The Lost Shadow War

The Charged Beginning

Under the morning sun, the caravan led by Ziyan gathers at the outskirts of the lands of Bani Sarmad. The knights line up, and the atmosphere is filled with tension. Samer bin Thabit stands next to Ziyan, casting sarcastic glances at Liyan, who is inspecting her horse with determination.

Samer (quietly to Ziyan): "I see you've replaced me with someone more serious. Am I just going to be the jester on this journey now?"

Ziyan (smiling): "Don't worry, Samer. We might need your humor when we're running from a hungry monster."

Samer (sarcastically): "If the monster is looking for people with no charisma, you're safe."

Liyan approaches after hearing some of the remarks and says with a cold smile:

Liyan: "It seems that humor is all you have in your quiver."

Samer: "Humor is a more powerful weapon than you think. But I'm glad we have serious warriors to protect me."

Ziyan cuts off the conversation seriously:

Ziyan: "Let's move out. The road is long, and the shadows won't wait for us."

As the caravan crosses a narrow valley, Samer moves alongside Ziyan, looking around warily.

Samer: "I feel like we're being watched. Or maybe it's just my wild imagination, like you always say."

Ziyan: "Not this time. I feel it too."

Suddenly, a dark arrow shoots down from above, and Ziyan shouts:

Ziyan: "Ambush! Get ready!"

A group of shadowy figures appears above the rocks, led by a strange winged creature named Marna, one of Raghib's followers.

Marna (mockingly): "You foolish humans. Did you think you could cross the lands of the shadows without punishment?"

A fierce battle ensues:

• Ziyan fights resolutely, dodging the creatures' swift attacks and delivering lethal strikes with his sword.

• Samer uses his bow cleverly, targeting the weak spots of the shadows.

Samer (loudly): "Ziyan! Do I have to do everything here? At least try to look brave!"

• Liyan displays superior skill, fighting steadfastly and forcing the shadows to retreat.

During the battle, Samer moves closer to Ziyan while shooting an arrow at one of the shadows.

Samer (jokingly): "If I weren't here, you'd be nothing but a memory!"

Ziyan (smiling): "And who said I wanted to be reminded of you anyway?"

After defeating the shadows, Marna tries to escape, but Ziyan manages to trap her.

Ziyan: "Tell Raghib I'm coming for him. And I'll make him regret sending his followers."

Marna (laughing wickedly): "Raghib fears nothing. And when you reach him, you'll learn you're just a puppet in his game."

Before they can capture her, Marna transforms into black smoke and disappears.

In the evening, everyone gathers around the fire. The mood is tense after the battle, but Samer breaks the silence as usual.

Samer: "I wonder, if we wrote the story of our lives, what would we call it? 'The Hero Samer and Who He Saved'?"

Liyan (sarcastically): "Maybe 'Ziyan's Sword and Samer's Screaming'."

Ziyan (laughing): "I think I'll go with the last title."

Later, Liyan speaks seriously:

Liyan: "We need to be prepared for worse. Marna was just the beginning."

Samer: "Oh, thanks for the positivity. I thought we were done!"

Ziyan ends the conversation seriously:

Ziyan: "Tomorrow we'll get closer to the Cave of Light. We should expect tougher encounters. Sleep now; the night is long."

Far away, Raghib al-Jahimi sits on his fiery throne, speaking to Marna after her return.

Raghib: "Ziyan… that name keeps coming up. Is he brave or a fool?"

Marna: "A pathetic fool, but strong."

Raghib: "Soon he'll learn that nothing escapes the shadows."

The caravan is getting closer to the Cave of Light, where tougher battles await with Raghib's followers, and challenges that may exceed their abilities.