the clash ahead. "Still trying to scare me? That's cute," she said, lunging at his right flank. The Bear-kin twisted with surprising agility, his blade sweeping down to meet the attack. The spear's wooden shaft shuddered under the force of the parry, the sharp crack of wood against steel echoing through the chamber. His rumbling laughter followed, low and mocking. "You think you can challenge me with that twig?" he mocked, his deep-set eyes glinting with disdain. Vera didn't respond, feinting to the left before thrusting low toward his leg. He stepped back just in time, the tip of her spear skimming his armored shin. "Vera! Aim for the eyes, just like the heroes in the legends! Or hamsters, apparently," Calwyn quipped, his grin widening. "Less talking, more aiming," Vera shot back, her golden eyes never leaving the Bear-kin. She dodged a sweeping strike, the edge of his blade cutting through the air inches from her side. Calwyn released his first arrow. It struck the Bear-kin's chest armor with a sharp crack, splintering uselessly. The Bear-kin barely flinched, his attention still fixed on Vera. "That all you've got, boy?" he sneered. Calwyn didn't reply, already nocking another arrow. This one flew true, sinking into the Bear-kin's right thigh. The beast snarled in pain but didn't falter, his blade flashing as he pushed Vera back. "Calwyn!" Vera called, leaping aside to avoid a crushing overhead strike. The force of the blow sent cracks spidering through the stone floor. "I'm working on it!" Calwyn retorted, pulling a small vial from his pack. As he spread the next three arrows with the venom-laced liquid, his jaw tightened. "Better make them count...", he said to himself throwing the empty vial on the ground. Vera pressed her attack, jabbing toward the Bear-kin's exposed side. He caught the spear with his free hand, his claws tightening around the shaft. With a growl, he swung his sword, severing the weapon in two. Vera stumbled back, clutching the broken shaft. The Bear-kin roared, advancing on her. "You should have stayed home, little cub," he snarled, raising his sword for another strike. Calwyn loosed his third arrow. It struck the Bear-kin's shoulder armor with a sharp crack, the force causing him to stagger just enough for Vera to dart out of range of his sweeping blade. Splinters scattered across the floor as the Bear-kin growled in irritation. "You're welcome!" Calwyn called, already nocking another arrow. "Do better!" Vera shouted, tossing the jagged remnants of her broken spear aside. In one swift motion, she drew her short sword, its blade gleaming faintly in the dim light. Sidestepping another heavy swing from the Bear-kin, she thrust upward, aiming for his unprotected throat. The Bear-kin leaned back just in time, the blade grazing his fur as he snarled in defiance. The fourth arrow flew with precision, but the Bear-kin's reflexes were faster. His arm shot up, and the arrow struck his thick leather armband with a sharp crack, splintering as it failed to penetrate. The force of the impact made him snarl, but he barely flinched. He spun toward Calwyn, his lips curling into a feral grin. "Is that all you've got? Come closer, and I'll show you real pain," he roared, his voice reverberating with rage. His eyes burned with fury, his movements fueled by sheer anger and unyielding strength. Calwyn seized the moment. The Bear-kin's raised arm, still poised from intercepting the previous arrow, left a gap in the armor beneath his overlapping plates. Calwyn's fifth arrow flew with precision, slipping through the opening and embedding itself deep into the Bear-kin's side. The beast staggered, his breath catching as the venom seeped into his veins. His muscles trembled, and his movements became jagged and erratic, each step more labored than the last. "You'll pay for that!" the Bear-kin bellowed, his voice shaking the air. Abandoning Vera, he charged toward Calwyn with a thunderous roar. The archer darted through the chamber, weaving between pillars as his mind raced. His eyes scanned the dim chamber until he spotted a cluster of shadows pooling near a half-crumbling alcove. He slipped into the darkness, pressing himself against the cold stone, his breath steady as he tried to pinpoint the Bear-kin's movements by sound alone. "Over here, big guy!" Calwyn's voice echoed sharply, bouncing off the stone walls. He smirked to himself, knowing the taunt would draw the Bear-kin's ire. His hand brushed the rough surface of the pillar, his fingers tingling as Aether flowed through him, pulling strength from the darkness around him. Crouching low, he steadied himself. The air seemed to shift-cooler, heavier-as the Aether responded to his will. Shadows at the edge of the chamber deepened unnaturally, pooling and twisting as if alive. The Bear-kin's heavy footsteps echoed through the space, each one closer than the last. Calwyn remained still, his breathing measured, his presence fading into the gloom. The Bear-kin slowed, his sword dragged against the floor as he scanned the unnatural darkness, his snarl turning into a frustrated growl. Vera took the opportunity to regain her footing. "Calwyn, now's not the time to hide!" she yelled, gripping her weapon tightly. The shadows around the pillar seemed to deepen. The Bear-kin slowed, his eyes scanning the dim light. "Coward," he growled, stepping closer. Calwyn struck. Emerging from the shadows, he swung his bow with all his strength, striking the Bear-kin's arm and forcing him to drop his sword. The Bear-kin roared in fury, twisting toward him, but Calwyn was already moving. With a fluid motion, Calwyn unsheathed his short sword. As the Bear-kin raised his massive arm to