FIRE AND ICE

Chapter 6: The First Key

The chamber remained silent after Lucien disappeared.

Kael stared at the place where the masked figure had stood. His hands trembled slightly, and the last traces of frost melted from his fingers.

Three ancient keys.

A forgotten king.

And a war built on lies.

Everything he had learned seemed to lead to another mystery.

“Why would Lucien want me to find the keys?” Kael asked.

Rowan sheathed his sword. “Because he cannot awaken their power himself.

Then why not destroy them?”

“Because the keys are connected to the magic that sealed the Forgotten King away. Destroying them might break that seal.”

Kael frowned. “So finding them could help Lucien?”

“Or stop him,” Lyra replied. “It depends on what we discover.”

King Edric approached, followed by several surviving guards.

“We cannot remain here,” he announced. “The Shadow Order knows this chamber exists. More of its soldiers will come.”

Then a third time.

Lyra's face went pale.

“That bell hasn't rung in a thousand years.”

“What's happening?” Darius demanded.

From somewhere deep below them came the sound of enormous stone doors opening.

Rowan raised his sword.

“The first key was never just a key.”

Kael gripped it tightly.

“What do you mean?”

Rowan looked toward the darkness beneath the temple.

“It was keeping something imprisoned.”