Heir Of The Fallen Flame

Chapter 10: The Journey

Kael woke to cold wind brushing against his face.

For a long moment, he didn’t move. His body felt heavy, like stone had been tied to his limbs. The faint scent of pine drifted through the air and somewhere nearby, water trickled softly against rock.

Slowly, he opened his eyes. Gray clouds stretched above him, drifting across a pale morning sky. Jagged mountain peaks surrounded him on every side and tall trees swayed below the cliff where he lay.

Kael frowned weakly.

Where was he?

He pushed himself upright with a groan and immediately regretted it. Pain tore through his chest and shoulders, sharp enough to steal his breath. His hands trembled against the ground as flashes exploded behind his eyes.

Golden light. Screaming. A creature roaring. Ronan…

Kael froze as he recalled Pelson falling to the ground limp. His breathing quickened instantly.

“No…” he whispered.

Fragments returned violently now; fire tearing through Astra, the smell of blood, Ronan screaming, his own power swallowing the battlefield whole.

Kael looked down at his hands. They were clean now but he could still remember the feeling of that power moving through him like a living thing.

His stomach twisted. “What did I do…?”

A voice answered behind him.

“You survived.”

Kael spun around immediately, nearly losing his balance.

Lyra stepped out from between the trees carrying a small leather bag over her shoulder. A few rabbits hung from one hand while a dagger rested at her waist. Her silver hair moved lightly with the wind and despite the calm look on her face, exhaustion lingered beneath her eyes.

Relief flickered across her features when she saw him awake.

“You’re finally conscious.”

Kael stared at her. “How long have I been unconscious?"

“Almost a day.”

“A day…?”

Lyra walked toward him carefully and dropped the bag beside a flat rock nearby.

“You collapsed after we escaped Astra,” she explained. “Your body burned itself dry.”

Kael looked away immediately. Astra. The memories from the fight returned harder this time.

“Pelson…” Keal said as though he wasn't sure how to ask his question.

Lyra went quiet. The silence was all the answer he needed.

Kael’s chest tightened painfully. “He’s dead?”

Lyra crossed her arms slowly. “Yes.”

His knees almost gave out beneath him.

“No…” His voice cracked softly. “I didn’t mean to…”

“I know.” She said,

Kael dragged a hand through his dark hair, breathing unevenly now.

“What happened?” he asked quietly. “I can’t remember everything.”

Lyra studied him for a moment before answering. “You lost control.”

Kael closed his eyes.

“The Tyrant attacked Astra,” she continued. “It ignored almost everyone there. It wanted you.”

Kael looked back at her sharply. “The Tyrant? The monster? What…why?”

“I don’t know,” Lyra admitted. “But I know it wasn’t natural. That creature is blood bound and it's only one person capable of such forbidden runes.”

Kael swallowed hard. “I remember fighting it.”

“You nearly destroyed Astra fighting it.”

Kael looked away again. “I killed him

I can't believe I…”

Lyra sighed softly before sitting against one of the stones nearby.

“Pelson tried to kill you during the battle,” she said. “The Tyrant attacked at the same time.”

Kael’s expression darkened immediately.

“And Ronan thinks I killed him.”

Lyra stayed quiet, there was no need admitting the obvious. Kael stared at nothing for several seconds.

“He’ll come after me now.”

Lyra exhaled, “He will.”

“And the council?”

“They will declare you a threat.” she admitted. She'd been in this system long enough to know what their next line of action is.

Kael laughed bitterly under his breath.

“Of course they did.”

He looked down at his shaking hands again.

“When that power takes over…” his voice lowered, “it feels like something else is inside me.”

Lyra’s eyes narrowed slightly at that. “What do you mean?”

Kael hesitated. How could he explain it? The voice in his head? The darkness moving beneath the gold? The feeling that something ancient had opened its eyes inside him?

He shook his head slowly. “Nothing.”

Lyra clearly didn’t believe him but she let it go.

