The storm continued throughout the night.
Lightning flashed across the sky as rain fell heavily over Riverfall village.
Inside the house, Thalen sat silently while the glowing map rested on the wooden table.
Arian watched him carefully.
"Grandfather," he said, "what is the Forbidden Power?"
Thalen looked at him with serious eyes.
"Long ago," he began, "before the kingdoms of Eldoria were divided, a powerful magical artifact was created."
"It was called The Heart of Abyss."
"This artifact holds unimaginable power. With it, someone could control armies, summon monsters, and even reshape the world."
Arian's eyes widened.
"Then why was it hidden?"
"Because power like that corrupts anyone who touches it," Thalen replied.
"The ancient sorcerers sealed the artifact behind a magical gate known as The Abyss Gate."
"And they created a map to its location."
"But the map was too dangerous to exist."
"So they broke it into pieces."
Arian looked at the glowing parchment again.
"So this is one of those pieces?"
"Yes," Thalen said quietly.
"And now that it has awakened… others will feel it."
At that moment, the door suddenly slammed open.
A tall figure stood in the doorway.
He wore a long grey cloak and carried a wooden staff.
His long white beard moved slightly in the wind.
"A wizard?" Arian whispered.
The old man stepped inside.
"My name is Elder Arkon," he said calmly.
"I have come because the map has awakened."
Thalen nodded slowly.
"I feared this day would come."
Arkon turned to Arian.
"Young man, listen carefully."
"The dark sorcerer Malvyr has been searching for the map for many years."
"If he finds all the pieces, he will unlock the Abyss Gate."
"And Eldoria will fall into darkness."
Arian looked at the glowing map.
"What should we do?"
Arkon's voice became serious.
"You must leave this village."
"You must find the other pieces of the map before Malvyr does."
Arian felt both fear and excitement.
An adventure had begun.