GATHERING STORM

CHAPTER THREE

The days in the other world blurred together. Catriona trained from sunrise to sunset, her body and mind pushed to their limits. She had passed the trials, but Mandalee and Daelen made it clear that her journey was far from over. Every day brought new lessons, new challenges, and new discoveries.

One morning, Catriona stood in the courtyard, her staff in hand. The air was cool, and the two suns cast long shadows across the red sand. Mandalee stood in front of her, her white suit gleaming in the light.

“Today, we focus on control,” Mandalee said. “You have power, but power without control is dangerous. Show me what you’ve learned.”

Catriona nodded and closed her eyes. She focused on the energy within her, the connection she felt to nature. She raised her staff, and it began to glow with a soft green light. She swung it in a wide arc, and a wave of energy shot out, hitting a target on the far side of the courtyard.

Mandalee nodded, though her expression remained stern. “Better. But you’re still holding back. You need to let go of your fear.”

“I’m not afraid,” Catriona said, though her voice wavered slightly.

“Aren’t you?” Mandalee asked, her eyes narrowing. “Fear is natural. But if you let it control you, it will be your downfall.”

Catriona took a deep breath and tried again. This time, she focused on letting go of her doubts and fears. She swung the staff, and the energy that shot out was stronger, brighter. The target shattered into pieces.

Mandalee smiled faintly. “Good. Remember that feeling. It’s the key to unlocking your true potential.”

 Later that day, Daelen took Catriona to a different part of the fortress. They entered a large, open room with high ceilings and walls covered in strange symbols. In the center of the room was a large, glowing crystal.

“This is the Heart of the Fortress,” Daelen said. “It’s a source of great power. But it’s also dangerous. If you’re not careful, it can consume you.”

Catriona stared at the crystal, her curiosity piqued. “What does it do?”

“It amplifies your abilities,” Daelen replied. “But it also tests your control. Only those who are truly strong can use it without being overwhelmed.”

He placed his hand on the crystal, and it began to glow brighter. The symbols on the walls lit up, and the air around them crackled with energy. Daelen’s eyes glowed with a faint silver light, and his sword appeared in his hand, crackling with power.

“Your turn,” he said, stepping back.

Catriona hesitated, then placed her hand on the crystal. At first, nothing happened. Then, she felt a surge of energy flow through her. It was overwhelming, like a river rushing through her veins. She closed her eyes and focused, trying to control the energy.

The staff in her hand began to glow, and the symbols on the walls lit up. She felt a connection to the crystal, to the fortress, to the world around her. It was as if she could feel everything, all at once.

But then, the energy became too much. She felt herself losing control, the power threatening to consume her. She tried to pull away, but she couldn’t.

“Focus!” Daelen’s voice cut through the chaos. “You’re stronger than this. Don’t let it control you.”

Catriona took a deep breath and focused on the energy, on the connection she felt. Slowly, she began to regain control. The glow around her faded, and the energy settled.

Daelen nodded, a rare look of approval on his face. “Not bad. But you still have a lot to learn.”

That night, Catriona couldn’t sleep. The energy from the crystal still lingered in her mind, and she felt restless. She decided to explore the fortress, hoping to clear her thoughts.

As she wandered the halls, she came across a room she hadn’t seen before. The door was slightly ajar, and a faint light spilled out. Curious, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The room was filled with old books, maps, and artifacts. In the center of the room was a large table, covered in scrolls and papers. Catriona approached the table and picked up one of the scrolls. It was a map of Tempestria, but it was old, with markings she didn’t recognize.

As she studied the map, she noticed a symbol in the corner—a circle with a star inside. It looked familiar, but she couldn’t remember where she had seen it before.

“That symbol represents the Shadow Warriors,” a voice said behind her.

Catriona turned to see Daelen standing in the doorway. His expression was unreadable, but there was a hint of something in his eyes—sadness, perhaps, or regret.

“What does it mean?” Catriona asked.

Daelen stepped into the room and picked up the scroll. “It’s the symbol of our order. The Shadow Warriors were created to protect Tempestria, to maintain the balance between light and dark. But over time, we lost our way. We became too focused on power, on control. And now, we’re paying the price.”

Catriona frowned. “What do you mean?”

Daelen sighed and set the scroll down. “Kullos was once one of us. He was a Shadow Warrior, like me. But he became obsessed with power, with the idea of ruling Tempestria. He betrayed us, and now he’s trying to destroy everything we’ve fought to protect.”

Catriona’s eyes widened. “You knew him?”

Daelen nodded. “We were friends, once. But that was a long time ago.”

The next morning, Mandalee gathered Catriona and Daelen in the courtyard. Her expression was serious, and Catriona knew something was wrong.

“We’ve received word from Tempestria,” Mandalee said. “Kullos’s army is on the move. They’re heading toward the capital. If they reach it, the war will be lost.”

Daelen’s jaw tightened. “We need to go back.”

Mandalee nodded. “But we’re not ready. Catriona still has much to learn.”

“I’m ready,” Catriona said, stepping forward. “I can help.”

Mandalee studied her for a moment, then nodded. “Very well. But this will be your greatest challenge yet. Are you prepared?”

Catriona nodded, her determination unwavering. “I am.”

As they prepared to leave the other world, Catriona felt a mix of excitement and fear. She had come so far, but she knew the real battle was just beginning. The storm was gathering, and she had to be ready.

But as she looked at Daelen and Mandalee, she felt a sense of hope. They were strong, and they believed in her. Together, they could face whatever came next.

The portal glowed brightly as they stepped through, leaving the other world behind. Tempestria awaited, and with it, the fight of their lives.