Word of the strange marks spread through Emberfall like wildfire. By dawn, anxious murmurs filled the air as villagers gathered at the square, demanding answers. The council had called an emergency meeting, and Kieran found himself caught in the crowd, Rag pressed close to his side.
Old Bram, the village elder, stood at the center, leaning heavily on his staff. His wrinkled face was grim, eyes shadowed with concern. Mira and Jace joined Kieran, exchanging uneasy glances as the elder raised his hand for silence.
"We've faced troubles before," Bram began, his voice weary but steady. "Wild beasts, harsh winters, bandit raids. But this... this is different."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd, and one man shouted, "Is it a curse? Are we being punished?"
Bram shook his head. "Superstition won't help us now. We must focus on the facts. Two sites marked—burned and scarred with symbols none of us recognize. Whatever this is, it's not natural."
A woman spoke up, voice quivering. "My father told stories about ancient magic—of curses that linger in the land. Could it be something awakened?"
Jace leaned toward Kieran, whispering, "Sounds like folk tales. But after what we saw... who knows?"
Kieran remained quiet, thinking of the stranger and the uneasy feeling that hadn't left him since. When Bram called for ideas, he cleared his throat and stepped forward.
"We should organize patrols," Kieran suggested. "Whatever's doing this might come back. We can't just wait to be caught off guard."
Bram nodded slowly. "A sound plan. But we're short on fighters. Jace, Kieran—can I count on you to lead the watch?"
Jace hesitated but nodded. "We'll keep an eye out. But if it's something magical..."
A familiar voice cut in. "Then we'll need more than just swords." It was Alder, the village healer. He glanced at Bram. "If it's a curse or a summoned creature, we'll need to understand the symbols. I'll look through the old texts—see if anything matches."
Bram nodded. "Do it. In the meantime, everyone should stay vigilant. Travel in pairs. No one goes into the forest alone."
The meeting dispersed slowly, tension still hanging thick in the air. As they walked away, Mira shot Kieran a look. "Something doesn't feel right. It's like we're being... herded."
Kieran couldn't deny the thought had crossed his mind. As they prepared for their first night of patrol, he couldn't shake the feeling that whatever was out there was already watching—and waiting.