The gates of Tetheris creaked open, revealing a settlement unlike any Kaelan had imagined. Houses carved directly into the cliffside glowed with faint, blue crystals embedded in their walls. The people moved with purpose, their faces shadowed by a quiet tension. This was no ordinary town; it was a gathering place for the gifted, the cursed, and those who sought refuge from the world's cruelties.
Kaelan followed Orin through the winding streets, Elara close behind. As they passed, curious eyes watched from the shadows.
"Keep your guard up," Orin muttered. "Tetheris tests everyone, even its allies."
Kaelan didn't need the warning. The air felt heavy, charged with something unspoken.
The Summoning
Their guide stopped at the central square, where an ancient obelisk jutted from the ground, covered in glowing runes. The air around it shimmered faintly, as though reality itself bent in its presence.
"You'll need to prove yourselves here," Orin said, gesturing to the obelisk.
Elara raised an eyebrow. "Prove ourselves how?"
Before Orin could answer, the obelisk flared to life. The runes glowed brighter, and a deep, resonant voice filled the square.
"Step forward, newcomers. Tetheris welcomes no one untested."
Just as they both took a few steps,the obelisk runes departed it and surrounded Kaelan, moving around him as if studying him before settling back on the obelisk.
"Halt, the one that needs answers is the boy let him come to me"
Kaelan hesitated, glancing at Orin, who merely nodded.
"Go," Elara urged, her voice steady.
Kaelan approached the obelisk, his heart pounding. As he neared, the ground beneath his feet shifted, and the square transformed. The world around him dissolved, replaced by a vast, barren wasteland.
"You must conquer the shadows within," the obelisk intoned. "Prove you are more than the darkness you wield."
A figure emerged from the horizon—an exact replica of Kaelan, except its eyes burned with violet fire, and its movements were unnaturally fluid.
"Another trial," Kaelan muttered, drawing his blunt blade.
The shadow version of himself smirked, mirroring his movements perfectly. When Kaelan lunged, the shadow parried with ease, countering with a strike that sent him stumbling back.
It wasn't just fast; it was learning.
Kaelan unleashed his violent Soulfire,he couldn't control it, but the shadow absorbed it, growing larger and more menacing.
"This isn't working," he muttered to himself, his breath ragged.
"Because you fight it like an enemy," a voice called out—a woman's voice.
Kaelan turned sharply, his eyes narrowing as a figure stepped out of the shadows,not intervening but guiding kaelan.She was cloaked in frost, her white hair flowing like silk. Ice crystals formed at her fingertips as she gestured toward him.
"You must accept it," she said. "It is a part of you, not something to destroy."
The shadow lunged again, forcing Kaelan to refocus. He parried its attack, but her words lingered.
The woman raised her hand, freezing the ground between Kaelan and his shadow.
"I can't fight it,woman" Kaelan admitted, frustration in his voice.
"You're not supposed to," Eira replied, her tone calm but firm. "The shadow is your fear, your doubt perhaps your darkness. If you reject it, it will consume you. Embrace it."
" Embrace the darkness"He thought " Orin never taught me that"
Kaelan hesitated, watching the shadow replica circle him. Slowly, he lowered his weapon and extended his hand toward it.
The shadow did the same and paused, its fiery eyes flickering uncertainly.
"I'm not afraid of you," Kaelan said, his voice steady,he had come to a conclusion in his thoughts.
The shadow tilted it's head as if confirming kaelans surrender then it's form shifted, shrinking until it was nothing more than a wisp of smoke. It flowed into Kaelan's outstretched hand, disappearing into his chest.
The barren wasteland dissolved, and Kaelan found himself back in the square, the obelisk's runes dimming.
The gathered crowd murmured as Kaelan stood, his legs unsteady. Eira stepped forward, her piercing blue eyes studying him.
"Not bad boy" Eira said as she showed herself,her cloak dancing to the winds rhythm,a hint of approval in her voice.
"Who are you?" Kaelan asked, assuming a defensive stance.