strike, the gap beneath the shoulder plate momentarily exposed, Calwyn swung with all his strength. The blade struck true, slicing deep into the joint where tendon and muscle met, bypassing the armor. The impact sent a jolt up Calwyn's arm, and the Bear-kin's bellow of pain filled the chamber as the limb went limp, the nerves and muscles severed. But the fight wasn't over. The beast staggered back, clutching at his injured shoulder with his remaining hand. Blood poured down his side, dripping onto the stone floor in a steady rhythm. Yet his sheer rage seemed to fuel him, his roars shaking the chamber. "You think this is enough to stop me?" he bellowed, his wild eyes burning with fury. With a feral snarl, the Bear-kin lashed out with his good arm, like a hammer. The blow caught Calwyn mid-dive, sending him hurtling backward. His body slammed into the stone wall with a sickening thud, the impact forcing the air from his lungs. Black spots danced in his vision as he struggled to regain his footing, each breath coming in ragged gasps. Vera saw her chance. With a sharp cry, she charged in, her short sword flashing in the dim light. She aimed for the Bear-kin's side, her steps quick and precise. But the beast twisted with unnatural speed, his claws swiping toward her in a deadly arc. Vera ducked low, her blade grazing his side and drawing blood. She rolled to safety just as his claws raked the air where she had been moments before. Calwyn groaned, pushing himself up from the wall. His hand instinctively went to his ribs, pain flaring with every breath. "Get it together," he muttered to himself, his amber eyes narrowing as he forced his focus back on the fight. The Bear-kin's growl deepened as he staggered, his blood pooling around his feet, his injured arm hanging limp at his side, twisted unnaturally from the devastating strike. Yet his sheer size and unrelenting rage made him no less deadly. His wild eyes locked on Vera first, then shifted to Calwyn, as if weighing his next target. "Stay low!" Calwyn barked, his voice strained but urgent. The Bear-kin lunged toward Vera, his remaining claws swiping in a wide arc. She ducked beneath the blow, using the momentum to pivot behind him. Her short sword lashed out, carving a deep gash across his side. The beast roared, spinning to face her, but the motion left his back open. Calwyn caught Vera's eye, a fleeting moment of shared intent passing between them. With a sharp nod, they moved as one. Calwyn surged forward, ignoring the burning pain in his ribs, his short sword gripped tightly. While Vera kept the Bear-kin's focus with quick, darting feints, Calwyn closed the distance. He aimed for the exposed back of the beast's knee, driving the blade deep. The strike severed muscle, and with a guttural bellow of pain, the Bear-kin crashed to one knee, the chamber echoing with the sound of his collapse. The beast twisted, his remaining claw swiping blindly toward Calwyn. He darted back just in time, the Bear-kin's claws narrowly missing his chest. The beast's ragged breathing echoed in the chamber, his strength waning but his defiance unbroken. Vera didn't hesitate. She circled around, her blade poised for the final strike. The Bear-kin swung wildly, but his movements were sluggish, his strength sapped by blood loss, venom, and pain. Vera leapt onto his back, plunging her short sword deep into the base of his neck. The Bear-kin's roar turned to a guttural gasp as he collapsed forward, his massive body slamming into the stone floor with a resounding thud. The chamber fell silent, save for the sound of their labored breathing. Vera rolled off his back, landing on her feet with a sharp exhale. She glanced at Calwyn, who leaned heavily against a pillar, his sword still gripped tightly in one hand. "You okay?" she asked, her voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins. He nodded weakly. His amber eyes were sharp, though pain flickered across his expression. "I've had better days," he said, his voice strained. "You?" "Still breathing," Vera replied, her tone steady but carrying a hint of weariness. She nudged the Bear-kin with her boot, her lip curling slightly. "He fought like it meant everything to him." Calwyn straightened with a wince, his hand pressed to his ribs as he exhaled slowly. His gaze lingered on the fallen mercenary, the lifeless form now still in the flickering light. "And all for a paycheck," he muttered, shaking his head. His voice softened, touched with irony. "Guess the money wasn't worth it." ### 7.4. Aftermath and Discovery Calwyn stepped forward, his gaze settling on the Bear-kin's lifeless form. His movements were careful as he retrieved his arrows, examining each one for damage. Two were broken, their splintered shafts discarded onto the stone floor. He managed to recover three intact, wiping the blood and viscera from their tips with a grimace before sliding them back into his quiver. Vera crouched by the Bear-kin, rifling through the pouches strapped to his belt. Her claws made quick work of the leather ties, and she pulled out a handful of items: a small flask, a bundle of dried meat, and a tarnished medallion. She turned the medallion over in her hand, her brow furrowing. "What's this?" she muttered, holding it up to the faint torchlight. Calwyn stepped closer, his amber eyes narrowing as he examined it. The medallion was round and slightly larger than his palm, its surface etched with intricate patterns that seemed to spiral inward. Despite its tarnished appearance, the design was remarkably intricate. "Primekin craftsmanship," he said thoughtfully. "Could be valuable." Calwyn gave the medalion back to Vera, her ears twitched as she