Knight of no Kingdom by Fiona Cianaigh

Author:Fiona Cianaigh [Cianaigh, Fiona]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-10-17T00:00:00+00:00

The temple of the shadow

The air on Hadaril was thick and heavy when Alera and Kael finally found their way out of the labyrinth. The dense mists that had surrounded them before cleared away and a vast plain of black rock stretched out before them, leading directly towards the Temple of Shadow. In the midst of this desolate landscape, the monument rose into the sky like a dark, monolithic fortress - the temple that held the heart of Varelion.

Kael paused and let his gaze wander over the enormous structure. The walls of the temple were covered in ancient runes that glowed with dark magic, recognisable even to a layman. The sky above them was cloudy, as if the island itself wanted to banish the light of day to hide the evil that lurked in its depths.

"So this is it," Kael muttered, putting a hand on the hilt of his sword. "The place where it could all end."

Alera remained silent, her eyes fixed on the temple. She felt the powerful magic emanating from the building like a buzzing under her skin. It was as if the temple was calling to her, beckoning her closer, drawing her under its spell. Her breathing was shallow and her fingers trembled slightly as she took the last step out of the labyrinth.

"Alera?" Kael stepped to her side and gave her a worried look. "What's wrong?"

She shook her head, as if trying to shake off the fog of temptation that was slowly settling over her mind. "It's just... the temple," she whispered, "it's... calls to me. I can feel its power. It's... unstoppable."

Kael took a step closer and placed a hand on her shoulder. "You're stronger than that. You've made it this far. I won't let you give in to this darkness."

Alera looked at him, her eyes full of doubt. "I don't know if I can control it, Kael. What if I fail?"

"You won't fail," he replied firmly. "We'll get through it together, just like we always have. I'm with you."

A shadow of gratitude flitted across her face, but it was short-lived. Kael sensed that something inside her was struggling, that the battle had been raging within her ever since they had sought Varelion's heart. The influence of the artefact was stronger than he had thought, and he wondered if Alera would be able to resist it to the end.

With a deep breath, Alera started moving again. Kael followed her, his grip on the sword tightening as they approached the temple. The closer they got, the stronger the oppressive aura of darkness became. The entrance to the temple was a massive stone door flanked by grotesque statues. Their eyes seemed to follow the intruders as they stared into the heart of the structure.

"This is it," Alera whispered as she stood in front of the door. Her fingers lightly stroked the runes carved into the stone. "The heart is in there."

"And Lysander will be too," Kael added. "We have to be prepared for anything."

Alera nodded silently. She knew that Lysander Vex, the dark wizard of Astera, would do anything to awaken Varelion's heart.

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