Determined to discover more about the secrets hidden in the White Palace, Arphaxad returned to the site, this time finding an unexpectedly deserted situation by the usual guards. Taking advantage of their absence, he ventured further into the ruins, guided by the muffled moans echoing through the silent corridors. Following the sound, he discovered a young imprisoned man, clearly suffering, even in a state of semi-consciousness.
While Arphaxad planned a way to free the prisoner, the unexpected return of the guards forced him to hide in the shadows once again. During his hiding, he witnessed the guards bringing a child to the site, intensifying his concern and urgency to intervene. He waited, holding his breath, until the soldiers finally moved away.
When the opportunity arose, Arphaxad acted quickly to try to save the prisoners, but was surprised by an ambush by the guards. In an agile reflex, he avoided the first attacks, but soon found himself cornered by more arriving soldiers. Faced with this imminent threat and with no other way out, he resorted to the elemental magic he knew: "3rd circle Earth Elemental Magic: Earth Armor." Invoking the magic, a protective layer of earth formed around his body, strengthening his defense and giving him the confidence needed to face the soldiers.
With the earth armor enveloping him, Arphaxad felt impelled to take a more direct action. With determination and magical protection, he advanced against the soldiers, ready to face whatever was necessary to rescue the prisoners and uncover the mysteries the palace hid. The fight that followed would not only be a test of his physical and magic skills, but also a challenge to his spirit and his resolve to face the forces threatening the safety of his friends and the stability of the region.
While at the inn, Kal sought to better understand Draka's past, especially after the dramatic events that had unfolded the previous night with Sorrow. Draka's seemingly simple life story, with her father working as a baker and her mother caring for the home, had tragically transformed with the intervention of the duchy's soldiers. The capture of her parents by the soldiers had not only altered the course of her life but also awakened in Kal a fervent desire to help the girl unravel the mysteries behind these events.
Remembering a technique used by Suzannah, a sorceress known for her ability to enter people's spirits to extract information, Kal pondered the possibility of using something similar to access Draka's memories. Although he had never formally learned this magic from Suzannah, he recalled the basic principles she applied and, driven by a mix of desperation and hope for answers, decided to try applying the method.
The process began with Kal trying to align his mana with Draka's, and for a moment, it seemed he would be able to access the girl's memories. However, the magic quickly became volatile and uncontrolled. Draka's eyes shone intensely, and for an instant, seemed to reflect a whirlwind of emotions and memories before fading and returning to normal.
The incident left both confused and exhausted, with Kal realizing the complexity and risks associated with the technique Suzannah mastered with such skill. The young warrior was impressed by Suzannah's ability to create and control such a powerful and delicate magic, and recognized his own limitations in replicating such a feat without proper training.
This moment of introspection not only showed Kal the depth of his desire to help Draka but also the importance of respecting the limits of his magical knowledge and abilities. At the same time, it reaffirmed the need to seek more information and perhaps find someone with the necessary experience to safely unravel the secrets hidden in Draka's memories, a task that was becoming increasingly crucial to fully understanding the forces driving the events around them.
After a day filled with dangers and challenges, Arphaxad returned to the inn, bringing with him Eron, a young man rescued from the dungeons of the ruins of the White Castle, and a child who had also been imprisoned at the site. Visibly exhausted and injured, the rescued ones were received by Kal, who promptly requested that food be provided for them, aware of their immediate needs.
"Who are you?" Kal inquired, seeking to better understand the identity and origin of the young man. Eron, with a tired look and clear signs of dehydration, replied: "My name is Eron, I'm from Tefa, the village next to the old capital." His answer, although brief, revealed the proximity of his home to the epicenter of the mysterious events.
Arphaxad, concerned about the circumstances that had led to Eron's imprisonment, questioned him further about the incident. "Why were you imprisoned in that place?" Eron, with a confused and worried expression, said: "I don't even know the reason, they just came, took me and threw me in that cell." The apparent lack of reason for his imprisonment added another layer of mystery to the already complicated scenario involving the duchy's soldiers.
Kal observed Eron more closely, noticing details that may have previously gone unnoticed. Despite his fragile appearance and brown hair, Eron's eyes were opaque and yellowed, distinct from Kal's bright eyes, but noticeably similar to Draka's. This similarity raised suspicions in Kal that Eron might have some connection not only to Draka but also to the strange events occurring in the region. The possibility that Eron shared some intrinsic relationship with the innate powers Draka had demonstrated made Kal consider more deeply the implications of his presence and the potential he could represent in the fight against the occult forces operating in the shadows.
Determined to unravel the mysteries surrounding not just Draka and Eron but the entire region, Kal prepared to investigate more deeply, knowing that each answer found could lead to new questions and challenges. The meeting of the three at the inn, now marked by revelations and new alliances, was shaping up to be a crucial point in the search for truth and justice amid a web of intrigues and supernatural powers.