“We can’t stay here long,” she said instead, standing again. “Scouts will already be searching the mountains.”

Kael frowned. “Where are we even going?”

“To Zen.”

At the mention of the old master, Kael stiffened slightly. “You think he’ll help me after this?”

“He will.”

“You sound certain.”

Lyra picked up the bag beside her. “Zen doesn’t fear power the way the council does.”

Kael looked unconvinced. “I nearly destroyed Astra.”

“And yet you protected me.”

Kael blinked slightly. Lyra met his gaze calmly.

“You could’ve killed everyone there if you truly lost yourself.” Her voice lowered slightly. “But you didn’t.”

Kael didn’t answer. Part of him wanted to believe her bit Pelson had died regardless and that doesn't change the fact that he might, in fact, be a monster.

What if next time he couldn’t stop it? Lyra turned toward the narrow trail leading down the mountain.

“Come on,” she said. “Zen’s academy is two days from here.”

Kael hesitated only briefly before following. He didn't want to believe captured by the council, he knew what would become of him if he did. If anything, he needed to endure so he could finally find her.

The journey through the mountains was colder than Kael expected.

By nightfall, fog rolled between the cliffs like drifting ghosts and strange sounds echoed through the forests below them. Lyra kept them moving through hidden paths far from the main roads.

Kael noticed the way she constantly watched the trees.

“You think we’re being followed?”

“I know we are.”

Kael stiffened immediately. “The council?”

“Probably.”

That answer did little to comfort him.

The deeper they traveled into the wilderness, the stranger the world became. Ancient ruins covered in moss appeared between trees. Massive stone statues stood broken along forgotten trails, their faces worn away by time.

At one point, Kael noticed claw marks carved into a cliffside taller than houses.

“What made those?”

Lyra glanced at them briefly. “Something old.”

That was all she said.

By the second evening, they finally reached the valley where Zen’s academy rested.

Kael stopped walking the moment he saw it.

Unlike Astra’s towering silver structures, Zen’s academy blended into the mountain itself. Bridges hung between cliffs and glowing lanterns floated gently through the mist. Waterfalls poured down the rocks surrounding it while enormous trees wrapped around ancient stone buildings. He hadn't seen all this as he'd been unconscious when he was brought here.

For the first time since leaving Astra, Kael felt his chest loosen slightly.

“It’s beautiful,” he admitted quietly.

“It used to be quieter,” Lyra muttered.

They approached the gates carefully.

But the moment the guards spotted Kael, bells went off and the quiet floors echoed with boots stumping on the ground.

“Stop right there!”

Dozens of warriors appeared along the walls above them, weapons drawn. Magic circles glowed beneath their feet as tension spread through the entrance.

Kael instinctively stepped back.

Lyra frowned. “What is the meaning of this? We’re not enemies.”

One of the guards stared directly at Kael with visible fear.

“The council sent word,” he said tightly. “He is a wanted man for the murder of the supreme Mage.”

Kael’s expression darkened immediately. Goodness, he is a wanted man?

Lyra stepped forward angrily. “Zen knows me.”

“That doesn’t matter anymore.”

The massive gates behind them slowly opened before the argument could continue.

Zen walked through the gates. His dark robes moved gently in the wind while silver markings glowed faintly across the wooden staff in his hand.

Zen's eyes landed on Kael and he exhaled deeply l, a look of worry on his face. Kael felt his stomach sink instantly, Zen couldn't help him.

Lyra stepped forward first. “Master…”

“You should not have brought him here.”

Kael looked down immediately. Of course. Even this place feared him now.

Lyra frowned. “He needs help.”

“He needs to disappear.”

The words hit harder than Kael expected. Zen descended the steps slowly until he stood directly before them.

“You killed Pelson.” Zen said, stunned himself.

“He didn't! The tyrant…”

“I warned Astra something dangerous was awakening,” he said quietly. “ The Tyrant was created in your image and he won't stop until it has you. Even if it takes destroying our realm, it would!”

