Ashes of the Crown

Chapter 7

                                                                Whispers of Betrayal

With his eyes focused on the horizon where the forest extended into the unknown, Kael stood at the edge of the village. A subtle reminder of the power he now possessed and the associated duty was the Blade of Eryndor hanging at his side. Renshollow was still in the process of recuperating from the assault; the odour of smoke permeated the air, blending with the muffled cries of survivors who toiled diligently to reconstruct their houses.

"Are you sure you'll trust her?" As he walked towards Kael with his arms folded across his chest, Grent's words broke the silence. His face was a mixture of grudging respect and distrust.

With a troubled brow, Kael turned to face him. "Selene has demonstrated her abilities. She has taken as many risks as any of us.

"Risked?" Grent gave a snort. "Kael, she is a thief. It takes time for someone like her to change. Remember who you are interacting with.

Kael was about to reply when Selene sprang out of the darkness, her dagger shining dimly in the dusk. Her expression was unreadable as her gaze shifted between the two men.

With a calm yet acerbic tone, she said, "Grant, if you have anything to say, say it to my face."

Grent's jaw clenched, but he chose to turn on his heel and go without saying anything. After observing him leave, Selene focused on Kael.

"He's not incorrect," she said softly. "I've made errors. I have caused harm to others. However, I'm here now, fighting with you. Isn't that the important thing?

Though doubt gnawed at him, Kael nodded. "Yes, it is. I'm also happy you're here. However, trust takes time.

A slight smile curved Selene's lips. "I'll just have to earn it then."

That night, the party gathered around a fire, their tired faces cast in deep shadows by the flickering flames. Grent sat aside, honing his axe, while Mira and Orin cuddled together, talking softly. Leaning against a nearby tree, Selene maintained a calm stance while keeping her eyes open.

Kael caught their attention by clearing his throat. "We must leave this place. The Blade is known to the Shadow Council, and they will target us once more. We must relocate, locate a space where we can reassemble, and decide on our course of action.

"Where?" With a hint of concern in his voice, Orin enquired. The Shadow Council has a wide-ranging influence. Nowhere is safe.

Mira gave a headshake. Not totally accurate. The eastern highlands are home to a stronghold. Although it's outdated and deserted, it makes sense. When I was little, my father mentioned it to me.

A glimmer of hope ignited in Kael's chest as he looked at her. "Are you able to locate it?"

Mira paused, then gave a nod. "I believe so. It's our best chance, but it won't be simple.

With a forceful tone, Kael stated, "Then it's settled." "At first light, we depart."

The trip to the mountains in the east was exhausting. The group was in constant twilight because of the forest's thick canopy, which prevented much sunlight from penetrating. Everyone was on edge due to the distant cries of invisible creatures and the strong smell of moist ground and moss.

Selene seized the initiative, scouting ahead with quick, stealthy motions. In close pursuit, Grent kept his axe ready. With their hands never far from their weapons, Mira and Orin strolled side by side. Kael trailed behind, his fingers grazing the Blade's hilt as though he was looking for confirmation.

Tensions were high and the group's progress was sluggish. Their eyes darted to the darkness, tense at every rustle of leaves or snap of a twig. Their darkest worries didn't come true until they arrived at a tiny ravine.

"Relax!" Selene lifted a warning hand and spoke sharply. The party froze as people wearing dark robes that appeared to absorb the light came out of the underbrush.

With his axe raised, Grent snarled, "Shadow Council."

The party leader moved nearer, his face hidden by his hood. "Kael Dravorn," he stated in a stern and icy tone. "You are carrying something that is not yours."

Kael's hold on the Blade became more firm. "Those who would use it to defend, not destroy, are the rightful owners."

The commander laughed, but it was a cold laugh. For a child who is out of his depth, bold words. Give up the blade, and I'll spare your friends.

"Don't pay attention to him," Mira growled. "They are ours to take."

"Is it possible for us to?" Selene's eyes scanned the enemy as she spoke softly. "They are two times as many as we are."

Kael took a step forward and pulled out the Blade. Its light blazed, piercing the darkness. "You'll have to accept it if you desire it."

A scowl took the place of the leader's smile. "All right." Shadowy tendrils pushed forward as he raised his palm, seemingly causing the air to ripple.

It was a chaotic conflict. Grent's motions were driven by anger and resolve as his axe sliced through the robed creatures. Orin and Mira battled side by side, their combined strength keeping them alive. With her daggers gleaming as she struck with accuracy, Selene sped through the chaos.

With their blades clashing in a shower of sparks, Kael turned to face the leader. The Blade of Eryndor's brilliance pushed back the darkness, and it appeared to hum with energy. However, the leader was adept, moving with ease and unrelentingly.

With a strained voice, the leader acknowledged, "You're strong." "But you can't be saved by strength alone."

A blow to his heart was deflected by Kael's clinched teeth. Perhaps not. However, I'm not fighting by myself.

Selene's knife sliced into the leader's arm as she suddenly materialised at his side. His grip wavered as he let out a cry. Kael took advantage of the situation and stabbed the leader in the chest. An explosion of light caused the leader to vanish into darkness, his shape dispersing like ash in the wind.

The other robed beings paused, their determination wavering. Grent exploited them, razing them one by one until the jungle was quiet again.

Breathing heavily and their bodies bruised, the group regrouped. With his hands still shaking from the struggle, Kael dabbed at the perspiration on his forehead.

His voice was scratchy as he enquired, "Is everyone okay?"

Mira's face was pale, but she nodded. "We are still here. That's what counts.

Selene grimaced as she sheathed her daggers. "They'll send more." We must continue to move.

Kael nodded, determination strengthening. "After that, we keep going until we arrive at the fortress."

Kael couldn't get rid of the impression that the Shadow Council had even more power than they had initially thought as they travelled on. Although the Blade's illumination served as a beacon, it also made them targets. And Kael was aware that the stakes were only going to get higher as they approached the stronghold.

He kept thinking about the rumours of betrayal, a persistent doubt that would not go away. Who could really be trusted in a world where darkness reigned?