Eclipse of Eternity: The lost Kingdom's Curse

The Lake of Echoes

The forest grew quieter as Kael and Elara continued their journey, the glowing shard in Kael’s satchel casting a faint light on the path ahead. The trees seemed less oppressive now, their branches no longer reaching like claws. Still, Kael couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched.

Elara broke the silence. “So, what’s the plan? We’ve got this shard, but where does it lead?”

Kael pulled out the shard, holding it up to the light. It pulsed faintly, as if responding to his touch. “I think it’s guiding us. The voice in the forest said it would lead us to the next trial.”

Elara frowned. “Great. More trials. Can’t we just skip to the part where we find the amulet and break the curse?”

“I wish it were that easy,” Kael said, tucking the shard back into his satchel. “But if the stories are true, the amulet’s hidden in the Sunken Citadel. And to get there, we’ll need to pass whatever tests the forest throws at us.”

Elara sighed. “Fine. But if we run into any more shadow monsters, I’m stabbing first and asking questions later.”

Kael smiled faintly. “Noted.”

As they walked, the forest began to change. The trees grew sparser, and the ground sloped downward, leading them to the edge of a vast lake. The water was still and dark, reflecting the pale light of the moon. At the center of the lake stood an island, shrouded in mist.

Kael’s shard pulsed brighter, and he felt a pull toward the water. “This must be the next trial.”

Elara crossed her arms. “And how are we supposed to get to the island? Swim?”

Before Kael could answer, a voice called out from the shore. “You won’t make it far if you do. The lake’s cursed.”

They turned to see a man standing a few feet away, his arms crossed and his expression grim. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a scar running down the side of his face. His armor was worn but well-maintained, and a sword hung at his side.

Elara’s hand went to her daggers. “Who are you?”

The man didn’t flinch. “Thorne. Former knight of Lythoria. And you’re the ones the forest’s been whispering about.”

Kael stepped forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. “What do you want?”

Thorne’s gaze softened slightly. “To help. I’ve been waiting for someone like you to come along. Someone who might finally break the curse.”

Elara snorted. “And why should we trust you?”

“You don’t have to,” Thorne said. “But you’ll need my help if you want to cross the lake. The water’s not just cursed—it’s alive.”

Kael glanced at the lake, its surface unnaturally still. “What do you mean?”

Thorne knelt by the water’s edge and dipped his hand in. The water rippled, and for a moment, nothing happened. Then, a tendril of water shot up, wrapping around his wrist. He yanked his hand back, the tendril dissolving into droplets.

“The lake’s guarded by the Lake Witch,” Thorne explained. “She doesn’t take kindly to intruders.”

Elara raised an eyebrow. “A witch? Fantastic. What’s her deal?”

“She’s ancient,” Thorne said. “Older than the curse itself. She’s bound to the lake, and she’ll only let you pass if you pay her price.”

Kael frowned. “What kind of price?”

Thorne’s expression darkened. “A memory. Something precious to you. She’ll take it, and in return, she’ll grant you safe passage.”

Elara scoffed. “No way. I’m not giving up my memories for some witch.”

Kael hesitated. He didn’t like the idea either, but they didn’t have much of a choice. The shard was pulling him toward the island, and he could feel the weight of the curse pressing down on him. “We don’t have time to find another way. If this is what it takes, we’ll do it.”

Thorne nodded. “Then let’s go. But be warned—once she takes a memory, it’s gone forever.”

They followed Thorne along the shore until they reached a small dock. A boat waited there, its wood weathered and cracked. Thorne stepped aboard, and after a moment’s hesitation, Kael and Elara followed.

As they rowed toward the island, the mist grew thicker, obscuring their view. The water remained eerily still, but Kael could feel something beneath the surface, watching them.

When they reached the island, the mist parted to reveal a figure standing on the shore. The Lake Witch was tall and gaunt, her hair long and silver, her eyes glowing like the moon. She wore a robe made of woven reeds, and her voice was soft but commanding.

“You seek passage,” she said, her gaze fixed on Kael. “But the price must be paid.”

Kael stepped forward, his heart pounding. “What do you want from us?”

The witch smiled faintly. “A memory. Something dear to you. Something you cannot bear to lose.”

Kael glanced at Elara and Thorne. “Do we all have to pay?”

The witch nodded. “Each of you must give something.”

Elara crossed her arms. “And if we refuse?”

The witch’s smile faded. “Then you will never leave this island.”

Kael took a deep breath. “I’ll go first.”

The witch stepped closer, her hand hovering over his forehead. “Close your eyes.”

Kael obeyed, and a cold sensation spread through his mind. Images flashed before him—his childhood in Emberforge, the forge where he had worked, the villagers who had raised him. Then, one memory stood out: the day he had first seen the mark on his wrist, glowing faintly in the moonlight.

The witch’s voice whispered in his ear. “This is the memory I will take.”

Kael’s heart ached, but he nodded. “Take it.”

The cold sensation intensified, and the memory faded, leaving only a vague sense of loss. When he opened his eyes, the witch was stepping back, her expression unreadable.

“Your turn,” she said, turning to Elara.

Elara hesitated, then stepped forward. “Fine. But if I forget how to use my daggers, I’m blaming you.”

The witch’s hand hovered over Elara’s forehead, and after a moment, she nodded. “It is done.”

Finally, it was Thorne’s turn. He stepped forward without hesitation, his expression grim. The witch took her price, and when she stepped back, Thorne’s shoulders slumped slightly, as if a weight had been lifted.

“You may pass,” the witch said, gesturing toward the center of the island. “But beware—the trials ahead will test more than your memories.”

Kael nodded, his resolve hardening. “We’ll be ready.”

As they left the witch behind, Kael couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being drawn deeper into a web of danger and mystery. But there was no turning back now. The curse had to be broken, no matter the cost.