Eclipse of Eternity: The lost Kingdom's Curse

The Sunken Citadel

The island was small but dense, its center dominated by a crumbling stone archway covered in moss and vines. Beyond the archway, the ground sloped downward, leading to a massive structure half-submerged in the lake. The Sunken Citadel.

Kael stared at the ancient fortress, its towers rising like broken teeth from the water. The shard in his satchel pulsed brighter, as if urging him forward. “This is it,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “The amulet must be inside.”

Elara crossed her arms, her expression wary. “Of course it’s in the creepy, half-drowned castle. Why wouldn’t it be?”

Thorne stepped forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. “The Lake Witch said the trials would get harder. We need to be ready for anything.”

Kael nodded, his grip tightening on his sword. “Let’s go.”

They made their way down the slope, the ground growing softer and wetter as they approached the citadel. The air was thick with the smell of stagnant water and decay, and the silence was unnerving. The only sound was the occasional splash of water against the stone walls.

As they reached the entrance, a massive door came into view, its surface covered in intricate carvings of stars and moons. The shard in Kael’s satchel flared, and the door creaked open, revealing a dark, waterlogged hallway.

Elara drew her daggers. “After you.”

Kael stepped inside, the water lapping at his boots. The hallway was lined with crumbling statues, their faces worn away by time. The air was cold, and the walls seemed to hum with faint, ancient magic.

They hadn’t gone far when the water ahead began to ripple. Kael raised his sword, his heart pounding. “Something’s coming.”

The water surged, and a figure emerged—a knight in rusted armor, its eyes glowing with a faint blue light. It raised a sword, its movements slow but deliberate.

Thorne stepped forward, his own sword at the ready. “A guardian. Let me handle this.”

The knight lunged, its sword clashing against Thorne’s with a loud clang. Thorne fought with precision and skill, his movements fluid despite the weight of his armor. After a few strikes, he found an opening and drove his sword through the knight’s chest. The guardian collapsed, its armor clattering to the ground.

Kael exhaled, lowering his sword. “Nice work.”

Thorne nodded, his expression grim. “There’ll be more. Stay alert.”

They continued deeper into the citadel, the water growing deeper as they went. The shard’s light guided them, illuminating the path ahead. They encountered more guardians, each one stronger than the last, but together, they managed to fight their way through.

Finally, they reached a large chamber at the heart of the citadel. The room was circular, with a high ceiling and walls covered in faded murals. At the center of the room stood a pedestal, and on it rested a glowing amulet—a crescent moon surrounded by a ring of stars.

Kael’s mark flared brightly, and he felt a surge of energy. “That’s it. The Eclipse Amulet.”

Elara grinned. “Finally. Let’s grab it and get out of here.”

As they approached the pedestal, the ground began to tremble. The water in the chamber churned, and a figure rose from the depths—a woman clad in flowing robes, her hair made of water and her eyes glowing with an otherworldly light.

“You dare to take what is not yours?” she said, her voice echoing through the chamber.

Kael stepped forward, his sword raised. “We need the amulet to break the curse. Please, let us take it.”

The woman’s expression softened slightly. “The curse is a burden to us all. But the amulet is not easily claimed. To take it, you must prove your worth.”

Elara groaned. “Another trial? Can’t we just skip this part?”

The woman ignored her, her gaze fixed on Kael. “The amulet is bound to the bloodline of Lythoria. Only one of royal blood can wield its power. But to claim it, you must face the truth of your past.”

Kael frowned. “What do you mean?”

The woman gestured, and the murals on the walls began to glow. Images appeared—scenes of a kingdom in its prime, of a royal family ruling with wisdom and strength. But then the images darkened, showing the fall of the kingdom, the curse spreading like a shadow.

Kael’s heart ached as he watched. “This is what happened to Lythoria.”

The woman nodded. “And this is what you must face. The amulet’s power comes at a cost. To wield it, you must accept the burden of your bloodline—the pain, the loss, the responsibility.”

Kael clenched his fists. “I’ll do whatever it takes.”

The woman stepped aside, gesturing toward the amulet. “Then take it. But know this—the curse will not be easily broken. The Curseweaver will stop at nothing to keep his hold on the kingdom.”

Kael stepped forward, his hand reaching for the amulet. As his fingers closed around it, a surge of energy coursed through him. Visions flashed before his eyes—scenes of battles, of sacrifices, of a kingdom in ruins. He saw the faces of his ancestors, their eyes filled with sorrow and determination.

When the visions faded, Kael stood tall, the amulet glowing in his hand. He felt a newfound strength, but also a heavy weight. The burden of his bloodline was now his to bear.

Elara stepped closer, her expression unreadable. “You okay?”

Kael nodded. “I’m ready. Let’s end this.”

Thorne placed a hand on his shoulder. “We’re with you.”

As they left the chamber, the water began to rise, the citadel groaning as if coming to life. The woman’s voice echoed behind them. “Hurry. The citadel will not hold much longer.”

They ran through the halls, the water surging around them. The guardians they had defeated earlier now lay motionless, their armor scattered across the floor. The shard in Kael’s satchel pulsed in time with the amulet, guiding them toward the exit.

When they finally emerged from the citadel, the island was shaking, the ground cracking beneath their feet. They sprinted toward the boat, the water rising rapidly.

As they rowed away, the citadel began to collapse, its towers crumbling into the lake. Kael watched in silence, the amulet clutched tightly in his hand.

Elara glanced at him. “So, what now?”

Kael took a deep breath. “Now, we face the Curseweaver.”