Ashes of the Crown

Chapter 6

                                                                    Gathering Storm

The faint crackle of burnt wood and the distant rustling of the forest were the only sounds to break the unsettling silence that accompanied the dawn. With its formerly lively streets vacant except for the cautious gazes of survivors peeping out from broken windows, Renshollow stood as a shadow of its former self. With silent hurry, Kael and his friends swept through the village, eliciting timid mutterings from those who dared venture outside.

With a low but firm voice, Grent declared, "We must fortify this place." "The Shadow Council won't leave much standing if they arrive."

With the Blade of Eryndor strapped firmly across his back, Kael nodded. It felt heavier now, not because of the metal, but because of the weight it carried. He looked into the eyes of a small youngster near a burned-out bakery who was holding his mother's hand. The child's terrified expression served as a clear reminder of the danger.

More to himself than to anybody else, Kael declared, "We'll protect them."

Selene took a step forward and looked out over the horizon. "Everyone who is physically capable of helping will be needed. Anything to slow them down, including defences and traps.

The tension that was building was broken by Mira's words. "How about allies? There must be a combative person nearby.

Kael looked to the village elder, Harlan, a thin man whose face was etched with the strain of innumerable struggles. "Is there anyone who could help us?"

Uncertainty clouded Harlan's eyes. "The majority of our people have either fled or are days away from the closest village." His tone wavered, and Kael didn't ask any more questions.

Kael firmly stated, "Then we'll stand alone." However, we won't do nothing. Let's go to work.

There was a lot going on throughout the day. Grent spearheaded the effort to strengthen the village's defences, and his understanding of tactical combat proved crucial. He taught the locals how to dig trenches and build crude fortifications, his rough exterior tempered by an implicit sympathy for their situation.

Selene fled into the darkness, searching the forest's margins for any indications of life. In the dim light, her daggers shone, a silent pledge to any enemy who ventured near. In order to ensure that food and water were stocked for what might be a protracted siege, Mira and Orin organised the supply gathering.

Among the peasants, Kael was able to provide his strength where it was most needed. He carried timber, assisted in erecting barricades, and spoke quietly to others who were about to give up. However, he felt the pressure of leadership as the sun sank lower in the sky.

The friends got together in the village's main square that night. Their faces danced in the firelight, the fading embers failing to chase away the lingering shadows of uncertainty.

Grent crossed his arms and declared, "We're as ready as we can be." "But it won't be enough if they bring their full force."

The Blade of Eryndor's hilt was chilly under Kael's fingers as his hand rested on it. They are pursuing both the blade and me. I will confront them alone if necessary.

With narrowed eyes, Selene yelled, "Don't be dumb." "This goes beyond you. They will destroy everyone and everything if they prevail.

Mira touched Selene's shoulder in a soothing manner. "We'll support one another. Only then do we stand a chance.

Orin, who had been unusually silent, raised his voice. "How about if we... used their power against them?"

Kael's eyebrow went up. "What do you mean?"

Orin pointed to the woods. The troops of the Shadow Council are based on intimidation and terror. We could tip the scales if we can outsmart them, set traps, and take advantage of the environment.

Selene smiled again. For a bookworm, it's not a bad idea.

Grent gave a nod. It might work, but it's hazardous. We'll have to keep them confused and entice them into the traps.

Kael became more determined. That's what we'll do then. Let's complete the strategy.

The night went by in tense expectation. Kael couldn't sleep, his mind racing with the enormity of what was to come. He made his way to the village's edge, where the barricades served as quiet guardians against the approaching night.

Beside him, Selene materialised, her voice as soft as a whisper. "Had trouble sleeping?"

Kael gave a headshake. "I'm thinking about too much."

She said, "You're not alone in this. "Keep that in mind."

His eyes flickered with gratitude as he looked at her. I'm grateful, Selene. For everything.

Her typical edge reappeared as she grinned. "Avoid becoming sentimental. We have a fight to win.

Despite himself, Kael laughed as the tightness in his chest slightly relaxed. They stood quietly together, watching the first light of dawn appear on the horizon. As the sun began to rise, an attack started, announced by a distant horn that sent a shiver through the air. Through the trees, shadows gathered into a surge of figures shrouded in darkness.

With the Blade of Eryndor shining in his grasp, Kael took the lead. He yelled, "Hold your ground!" his voice piercing the growing panic.

Despite their fear, the peasants remained steadfast behind the barriers. While Selene's daggers glittered as she dispatched the initial wave of attackers, Grent's loud voice yelled commands.

Orin had created traps that were very effective. Groups of foes were engulfed by pitfalls, and their ranks were shattered by tripwires and concealed spikes. The village's defences caused the Shadow Council's men to falter and impede their march.

With the Blade of Eryndor effortlessly slicing through the darkness, Kael found himself at the centre of the conflict. The shadows appeared to be burned away by the weapon's light, leaving the assailants exposed. But more enemies appeared for each one he defeated.

"Kael!" Mira's voice was heard. "To your left!"

He swerved just in time to deflect a blow from a tall foe brandishing a huge mace. Kael was thrown to the ground by the force of the strike, but he recovered fast and drove the Blade into the attacker's chest. A terrifying reminder of their enemies' abnormal nature, the figure vanished into smoke.

A new presence emerged as the fight continued. Wearing elaborate armour that seemed to absorb the surrounding light, a figure emerged from the treeline. Kael felt a chill of dread descend upon him as the air became heavier.

With a loud, resonant growl in its voice, the figure continued, "So, you are the one who wields the Blade of Eryndor." "I'm Malrik, a Shadow Council employee. This is where your light ends.

Kael's hold on the Blade's hilt became more firm. "We'll check on that."

Malrik held up a palm, and dark strands shot up from the earth and snaked towards Kael's direction. With each swipe, the light from the Blade severed the tendrils as he dodged and countered. With every blow, the ground beneath them shook as their conflict turned into a maelstrom of light and shadow.

As the combat played out, the villagers and Kael's friends looked on in amazement and fear. The spell was broken by Selene's voice. "We must assist him!"

Grent took hold of her arm. "Remain back. He is fighting this battle.

Every blow tested Kael's strength as he felt the weight of Malrik's power bearing down on him. But as the Blade of Eryndor brightened, he became aware that he was the source of the light, not just the blade.

Despite the stress, Kael's voice remained steady as he stated, "You're wrong, Malrik." "This is not where my light ends. It's just getting started.

Kael pushed the Blade of Eryndor into Malrik's chest with one last burst of strength. With a guttural roar, the figure's form vanished into nothingness as the light engulfed him. The surviving assailants fled into the trees as the battlefield went quiet.

Kael collapsed to his knees as fatigue took him. With a mix of relief and worry on their expressions, Selene and the others hurried to his side.

"It's over," Mira murmured quietly.

Kael looked at the horizon and shook his head. "No, this was only the start."