The Breach At War

The silver moon loomed high above, bathing the Breach Between in its unearthly glow. Oliver Fairchild stumbled forward, knees buckling as the familiar oppressive weight of the air settled over him. He had forgotten how heavy it felt, how the supernatural atmosphere seemed to tug at his very soul. The smell of spice and decay always on the wind. The dark, thick, blackened and twisted trees surrounding them bent over the path as if trying to grab the travelers as they went. Gravel crunched underfoot, and the whispering shadows of the Tortured Forest surrounded him, a cacophony of sounds that sent a chill crawling up his spine.

“Welcome back to the Breach Between,” Lilith said, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. Her little bat wings fluttered in excitement, the tattered remains of the gaudy evening dress barely clinging to her shoulders. “I’ve missed you, Trophy.”

He winced at the nickname. It had only been moments since they left his parents’ mansion, but here in this strange world, time seemed irrelevant. Oliver glanced around; his breath visible in the misty air. “It feels different,” he murmured. “Like the whole place is holding its breath.”

Fernwyn, the Dryad, stood beside them, her green skin shimmering under the moon’s light, her thick vine-like hair cascading down her back. She turned to face him, her brow furrowed with concern. “It’s been two and a half months here,” she explained. “But to you, it must have felt much longer.”

Oliver’s heart sank at her words. Six months had passed in his world—six months of misery and confusion, of feeling lost and disconnected from the life he once knew. Now, standing once more in this realm of magic and terror, he realized just how much he had missed it.

Lilith, ever impatient, tugged at his arm. “Come on! We need to get to Rot Gut City. It’s not safe out here, especially with Bloodreavers still hunting for you.”

He followed, his mind racing as they made their way through the twisted roots and dark vines that pulsed with an unsettling life. The forest opened up to reveal the outskirts of Rot Gut City, its vibrant, spectral lanterns casting an eerie glow over the bustling Halloween-like marketplace. The air was thick with nervous energy, and the usual carnival atmosphere felt more like a storm on the brink of breaking.

Oliver couldn’t help but smile as he spotted the familiar booths, the monstrous vendors hawking their wares. It was a strange, comforting sight despite the tension in the air. “It’s good to be back,” he whispered, though he wasn’t sure if he was trying to convince himself.

Lilith wasted no time, dragging him and Fernwyn through the city streets, past stalls selling glowing fruits and enchanted trinkets, to a small, cozy building that had a sign swinging above the door: The Wailing Clam Tavern. Nina’s tavern.

Before Oliver could even brace himself, the door burst open, and a familiar voice rang out. “Oliver!”

Nina, the bubbly aquatic monster girl, rushed toward him, her wide eyes sparkling with joy. Her fish-like tail flapped excitedly behind her, and her pale blue hair glistened with the wet sheen of the ocean. She threw her arms around him, nearly knocking him over. “You’re back! I can’t believe it!”

He laughed, the weight of his mundane world momentarily lifting. “Hey, Nina. Good to see you too.”

The interior of the tavern was warm and welcoming, the scent of spiced cider and baked bread filling the air. They sat at a corner table, the lanterns above casting a gentle glow. Fernwyn ordered a platter of steaming root pies, and the trio dove into a much-needed meal. Between bites, Oliver listened as the others caught him up on everything he had missed.

“It’s only been two and a half months here,” Fernwyn said, pouting. “I came looking for you just days after you disappeared. I can’t believe you didn’t even say goodbye.”

Oliver’s guilt twisted in his chest. “I didn’t have a choice. The Bone Lord let me go, and then…well, everything changed so fast.”

Fernwyn’s expression softened, but she still crossed her arms. “Still, you could have tried.”

Nina interrupted, leaning in with wide eyes. “While you were gone, the Plague King attacked Gloom! He’s already taken the city of The End, and now everyone’s terrified he’ll come for Rot Gut next.”

Oliver’s fork paused mid-air. “The Plague King? That can’t be good.”

“It gets worse,” Lilith added, her usual playful demeanor replaced with uncharacteristic seriousness. “The Wicker Goddess has allied with the Bone Lord to prepare for war. They think the Forlorn Mistress has sided with the Plague King.”

Just like the first time he had visited, there was a lot of information coming his way and he had zero clue what most of it meant. He did recognize the names of the Plague King and Forlorn Mistress as two of the four Dread Lords that ruled the Breach Between but that was about it.. “So, things have gotten even more complicated.”

Lilith nodded, her eyes glistening with a hint of sadness. “I’ve missed you, you know,” she admitted, her voice softer. “It’s been…strange without you.”

Oliver’s heart warmed at her admission. Despite all the fear and uncertainty, there was something comforting about being with her again. “I missed you too,” he replied, his voice sincere.

Fernwyn gave a dramatic huff. “You missed her, but you couldn’t spare a thought for me?”

Oliver chuckled, but before he could answer, Nina leaned forward, her expression serious. “More of the Bone Lord’s army is arriving in Rot Gut. The Marrow Militia is setting up defenses. You all need to go see the Bone Lord as soon as possible.”

They finished their meal, and the trio stepped back into the city’s streets. The air buzzed with tension, and Oliver’s gaze was drawn to the sight of skeletal soldiers—Marrow Militia—marching in formation. Each skeleton clattered and chattered, their armor glinting under the moonlight, weapons at the ready. Some were tall and imposing, others small and wiry, but all moved with a sense of purpose.

Oliver shivered as he watched them, the reality of the impending war sinking in. “Guess we’re not going to have much time to catch our breath, are we?” he said, trying to inject a bit of humor.

Lilith glanced at him, her grin returning. “Nope! But that’s the fun part, right?”

Despite everything—the looming threat, the uncertainty, the fear—Oliver felt a small smile tug at his lips. He was back in the Breach Between, surrounded by friends and danger alike, and somehow, that made him feel more alive than he had in months.