"Eira Thalorian," she replied. "A fellow exile, like yourself. You'll need help if you're to survive here."
" What's an exile?"
Elara joined them,her hands on her thigh ready to grasp her dagger if anything was to go wrong,her gaze shifting between Kaelan and Eira.
"Hello princess"
"Do...i know....you?"Elara questioned.
" Just because your people banished you doesn't mean I cant identify the lost princess,as a matter of fact.I was there that day"Eira smiled faintly.
"Why are here?"She questioned pointing her dagger to the lady in frost.
"Let's just say I have my reasons for wanting to see this through"Her eyes darted around, placing her hands on the tip of the dagger away from her neck" For now, consider me an ally."
" Sorceress" .Orin says as he approached majestically
"Finally someone who knows the name."Eira says as she divert her attention towards Orin.
"You know her...papa?"
" Once, fate has way of controlling things son" Orin replied maintaining his eyes on the sorceress as if expecting her to make any wrong move.
"Never knew a nature's keeper would have a son....."Eira says as within a blink of an eye, appeared beside kaelan examining his ears,eyes and mouth" He's not green nor blue nor any colour related to your species"
" I believe that's non of your business....stir clear of our path or face the consequences" Orin warned as he intercept between the sorceress and kaelan.
Kaelan exchanged a glance with Elara, who nodded cautiously.
"Don't doubt me we all are connected one way or another " she said as smokes began to erupt from her feet covering her presence until she was no where to be seen"we shall see again child" Her voice said echoing through their surroundings.
" Let's move on...if fate wishes, we shall see her again either as an ally or as an enemy "Orin declares as they delve deeper into tetheris after they were granted pass.
The ruins of Tetheris loomed ahead, jagged spires of stone clawing at the storm-darkened sky. A faint hum filled the air, a resonance Kaelan felt deep in his chest, as though the land itself pulsed with anticipation. Orin had stopped a few paces back, his expression grave.
"This place is older than the gods themselves," he murmured. "Its power is... volatile. You must tread carefully."
Kaelan nodded, gripping the hilt of his blade tightly. Beside him, Elara's Starlight Shield shimmered faintly, casting a soft glow in the growing gloom. The path they followed was treacherous, strewn with the remnants of battles long forgotten—broken weapons, shattered bones, and the occasional glint of ancient armor.
The first sign of danger came in the form of whispers—low, insidious murmurs that seemed to emanate from the very walls of the ruins. Kaelan paused, glancing at Elara.
"Do you hear that?" he asked.
She nodded, her brow furrowed. "It's... pulling at me. Be careful, Kaelan. Something here is alive."
Suddenly, the ground beneath them trembled, and a figure emerged from the shadows, stepping into the faint light. The man was tall, his form cloaked in an aura of darkness that writhed like living smoke. His silver eyes gleamed, cold and calculating.
"You shouldn't be here," he said, his voice low and measured. "Tetheris is no place for the unprepared."
Kaelan drew his blade, the Soulfire sparking to life along its edge. "Who are you?"
The man's lips curled into a humorless smile. "Kain Everhart. And if you value your lives, you'll turn back now".
A group of shadow like spawn erupted around the trio but kain stood valiant enough to know he was the original.
Before Kaelan could respond, the air around them crackled with energy, and a sudden burst of frost erupted from the nearby ruins. A second figure appeared, a woman wreathed in ice and shadow. Her hair, pale as snow, cascaded over her shoulders, and her piercing blue eyes seemed to hold the weight of centuries.
"Fate perhaps works faster than I predict"Orin says as he quickly grasped her to be the woman they met earlier.
"Kain," she said sharply, her voice carrying an air of authority. "Are you threatening them, or warning them?"
Kain turned to her, his expression unreadable. "A bit of both. They're strangers."
The woman stepped closer, her gaze sweeping over Kaelan and Elara. "No one is ever truly ready for Tetheris. But if they've come this far, they deserve a chance."
