Horizon of Darkness

A beautiful, mysterious, and slightly melancholic melody filled the dimness of the catacombs, emanating from a small group of people (and not quite people) gathered in a battle formation, weapons at the ready. The scurrying rodents in front froze, their black, bead-like eyes fixed on the uninvited guests, their tattered ears captivated by the mystical notes. And very soon, this music blended with the sounds of carnage – the mercenaries bravely engaged in battle with those who didn't appreciate the performance. With desperate squeaks, the rats fell one after another; it was an easy victory, although one of them managed to scratch Arael on the thigh. Then, more appeared ahead, and the blades clashed again. The rats, caught off guard by the music, had little chance, but their numbers didn't decrease on their own – and one even managed to slip past the mercenaries and bite the musician. Radiel had to kick it away, accompanying the action with a particularly piercing note. “These aren’t even real,” the elf raised an eyebrow, watching as the body of the defeated creature disintegrated into ashes. “We need to find what’s summoning them quickly.” It was time to move on. After some difficulty, they dealt with the found locked chest and retrieved the equipment hidden by someone, and the fighters headed deeper into the catacombs. Muffled squeaks, rustling, and the soft patter of many paws could be heard ahead...