Ashes of the Crown

Chapter 3

The Seer's Vision

The 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 Seraphine. Your arrival has long been predicted by the threads of fate. Come on, the night is becoming short, and there is a lot to talk about.

Kael trailed behind her into the spire, his eyes acclimating to the low illumination. The interior was a maze of shimmering crystals, bookcases, and odd devices that hummed subtly with esoteric energy. A circular table in the middle of the room was adorned with runes that pulsed softly as Seraphine walked up to it.

She pointed to a plain wooden chair across from her and said, "Sit." As Seraphine took her seat, Kael obeyed, feeling his chest tighten.

Her hands hovered over the pendant as she reached across the table. "This relic has kept you safe so far, but it doesn't have the strength you'll need to face the darkness that lies ahead."

Kael scowled. The Veil of Blackness? "They're hunting me," Garren stated. Why?

Seraphine's face grew serious. The secretive organisation known as the Black Veil feeds off of anarchy and corruption. They want to take Eryndor's throne for themselves, turning the country into a hopeless place. The only thing standing in their way is your lineage. Being the legitimate successor, you are both a threat they cannot ignore and a ray of hope.

Kael took a deep breath. It seemed unreal to be persecuted for a fate he hadn't chosen, but Seraphine's voice was so urgent that there was no room for dispute.

His voice was hardly audible above a whisper as he enquired, "What do I do?"

With practiced accuracy, Seraphine's hands moved to the runes on the table and traced them. The area took on an ethereal radiance as the runes came to life and the air around them became heavy. Above the table, pictures started to take shape: a huge army marching beneath a blood-red banner, a figure cloaked in darkness, and a fortress wreathed in flames.

Seraphine remarked, "You will travel far beyond Renshollow." "You must first bring Eryndor's divided factions together in order to restore your birthright. Its people have lost faith, and the kingdom is split. You can only win people over to your cause by demonstrating your value.

Kael kept staring at the changing pictures. "How can I accomplish that?"

The seer's eyes grew softer. By accepting yourself, Kael Dravorn. You are a leader and a beacon of hope, not just a farmhand. However, the road ahead is paved with obstacles. You will experience loss, treachery, and temptations that will challenge your entire essence. You must, however, cling to the light despite everything.

Once more, the images changed, displaying a sword set into stone with the same insignia as Kael's pendant on its hilt.

"What is that?" Kael leaned forward to enquire.

A slight smile curled Seraphine's lips. "The Eryndor Blade." It is a weapon of unmatched power that was forged in the ancient fires of Mount Kaldris. It can only be used by the legitimate heir. You have to travel to the ruins of Eldara and endure the Trials of the Light in order to claim it.

The idea of more dangerous escapades made Kael's stomach turn, yet something inside of him—a tiny, smouldering ember—was pulled towards the challenge. "And if I'm successful?"

Seraphine's face became serious. At that point, you will have started the process of bringing the kingdom together. But watch out, Kael. The Black Veil won't just sit by and do nothing. At any opportunity, they will dispatch their agents to stop you.

Kael nodded, his features tightening with determination. "I may not feel ready, but I will do everything possible to protect those I care about."

Seraphine touched him with a shockingly warm hand. That is a true king's heart. Keep in mind, Kael, that your inner light will lead you even in the darkest circumstances.

At sunrise, the trip to Eldara started. Along with provisions and a map, Seraphine had given Kael the enigmatic advice, "Trust your instincts, but also question the motives of those you meet."

Before him, the forest went on forever, its canopy letting sunshine into sporadic yellow spots. The pendant pulsed sporadically, as though to lead Kael further. He felt the burden of his mission bearing down on him as each stride led him farther into the unknown.

Kael discovered a clearing where a group of travellers had made camp as lunchtime drew near. As he drew closer, they gave him a suspicious look while their hands strayed to their weapons.

Kael raised his hands in a peace sign and said, "Easy there." "I'm just stopping by."

A thick-bearded, muscular man stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. "Single travellers should not venture into these woods. Why have you come out here?

Uncertain of how much to divulge, Kael paused. I'm on my way to Eldara. I'm trying to find someone who can assist me.

The man's face changed a little, showing a mixture of distrust and interest. "You say, Eldara? dangerous location. Why would someone voluntarily travel there?

A woman's voice broke the tension before Kael could respond. "Grant, leave him alone. He poses no danger.

Out of the group came a tall, lean woman with blazing red hair framing her keen face. She seems to look right through Kael with her piercing green eyes.

"Who are you?" Aware of her newfound attention, Kael enquired.

She grinned. "My name is Selene. How about you? You're more than a lost tourist, are you?

Kael's hand gripped the pendant that was concealed under his shirt more tightly. "I am not significant."

Selene grinned more broadly. "Is that correct? Well, "no one important," you'll need more than good fortune to live if you're travelling to Eldara. Maybe we can support one another.

As Selene gestured for Kael to join their camp, Grent complained but did not protest. Despite his misgivings, Kael agreed because he knew that allies, even if they were just temporary, may be very helpful in the future.

The gang gathered around a raging fire as night fell, laughing and sharing stories. Kael said nothing, his mind focused on the threats that lay ahead and the seer's vision.

His slumber was interrupted by Selene's voice. "You seem like someone who is carrying a lot of weight."

Kael looked at her, taken aback by the sincere worry in her voice. "To put it mildly, I'm not used to all of this."

After examining him for a while, she nodded. "Those who are least prepared are often thrust with responsibility by the world." But occasionally, those are the ones who step up to the plate.

For the first time in days, Kael felt a glimmer of optimism as her words resonated. Maybe he wasn't as isolated as he believed.

Kael's eyes strayed to the stars above as the fire grew weaker. He had no idea what lay ahead, but he was convinced that he couldn't go back at this point. He was responsible for Eryndor's destiny, and he would do whatever it took to ensure it.