Ashes of the Crown

Chapter 8

                                                                        A Glimmer of Hope 

Through a layer of grey clouds, the sun reluctantly rose above Renshollow, illuminating the area with weak, diffused light. The formerly prosperous community was now a cemetery of burned-out houses and dashed hopes. Kael stood on the remains of a stone wall that overlooked the village square, the conflict of the night weighing heavily on his mind.

Selene came up behind, her footsteps gentle on the charred ground. "The survivors are congregating," she stated, her tone a mixture of exhaustion and resolve. "They are prepared to listen to your thoughts."

The Blade of Eryndor glinted dimly in the early light as Kael turned to face her. "Selene, what can I tell them? That this is only the start? That until everything we have battled for is lost, the Shadow Council will not give up?

With unflinching green eyes, Selene answered, "You tell them the truth." "Tell them that we stand up for everyone they have harmed, as you told me over that campfire. For everyone who is unable to defend himself.

Kael took a long breath and nodded. "Let's take action."

In the town square, the survivors clustered around, their expressions a patchwork of grim resolve, hope, and terror. Farmers, craftspeople, and kids clinging to their moms' skirts were among them. At the boundaries, Grent and Mira stood, their presence a silent guarantee of safety. With his twin daggers shining at his belt, Orin moved close to the front.

With the Blade of Eryndor strapped across his back, Kael took a step forward. The muttering of the audience subsided into silence as he held out a hand.

Despite the pain in his emotions, Kael's voice remained steady as he began, "I know many of you feel like there's no hope left." "We have lost so much to the Shadow Council. However, not everything has been taken. Our resolve to fight has not been taken away by them.

A quiet but rising murmur sounded through the audience. Kael continued.

"I'll tell you the truth. The road ahead will be difficult. However, we possess unity, which they do not. They separate and conquer via darkness and fear. But if we band together, we can defeat them. We can repair what they have destroyed and preserve what remains if we work together.

Selene took a step forward, exuding confidence. "We have already dealt them a blow. They fear the Blade of Eryndor, which Kael claimed. We can change the course with it and all of you.

One of the older women in the crowd held out her hand. "How are we going to fight? We are not fighters; we are farmers and traders.

Over the square, Grent's powerful voice could be heard. "You fight by refusing to back down. By not allowing them to take more than they already possess. And we'll teach you self-defence if you're ready to learn.

Mira took a step forward, her normally upbeat manner giving way to a quiet resolve. "Swords and shields are not the only thing at play here. It has to do with perseverance. about surviving them.

The murmurs of the throng became a wave of consensus. A glimmer of hope ignited in Kael's chest.

"Defences will be put in place," Kael stated. "Those who wish to fight will be trained by us. We will also discover allies outside of Renshollow. Despite their strength, the Shadow Council is not unbeatable.

The next few days were a haze of activity. The peasants were trained by Grent and Orin, who transformed blacksmiths into swordsmen and farmers into archers. By laying traps and strengthening the perimeter, Selene and Mira sought to fortify the settlement. In order to discover the Blade of Eryndor's secrets, Kael meditated with it.

Kael and Selene sat by the fire one evening as the sun began to set. The light throbbing faintly, the sword lay across his knees.

Breaking the stillness, Kael stated, "It's not just a weapon." It seems to have an independent will. It directs me in battle. However, there is more to it—something I don't fully understand.

Selene leaned in, her face contemplative. "How does holding it make you feel?"

Kael shut his eyes and concentrated on the sword. "Power. Light. but also a burden, as if it were bearing something I'm not yet prepared to witness.

Selene's eyes strayed to the skyline. Perhaps being prepared isn't the key. Perhaps it's about having faith in your ability to bear it nevertheless.

With her words echoing, Kael nodded. "Selene, thank you."

She gave a small smile. "Don't bring it up."

A scout, gasping for air and wide-eyed, rushed into the plaza a week after the locals had started their preparations.

"They're approaching," he exclaimed. "A raiding party of the Shadow Council. It will be less than a day's march.

The throng erupted in panic, but Kael moved forward and spoke loudly enough to be heard over the commotion. "We have prepared for this. Everyone to their places. Here, we maintain the line.

Each person moved with a renewed sense of purpose as the peasants dispersed. Kael looked around at his friends. "Grant, take the archers to the east." Cover the western flank, Orin. Keep the healers safe and stay with them, Mira. You're at the front with me, Selene.

With dismal yet determined expressions, they nodded. With its fire burning brightly than ever, Kael pulled out the Blade of Eryndor. "Let's demonstrate to them the consequences of underestimating us."

At dawn, the battle started. A wave of black-clad warriors and deranged monsters led the Shadow Council's army towards the settlement. The villagers' improvised defences proved surprisingly successful as they held their ground.

As the Blade of Eryndor sliced through the opposing ranks with dazzling arcs of light, Kael and Selene battled alongside each other. Selene's motions were deadly and precise, and her daggers gleamed like silver lightning.

Grent's thunderous commands kept the archers in sync, and their volleys reduced the enemy's force. Orin's daggers struck with deadly accuracy as he dashed through the confusion. Working tirelessly with the healers, Mira kept the fighters upright and stabilised the injured.

The enemy's numbers appeared to be limitless in spite of their attempts. Even though Kael was starting to feel tired, he persisted. He gained power that wasn't his own as the light from the blade became brighter.

A trumpet rang out from the ranks of the enemy as the sun rose to its highest point. Kael's heart fell when a huge figure appeared out of the darkness. The opposing leader, armed with a massive mace and wearing black armour, exuded menace.

"Selene," Kael murmured softly. "Remain near."

With one swing of his mace, the commander moved forward, dispersing the peasants. With the Blade of Eryndor humming with strength, Kael took a step forward.

The commander growled, "So, you've been the one causing trouble." "We'll check to see if you're as strong as they say."

Kael's blade came up. "You'll discover that I'm more than that."

Light and darkness clashed like a storm. Kael's resolve was more intense than the commander's overwhelming strength. The Blade of Eryndor appeared to move on its own initiative, avoiding blows and spotting gaps that Kael had missed.

With her daggers spotting chinks in the commander's armour, Selene dashed in and out of the battle. They drove him back together, but the fight was far from over.

The opposing forces started to withdraw a few hours later when the sun set. Although the villagers cheered, Kael's relief was muted by fatigue.

Selene came up, alive but covered in blood. She smiled wearily as she continued, "We did it."

Kael tightened his hold on the blade and nodded. "For the time being. This was only a raiding party, though. There will be more from the Shadow Council.

Selene's face became stern. "We'll be prepared then."

Still holding the brilliant Blade of Eryndor, Kael gazed out across the battlefield. He felt a glimmer of optimism for the first time, but the battle was far from done. They could fight the darkness together.

And they would win.