Ashes of the Crown

Chapter 4

                                                         The Trials of the Light

As Kael, Selene, and the motley crew of travellers prepared their camp, the morning dawned clear and chilly. Every living thing's breath turned to mist in the morning air, and the leaves were covered in frost. The burden on Kael's shoulders was matched by the weight of his thoughts. He couldn't get rid of Seraphine's words or the impending uncertainty of the Trials of the Light, even after their brief companionship the night before.

As she fastened the straps on her pack, Selene remarked, "Eldara's ruins are two days' walk from here." Even though her fiery hair was pulled back in a useful braid, her eyes remained piercing. "If there aren't any complications."

As the gang started their journey, Kael nodded and stepped into step next to her. Burly and always frowning, Grent complained about the cold but generally kept to himself. Two siblings, Orin and Mira, trailed behind, muttering to each other as they walked through the woods.

Selene gave Kael a sidelong glance as they strolled. "So, what do you stand to gain from this?" she enquired. "You appear to be carrying something more than a pack."

Kael hesitated, stroking the pendant under his tunic with his fingertips. He had kept the seer's vision and his ancestry a secret. As Seraphine had cautioned, follow your gut but consider the intentions of people you encounter. Nevertheless, he couldn't get rid of the impression that Selene was more than she seemed, and she had offered to help without expecting answers.

With caution, he said, "I... have to find something in Eldara." "Something that could help keep my house safe."

Selene arched an eyebrow, but she didn't say anything more. She declared, "Eldara is not a place for the weak of heart." It is said that the ruins are cursed. A person who goes too far in never returns.

Kael took a deep breath. "It sounds inviting."

Selene grinned. "Don't be concerned. You might live if you stay near me.

Although the first day went smoothly, Kael couldn't get rid of the sensation that she was being watched. As they got closer to Eldara, the forest appeared to becoming darker and more oppressive. The trees, their twisted branches twisting into hideous shapes that clawed at the sky, stood like sentinels. The troop arrived at the edge of a large clearing by dusk. The broken spires of Eldara's ruins protruded like broken teeth in the distance.

Selene dropped her pack and said, "We'll camp here." "There's no use stumbling in the dark into those ruins."

With a grunt of assent, Grent started to collect firewood. Orin and Mira collaborated to erect a temporary shelter, their wordless synchronisation of motions demonstrating their sibling closeness. Kael gazed at the ruins from the edge of the clearing. He felt the slight pulse of the pendant around his neck, which seemed to be pushing him forward.

Selene appeared at his side and remarked, "You're restless."

Kael gave a nod. This is the farthest I've ever been from home; there's much to process.

Selene's face became softer. "The most difficult part of any journey is the beginning. However, the fact that you are here is what counts.

Kael looked at her, taken aback by how earnest her voice was. "Thank you."

Her smirk reappeared as she shrugged. "Thank you not yet. The difficult part is still to come.

The group explored the Eldara remains early the following morning. There was a spooky silence and a strong stench of rotting in the air. The once-grand buildings were now only shadows of their past glory, their walls covered in moss and vines. Statues of forgotten kings and queens, their faces eroded and unrecognizable, stood as solemn guardians.

Kael's pendant heated up as they descended down into the ruins. The pulsing light intensified, illuminating their route with a faint glow. The phenomenon was not missed by Selene's keen eyes.

With a casual tone and a questioning stare, she remarked, "That's quite the trinket you've got there."

After hesitating, Kael chose to be half-true. It belonged to my mother. It aids with my navigation.

Selene gave a contemplative nod but didn't say anything further. Grent frowned, nevertheless. "Hopefully, it will help us figure out a way out in case things don't work out."

They stopped in front of a huge archway that was carved with old runes. The symbols were illuminated by the pendant's dazzling flare.

With a voice almost audible above a whisper, Kael declared, "This is it."

Selene took a step forward to see the runes. "That's a warning," she declared. Only those with a pure heart can pass. Those who come in with evil in their hearts will be eaten.

Grent whistled quietly. "It sounds happy."

With a playful undertone, Selene shot back, "Stay here if you're scared." She looked over at Kael. "All right? Are you prepared?

Kael nodded and inhaled deeply. Leaving the others behind, they entered the archway together.

Beyond the archway was a large room filled with an unearthly light. It had a pedestal in the middle, and a sword—the Blade of Eryndor—was set into it. Its hilt had the same insignia as Kael's pendant.

"That's it," Kael murmured, his voice shaking with wonder.

It was impossible to read Selene's expression. "Take caution. These issues are never as straightforward as they appear.

The air around Kael became heavy as he got closer to the pedestal. A deep voice reverberated across the room as the runes on the floor started to light.

The voice said, "Kael Dravorn, heir to Eryndor." "You have to demonstrate your value in order to obtain the Blade of Light. Are you ready for the trials ahead?

Kael's heart was racing. "Yes, I am."

The voice growled in agreement. "The trials should then start."

Kael found himself standing in a burning wilderness while the chamber changed around him. Through the flames, shadows glided, their eyes blazing with ill intent. Before him, a ghostly apparition materialised, its shape changing and flickering.

The speaker stated that facing your fear is your first test. Show me the inner bravery I possess.

With its claws cutting through the air, the shadow surged towards Kael. With his hands shaking, Kael confronted the beast and pulled out the blade at his side. As the pendant flashed, he felt a rush of warmth that strengthened his resolve. His blade sliced through the creature's body as he confronted its attack. With a howl, the shadow vanished and the fire subsided.

Heart pounding, Kael stood panting. Once more, the voice spoke. "You have overcome your fear by facing it head-on. The second trial is still pending.

The trees vanished, leaving only a barren battleground. As he saw familiar faces—his family and Renshollow friends—lying still amid the bloodshed, Kael's chest constricted.

The speaker added, "Resisting despair is your second trial." "Avoid letting sadness control you."

Tears were flowing down Kael's face as his knees gave way. It was nearly heartbreaking to see his loved ones dead and devastated.