Kitiara Club

Seventh Son · Relics · Apprenticeship

Relic Hunt at Dusk

renegade · 6 pages

Comic

Dusk falls as the hunt for the relic begins.

Twilight in a dense, mossy forest. Thomas and Gregory move quietly among ancient stone ruins, alert and ready, as shafts of golden light cut through the canopy.
Stay sharp, Tom. The relic is close—and so is danger.John Gregory
establish the quest and threat1 / 6
Tom kneels by a mossy rune-stone, studying it. Gregory stands behind, one hand on Tom's shoulder.
If we find it first—what then?Thomas Ward
We decide if it lives. Or if it must be hidden forever.John Gregory
Alice Deane emerges from the trees, face urgent, hands lifted in warning.
She’s close. I tried to delay her—Alice Deane
the search and warning2 / 6
Gregory, Tom, and Alice hurry through roots and fog towards a bramble-choked crypt entrance.
It’s your trial, Tom. Fetch the relic.John Gregory
Tom slips down into the crypt, torchlight flickering over ancient runes as he approaches a stone altar.
(softly) Here goes nothing...Thomas Ward
Mother Malkin, regal and menacing, materializes at the crypt entrance, eyes on Tom.
Give it to me, boy. Now.Mother Malkin
tension rises: crypt found, threat approaches3 / 6
Tom stands at the altar, hand on the relic, meets Malkin’s gaze with steady defiance.
No. It stays with me.Thomas Ward
Behind Tom, Alice and Gregory stand shoulder-to-shoulder, protective, facing Malkin.
You’ll have to go through us.John Gregory
the confrontation turns: Tom refuses4 / 6

The threat retreats, but the darkness still waits.

Mother Malkin, shrouded in shadow and fury, vanishes into swirling mist at the crypt entrance, leaving Tom, Alice, and Gregory standing together, the relic safe in Tom’s hand, dusk leaking in from above.
This isn’t over.Mother Malkin
Mother Malkin withdraws, threat unresolved5 / 6
Outside the crypt, full night. Tom, Alice, and Gregory stand close, the relic gleaming in Tom’s hand. Alice looks at Tom with pride and concern.
You did it, Tom. But we’re not safe yet.Alice Deane

Night falls, but hope endures.

Tom looks down at the relic, moonlight glinting, determination on his face.
Then we keep moving. We keep it safe.Thomas Ward
aftermath and lingering hope6 / 6
Chapter prose
The forest was thick with the last rays of day, gold and green tangled in shadows as Thomas Ward followed John Gregory’s sure, silent stride through the undergrowth. Each step was weighed with urgency; every distant caw or crack of twig signaled danger that could be mundane—or not. Tom’s staff was slick in his grip, his heart hammered with the knowledge that Mother Malkin wanted the relic as desperately as they did. Gregory halted beside a toppled stone pillar, moss-choked and ancient. He gestured for Tom to kneel and study the runes. 'Look sharp, lad. These stones mark the border of the old sanctum. The relic’s near.' Tom traced a rune, feeling a faint warmth beneath his fingers. The script was similar to what Mam had once shown him. 'Why does she want it?' he whispered. Gregory’s voice was low, rough. 'It can bind or break her power. If Malkin gets it, no fortress will hold.' Tom looked into the gloom, unease growing. 'And if we find it first?' Gregory hesitated, eyes distant. 'We decide if it’s safe to use. Or if it should be hidden forever.' A sudden gust rattled the branches. Tom’s eyes snapped to a flicker of movement—a cloak among the trees. He pressed his back to the stone. Alice Deane stepped into a shaft of dying sunlight, her face pale, green eyes wide with warning. 'She’s close. I tried to delay her but—she’s coming.' Gregory’s jaw tightened. 'We move. Now.' They hurried, Alice leading, passing twisted roots and half-buried bones until they reached a hollow in the earth. The entrance to an old crypt yawned, rimmed with runes and brambles. Gregory waved Tom forward. 'This is your trial. You must retrieve it.' Tom swallowed, slid into the darkness, air stale and cold. He followed the runes’ glow, each step echoing. The relic rested atop a stone altar—a small, silver-bound box, thrumming with quiet power. He reached for it, and shadows swirled—Mother Malkin’s presence coalescing at the crypt’s mouth. Her eyes caught the faint light, cold and regal. 'Give it to me, boy.' Tom’s hand closed on the relic. He felt Alice’s hope, Gregory’s faith, his mother’s hidden teachings. He said, voice trembling but firm, 'No.' Malkin’s power pressed against him, cold as midnight. But as Gregory and Alice stood by his side, the strength of their alliance became a shield. Malkin withdrew, eyes seething. 'This isn’t over.' When she vanished, Tom sagged with relief, relic tight in his grip. Gregory placed a hand on his shoulder. 'Well done. Now, let’s ensure it stays out of all the wrong hands.' Tom looked at Alice, saw pride and fear mingled in her gaze. The path was only beginning. Night crept in around them, but together, they stepped into it, relic—and hope—secured for one more day.
Original idea

Thomas and John try to find the lost relic before Mother Malkin can find it first.

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