The morning was cold and damp when Dagrík gathered the Skuggulfr clan to announce their new mission. The camp, nestled in a clearing north of Prontera, buzzed with the usual sounds of daily life—swords clinking as they were sharpened, the crackle of the campfire, and the low murmurs of clan members discussing combat strategy. Thanatos and Einar, still young and inexperienced, were off to the side of the clearing, practicing basic weapon movements when Dagrík's deep voice echoed across the camp.
"Everyone, gather! We have a new mission," he declared, his imposing presence demanding silence. "We've been summoned to investigate Geffen—the new city built upon the ruins of Geffenia. There have been reports of strange activity: guards acting on orders that were never given, sightings of the dead, and recurring nightmares among the townsfolk. It's considered a low-priority mission, but the Crown has specifically requested our presence."
At the mention of Geffenia, a heavy silence fell over the group. Many had fought in the war that destroyed the ancient elven city. For some, like Kjetil, the faces of fallen comrades came rushing back. Thanatos, who had witnessed Geffenia's destruction, felt a chill run down his spine. He glanced at Einar, who, despite his attempt to appear nonchalant, looked visibly intrigued.
"Why us?" Kjetil asked, crossing his arms. "Isn't this the kind of job that a smaller group could handle?"
Dagrík nodded. "Normally, yes. But this case is... unusual. Lord Edvard Dúnas, Geffen's governor, specifically requested a clan with experience in both investigation and combat. They need people who can handle unexpected situations."
Everyone knew what "unexpected situations" truly meant. Thanatos, unable to contain his curiosity, stepped forward. "Dagrík, can we come too? Me and Einar. We want to help."
The clan leader looked at the boy for a moment, as if weighing the decision. Dagrík was always stern, but he saw potential in Thanatos. The boy had already shown courage in tough moments. After a pause, he nodded. "Alright. But remember—this isn't a game. If you come with me, you follow my orders without question. Understood?"
"Yes, sir!" they replied in unison.
Kjetil chuckled and placed a hand on Thanatos's shoulder. "Don't worry, kid. I'll make sure you two don't get into trouble. Einar, that goes double for you."
Einar grinned mischievously. "Me? Trouble? Never."
The journey to Geffen took two days. The group—Dagrík, Kjetil, Thanatos, and Einar—traveled through the roads of Rune-Midgard, passing rolling green fields and quiet villages. Though the scenery was calm, the air grew heavier as they approached their destination.
At night, gathered around the campfire, Kjetil would lighten the mood with stories of his younger days—back when he was a merchant in Prontera fighting off Porings and Drops, or his first real battle alongside Dagrík. Thanatos listened closely, though his thoughts often drifted to Geffenia—scenes of war, the destruction of the elven city by humans and dwarves, the massacre of its people. He wondered what it must have been like to live there before the fall.
Einar, on the other hand, was more excited about the mysteries ahead. "Dagrík, do you think we'll actually see ghosts? Or is it just the townsfolk being paranoid?"
Dagrík looked at him seriously. "Never underestimate the reports. Where there's smoke, there's fire. If something is haunting Geffen, it's our job to find out."
When they finally reached the gates of Geffen, the sight was impressive. Towering spires rose behind stone walls still bearing scars from past battles. Yet the reconstruction was evident—fresh wooden houses lined the streets, and merchants sold goods from makeshift stalls. Still, there was something undeniably strange in the air. The sky, though clear, seemed darker than it should be. The usual noise of a bustling city was muted, as if even the wind was afraid to disturb the silence.
Thanatos and Einar took it all in. They immediately noticed the robed figures of Freyja's pilgrims, their soft voices preaching love, light, and redemption. A middle-aged woman paused beside Thanatos and gave him a kind smile.
"Do you feel it, young one?" she asked, her voice low and gentle. "Freyja's presence is here... but something dark is casting a shadow over it."
Thanatos didn't know how to respond, but Einar jumped in. "Ah, of course, the goddess Freyja. We're here to investigate that very thing. So tell me—what's got everyone so on edge?"
The woman sighed. "Nightmares. Apparitions. We no longer know what's real and what's illusion. May the goddess light your path, children."
Dagrík called them forward, and the group pressed deeper into the city. As they walked, Thanatos couldn't take his eyes off the scattered remnants of Geffenia—moss-covered ruins still visible among the rebuilt structures, a haunting reminder of the past.
When they arrived at Lord Edvard Dúnas's office, they were met by weary, tense guards who tried to keep up appearances. The governor, a tall man with graying hair and sunken eyes, stood to greet them. His voice was steady, but fatigue weighed heavy in his tone.
"Welcome to Geffen. I hope you can help us solve this mystery before the city collapses into chaos."
Dagrík wasted no time. "Tell us everything. What's happening here?"
Edvard took a deep breath. "It began a few weeks ago. First came the nightmares—people waking up screaming, saying they'd seen dead relatives. Then, the guards started reporting visions and hearing voices. Some acted against orders, claiming I had commanded them. But I never did."
Kjetil leaned forward, eyes narrowing. "And what were those orders?"
"The most troubling incident was when a group broke into the central tower," Edvard replied. "It's been sealed by law since the fall of Geffenia. But they swore I personally ordered them to enter. I never gave such an order."
Thanatos exchanged a glance with Einar. What was in that tower that could cause such unrest?
