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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
Ashes of the Crown Chapter 25
The Reckoning of the BladeAs Kael clutched the Blade of Eryndor, its light illuminating the icy, merciless stone walls surrounding him, the tension in the room crackled. Every step reverberated over the wide space, broken only by the laboured breathing of his companions who had accompanied him so far. Grent, Orin, Selene, and Mira stood in a close circle, their faces displaying a mixture of fear and resolve.Despite the maelstrom of uncertainty boiling inside of him, Kael said, "This is it," in a firm voice. "This is the Shadow Council. We will not go back now.Selene took a step forward, her blazing eyes meeting his. Remember that, Kael. The strength of your resolve determines how powerful the Blade is. They will try every ounce of your determination, even though you have proven yourself worthy.Grent's hand clenched around his axe's hilt. Let them put us to the test. I'm tired of their games. Let us put an end to this.With the
Ashes of the Crown Chapter 26
Embers of RevelationThe shattered terrain was covered in deep shadows as the dawn slowly emerged over the horizon. Kael held the Blade of Eryndor firmly in his hand as he stood at the brink of the gully. The reverberations of past conflicts and the possibility of future ones filled the tense air. Kael felt the weight of fate bearing down on him, and the world appeared to be on the verge of change.Silently, Selene walked closer, her footfall scarcely noticeable above the gentle crunch of gravel under her boots. "Couldn't sleep?" she enquired, a note of worry in her voice.Kael looked at the rising light and shook his head. Too much to contemplate. The stakes are too high.Selene stood next to him and nodded. The Shadow Council will not stop until the sword has been retrieved. Do you not realise that?"I do," Kael said in a firm voice. But I'm not going to let them. Now I've gone too far to go back.They were silent for a mo
Ashes of the Crown Chapter 1
The Whispers of AshesLong, unsettling shadows covered the sleepy town of Renshollow as the sun, a smear of molten gold, dipped beyond the ragged peaks of the Myralt Range. Between thatched roofs and poorly illuminated windows, the evening mist twisted across the cobblestone streets like spectral fingers. In the town square, Kael Dravorn sat on the edge of the well, his cloak drawn tight against the chilly air.Though he was not thinking about getting water, he gazed at the bucket he was holding. There was something about Renshollow's calm that lulled him into a delusion of permanence. He had been living here as a farmer's assistant and little else for ten years. Even now, though, he occasionally felt the tug of something more profound, a chest ache that hinted to a past life he hardly recalled."Kael!"He was startled out of his daydream by Widow Tarren's piercing voice. He turned to find the elderly woman limping towards him whi
Ashes of the Crown Chapter 2
Shadows of the PastDawn lit the eastern sky in shades of pale gold, and the village of Renshollow awoke with a hush of apprehensive whispering. The townspeople's faces were marked with a mixture of terror and wonder as the events of the night before hung heavy over them. Kael Dravorn sat on the well's edge, flipping the pendant in his hands absently, his mind a jumbled mass. The elaborate pattern of the royal emblem that Widow Tarren had recognised appeared to taunt him."The heir apparent?" Kael whispered to himself. The words seemed strange, even ridiculous. How could something as magnificent as a kingdom be connected to a mere farmhand?With his little stature creating a long shadow in the dawn light, Loryn approached warily. With astonished eyes, he questioned, "Kael, are you truly a prince?"Kael laughed without humour. "I no longer know who I am."Loryn didn't have time to reply before they heard hoofs coming. A rider
Ashes of the Crown Chapter 3
The Seer's VisionThe Silver Spire towered over the horizon, a single building jutting out of the thick forest like a fragment of moonlight penetrating the ground. The last embers of the evening sun were reflected in the faintly shimmering walls. The weight of the voyage and the meeting with the wolf-like beast pressed down on Kael as he staggered closer, his legs feeling like lead. Once again, the pendant around his neck was glowing faintly but steadily.As Kael got closer, the spire's enormous wooden doors creaked open to reveal an old woman dressed in flowing midnight blue and silver robes. Despite being blind and milky white, her eyes appeared to read Kael's soul and pierce through him.Her voice echoed with an unearthly clarity as she said, "Kael Dravorn." "A kingdom is weighing down on you, but you are not yet aware of how heavy it is."Uncertain of how to react, Kael paused. At last he said, "Are you the seer?"She nodded and moved out of the way to let him in. "My name is Sera
Ashes of the Crown Chapter 4
The Trials of the LightAs Kael, Selene, and the motley crew of travellers prepared their camp, the morning dawned clear and chilly. Every living thing's breath turned to mist in the morning air, and the leaves were covered in frost. The burden on Kael's shoulders was matched by the weight of his thoughts. He couldn't get rid of Seraphine's words or the impending uncertainty of the Trials of the Light, even after their brief companionship the night before.As she fastened the straps on her pack, Selene remarked, "Eldara's ruins are two days' walk from here." Even though her fiery hair was pulled back in a useful braid, her eyes remained piercing. "If there aren't any complications."As the gang started their journey, Kael nodded and stepped into step next to her. Burly and always frowning, Grent complained about the cold but generally kept to himself. Two siblings, Orin and Mira, trailed behind, muttering to each other as they w
Latest Chapter
- Ashes of the Crown
Chapter 26
Embers of RevelationThe shattered terrain was covered in deep shadows as the dawn slowly emerged over the horizon. Kael held the Blade of Eryndor firmly in his hand as he stood at the brink of the gully. The reverberations of past conflicts and the possibility of future ones filled the tense air. Kael felt the weight of fate bearing down on him, and the world appeared to be on the verge of change.Silently, Selene walked closer, her footfall scarcely noticeable above the gentle crunch of gravel under her boots. "Couldn't sleep?" she enquired, a note of worry in her voice.Kael looked at the rising light and shook his head. Too much to contemplate. The stakes are too high.Selene stood next to him and nodded. The Shadow Council will not stop until the sword has been retrieved. Do you not realise that?"I do," Kael said in a firm voice. But I'm not going to let them. Now I've gone too far to go back.They were silent for a mo
- Ashes of the Crown
Chapter 25
The Reckoning of the BladeAs Kael clutched the Blade of Eryndor, its light illuminating the icy, merciless stone walls surrounding him, the tension in the room crackled. Every step reverberated over the wide space, broken only by the laboured breathing of his companions who had accompanied him so far. Grent, Orin, Selene, and Mira stood in a close circle, their faces displaying a mixture of fear and resolve.Despite the maelstrom of uncertainty boiling inside of him, Kael said, "This is it," in a firm voice. "This is the Shadow Council. We will not go back now.Selene took a step forward, her blazing eyes meeting his. Remember that, Kael. The strength of your resolve determines how powerful the Blade is. They will try every ounce of your determination, even though you have proven yourself worthy.Grent's hand clenched around his axe's hilt. Let them put us to the test. I'm tired of their games. Let us put an end to this.With the
- 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
- 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 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 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 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 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 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