The group of heroes—Peter, Kaelis the Bold, Borin the Gallant, Seraphine the Intrepid, Durnan the Relentless, Thalion the Genius, and Shade the Silent—settled in for the night at the Great Torath. Despite their differences, they found a strange camaraderie as they shared stories, laughter, and a hearty meal by the fire. As the evening wore on, Seraphine stood and declared, “Friends, it’s time to rest. Tomorrow will be a new day, and I want to see you all at breakfast, ready for whatever comes.” They all agreed, and each found a place to sleep in the sprawling lodge. Peter, still feeling like an outsider, drifted off to sleep thinking of his family and the strange destiny that had brought him here. But the peace of the night was short-lived. Just before dawn, a chilling silence fell over the Great Torath. Shade, ever watchful, moved to the window and peered into the darkness. “Something’s coming,” he whispered. Suddenly, a distant, inhuman shriek echoed through the forest. The others awoke, grabbing weapons and rushing to the windows. In the pale moonlight, they saw four shadowy figures on horseback—tall, armored in black, their faces hidden behind visors. The dreaded Night Riders had found them. Ariadne the Bright (now renamed Lyriana the Bright), her bow ready, joined Shade on the balcony. “No one truly knows what they are,” she murmured to Peter. “Some say they’re not of this world—tall figures in black armor, riding pale horses, their faces hidden behind visors. They are the most feared beings in all the lands.” The Night Riders advanced, their white steeds gleaming in the moonlight. The heroes sprang into action: Borin and Thalion rushed to reinforce the main gate, while Kaelis, Durnan, Seraphine, and Shade prepared to defend the side entrance. Peter, terrified but determined, joined Lyriana on the balcony. The battle was fierce. The Night Riders smashed through the door, their swords flashing. Seraphine was wounded, Durnan fought with wild fury, and Shade darted through the shadows, his daggers seeking weak points in the enemy’s armor. Kaelis and Lyriana combined magic and archery, but the Riders seemed unstoppable. Just as one Rider raised its blade to strike Peter, a massive boulder crashed through the wall, crushing the attacker. The ground shook as pillars of stone erupted, pinning the remaining Riders. A mysterious figure entered—a cloaked wanderer wielding a staff of ancient wood. As the Night Riders battered the Great Torath, the heroes fought desperately to hold them back. Just as one of the Riders raised its blade to strike Peter, a massive boulder crashed through the wall, crushing the attacker. The ground shook as pillars of stone erupted, pinning the remaining Riders. A figure stepped through the shattered doorway—a tall, cloaked wanderer, his face shadowed beneath a deep hood, wielding a staff of ancient wood. The chaos of battle seemed to pause as all eyes turned to him. With a calm, commanding voice, the stranger spoke: “Stand down, shadows. You will not claim any souls here tonight.” The Night Riders hesitated, as if recognizing a power greater than their own. The stranger raised his staff, and the earth itself seemed to answer—roots and stones surged up, forcing the Riders back. With a final, unearthly shriek, the Night Riders retreated into the darkness, their pale horses vanishing among the trees. The heroes, battered and breathless, gathered around the newcomer. Kaelis the Bold was the first to speak, awe in his voice: “Could it be…? Are you truly Eldan the Wise?” The stranger lowered his hood, revealing sharp, intelligent eyes and a mane of silver hair. “I am Eldan,” he said, “once called the Wise, though I have been many things in many ages. I have come because the world is in peril once more.” Thalion the Genius stepped forward, his face pale with shock. “You… you’re supposed to be a legend. We thought you were lost to time.” Eldan smiled gently. “Much has been forgotten, but I am here to help you in this hour of need.” The company listened as Eldan explained the true threat facing Eldoria. A new tyrant—known only as the Dragon King—had seized power across the land, sowing discord among the peoples. War was brewing, and the Night Riders were only the beginning. “We must unite the peoples of Eldoria,” Eldan declared. “But first, we must understand the enemy’s true purpose. The Night Riders seek to open the Rift—a gateway to a realm of darkness that once nearly destroyed our world.” The heroes debated their next move. Eldan proposed seeking allies among the dwarves, elves, Gremlari, and Amazari. Thalion suggested splitting into groups to rally support more quickly, while Kaelis argued for caution and secrecy. In the end, they agreed to divide their forces: Peter, Shade, Kaelis, and Eldan would travel to the Library of the Ancients to seek knowledge and magical aid. Thalion and Durnan would journey to the Gremlari capital, Ironfen, and then to the elven city of Starhaven. Seraphine, Lyriana, and Borin would cross the mountains to the Amazari forests and the dwarven stronghold of Stonegate. Before parting, Eldan led the company deep beneath the Great Torath, revealing the tomb of Torath the First, the primordial giant from whom all races descended. Ancient carvings told the story of the first war against the darkness, the sealing of the Rift, and the prophecy of its return.