With a plan in place, Dagrík split the team in two. He and Kjetil would explore the outer districts, home to the more reclusive families, while Thanatos and Einar were tasked with watching the central square, full of workers and travelers. For the two boys, this was the perfect chance to prove they could contribute.
"Remember," Dagrík warned before leaving, "listen, observe, and filter. The wildest tales often hide a kernel of truth."
Thanatos nodded. Einar gave a mischievous grin. "Don't worry, boss. If we hear anything useful, you'll be the first to know."
Their first stop was a blacksmith's workshop near the plaza. The sound of hammers echoed as the broad-shouldered man, his face stained with soot, adjusted a glowing blade on the anvil. He paused his work when he noticed the two boys, raising a tired eyebrow and motioning them closer.
"If you're here for weapons, come back later. I'm swamped with orders," he said bluntly, not bothering to hide his impatience.
Thanatos stepped forward and explained that they were investigating the strange events in the city. The blacksmith let out a heavy sigh and dropped his hammer on the bench with a loud clang.
"You too, huh? I can't say much, but I did see something strange a few days ago." He leaned forward, resting his muscular arms on the counter. "The governor ordered city guards to enter the central tower. That alone is odd—everyone knows that place is off-limits. But there's more… he looked different."
"Different how?" asked Einar, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"Empty," the blacksmith said, tapping his temple. "Like someone had stolen his mind. A few of the guards had that same hollow look."
Thanatos exchanged a worried glance with Einar before thanking the man. His account seemed to confirm the growing rumors of a supernatural influence spreading through the city.
Not far from the plaza, they found an old man sitting on a stone bench, wrapped in a thick cloak, his eyes fixed on a small piece of wood he was carefully carving. Thanatos and Einar approached quietly, trying not to startle him.
"Good afternoon," Thanatos greeted. "We're investigating the strange occurrences in Geffen. May we ask you a few questions?"
The elder looked up, studying them for a moment before nodding. His voice was frail but filled with emotion. "I saw something… something that brought me both joy and pain."
"Would you be willing to tell us what it was?" Thanatos asked, sitting beside him.
"My wife," the old man replied, his eyes misting over. "She died five years ago. But I saw her… standing in my living room as if she'd never left. She smiled at me, just like she used to every morning, and before I could say a word… she vanished."
Einar leaned forward, intrigued. "Are you sure it wasn't a dream?"
"Absolutely certain," the man said firmly. "I was awake. It felt as real as you two sitting here now."
Thanatos thanked him, though the story left the two boys unsettled. Ghostly apparitions were rare, even in a world where magic was real.
By a small fountain, they encountered one of Freyja's pilgrims. The man wore a long coat adorned with floral symbols, his hands joined in silent prayer. When the boys approached, he opened his eyes and greeted them with a warm smile.
"Blessings, young ones. Can you feel Freyja's presence in this place?"
Thanatos hesitated before answering. "We're investigating the unusual events in the city. Is there anything you know that could help us?"
The pilgrim closed his eyes, as if searching inward. "Freyja is love and light, but not even she can shield all from the forces that corrupt. There is something in Geffen… something that defies even the goddess's grace. A shadow trying to creep into the places where the light is strongest."
Einar crossed his arms, trying to decipher the meaning. "This shadow… does it have a form? Is it something we can fight?"
The pilgrim opened his eyes, looking at them solemnly. "I cannot say. I only feel its presence. Be cautious, young ones. Not everything can be overcome with strength alone."
After gathering these accounts, Thanatos and Einar regrouped with Dagrík and Kjetil at the entrance to the Mage Guild. The building was a grand stone structure with elegant arches, but its interior was in disarray. Crates of books and scrolls lay scattered, and furniture was yet to be properly arranged.
"Looks like they're still settling in," Kjetil remarked as a young apprentice rushed by, arms full of enchanted staffs.
They were welcomed by Magnus Aldred, the guild leader—a man with silver hair and sharp eyes, who carried the weight of decades of magical knowledge. He led them to a makeshift meeting room.
"We're aware of the disturbances in the city," Magnus began. "It's no surprise you've sensed the oppressive air. There is a magical force here… an ancient presence. But its origin still eludes me."
While Dagrík and Kjetil discussed details with Magnus, Thanatos noticed a girl with white hair sitting quietly in a corner, arranging books on a shelf. Something about her drew his attention—maybe her age, or the calmness she radiated. Hesitating for a moment, he decided to approach.
"Hi," he said shyly. "I'm Thanatos. What's your name?"
The girl turned, her blue eyes bright with curiosity. "I'm Elina. I'm an apprentice mage."
Thanatos smiled brightly. "You're a kid too! I thought only adults worked here."
Elina gave a small smile. "Not all of them. I'm a war orphan. The guild took me in."
They began to talk, and soon they were laughing and playing like old friends. Elina showed Thanatos a simple spell that made a small flame dance in her palm, while he demonstrated his sword skills using an imaginary blade.
When Dagrík called for them, Thanatos reluctantly said goodbye. "I'll come back to see you," he promised.
"I'll be here," Elina replied with a smile.
After leaving the guild, Dagrík gathered the group. "Magnus confirmed what we feared: there's a magical presence in the city, but its source is unknown. We must consider the possibility that a supernatural being is influencing the local governance."
Thanatos and Einar exchanged anxious glances. The pieces were coming together, but the picture forming was far more disturbing than they'd imagined. Something was wrong in Geffen—and the central tower seemed to be at the heart of it.
"Let's keep moving," Dagrík said. "There's still much to uncover."