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Ashes of the Crown Chapter 17
Sounds in the NightKael's hold on the Blade of Eryndor strengthened as the party sank into the enormous depths of Eldwyn Keep. Every stride echoed menacingly, the sound buried in the suffocating gloom that seemed alive, coiling about them like an invisible serpent. The air smelt of decay and the faint metallic flavour of blood. It was thick.Walking just ahead of Kael, Selene had sharp eyes and her twin daggers pulled. Closely after Orin and Mira, their expressions revealing discomfort. Grent mentioned the rear, his axe thrown over one shoulder, his typically austere manner muted.Mira said, her voice hardly audible, "This place feels... wrong." Ready to throw at a moment's notice, the Mage's hands shone brightly with arcane force.Kael nodded, his gaze scouring the softly lighted walls. Odd sculptures on the stone showed images of anarchy and sacrifice. “It’s a stronghold of the Shadow Council,” he added coldly. “We sh
Ashes of the Crown Chapter 18
Shadows in the AshesWith its amber and scarlet hues, the dawn rose, illuminating the ruined terrain around Kael and his friends. The strong tang of iron in the air mixed with the bitter smell of the embers from the recent combat, which were still smouldering. With the Blade of Eryndor throbbing softly beside him, Kael stood on a ridge overlooking the remnants of a once-thriving hamlet.The quiet was overwhelming. Selene walked over to him, her face a mix of fatigue and concern. “We have to keep going, Kael,” she said, tenderly resting a hand on his shoulder. The Shadow Council will not bide its time until we are fully recovered.Kael's jaw tensed as he looked down at the ruins. He nodded, but his eyes continued to dwell on the burned-out ruins of a community he had vowed to defend. He felt the pressure of the sword, the weight of its strength, and the lives lost in its name.He added in a hollow voice, "We'll be moving so
Ashes of the Crown Chapter 19
Whispers in the VoidIn the distance, the city of Eldryn loomed, its tall spires penetrating a scarlet and ash-colored sky. The once-thriving metropolis had shrunk to a shell of its former glory, and the strange silence that had taken its place made Kael uneasy. With sad expressions, the group stood on a hilltop above the city, surveying the destruction below."This place has been poisoned by the Shadow Council's reach," Selene whispered, her voice barely audible above the wind's whisper.With the Blade of Eryndor's dim gleam offering some solace from the approaching darkness, Kael gripped it tighter. With unyielding conviction, he declared, "We'll put an end to this." "They've already taken too much."Orin shuffled uncomfortably, a rare seriousness replacing his normally cheerful manner. "Eldryn was intended to serve as a haven," he stated. "If even this location has been tainted by the Council..." He shook his head and walked awa
Ashes of the Crown Chapter 20
The Edge of RedemptionKael stood on the edge of a rock overlooking the Shadowlands, staring at the searing blackness that shrouded the terrain below. As though knowing the gravity of the choice he had to make, the Blade of Eryndor hummed faintly at his side. Selene came closer, her steps slow but purposeful.She broke the stifling silence with the words, "Kael." "We're prepared. However, are you?His eyes were a mix of scepticism and resolve as he turned to face her. "This is what we've been working towards, whether you're ready or not. It is the stronghold of the Council. He gestured towards a ragged stronghold that rose out of the darkness. "And I must put an end to this."Selene's face became softer. We must put an end to this. Together. She grounded him by putting a hand on his shoulder.Their faces conveyed their common commitment as the others gathered around them. Mira fiddled with the strap of her backpack, which was l
Ashes of the Crown Chapter 21
The Veil of BetrayalAs Kael and his friends emerged from the dark woodland onto a vast valley illuminated by the gentle glow of dusk, the atmosphere was heavy with tension. Like a veil, the ruins of the previous conflict clung to them: armour covered in grime, weapons worn down by excessive usage, and brains heavy with unsolved concerns. However, since time was a commodity they could no longer afford, the voyage required no stops.As he examined the valley, Grent said, his voice thick with fatigue, "We'll camp here for the night." But remain vigilant. I don't believe the silence.Kael nodded, but his eyes kept going to the sky. As though trying to break through a shroud that hovered over the heavens, the stars flickered dimly. It reflected the uncertainty eating away at his determination. At his side hung the Blade of Eryndor, its once-bright radiance faded since the battle at Renshollow. The sensation that the blade's power w
Ashes of the Crown Chapter 22