"You were the voice in my head "kaelan said looking perplexed.
" And You're different this time" Elara questioned.
" A sorceress is always changing girl....what is your name?
"Elara....she replied ".
"Elara...."she repeated as if weighing the name.
"We have no time for this"Orin said disrupting the introductions." Let's move on"
Kains shadow self erupted from the ground again as if blocking their path"There's a reason you are here I can sense it".
" Move...." Orin warned,his green eyes dimmed showcasing his seriousness,the grip on his staff tightened in growing anger with kain not seeming afraid or moved he stood his ground like an actual shadow would until kaelans intervention.
"We're here for answers....and probably a new sword not to fight"He said as he gave through his jagged sword.
Eira's eyes narrowed, her expression darkening. "Answers come at a cost in this place. The ruins are guarded by an ancient force—something that does not take kindly to intruders. If you wish to survive, you'll need help."
Kain snorted. "Help? From them? They don't look like they'll last five minutes."
Kaelan stepped forward, meeting Kain's gaze with unwavering determination. "We've made it this far. Don't underestimate us."
Kain couldn't help but laugh "Funny" .
Eira raised a hand, silencing them both. "Enough. The test of Tetheris lies ahead. If you wish to prove yourselves, you'll have your chance. But know this: once the trial begins, there's no turning back.You cant run from it."
Orin, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "The trial of Tetheris is a test of will and strength, but also of the soul. If you are not prepared, it will consume you."
Kaelan tightened his grip on his blade, his Soulfire flaring brighter. "We're ready."
Eira exchanged a glance with Kain, who sighed and folded his arms. "Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you."
"Follow us".
As they stepped deeper into the ruins, the whispers grew louder, coalescing into an oppressive chorus that seemed to gnaw at the edges of Kaelan's mind. The air grew colder, frost creeping across the stones. Ahead, a massive archway loomed, its surface etched with runes that glowed faintly.
Eira halted, her expression grave. "This is it. Beyond this gate lies the heart of Tetheris. If you survive, we'll speak again."
Before Kaelan could respond, the ground beneath them shifted, and the gate began to open. A wave of frigid air swept over them, carrying with it the unmistakable scent of death. Kaelan glanced at Elara, who gave him a reassuring nod.
"Stay close," she said, her Starlight Shield brightening.
"May the power of nature guide you to what you seek".Orin says as he shape shifted into his wolf form and settled at a surrounding area awaiting their return.
Together, they stepped through the gate, the shadows swallowing them whole. Behind them, Eira and Kain watched in silence, their expressions unreadable.
"youre wrong, you know," Kain said after a moment.
Eira raised an eyebrow. "About what?"
Kain's void eyes flickered with something almost like regret. "It offends me to say they might actually survive."
" How sure are you?"
" As sure as fire is no friend of shadow"
The gate slammed shut behind them, sealing Kaelan and Elara in an oppressive void. The air was thick, heavy with a tangible darkness that seemed to press against their skin. Elara's Starlight Shield flickered weakly, the light struggling to pierce the suffocating gloom.
"Kaelan," she whispered, her voice tight. "This place... it's alive."
He nodded, gripping his blade tightly. But as he stepped forward, the Soulfire along the weapon dimmed, sputtering as if being smothered. The shadows around them shifted, taking on shapes—figures with hollow eyes and clawed hands, their whispers now a chorus of accusations and taunts.
"Weak... Unworthy... Pretender..."
Kaelan's chest tightened, his grip faltering. These voices weren't just random echoes; they felt personal, digging into his fears and insecurities.
"Kaelan, focus," Elara urged, stepping closer. "They're trying to break you."
He closed his eyes, grounding himself in her voice. But the shadows were relentless, swirling tighter around him until Elara's presence felt distant, her light almost snuffed out entirely.
Then, the ground beneath him crumbled. He fell, spiraling into a void so deep it felt like eternity. Elara's voice called out, but it faded quickly, leaving him alone in the pitch-black abyss.