Shrouded in the shadows of night, Kal meticulously prepared for his solitary investigation of the ruins of the old White Palace. Wearing his hood to conceal both his silvery hair and his distinctive golden eyes, he entered the site, driven by a mix of caution and determination.
Upon arriving at the ruins, Kal immediately felt a strange attraction, as if something were pulling him inside, guiding his steps with an almost magnetic force. This sensation of being pushed by invisible hands not only intensified his curiosity but also sharpened his vigilance. He realized that the ruins hid secrets far beyond mere stones and echoes of ancient footsteps.
Driven by this mysterious force, Kal decided to explore beyond the path already known by Arphaxad. Kal's intuition told him that the true entrance to the castle's secrets was not through the common doors used by the soldiers, but rather through some more hidden and inaccessible place. Following this invisible force guiding him, he touched the cold stones of the castle until his hands found a crack in the rocks. From it emanated a faint wind and a pungent smell of death and antiquity, clear signs of a location untouched for many years.
With effort, Kal managed to force his way through the narrow crack, finding himself then in a dark and damp passageway. The atmosphere of the place was oppressive, the air heavy with moisture and the weight of long-guarded secrets. Carefully descending through the passage, Kal felt that each step took him deeper not just into the physical heart of the ruins but also into the epicenter of a network of mysteries that could be intrinsically linked to Draka's fate, to the disappearance of her parents, and perhaps even to his own past.
As he ventured deeper, Kal prepared to face whatever was hidden in the shadows of that forgotten passage, knowing that the answers found there could change everything he knew about himself and about the forces driving the events around him.
As he went deeper into the bowels of the ruins, Kal was enveloped by an atmosphere of mystery and forgotten history. The path, covered in mosses and permeated by constant humidity, suggested a place that had been left to the mercy of time and oblivion. The sound of a strong draft of air indicated the proximity of a more open area, a sign that Kal was approaching something significant.
Reaching the source of the sound, Kal discovered it was a hole in the rock, a natural window to a vast area full of broken pillars and fallen statues. The view of the great hidden hall behind the rock further piqued both his curiosity and determination. Using his sword Dawnbreaker, he hammered on the hole, widening it enough to pass through.
After some efforts, Kal managed to create an opening large enough and entered the great hall. What he saw before him was a scene of ancient splendor and majestic decay: pillars adorned with detailed sculptures, statues of soldiers wearing armor that, even in ruin, maintained an air of grandeur, and in the background, an imposing steel door, inlaid with precious stones and surrounded by magical writings. The sight was as impressive as it was enigmatic, revealing the grandeur and power of an ancient civilization, now reduced to rubble and secrets.
The attraction Kal felt became even more intense, almost palpable, emanating specifically from the direction of the great adorned door. It was as if something, or someone, were calling him, guiding him through the veins of destiny to this specific place. The young warrior was aware that he was about to discover something monumental, perhaps the key to the mysteries surrounding his own existence and the occult forces that had shaped recent events in his life.
With his heart pounding in anticipation and his mind alert to any danger, Kal advanced toward the door, prepared to face whatever awaited him there. Each step brought him closer to answers that could change everything, and although he did not know what he would find, he was determined to confront the past, armed with his courage and the sword that had so often been his companion in moments of peril.
After hours of frustrated attempts to open the large door, Kal decided to take a break, sitting before the imposing portal to reflect and observe the details around him. He realized that the passage he had created with his sword was the only visible entrance or exit in that area, a fact that reinforced the secret and protected nature of the location. Then his eyes fixed on the writings surrounding the door, written in an ancient language. Kal understood that the key to accessing whatever was hidden behind that door could be in the meaning of those mysterious words.
While Kal devoted himself to deciphering the ancient inscriptions, Arphaxad had the task of ensuring security at the inn. With the others resting, he remained vigilant, aware of the dangers still lurking. During the early hours of the morning, a noise alerted him, leading him to peek out the window. To his surprise and dismay, he saw the innkeeper talking to some soldiers, pointing to the entrance of the place and discussing the rooms where they were staying. This betrayal not only put them all at imminent risk but also forced Arphaxad to act quickly to protect his friends from a possible ambush.
Back at the ruins, Kal, immersed in his studies of the writings, began making connections between the symbols and possible translations, trying to formulate an understanding that could lead to opening the door. Each deciphered symbol added a piece to the complex puzzle, bringing him closer and closer to unraveling the secrets guarded behind that portal for centuries.
Meanwhile, Arphaxad needed to think quickly of a plan to neutralize the imminent threat. The decision to trust the innkeeper had proved a mistake, and now everyone's safety depended on his ability to anticipate the soldiers' moves and possibly prepare a defense or quick escape.
These parallel events highlighted not only the physical and intellectual challenges faced by Kal and Arphaxad but also the depth of the betrayal and danger surrounding them, forcing them to rely even more on their cunning, skills, and the strength of their alliance.
