Novels by Ashdenroth

Killing the undead had become almost like a habit for Ezra. He could wipe out a horde of ghouls or skeletal warriors even with his eyes closed. However, the corrupted elves presented a different kind of challenge.On the one hand, there was the moral implication of committing genocide against the last elven tribes, while on the other, it was another needless waste of time and resources.Ezra knew that he could not command the Imperial Army to fight the elves, or their already dwindling morale would take a greater hit. Besides, he still hadn’t figured out what kind of magic was flowing out of the Wandering Stones.“Alright, here is the plan. We are going to handle things quietly in here. Our goal is to get close to the Wandering Stones and try to disrupt the spell cast by Vorus,” he whispered to Aurelia while keeping his eyes on the elven congregation. “I will try to distract the elves. But you need to be my eyes on the ground. If you can use your spectral angel to purify the Wandering

Ezra and Aurelia traveled on horseback and soon arrived at the Fist of the Forefathers: an ancient stone structure shaped by the winds. The Vale of Lost Scribes was a mile away. All they needed to do was follow the dirt road.Aurelia glanced at her pocket watch as they stopped to survey their surroundings. It was almost half past five, and the sky still looked as gloomy as before.The winter sun never appeared on the horizon, even as the minutes rolled by in a hurry.“I thought we disrupted the dark spells. Why is the sun still not out?” Aurelia whispered, sticking close to her brother.Ezra looked at the sky, and something in the distance caught his attention. It was a beam of crimson light shooting into the sky and spearing through the dark clouds.“I think that might be the answer to your question. Look over there, sis,” Ezra said, gesturing at the blood-red aura leaking into the darkness.“What the hell is going on here? Is that another dark spell?” Aurelia asked, staring at the c

The last human envoy sent to the free elves of the valley had never returned to civilization. Some spies claimed the messenger was ambushed by the Wind Runners and captured as a prisoner, while other sources said the Thousand Arrows assassinated him on his way back.Although none could verify the claims or substantiate the rumors with hard evidence, the courtiers had unanimously decided to leave the free elves alone and stay clear of their homes.In his previous life as a high school student, Ezra was fond of nature documentaries and spent a considerable amount of time watching videos of uncontacted tribes. While things were a bit different in this world, he was convinced these elves living so far away from civilization would have their own primitive customs and traditions.“I wish we knew someone who has actually spent time among these tribal elves,” Ezra said, pouring over the map.“Well, there are plenty of elves living in Magaravia. But I doubt anyone would know much about the fre

Despite losing many men to Lorelai's blood magic, Marquis Desmond had entered Ignar with a sizeable force. However, the sudden appearance of the Plague Bearer had dealt a crippling blow to their forces.Those who had come into direct contact with the infected scouts or their belongings had contracted the Rotting Plague and died within minutes of each. Meanwhile, the troops who drank the contaminated water were suffering from necrotic rot and black fever.Marquis Desmond had a dismal look on his face. He knew that with their current forces, they barely had enough strength to attack a small village, let alone lay siege to a modern city like Stonewell.“I am sorry, but our forces are stretched too thin. We entered Ignar with three thousand soldiers, but now only a thousand are in marching condition. The rest are either dead or sick with black fever. There is no way they can fight,” Marquis Desmond informed Ezra and Aurelia. “Did you consult the healers and priests?” Aurelia asked.“I di

Ezra’s whole world crumbled before his eyes as Aurelia’s words shook the ground beneath his feet. He had already lost her once and promised himself that he would never let any harm befall her under his watch again.“Leave me and go!” Aurelia insisted, her voice turning raspier with each passing second. She looked old and haggard now. It was as if someone had heaped their twilight years upon her and compelled her to carry the burdens of their past.“Don’t just stand there, brother. Get back…to Ignar.” Aurelia’s words sounded groggy and mangled this time. She was trying her best to fight the corruption, but the Plague Bearer’s spores had already started germinating within her and poisoning her mind.Looking at his sister, Ezra was reminded of his father’s death. Even back then he was forced to watch as a silent spectator while they shot Lord Sebastian.“Listen to…me,” Aurelia whimpered, holding on to the last remnant of her humanity. “I don’t have much time. Once…the seeds germinate wi

Ezra heaved a sigh of relief as the Plague Bearer’s curse was lifted and he was able to access his skills again. His magic power peaked at its threshold as his body absorbed the magic energy from the fallen enemy.The grueling encounter had finally ended, but Aurelia was still missing.Ezra put his musket away and equipped his damned shotgun in one hand, and pulled out a Dark Sight potion with the other.The overhanging canopy of dark leaves blocked all moonlight, turning the heart of the forest into a pit of darkness. Despite the potion empowering his sight, Ezra could only hazily make out the shapes standing in the distance.“Aurelia, can you hear me?” he shouted at the top of his lungs. “Where are you, sister?”But instead of any replies, only his own voice echoed back.Ezra trudged through the darkness, blasting his way through the tangled mass of Rot Vines and withered branches blocking his path. Even though the Plague Bearer was dead, the forest was still suffering from rot.Clu