Ashes of the Crown

Chapter 2

                                                             Shadows of the Past

Dawn 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 wearing tattered leather armour and sporting the exhausted expression of someone who had gone a long distance without stopping appeared on the wooded trail. The horse he rode had heaving flanks and was drenched with perspiration.

After dismounting, the rider's gaze swept across the assembled peasants before settling on Kael. “Dravorn, Kael?” he yelled.

After hesitating, Kael took a step forward. "I am that."

A look of relief lightened the man's face. I'm an Eryndor courier named Garren Tyth. I have some news. as well as a caution.

The audience echoed with whispers. Kael scowled. "What sort of alert?"

Unbroken by the royal seal, Garren withdrew a rolled scroll from his pouch. He handed it to him and said, "This is for your eyes only."

After a moment of hesitation, Kael broke the seal. With a slight crunch, the parchment unfolded, and he glanced at the tastefully written words:

To Kael Dravorn, the legitimate heir to Eryndor's throne:

Even the most remote regions of the kingdom are affected by the shadows of treachery if you are reading this. Your life is in serious jeopardy since your identity has been revealed. Only those sent by the Crown's Sigil should be trusted. Despite the dangers on your way, destiny draws you home. The kingdom requires a real ruler.

Go quickly to Eryndor. Go to the Silver Spire and look for the seer; she will lead you. The forces of the Black Veil would do anything to bring you down, so beware.

May you be protected by the Light.

As he finished reading, Kael's hold on the parchment became more firm. In his chest, his heart thumped.

His voice was strained as he said, "Is this some sort of joke?"

Garren gave a headshake. "I hope it is. They're closer than you would imagine, and the Black Veil is real. Your village was attacked by those men? They were merely the initial wave.

Anxious murmurs broke up throughout the audience, but Kael's thoughts were elsewhere. He felt compelled to take action by the words on the paper, which seemed to pulse with an unearthly energy.

Widow With her piercing eyes on Garren, Tarren took a step forward. "Kael cannot remain here if what you say is accurate. Another onslaught won't save the village.

Garren gave a sad nod. She is correct. You had to get out right away.

Kael surveyed the area, his gaze locking with the peasants who had grown to be his family over the years. He knew deep down that he couldn't stay, but the idea of leaving them tormented him.

His voice was hardly audible above a whisper as he questioned, "Where do I even start?"

A hand was placed on his shoulder by Garren. "I'll lead you all the way to the Silver Spire." The seer will then give you the answers you're looking for.

Kael nodded and inhaled deeply. "Allocate an hour for me to collect my belongings."

The trip started beneath a sky tinged with early morning oranges and pinks. The steady clatter of hooves filled the quiet between them as Kael rode beside Garren. They were engulfed by the forest, the old trees dappling the small path with their shadows.

The stillness was broken first by Garren. "What memories do you have of your life prior to Renshollow?"

Kael gave a headshake. Not a lot. A huge hall, a lullaby sung by a woman, and fire—just flashes.

Garren's face grew serious. "The fire was genuine. The royal palace and the majority of your family were taken by it. As a baby, you were smuggled out and hidden away to preserve the bloodline.

Kael silently took in the information. The pendant's slight weight against his chest served as a reminder that it was his truth, even though it felt like he was hearing a stranger's story.

The forest gave way to undulating slopes as the day went on. They camped for the night when Garren guided them to a remote area. Kael's mind was racing with uncertainty and anxiety as he gazed into the roaring flames.

At last he said, "Why me?" "What makes me so significant?"

Garren's eyes remained fixed. since you are the final person in your queue. With groups fighting for control, the monarchy is on the verge of disintegrating. Whether you realise it or not, you are a symbol of the hope that the people need.

Kael remained silent. He couldn't deny the truth in Garren's remarks, but the weight of expectation felt oppressive.

They started their trek again the next morning. They arrived at a crossroads by noon, where an obelisk of aged stone stood. Garren gestured towards the eastward road.

"That's how the Silver Spire lies," he declared. "You won't be alone, but I can't go any farther. The seer will be aware of your approach.

Nerves tense, Kael dismounted. I'm grateful, Garren. For everything.

The courier gave a nod. "Remain alert. It is not easy for the Black Veil to give up.

Then Kael started walking, the thick trees encircling him. There were uneven stones and roots all along the walkway, making it dangerous. A weird feeling pricked at the back of his neck as dusk drew near. He wasn't by himself.

Kael hesitated, grabbing for his knife out of habit. A deep growl reverberated through the trees, and the shadows appeared to move. A huge wolf-like creature suddenly appeared, its eyes blazing with strange light.

As the beast lunged, Kael's heart raced. Avoiding its snapping teeth, he rolled to the side. He stumbled to his feet and lifted his knife, which felt dreadfully small in comparison to the creature's enormity.

As the pendant sprang to life, the dark forest was illuminated by its brightness. The animal paused, growling as though it were in agony. Kael grabbed the chance and drove the sword into its side. With a rumbling cry, the beast fell to the ground, its body vanishing into dark slivers.

Kael gasped and gazed at the pendant. Although it had saved him once more, its might was as enigmatic as the fate it foretold.

Kael continued as the woodland grew quiet again, the Silver Spire's imposing outline eventually emerging. Even though the adventure was just getting started, Kael had a nagging suspicion that the real difficulties were still to come.