Chapter 19: The Crimson Legion
952 Words
The crimson pillar of light pierced the heavens.
Its glow painted the snow-covered mountains in shades of red.
Even from miles away, Azul could feel the surge of ancient power.
The winged guardian slowly lifted its head.
Its golden eyes narrowed.
“They have broken the Third Seal.”
Elyra’s face paled.
“The Third Seal?”
The guardian nodded.
“Each seal imprisoned a fragment of an army that once marched beneath Aster’s banner.”
Azul’s grip tightened around the crystal pendant.
“An army?”
The guardian’s voice grew heavy.
“Not ordinary soldiers.”
“…The Crimson Legion.”
⸻
Deep beneath the western mountain…
The masked commander stood before the massive stone doorway.
The crimson runes covering the walls burned like fire.
One by one…
The stone warriors stepped forward.
Their armor was dark crimson, their eyes glowed like burning embers, and each carried a weapon untouched by rust despite centuries of slumber.
There were dozens.
Then hundreds.
The sound of synchronized footsteps echoed through the underground hall.
The commander bowed his head.
“My Lord…”
“The Legion awaits your command.”
Aster walked slowly through the ranks.
The warriors remained perfectly still.
He looked upon them not as weapons…
But as old comrades.
“You have slept long enough.”
The Legion knelt as one.
“Rise.”
The single word echoed like thunder.
The Crimson Legion stood.
⸻
Elsewhere…
Nyx watched from the shadows above the ruined entrance.
She had arrived just in time to witness the awakening.
Her heart pounded.
She had never seen an army move with such discipline.
No shouting.
No confusion.
Only absolute obedience.
She quietly reached for a signaling arrow hidden inside her cloak.
“I have to warn the others.”
Just as she prepared to fire—
A blade rested gently against her neck.
“You almost escaped unnoticed.”
Nyx froze.
She hadn’t heard anyone approach.
The voice belonged to a woman.
Calm.
Confident.
Deadly.
“I’ve heard stories about the Shadow of Azul.”
Nyx slowly turned her eyes.
Standing behind her was a young woman dressed in crimson armor instead of robes.
A scar crossed her left eyebrow.
Twin curved blades rested at her waist.
She smiled.
“I’ve wanted to meet you.”
⸻
Meanwhile…
Bashan finally reached the summit of a rocky ridge.
From there, he saw the crimson light rising into the sky.
“What now…”
He muttered.
A familiar voice answered.
“It means you’re too late.”
Bashan spun around.
Aster stood only a few steps away.
Alone.
No soldiers.
No guards.
Just the Seventh Founder.
For several moments, neither moved.
Bashan slowly drew his sword.
“I’ve been looking for you.”
Aster smiled.
“So have I.”
⸻
Far below…
Brakus and the royal guard crossed the ancient bridge.
Halfway across, the bridge trembled violently.
Cracks spread beneath their feet.
The guard panicked.
“It’s collapsing!”
Brakus looked ahead.
The other side was still too far.
Without hesitation, he lifted the guard onto his shoulders.
“Hold on.”
Then he ran.
Stone crumbled behind every step.
The bridge collapsed just as Brakus leapt forward.
They landed safely on solid ground.
The guard looked back in disbelief.
“I thought we were finished.”
Brakus smiled.
“We’re not finished until everyone is safe.”
⸻
Inside the hunter’s cabin…
The old man handed Taren a rolled parchment.
“Take this.”
Taren accepted it.
“What is it?”
“A map.”
“To where?”
The old hunter’s eyes became distant.
“To the place where lies become history.”
Taren blinked.
“…That answered absolutely nothing.”
The hunter laughed.
“I was hoping you’d say that.”
⸻
Back at the Frozen Lake…
The great winged guardian spread its majestic wings.
“I can no longer remain hidden.”
Elyra bowed deeply.
“My Lord…”
“Will you fight again?”
The guardian looked toward Azul.
“I swore never to take part in the wars of men again.”
It paused.
“But…”
“The balance must be preserved.”
It lowered its massive head until it was level with Azul.
“You carry the First Light.”
“You must gather your companions.”
“Only together can the Vanguard withstand what is coming.”
Azul nodded.
“I’ll find them.”
“No matter where they are.”
The guardian smiled.
“I know you will.”
⸻
On the lonely ridge…
Snow swirled between Bashan and Aster.
The silence was broken only by the wind.
Aster slowly drew his black sword.
“I have no desire to kill you.”
Bashan raised his own blade.
“That’s convenient.”
“Because I don’t plan on dying.”
Aster chuckled.
“Your confidence reminds me of someone.”
“One of the Six?”
“No.”
“Myself.”
Before Bashan could respond…
Aster vanished.
His sword appeared inches from Bashan’s face.
CLANG!
Bashan barely blocked the strike.
The force sent him sliding across the frozen ground.
His arms trembled.
He had never faced an opponent this powerful.
Aster lowered his blade.
“You’ve grown stronger than I expected.”
“But strength alone…”
“…will never change history.”
Bashan smiled despite the pain.
“Good.”
“Because I plan to do a lot more than change history.”
The mountain shook beneath them as the two warriors charged once more.
Far away, hidden beneath layers of ancient ice, another crystal flickered to life.
A soft voice echoed through the darkness.
“The Heir of Resolve has been found.”
- Writer