slipped the medallion into her pouch. "We'll figure it out later." Calwyn nodded, his attention drifting to the Bear-kin's broadsword. The massive weapon gleamed faintly in the dim light, its intricate engravings near the hilt catching his eye. "We're not carrying that beast of a blade now," he said, his tone practical. "But maybe we grab it on the way out-might fetch a good price." His gaze shifted back to Vera. "Anything else worth taking?" "Just this," Vera replied, handing him the flask and the rest of the dried meat. Calwyn tucked the provisions into his pack before uncorking the flask cautiously. The faint scent of a strong spirit wafted out. He took a small sip, wincing as the liquid burned down his throat. "Not water," he rasped, recorking it and tucking it away. "But it might help if we need to clean a wound." Vera stood, brushing her hands against her thighs as she surveyed the chamber. The pillars loomed like silent sentinels, their surfaces scarred from the battle. The shallow pool in the center of the room rippled faintly, the water dark and still. "We should move soon," she said, her voice steady. "That fight wasn't quiet." "Just give me a second," Calwyn said, adjusting the strap of his quiver. His eyes flicked to the Bear-kin one last time before turning to Vera. "Why would someone like him be down here?" Vera's gaze hardened, her jaw tightening. "Whoever hired him isn't just playing games. They're planning something, and whatever it is, it's big enough to warrant a mercenary like this." She glanced toward the darkened corridors ahead, her voice sharpening. "But right now, my mother is all that matters. We find her first-then we deal with whatever these humans are up to." Together, they turned toward the far end of the chamber, where a narrow corridor beckoned them deeper into the ruins. The faint hum of Aetheric energy seemed to grow stronger, resonating in the still air like a distant heartbeat. Shadows clung to the walls as the torchlight from the room dimmed, and the weight of the unknown settled over them like a shroud. ### 7.5. Silent Strikes The corridor stretched ahead, narrowing as the walls pressed closer together. The air was cooler here, tinged with the faint scent of damp stone and earth. Their steps were cautious, the silence between them born not of tension but of understanding. Every glance exchanged was brief, yet laden with unspoken coordination. As they rounded a corner, Calwyn froze, his hand raised in warning. Vera halted instantly, her golden eyes narrowing as her ears twitched toward the faint murmur of voices up ahead. Calwyn leaned against the wall, peering around the bend. Two human soldiers stood in a faintly lit chamber, their backs to the narrow entrance. One was adjusting his armor while the other held a spear loosely, the metal tip resting against the ground. He gestured toward Vera, motioning her closer. "Two of them," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Looks like a patrol." Vera nodded, her grip on her short sword tightening. "We take them quietly," she murmured. Calwyn's lips quirked into a faint smirk. "I was about to say the same thing." Sliding an arrow from his quiver, Calwyn nocked it, the faint creak of the bowstring the only sound breaking the stillness. Vera glanced at Calwyn, her golden eyes narrowing. With a slight nod, she began to move, her steps silent as she stalked forward, her short sword glinting faintly in the sparse light. Calwyn remained still, his amber eyes locked on the targets, the tension in his bowstring steady and controlled. She paused just behind the soldiers, her tail flicking once-a subtle signal. Calwyn drew the bowstring back even further. With a steady breath, he released. The arrow flew with a muted twang, embedding itself in the neck of the soldier with the spear. The man stiffened, his hand twitching toward his throat as his body began to collapse. Before the lifeless form could hit the ground, Vera moved. Her blade plunged into the base of the second soldier's neck, her strike precise and silent. The man's eyes widened in shock, his hands clawing instinctively at the weapon now protruding from his throat. A faint, wet gurgle escaped him before his knees buckled, and he crumpled to the floor, lifeless. The chamber was silent once more, the faint drip of water the only sound. Vera wiped her blade clean on the fallen soldier's tunic, her expression calm and focused. Calwyn stepped forward, retrieving his arrow from the first man with a grimace. "Still usable," he muttered, sliding it back into his quiver. Vera crouched to search the bodies, her movements swift and methodical. "Nothing much," she said, pulling a small pouch of coins from one of the soldiers' belts. Her eyes fell on the spear the soldier had been holding. Its iron tip gleamed faintly in the dim light, a far sturdier weapon than her makeshift wooden one. She picked it up, testing its weight and balance. "This might actually be useful," she murmured, gripping it firmly. Her tail flicked as she adjusted her hold, the corners of her mouth lifting slightly in satisfaction. "Better than the one I lost." Calwyn glanced at her new acquisition, nodding in approval. "Good. We're going to need every edge we can get." Calwyn adjusted his quiver, his amber eyes scanning the chamber. "Let's keep moving," he said. "They'll notice these two are missing soon enough." Vera stood, nodding. Her golden eyes flicked to Calwyn, her tail giving a faint, almost satisfied twitch. "Nice shot, by the way," she said quietly. "Nice timing," he replied with a smirk. Together, they slipped into the shadows, leaving the silent bodies behind as they continued deeper into the ruins.