Chapter 5: The Ancient Guardian
321 Words
They reached a small clearing where the trees stood in a perfect circle. In the center lay a massive, moss-covered stone statue of a winged warrior. The whispers in the air grew louder, a chaotic symphony of hisses and moans, but they couldn't cross the boundary of the stone circle.
"We rest here," Kael said, leaning heavily against the base of the statue. His breath came in ragged gasps. Even an Iron-Blood had limits, and fighting the illusions of the woods had drained his spirit.
Elara sat down, carefully unwrapping the relic. The golden light bathed the clearing, revealing ancient runes carved into the floor. "This is a sanctuary," she whispered. "The statues... they were built by your ancestors, weren't they?
"Kael looked up at the stone face of the warrior. It bore the same sharp jawline and the same crest on its chest as his own broken armor. "The First Legion," he replied quietly. "They built these markers to keep the darkness contained. I thought they were just myths told to frighten young recruits."
"They aren't myths," Elara said, her eyes reflecting the golden glow. "The Black Sun wants to tear down these sanctuaries. If this circle falls, the woods will expand until they swallow every village and city in the realm.
"A low growl vibrated through the ground. From the edge of the darkness, two glowing red eyes appeared, followed by a massive, wolf-like creature made of shadows and thorns. It was a Blight-Hound, a beast specifically bred to hunt those who carry the light.
Kael stood up, his muscles aching, but his grip on his sword was firm. The sanctuary protected them from the whispers, but it wouldn't stop a physical monster.
"Stay inside the circle, Elara," Kael commanded, stepping forward to the edge of the light. "No matter what happens, do not let that light go out."
- Writer