The Web of DeceptionTangled in the confusion of recent events, Kael sat by the flickering campfire. With its dim glimmer serving as a continual reminder of its strength and the weight of its obligation, the Blade of Eryndor lay against his knee. The camp was abnormally silent around him. There was a brooding silence even among Mira, who was never without a joke or a story. The weight of what lied ahead was felt by all of them.Selene squatted next to him, her keen eyes sweeping the forest's shadows. It won't be long before the Shadow Council takes action. Time is running out for us.Kael looked at the fire and nodded. "We've spent too much time on the defensive. The moment has come to reverse the roles.The silence was broken by Grent's rough voice. "It is easier said than done to turn the tables. Everywhere in the kingdom, they have spies. It's possible that they already know where we are."Then we have to move quickly," Mira stated in
Ashes of the Crown Chapter 23
Shadows DeepenThe subtle buzz of arcane energy reverberated through the walls, making the air in the secret room grow heavier. With a tentative step nearer, Kael's gaze was fixed on the pedestal containing a crystalline sphere that pulsated with an unearthly brightness. The squad spread out around him, their faces tight as they looked around the room for any clues that might indicate a trap.Kael whispered, his voice just above a whisper, "This is it." "The Core of Nexus."Selene's keen eyes quickly scanned the surrounding stone wall engravings. Every sign conveyed a tale of bygone eras in which having power was both advantageous and detrimental. She whispered, her fingertips barely touching on her blade's hilt, "It's too easy." "Artefacts such as these are not left unguarded."With his axe sitting heavy on his shoulder, Grent grumbled. I'd be open to a little action. The silence is eerie.Mira's hand brushed the runes as s
Ashes of the Crown Chapter 24
The Turning TideThere was an electrifying sense of expectation in the camp. Though the companions had risen early to complete their preparations, dawn was still a faint gleam on the horizon. With the Blade of Eryndor in his hand and its light flickering slightly with each heartbeat, Kael stood in the middle of the assembled gathering. The sword seemed to be alive with his increasing resolve.With a steady yet conviction-filled voice, Kael said, "This is it." "The Shadow Council's strategy has been overdone. Although Renshollow is weak, its citizens are resilient. We will demonstrate to them that we will not tolerate their destruction of our houses.A murmur of agreement went across the crowd. A glimmer of approval softened Grent's austere expression as he crossed his arms. Orin and Mira exchanged hopeful looks, and Selene gave a short nod while keeping her eyes on Kael. Since the trials, she had witnessed the change in
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Chapter 50
The Eternal DawnThe battlefield went on forever, a barren area lit only by the soft light of dawn. The leader, Kael, stood in front with his sword tightly held in his hand. Behind him, the rest of their troops were gathering, tired but determined. The sky was still swirling with dark clouds, a faint memory of the chaos that had been there just hours before.Selene walked up to Kael. The fight had just happened, and her armor was still covered in cuts. She spoke with a voice that was both relieved and worn out: "The Shadow Council has gone away, but their power still lingers."Kael gave a nod and looked straight ahead. "We won a fight, but not the war." Beyond this place, their impact goes far.Mira joined them. Her staff was still glowing slightly from the magic it had used. "Something strikes a chord with The Blade of Eryndor. It is like it knows what the last piece of the puzzle is."Kael took a quick look at the sw
Chapter 49
Light and ShadowThe wind whispered through the ruins of the once-great fortress of Aeldenholt, carrying with it the scent of charred stone and fresh earth. Kael stood atop the broken battlements, his gaze fixed on the horizon where the first rays of dawn began to pierce the veil of night. The Blade of Eryndor hummed faintly in his grasp, a subtle reminder of the power and responsibility it bestowed.Behind him, the camp stirred to life. The survivors of the resistance moved like shadows, tending to wounds, rebuilding shattered defenses, and mourning their losses. The battle against the Shadow Council had left scars that ran deeper than the flesh, and yet, amidst the devastation, there was an unyielding resolve.Selene approached, her boots crunching softly on the gravel. She stopped beside Kael, her expression unreadable. "You should rest," she said. "The battle may be over, but the war isn’t won."Kael nodded absently, his eyes never leaving the horizon. "I’ve rested enough. Every m
Chapter 48
The Last ChanceThe huge war room was alive with expectancy. At the top of a huge round table, Kael was surrounded by Orin, Selene, and the other resistance leaders. Scrambling across the table were maps, schematics, and coded communications, each element painstakingly prepared for the future. Kael's back held the Blade of Eryndor, whose soft hum served as a continual reminder of the authority and weight of his burden."They will anticipate a direct attack," Kael said in a composed yet determined tone. "We take advantage of that."Selene gave a nod. At Zarnok Citadel, the Shadow Council has gathered its warriors. We may be able to get past their defenses completely if we can sneak into the western tunnels.Orin scowled as he leaned forward. The tunnels are really old. We might be trapped if we collapse them before we even approach the Council.With resolve gleaming in his eyes, Kael looked directly into Orin's eyes.
