The Shadows of the Slough

As the Raider's wail faded into the wind, Cormag felt a sense of unease settle over him. Sith's urgent gaze snapped him back to reality, and he nodded, turning his horse's head towards the east. They had to get out of there, and fast. The Raider's presence still lingered, a dark and foreboding energy that seemed to cling to the rocks and the mist-shrouded air. Cormag couldn't shake the feeling that they were being herded, that some unseen force was guiding them deeper into the Slough. The landscape shifted and twisted around them, the rocky outcroppings giving way to treacherous ravines and hidden crevices. Cormag's horse picked its way carefully through the terrain, its hooves clicking on the stones. Sith rode beside him, his eyes scanning the horizon, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. As they rode, the mist began to clear, revealing a narrow valley that stretched out before them. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and decaying plants. Cormag's stomach twisted with a mix of excitement and trepidation. They were getting close to the grave of the last emperor, and the eternal relic that lay beneath. The sorceress's words echoed in his mind: "The relic is hidden deep within the Slough, guarded by ancient magic and treacherous terrain. But with my guidance, you may yet succeed where others have failed." Cormag had paid a steep price for her help, but he was willing to risk everything to change the course of his father's fate. As they descended into the valley, Cormag noticed that the air seemed to grow colder, the shadows deepening and twisting around them. He felt a presence watching them, a presence that seemed to be waiting for them to make a wrong move. Sith's voice was low and gravelly as he spoke, "I don't like this. We're being watched." Cormag nodded, his hand on the hilt of his sword. "I know. Let's keep moving. We need to find shelter for the night." The valley narrowed, the walls closing in around them. Cormag spotted a dark opening in the rocks, a cave mouth that seemed to yawn open like a mouth. He nodded to Sith, and they guided their horses towards the entrance. As they dismounted, Cormag felt a sense of relief wash over him. The cave was dry and relatively warm, the air stale but free from the biting wind that howled outside. Sith nodded, his eyes scanning the darkness. "This will do. We'll rest here for the night." Cormag nodded, his gaze drifting towards the entrance. The mist had rolled in, obscuring the valley below. He felt a shiver run down his spine as he realized that they were not alone in the Slough. The Raiders were out there, waiting, watching. And Cormag and Sith were trapped in this desolate landscape, with no clear escape. As night began to fall, Cormag settled in beside a small fire, his eyes fixed on the flames. Sith stood watch, his back against the cave wall, his eyes scanning the darkness. The fire crackled and spat, casting flickering shadows on the walls. Cormag felt a sense of unease settle over him, a feeling that they were being drawn deeper into the heart of the Slough, further into the shadows that lurked within.