Blade of the Fallen Kingdom

Chapter 6 – The Weight of Power

The silence after Varic’s departure was heavier than the battle itself. The survivors huddled together, some clutching children, others whispering prayers. Their gazes flicked between Kael and the Blade, not with gratitude—but with fear.

Mira noticed it instantly. She sheathed her sword and stepped in front of Kael as though shielding him. “He saved your lives,” she snapped, her voice sharp enough to cut the air. “Without him, you’d all be ash. Remember that before you let a coward’s words turn your hearts against him.”

No one replied. Some looked away, ashamed. Others kept their eyes fixed on the glowing weapon in Kael’s hand, as if it might lash out at any moment.

Kael lowered his gaze. His fingers refused to release the Blade, no matter how desperately he tried to let go. It clung to him, pulsing faintly, whispering in his mind. They doubt you. Prove them wrong. Show them strength.

He bit the inside of his cheek hard enough to taste blood, fighting back the urge to scream.

Mira leaned closer, her voice soft now. “Kael, breathe. You’re still in control. Don’t let it win.”

Her words anchored him. Slowly, shakily, he forced the Blade back into its sheath. The whispering dulled, though it never vanished entirely. Only then did the survivors exhale, relief rippling through them.

But relief was short-lived.

A young man near the rear of the group suddenly blurted, “If what that Varic said is true… then aren’t we following a curse instead of salvation?”

Others murmured agreement. Fear, once planted, spread quickly.

Mira’s hand went to her sword again, but Kael stopped her with a shake of his head. He couldn’t silence them with steel. Not if he wanted their trust.

He took a step forward, heart pounding. “I don’t know why the Blade chose me. I don’t know if it’s cursed or if it’s salvation. But I do know this—without it, those shadow soldiers would have slaughtered us. If I have to bear its weight so the rest of you can live, then I will.”

His voice trembled at first but grew stronger with each word. “I am not your enemy. I am one of you. If the Blade hungers for me, let it feed on me—never on you.”

The survivors quieted. Some lowered their heads, ashamed of their doubt. Others still looked wary, but the raw hostility faded. Mira’s eyes shone with pride, though she said nothing.

Before anyone could speak further, a deep rumble shook the ground. Dust fell from the cavern ceiling.

Kael stiffened. “What now?”

A boy near the entrance screamed. “They’re coming back!”

Shadows stirred beyond the cavern mouth, dozens—no, hundreds of them. Dark figures, faceless and relentless, marching in eerie silence.

Mira cursed under her breath. “We can’t fight them all. Not here.”

Panic erupted. Survivors clutched belongings, screaming, shoving one another.

Kael’s instincts screamed to draw the Blade again, to cut down every last shadow. The weapon stirred eagerly, urging him on. Yes. More. Let me drink them dry. I will protect you—if you let me own you.

But Mira grabbed his arm, eyes blazing. “No, Kael. Not this time. If you fight them all, it will consume you. We need another way.”

Her words struck him like a slap. Another way. But what way?

Then, faintly, Kael heard something beyond the rumbling—water. A rushing, roaring sound deeper in the caves.

“The river,” he realized. “If we follow it, maybe it leads outside.”

Mira’s eyes narrowed. “Or it leads to a dead end.”

“Better a chance than a slaughter.”

She hesitated, then nodded. “Agreed.”

They turned, rallying the terrified survivors. “Everyone, move!” Mira shouted. “Stay together!”

Kael drew the Blade but didn’t swing it. He kept it low, using its faint glow to light the twisting cavern paths. Shadows surged in pursuit, their faceless forms flooding the tunnels behind them.

The group ran, stumbling over rocks, clutching children, gasping for breath. The sound of rushing water grew louder. Hope flared—then almost died again when the tunnel widened into a massive underground chamber.

A black river churned violently, foaming as it crashed against jagged rocks. No boats, no bridge—only a deadly current.

“We’re trapped,” a woman cried.

“No.” Kael’s chest heaved as he stared at the raging water. “We’re not.”

Mira understood instantly. “You want us to cross.”

Kael nodded. “It’s the only way. The shadows won’t stop. If we stay, we die.”

Survivors balked, shaking their heads, but the rumble of approaching enemies silenced their protests.

Mira stepped to the edge first. She turned to the others. “If you trust anyone, trust us. Jump. Swim. Survive.”

And then she leapt.

The river swallowed her instantly. She surfaced a moment later, thrashing, then found the current carrying her swiftly downstream.

“Go!” Kael shouted, pushing the nearest survivor forward. Panic-stricken, they jumped, followed by others. One by one, families hurled themselves into the raging water. Screams mixed with the roar of the river.

Finally, Kael turned to face the cavern mouth. The shadows were nearly upon him, their faceless helms glinting. He unsheathed the Blade once more, its glow searing through the dark.

“Come, then!” he roared, voice raw. “If you want me—take me!”

They surged toward him like a black tide.

And then Kael turned, clutching the Blade tight, and leapt into the river’s fury.

The freezing water slammed into him, stealing his breath. The current yanked him under, tumbling him like a rag doll. He clawed upward, barely breaking the surface in time to gasp before being dragged under again.

The Blade burned against his hand, whispering in the chaos. Let me guide you. I can cut even water. I can make you breathe. Yield to me, and I will save you.

Kael squeezed his eyes shut, choking on river spray. He couldn’t tell which way was up or down. All around him was roaring darkness, water crashing, lungs screaming.

And then—something cold and clawed brushed his ankle.

His eyes shot open. Beneath the surface, shapes moved—shadows swimming, hunting, dragging themselves through the river with unnatural grace.

Even here, they followed.

Kael’s scream was swallowed by the torrent as he kicked desperately, pulled between drowning waters and the grasp of faceless hands.

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