Ashes of the Crown

Chapter 5

                                                                  Shadows of the Past

Kael had to turn his gaze away from the dead bodies on the battlefield as his knees gave weak and his fists tightened. The warmth of the pendant against his breast served as an anchor to reality as the sorrow tried to consume him. "This isn't real," he muttered, taking a trembling breath. They are still there.

Around him, the ghostly battleground glowed as though reacting to his epiphany. The voice reverberated in the silence. "Kael Dravorn, you have fought against hopelessness. Hold on tight, for the last trial is coming up.

Kael saw himself standing in a beautiful hall with flickering flames lighting the way as the desolation subsided. The floor was a mosaic of broken mirrors, with fragments of Kael's face visible in each one. A dark-cloaked person with a blade that radiated evil stood in the middle of the room.

The voice said, "Your last trial is the most difficult." "Confront your inner darkness and the reality of who you are."

With careful and elegant movements, the shrouded figure advanced. As it got closer, the shadows lifted, revealing a flawless image of Kael, although one whose face was warped with bitterness and rage.

With a warped echo of Kael's voice, the shadow declared, "I am you." "Every uncertainty, every setback, and every secret you've kept." I am the truth you are afraid to confront, so you cannot defeat me.

As the shadow raised its blade, Kael's breath caught in his throat. With a shaky grip, he pulled out his dagger. He responded, "You're not me," but his voice wavered in doubt. "I am more than my shortcomings."

With its blade colliding with Kael's dagger, the shadow lunged. Kael staggered backward from the intensity of the blow, but he held his ground. Kael felt a burst of strength as the pendant around his neck shone brightly.

After blocking another blow, Kael remarked, "I've made mistakes." However, they don't define who I am. I am who I am because of the decisions I have made and my resolve to keep the people I care about safe.

The shadow paused, its shape wavering. "Lies," it growled, but its tone was unconvinced. "You're not strong."

With his sword steady, Kael took a step forward. Strength isn't the ability to fall. It is rising again. His blade sliced through the darkness as he struck. Tendrils of darkness emanated from the figure and vanished into thin air.

The fragments of mirrored glass merged into a single, unclouded reflection as the hall started to crumble around him. Kael looked in the mirror and saw himself, exhausted and scarred but determined.

The voice came back, softer this time. "You have persevered through the difficulties and shown your value. You may wield the Blade of Light, Kael Dravorn.

The image changed again as a bright light blazed from the pendant around his neck. Back in the room, Kael stood in front of the pedestal. As he raised the Blade of Eryndor, its hilt was warm under his hand and gleamed with an ethereal brilliance.

The silence was broken by Selene's voice. "You succeeded."

Her face was unreadable when Kael turned to see her standing at the chamber's edge. His voice was scratchy as he replied, "Without you, I couldn't have done it."

She grinned. "Now don't be so easy on me."

As the gang reassembled outside the ruins, they watched in amazement and relief as Kael appeared brandishing the Blade of Eryndor. Grent's frown softened as he crossed his arms. "It appears that you are more than just a simple farm boy."

Kael forced a feeble smile. "Thanks, I believe."

After exchanging glances with Orin, Mira took a step forward. "So, what takes place now?"

Kael gripped the sword tighter. "We now halt the Shadow Council."

Selene's eyes grew intense. "It is easier said than done." They won't take it lightly since they'll know you've claimed the blade.

Kael gave a nod. "We'll be prepared after that. It's not just about me here. It's about all the people they have harmed and the lives they have ruined. We defend them.

The trip back to the village was tense for the group. As if the shadows themselves were keeping watch, the woodland appeared darker. With the weight of the Blade of Eryndor both reassuring and ominous, Kael's senses were acutely aware.

Selene sat next to Kael by the fire that night as they made camp. "You've changed," she remarked in a reflective tone.

Kael gave her a startled glance. "What do you mean?"

"You were... lost when I met you. You seem... certain now. As if you've discovered your calling.

Kael gazed at the fire. "I'm not sure if I'm prepared for what lies ahead. However, I am aware that I cannot go back.

A tiny smile played on Selene's lips as she nodded. "All right. since the battle has only just begun.

The troop arrived at the edge of Renshollow early the following morning. The air was heavy with tension, and the village was unnaturally quiet. When Kael noticed smoke rising from multiple houses and the scent of burning wood and misery permeating his senses, his heart fell.

"They have been here," Grent remarked somberly.

Kael's fists clenched. "We must assist whoever is left."

His shoulder was touched by Selene. "We'll. But we must have a strategy. Until they have you and the blade, the Shadow Council won't give up.

Kael nodded, his features tightening with determination. Next, we take a position here. I refuse to let them seize this place since it is my home.

Kael couldn't get rid of the notion that the trials were far from done as the group got ready for the impending invasion. A reminder that his best weapon against the darkness was the light within him was the Blade of Eryndor, which pulsed with a calm vigour.

And he would use all of his strength to wield it.