**Chapter 5: The Gathering Storm**

The sudden interruption had left everyone on edge, and Connor could feel the tension in the air as they scrambled to respond to the news. Naoe wasted no time, her eyes flashing with a fierce light as she sprang into action. "Gather our supplies and prepare the horses," she ordered the servant, her voice crisp and commanding. "We leave for the city immediately." The servant nodded hastily and scurried out of the room, leaving Naoe to turn to Connor, Ryker, and Kael. "We must move quickly," she said, her voice low and urgent. "Malakai's followers are likely to be numerous and well-armed. We can't afford to be caught off guard." Ryker nodded, his eyes gleaming with a fierce light. "I'm ready to take on whatever comes our way," he said, his massive frame radiating confidence. Kael, too, seemed undaunted, his yellow eyes burning with a fierce intensity. "I'll take point and scout out the city," he said, his deep voice resonating through the room. "We need to know what we're up against." Connor felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins as he nodded. He was ready to face whatever lay ahead, knowing that the fate of Vaeloria rested on his shoulders. Together, the group set to work, gathering their supplies and preparing for the journey ahead. As they rode through the city, Connor couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The streets were filled with people, all going about their daily business, but there was a sense of tension in the air. Windows were shuttered, and doors were barred, as if the city itself was bracing for impact. Naoe led the way, her horse moving swiftly through the crowded streets. Ryker and Kael flanked her, their eyes scanning the crowds for any sign of danger. Connor rode at the rear, his senses on high alert as he scanned the rooftops and alleys for any sign of Malakai's followers. As they approached the city center, Connor could feel the air growing thick with magic. The keystone was nearby, and he could sense its power calling to him. He felt a shiver run down his spine as he realized that they were getting close. Suddenly, Kael reined in his horse, his head cocked to one side. "Wait," he said, his voice low and urgent. "Do you hear that?" Connor listened, and soon he too could hear the sound of chanting and shouting. It was a low, ominous drone, and it seemed to be coming from the city's central square. Naoe's eyes locked onto his, and he saw a fierce determination burning within them. "It's Malakai," she said, her voice firm. "He's gathering his followers, and he's preparing to make his move." Without another word, Naoe spurred her horse forward, Ryker and Kael close behind. Connor followed, his heart pounding in his chest as they rode towards the city's central square. The gathering storm was about to unleash its fury, and Connor was right at the center of it all. As they approached the square, Connor could see that it was filled with people, all chanting and shouting. Malakai stood at the center, his eyes blazing with power as he raised his hands to the sky. The air was thick with magic, and Connor could feel the keystone's power calling to him. "It's now or never," Naoe said, her voice low and urgent. "Are you ready, Connor?"