Heir of the Dragon’s Blood

8 : The Journey to Ardent Fortress

The first light of dawn enveloped the ancient temple as Elden, Kaelar, and Vaelis prepared to leave their hideout. Malagar might still be hunting them, and they knew that every wasted second would only narrow their chances of survival.

Kaelar tightened the straps of his backpack and sighed. "Are we really heading to Ardent Fortress? I don’t even know if that place still exists or if it’s just a legend."

Vaelis looked at him calmly. "The fortress is real. It’s just that few know where it is. It was once the last refuge of the dragon-blooded heirs before they were destroyed by the kingdom."

Elden fastened his sword belt. "Then we must find it before Malagar finds us first."

Vaelis nodded. "Ardent Fortress is located in the Durnheim Mountains, about a three-day journey from here. But the path won't be easy. We’ll have to cross dense forests, poisonous swamps, and, most likely, a border guarded by the royal army."

Kaelar let out a short laugh. "So, just an ordinary journey with the possibility of dying along the way. Great."

Elden smirked slightly. "You can still turn back if you want."

Kaelar clapped him hard on the shoulder. "And miss all this fun? No chance."

Without wasting any more time, they set off, leaving the temple behind and following the path leading east into the forest.

As they entered the woods, the atmosphere changed immediately. The air grew colder, and sunlight barely penetrated the thick canopy above. Around them, faint whispers echoed between the trees.

Elden glanced at Vaelis. "Is this… normal?"

Vaelis nodded. "This forest is called the Whispering Woods. It is said that the spirits of the dragons slaughtered by the kingdom still linger here, whispering among the wind and leaves."

Kaelar shuddered. "I don’t believe in ghosts, but this place definitely feels eerie."

They continued forward cautiously. Elden could feel something watching them, though he couldn’t see anything.

Suddenly, the sound of a snapping twig came from the bushes ahead. Elden immediately drew his sword, and Kaelar did the same. Vaelis remained still, gripping his staff tightly. From the shadows of the bushes, a hooded figure emerged, yellow eyes gleaming in the dim light.

"Who are you, and why have you entered this territory?" The figure’s voice was deep and sharp.

Elden straightened. "We’re just passing through. We mean no trouble."

The figure let out a low chuckle. "Everyone who enters this forest has an important reason. Don’t lie."

Kaelar muttered, "We’re not lying, we just don’t want to chat with a stranger."

The hooded man lifted his head, revealing his face more clearly. He was a man in his forties, with a long scar across his cheek and unkempt silver hair.

"I am Renard, the guardian of this forest. And I don’t like outsiders trespassing without permission."

Vaelis stepped forward. "We are not your enemies, Renard. We only seek Ardent Fortress."

Renard tensed. "Ardent Fortress? Why do you wish to go there?"

Elden locked eyes with him. "Because I am a dragon-blooded heir."

Renard's eyes widened. He stared at Elden as if seeing him for the first time.

"Incredible… So the dragon bloodline hasn’t perished completely."

Elden swallowed. "Do you know anything about Ardent Fortress?"

Renard sighed. "I do. But before I tell you more… you must prove that you are truly worthy of reaching it."

Kaelar raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Renard pointed deeper into the forest. "Within these woods, a guardian beast protects the path to Ardent Fortress. You must face it if you wish to proceed."

Elden followed Renard’s gaze, then turned back to him. "What is this guardian beast?"

Renard smirked. "You will find out soon enough."

They followed Renard deeper into the forest until they reached a wide clearing surrounded by towering trees. Renard halted and turned to them. "Listen carefully. This creature is not something you can kill with an ordinary sword. It is a shadow from the past, created by ancient magic to test those who wish to pass."

Elden clenched his fists. "Then how do we defeat it?"

Renard gave a faint smile. "With your true power."

Before Elden could ask further, a rumbling sound came from beneath the ground. Shadows began to shift around them, forming a massive creature with glowing red eyes and razor-sharp claws gleaming in the darkness.

Kaelar immediately unsheathed his sword. "Alright, looks like we’re fighting!"

The creature let out a deafening roar and lunged at them with startling speed. Elden leaped back, raising his hand and attempting to summon his fire. But as he released a burst of flame, the creature absorbed it effortlessly.

"What?!" Elden gasped.

Vaelis frowned. "This shadow cannot be destroyed with ordinary attacks. We need to find its weakness!"

Kaelar swung his sword, but the beast deflected it with a swipe of its claws, sending Kaelar tumbling backward.

Renard shouted, "Focus on its core! This creature can only be destroyed if you find its source of power!"

Elden studied the shadowy beast closely, and then he saw it, in the center of its body, a small crimson light pulsed like a heartbeat.

"There it is!" Elden sprinted towards the creature, dodging its attacks.

Kaelar and Vaelis noticed his plan and began distracting the beast with their attacks. Elden gathered all the strength within him. He didn’t rely solely on his fire but also his resolve. With a powerful shout, he leaped and drove his burning hand into the creature’s core. The beast let out a final roar before its body exploded into fragments of darkness that dissipated into the wind. Elden collapsed to the ground, panting.

Renard nodded approvingly. "Now I believe you. You are indeed a dragon-blooded heir."

Elden lifted his head. "So… will you help us?"

Renard smirked. "I will take you to the secret entrance of Ardent Fortress. But remember, this is only the beginning."

Elden gazed at him with determination. His journey to Ardent Fortress had only just begun, and he was ready to face whatever awaited him there.

—

Late into the night, Elden, Kaelar, Vaelis, and Renard finally reached the edge of the forest. Before them, a towering cliff of jagged stone loomed, seemingly impossible to climb. Cold winds carried the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves.

Kaelar eyed the cliff skeptically. "Don’t tell me we have to climb that?"

Renard grinned. "If that were the only way, we’d be dead before reaching the top. No, there’s another path."

He approached the rock wall and pressed a large stone that looked like part of the cliff. With a low rumbling sound, the stone shifted inward, revealing a narrow passage between the rocks.

Elden stepped forward cautiously. "Are you sure this is safe?"

Renard chuckled. "Nowhere in this world is truly safe. But this is the only way to Ardent Fortress."

Vaelis nodded. "We have no other choice."

With steady steps, they entered the dark and damp corridor, not knowing what awaited them beyond. Ardent Fortress was close, and the answers to the mystery of the dragon’s blood were finally within reach.