The clearing was dead silent.
The four Level One Wizards looked at each other, none of them the first to speak.
The Wizard from the Withered Council was the first to move.
He slowly raised his bone-white Magic Staff, pointing its tip at Ian. His voice was as hoarse as grinding sand. "Which faction are you with?"
Ian didn't answer. His right hand hung naturally at his side, a faint purple glow flickering at his fingertips.
The Ring of Overlapping Peaks on his left wrist began to glow faintly.
"CAW!" Gaga poked half its head out from a Shadow, its mismatched eyes warily staring at the other three.
The Elf frowned and raised a hand, signaling for his companion to remain calm.
"Don't be tense. We're also here on a reconnaissance mission."
His voice was cool and clear, carrying the unique lilt of an Elf. "Something is wrong with this forest. It's too risky to operate alone."
