Loopshard

Old Town was a city of grey stone with lichen and moss covering almost every wall in the alleys out of sight of the main thoroughfare. Shadows seemed to cling unnaturally to the nooks and crannies, like flickering mirages at the edge of Adam’s vision. The buildings were stocky hollowed-out blocks of stone, and grey lanterns carved ages past ran down the thoroughfare.

Beck had told him how the Forlorn Shadow would spread from the castle in the east, creeping across the green hills until it reached Old Town on the sixth day. Anywhere the Shadow touched, death would be suspended, turning every corpse against them. Even before then, it was clear the Shadow had a far-reaching claw that could lift up the dead individually, haunting them like ceaseless spectres. Only by the light of a true flame could they turn away the Shadow, but that was easier said than done.

Adam looked to the sun.

I need to figure out how to create sun fire quickly.

Their escort let them go once they reached a large open plaza in the centre of the city, with the promise that they would head for the church. It’s main spire was visible from the plaza, despite being several streets away, and it seemed to be rather large, indicating it was likely an important cathedral in the region.

They watched the riders hurry back down the thoroughfare to reach the rolling green fields beyond Old Town.

“Should we do some shopping first?” Seo-Yoon asked, looking around at the many stalls.

Despite the looming threat, the people seemed generally at ease. Guards wearing chainmail and yellow tunics were stationed around the area, keeping an eye out for trouble.

“With what?” Natalia countered. “We don’t have any money.”