Chapter 47
The Rise of the DawnAs the first rays of dawn caressed the horizon, Kael stood at the edge of the cliff, the Blade of Eryndor pulsating in his hand. The battlefield below, studded with the shattered remains of the Shadow Council's legions, extended indefinitely. However, the atmosphere was still tense despite the imminence of victory, serving as a clear reminder that the battle was far from finished.Selene came up behind him, her feet deliberate, her face a mix of fatigue and pride. She spoke softly, her voice scarcely heard over the wind's murmurs, "The armies are rallying." "Well, what is left of them."Kael's face was dark with exhaustion yet bright with determination. He looked down at the temporary camp in the valley where soldiers and peasants were caring for their injured and remarked, "They have sacrificed everything." "It is now our turn to complete this."His shoulder held Selene's hand. "Kael, you are not by yourse
Chapter 46
The Last ChanceAs the gang stood on the outskirts of the Shadow Council's last bastion, the sun peaked through the gloomy clouds. Before them stood the once-imposing Onyx Spire castle, its angular towers reaching into the sky like claws. The Blade of Eryndor's light pulsed in time with Kael's heartbeat as he tightened his hold on it. The determination of his friends reflected his own.With her daggers shining in the dim sunlight, Selene's gaze swept across the horizon. "That is it," she whispered. "There is no going back now."Grent hefted his combat axe onto his shoulder and said, "Not that we ever had the luxury." "Let us get this done."Although he nodded, Kael felt a nagging doubt. This felt too simple, yet the Shadow Council had always been one step ahead. He was aware, however, that indecision might spell their demise.The MethodTo avoid being discovered, the troop stayed low as they navigated the perilous
Chapter 45
The Turning TideThe clash of steel and the cries of soldiers filled the air as Kael's gaze flashed over the battlefield. The plains were painted in vibrant reds and golds as the sun rose, giving them a crimson color. Neither side gave up in the intense battle between the forces of light and shadow.Kael looked out over the commotion from the top of a rocky outcrop. In his hand, the Blade of Eryndor pulsed, its brilliance piercing the darkness like a beacon. Selene clenched her fists beside him, her keen eyes searching for chances to change the balance of power.With his enormous hammer balanced on his shoulder, Grent snarled, "We can not hold them much longer." His face was marred by blood, but his will remained unflinching.Kael gave a somber nod. "We must smash them; we do not need to hold them." He looked over at Selene. "Is it possible to remove their battle commander? Their lines will stutter without him.Selene
Chapter 44
The Broken CoalitionEvery breath felt like a struggle against the suffocating weight of unsaid words in the tense atmosphere of the council chamber. With his fingers firmly grasping the edge, Kael stood at the head of the table. Around him, his supporters sat, their expressions displaying a mix of weariness, doubt, and brewing annoyance. At his side, the Blade of Eryndor lay in its sheath, its weight more pressing than before.Kael stated, "The Shadow Council won’t wait," in a stern yet strained tone. "They get stronger every time we debate it. We must take action immediately.Selene's eyes met his, piercing and unblinking. "What are you going to do? With only a few fighters and hope, to storm into their stronghold? Kael, hope does not win battles.With a bang of his hand, Grent rattled the few documents and maps scattered across the table. "She is correct. Bravery is not enough for us. We require a definite course of action, s
Chapter 43
Ascension of the LightAs Kael, Selene, and their comrades stood in front of the old altar, tension was palpable throughout the cavern. In Kael's palm, the Blade of Eryndor shone brightly, its light a beacon of hope penetrating the surrounding darkness. However, the stifling aura of the Shadow Council hung over them like a chilly reminder that their last battle was only around the corner.As he approached the altar, the ancient patterns etched on its surface glowed dimly, and Kael's hold on the blade grew tighter. Selene was standing next to him, her face displaying a mixture of resolve and concern. "This is it," she stated in a firm voice. In the event that the tales are accurate, the Blade will become fully powerful upon igniting the altar. However, it will also direct all of the shadows within a hundred miles to us."There is nothing we can do," Kael answered. "The Blade must be at its strongest if we are to defeat the Counci
Chapter 42
The Shadows WithinGazing down at the expansive Renshollow, Kael stood on the balcony of the recently reconstructed council chamber. The community bustled with activity as refugees and survivors worked together to begin anew. But despite the positive vibes, Kael's heart was sad. He was constantly reminded of the sacrifices that had led them to this moment by the weight of the Blade of Eryndor by his side.Selene walked lightly but deliberately to join him. She leaned on the railing next to him and remarked, "You are brooding again."Kael let out a sigh. If it is justified, is it brooding? Much work remains to be done. Even if the Shadow Council is disbanded, its members might still band together. Then there is the darkness that exists within me and throughout everyone.Selene's expression was unreadable as she cocked her head. "Kael, the battle is not over. But it is never really that way. I learned that from you. Although w