When Kaelan landed, it wasn't with a crash but a strange, weightless stillness. The void around him shifted, the shadows coalescing into a figure—tall, imposing, and eerily familiar. Its form was a perfect silhouette of Kaelan, but where his eyes held determination, this entity's eyes burned with an unnatural, fiery void.
"It's you"Kaelan said surprised.
"You seek strength," it said, its voice a deep, resonant echo. "But strength comes at a price."
Kaelan straightened, meeting its gaze. "Who are you?"
"I am the shadow that follows you, the darkness within. I am your doubt, your rage, your potential. To wield true power, you must master me."
"I fought you earlier at the trial "kaelan inquired
" No...you embraced me and now in return I will help find your purpose" the dark entity says it's voice filling in through kaelans senses .
The entity raised a hand, and from the void emerged a weapon unlike any Kaelan had ever seen. It was a scythe, its blade forged from pure shadow, pulsing with veins of burning Soulfire. The haft shimmered as though woven from strands of night itself, shifting and reforming with every movement.
"This weapon was forged from a glitch of your actual power, it is yours if you are worthy," the entity said. "But it will not yield to the weak."
Before Kaelan could respond, the scythe dissolved, scattering into the air like black smoke becoming ruthless shadows.They surged forward, forming grotesque shapes—monsters with glowing eyes and gnashing teeth. They lunged at him, claws raking the air.
Kaelan raised his blade, but it felt heavy, sluggish in his grasp. The Soulfire barely flickered as the creatures overwhelmed him, driving him to his knees. Pain seared through him as shadowy talons tore at his flesh.
The entity's voice boomed again. "You cannot fight shadow with light alone. Embrace it, command it, become it."
Kaelan gritted his teeth, forcing himself to his feet. He could feel the shadows clawing at his mind, but within that darkness, there was something else—a flicker of understanding. The shadows weren't his enemy. They were a part of him.
Closing his eyes, Kaelan released his grip on the blade and spread his arms wide again this time. The shadow creatures hesitated, their movements faltering. He inhaled deeply as the shadows,noticing he had found his purpose,scrambled to get away but they were a part of his new weapon, a part they can't escape.There he stood,letting the shadows flow into him, through him, becoming an extension of his will.
The void shifted. The scythe began to reform in his hands, its weightless, ethereal presence feeling as natural as breathing. The defiant shadows that are left surged at him but this time, Kaelan met them head-on. With a sweep of the scythe, he cleaved through the darkness, the blade humming with a perfect balance of shadow and Soulfire.
The creatures dissolved, their forms scattering like ashes in the wind. The entity stepped forward, a faint smile playing on its shadowy face.
"You have taken the first step," it said. "But remember, power is a tool, not a savior. Wield it wisely."
The void shattered, and Kaelan found himself back in the ruins. Elara was brooding, her eyes wide with relief immediately she saw him.
"What happened? I thought I lost you," she said, her voice trembling.
Kaelan looked down at the scythe in his hands, its shadowy form solid and undeniable. "I... found something," he said quietly. "Something I didn't know I needed."
They headed out of the void into the ruins
Orin's voice echoed faintly. "You have forged a bond with the shadow, Kaelan. It will guide you, but it will also test you."
Eira and Kain emerged from the shadows, their expressions unreadable. Kain crossed his arms, a hint of approval in his smirk. "Not bad, kid."He faced Eira" See I told you".
" We both found purpose in him now he has freed us of our burden".
" Burden?" Kaelan overheard.
" Until a choosen escapes the trial of tetheris we cannot leave, a curse for our ignorance".Eira explained.
" Now you've freed us boy,we express our gratitude.We will guide through your path in this world,you've gained our support".
"Seems like fate is starting well".Orin says as he patrols forward.
Tightening his grip on the scythe with determination burning in his eyes. "Thank you"he finally said.
The ruins seemed to hum with approval as they pressed forward, the first trial of Tetheris behind them—but many more still ahead.