It had been at least five hours since the trio came to the dim chamber which was lit by a single shining crystal. The crystal cast eerie shadows on the damp, stone walls. The air was thick with the scent of moss and earth, and the occasional drip of water echoed through the silence.
Not a word had been spoken since they had sat down. Ryan, sensing the unnerving silence asked the human a couple of questions, "So, what's your name? And what are you doing down here?"
"Ah! I am… Nravk, I am a male human who's making sure that no elves get up this mountains unnoticed!" Said Nravk as his hand began twitching.
This guy's pretty odd, you can't blame him though, living isolated in a dark damp cave for a while couldn't have helped his mind, Ryan thought to himself. WhileEleanor couldn't help but tilt her head in confusion as she looked at 'Nravk'.
To prevent the situation from becoming any more awkward, Ryan decided to break the ice. He cleared his throat and gestured to himself.
"My name's Ryan," he started, then nodded towards his companion, "and this arrow-attracting magnet is Eleanor."
Eleanor managed a weak smile, wincing as she shifted her position.
"She's usually more charming when she isn't bleeding from her shoulder," he added, his attempt at humor was completely lost on Nravk. Then, turning back to Nravk with a more serious tone, he asked, "When do you think we'll be able to meet up with some other humans so that she can get some medical assistance?"
"Ah, yes... heroes like yourselves will need to stay hidden a bit longer. Don't want to get caught by those elves. But don't worry, I'll make sure Eleanor gets the care she needs!"
A distant sound echoed through the tunnels. Nravk's head snapped towards the entrance, his entire body tensing. For a split second, Ryan thought he saw something strange about Nravk's eyes, but in the dim light, he couldn't be sure.
The darkness felt oppressive, making it hard for Ryan to think clearly. A nagging sense of unease grew in the pit of his stomach. Something wasn't right, but exhaustion, hunger and stress clouded his judgment.
Eleanor shifted uncomfortably, wincing as she adjusted her makeshift bandage. "How much longer do you think we'll need to wait?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Nravk turned back to them, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Not too long now. Just rest. You're perfectly safe here with me!"
Ryan nodded, but the unease in his stomach grew. He glanced at Eleanor, noticing the pallor of her skin in the dim light. Her injury needed attention soon.
"I appreciate your help, Nravk," Ryan said carefully, "but Eleanor's wound is serious. How much longer until we can reach other humans? Surely there must be a settlement or outpost nearby?"
Nravk's smile faltered for a moment, a monotone expression crossed his face. When he spoke, his voice was low and controlled, but with an edge that hadn't been there before.
"I told you, Ryan, you're safe here. Asking again will not change a thing. We leave when I say it's safe to leave."
The sudden shift in Nravk's demeanor sent a chill down Ryan's spine. He opened his mouth to respond but thought better of it, instead moving closer to Eleanor.
Another hour passed in tense silence. Ryan drifted in and out of fitful sleep, each time waking to find Nravk in the exact same position, staring unblinkingly at the chambers entrance.
Eleanor's condition worsened. She shivered despite the sweat beading on her forehead.
Ryan couldn't take it anymore. He stood up, facing Nravk. "Look, I'm grateful for your help, but we can't stay here any longer. Eleanor needs medical attention now."
Nravk slowly turned his head towards Ryan, his movements oddly stiff. For a moment, his eyes seemed to glow an odd green in the darkness, but Ryan blinked, and the illusion was gone.
"Sit. Down." Nravk's voice was barely above a whisper, but it carried a weight that made Ryan's knees want to buckle.
"We're leaving," Ryan said, surprised by the steadiness in his own voice. He bent to help Eleanor up.
Nravk was on his feet in an instant, moving with a speed that seemed impossible in the confined space. His hand clamped down on Ryan's shoulder, fingers digging in with inhuman strength. If it wasn't for the strength-boosting cherries Ryan had eaten in the forest, Ryan's shoulder would have broken by now.
"I said," Nravk hissed, his face inches from Ryan's, "sit down." Ryan quickly buckled to Nravk's pressure and fell down to the floor.
The last thing this bastard is, is a human.
Nravk mechanically walked back to the other side of the chamber, sat down and then turned back to the duo. "Sorry about that! Sometimes I get slightly agitated but no need to worry! Anyway, how strong are you two? So that I know if you can help me if we get attacked by elves out there!" Nravk's voice had reverted back to its cheerful sounding-self.
This things a terrible liar… I need to tell him that we are stronger than we actually are or he'll probably kill instantly. From just feeling his strength and aura, he is, at the very least, as strong as that elf swordsman back in Elerea.
Hmm, but he saw me cast 'Lux' and it had no effect on him, so he may know that I am a low teir mage.
Ryan, after thinking as quickly as he could, responded, "I'm just a teir one apprentice, nothing special really, but my master here, Eleanor, is a high teir 5, half step sage! You have probably already recognised her though, as you seem to be a soldier from the Rupes kingdom which is where she's from, right?"
"Of course! I remember Eleanor the saint! She is very famous and will be very useful in fighting those elves." Said Nravk with a cheerful smile.
Yeah, we have to leave ASAP. I need to find a way out of here, without needing that… thing to guide us. Thought Ryan, as he stared at Nravk who was looking at the tunnel entrance unblinkingly.