The tension at the inn reached its peak when the soldiers, guided by the traitorous innkeeper, invaded the room where Arphaxad and the others were supposedly staying. With the threatening sound of banging on the door increasing, the situation seemed desperate. Arphaxad, strategically positioned behind the door with his sword in hand, prepared for the confrontation that seemed inevitable. However, when they broke down the door, the soldiers found the room empty, a masterstroke that took everyone by surprise.
The captain of the soldiers, furious at the failure, ordered a thorough search of the inn, contradicting the proprietor who feared disturbing the other guests. Meanwhile, in a clever move, Arphaxad and his group were already safely lodged in another inn in the pleasure district, thanks to Eron's suggestion. The quick and discreet change of inns had been a success, temporarily ensuring everyone's safety.
Eron, oblivious to the tension permeating the atmosphere, continued immersed in his reading, showing a calm that contrasted with the recent chaos. Arphaxad's observation, "You're actually pretty smart for a farmer!" was met with a simple smile from Eron, who seemed pleased with the effectiveness of his plan.
With everyone now safely accommodated in the new inn, Arphaxad allowed himself a moment of reflection. Looking toward the ruins of the White Palace, he pondered the next steps. "This will give us time until Kal returns!", he thought, recognizing that quick action had bought precious time. Now more than ever, it was essential that Kal discover something in the ruins that could help gain a better understanding of the situation and possibly bring an advantage in confronting the forces that continued to threaten them.
While awaiting Kal's return, Arphaxad knew the challenge was far from over. The situation required constant vigilance and preparation for possible future confrontations. The fight against the mysterious forces surrounding the White Palace and the duchy's soldiers had only just begun, and every move now was crucial for the safety and success of all involved.
In that enigmatic environment steeped in history, Kal faced the frustration of deciphering a language that was practically unknown to him. His determination wavered as the hours passed, the complexity of the ancient writing proving to be an almost insurmountable challenge. Just when he thought about giving up, a figure appeared, moving purposefully toward the gate that so intrigued him.
The man's appearance, a imposing being with tied black hair and a beard framing his face, immediately caught Kal's attention. His eyes shone with an intense gold, almost supernatural like his own, and his armor, richly adorned with gold, reflected the dim light of the surroundings. Trying to get his attention, Kal exclaimed, "Hey, mister!" But his attempts were in vain; the man continued on his way, oblivious to the calls.
Determined to understand who this was who seemed to know the way through the door, Kal followed him, trying to touch his shoulder, only to have his hand pass through the figure as if it were made of air. The revelation that he was facing a spirit or memory of someone who had lived there brought a new perspective for Kal. He was not alone; he was walking among echoes of a distant past.
Kal followed the spirit to the gate. Stopping before it, the man spoke the words: "At varmu obania ga ur irech". To Kal's surprise, as he watched, the gate seemed to begin opening, but soon he realized that nothing had physically changed. It was a scene from the past unfolding before his eyes, a memory encapsulated in time, revealing not just the method for opening the gate but also a glimpse of the grandeur and power this place once held.
This singular experience revealed to Kal the key to the gate and probably many other secrets of the place. He understood that the site was saturated with memories and that somehow those memories could be the key to unraveling the mysteries surrounding the ruins. Now armed with the knowledge of the opening phrase and the awareness that he was treading on soil full of history and magic, Kal felt prepared to explore even deeper, seeking answers that only that place could provide, answers that could help protect his friends and unravel the enigmas of his own past.
By repeating the enigmatic words the apparition had spoken, Kal triggered an ancient mechanism steeped in magic. The runes and precious stones embedded in the gate began to glow intensely, emitting a light that bathed the shadows of the place with mystical hues. The ground beneath his feet shook as the great door slowly opened, revealing secrets guarded for centuries.
Upon entering the newly discovered space, Kal was immediately touched by the solemnity of the environment. Before him, lined with majesty, were several statues of past kings, each carved with meticulous details that captured the essence of their reign and power. Beyond the statues, imposing coffins lined the hall, suggesting that this place was not merely a forgotten chamber but rather a mausoleum intended to honor and preserve the mortal remains of the ancient kings of Tenai.
The discovery that he was in such a sacred and history-laden place made Kal feel a mixture of reverence and responsibility. The atmosphere of the mausoleum was permeated with a respectful silence, interrupted only by the soft echo of his own footsteps. Each coffin and each statue told part of Tenai's history, a narrative of power, legacy, and eventual decay.
Kal realized there was much to learn about the ancient kings and the kingdom of Tenai. Each element of the mausoleum seemed imbued with magic and history, offering clues about the forgotten past and perhaps even about the powers Draka and he himself shared. With this understanding, Kal felt even more determined to explore every corner of that ancestral chamber, seeking answers that had long been hidden but were now beginning to reveal themselves before his eyes.
Within the mausoleum, Kal's journey was taking a new course, one that promised to unveil not just the mysteries of the past but also illuminate the path to understand the challenges and dangers of the present. Aware of the importance of his mission, he proceeded cautiously, respecting the sacredness and power still possessed by the memories of those kings long deceased.