Kael frowned slightly. “So what do you want me to do?!” He snapped. “I didn't choose this! I don't even understand what's going on!”

The old master turned toward the guards. “Leave us.”

Reluctantly, the guards obeyed though none lowered their weapons completely. Zen led them away from the gate toward a quiet cliff overlooking the valley below.

Only then did he speak again.

“Astra is in chaos,” he said. “Pelson’s death shattered the council.”

Kael tensed immediately. “I dodnt…”

“Even if you didn't mean to..” Zen cuts in, “It doesn't matter. He was bound to meet his doom anyway and dare I say I am delighted he is gone.”

“Master Zen…” Lyra cautioned.

"What? He's always bragged about outliving his enemies. Look how that turned out for him!"

The old man turned serious.

“Ronan has already taken command of Astra’s forces.” Zen continued.

Lyra crossed her arms. “That was fast.”

“Judging by how easily influenced the council can be, I am not surprised.” Zen continued.

“The council has declared you a danger to every kingdom in the realm. Your face is already spreading through the cities.”

Kael’s jaw tightened. “So I’m being hunted.”

“Yes.”

Lyra frowned slightly. “That’s not all, is it?”

Zen’s expression darkened. “No.”

The wind around them grew colder.

“That creature that attacked Astra…” Zen lowered his voice slightly. “It was blood-bound.”

Kael frowned. “What does that mean?”

“It means someone summoned it.”

Lyra’s eyes narrowed instantly, she'd suspected it was. It seems she was right.

“Does that mean…”

Zen nodded. “This is getting dangerous if that bastard is out of hiding after centuries of cowardice. Whatever he needs Kael for, we can't let him have it.”

Kael felt unease crawl through his chest.

“Why would someone summon that thing to find me? What use am I to him?”

Zen looked directly at him.

“The moment your power awakened, the balance of the realm changed,” Zen said. “There are people who have spent centuries searching for traces of the Unclaimed Flame.”

“The Unclaimed Flame…” Kael repeated quietly.

Zen nodded slowly. “That power inside you is older than modern magic itself.”

Kael stared at him. “Then tell me what I am.”

For the first time, Zen hesitated. “I am not certain. This has existed long before my great grandfather.”

Frustration flashed across Kael’s face.

“You all keep saying that!” he snapped. “Nobody has a clue?!”

“Kael…” Lyra cautioned, worried he'd transform right there and then.

Kael stepped forward angrily. “People are dying because of me!”

“And more will die if you lose control again.”

The words silenced him instantly. Zen sighed quietly.

“I do not believe you are evil, Kael.”

Lyra glanced at him in surprise.

“But power without control destroys everything around it.”

Kael’s fists tightened slowly. “What am I supposed to do then?”

Zen looked toward the endless forest stretching beyond the mountains.

“There is someone who may help you.”

Lyra frowned slightly. “Who?”

“A Flame Whisperer.”

Even the wind seemed to still.

Kael blinked. “A what?”

“An old master who once studied powers older than magic itself.”

Lyra looked skeptical. “You actually believe he still exists?”

“I know he does.”

Zen turned back toward Kael. “He lives deep within the Varshai Woods beyond the eastern mountains. Few who search for him ever return.”

Kael let out a tired breath. “Sounds encouraging.”

Zen ignored the comment. “If anyone can teach you to control what’s inside you… it is him.”

Kael looked toward the dark forests in the distance.

“I can't keep you here. This is the first place the council will come to search.” Zen glanced at Lyra, “Child, are you sure you are okay with living as a wanted man?”

Lyra straightens up, “Anything that keeps the council on their toes is my calling.”

Zen nodded and handed the duo a folded bag containing a few clothes, food and coins.

“Change your clothes and keep your face hidden. Keep your heads down. I have horses waiting at the end of the cliff.” Zen said he'd been prepared since the news got to him.

“Only the heavens can keep you safe now.” Zen adds.