Their passage through the Heartlands was grueling. Dense forests thinned to rugged hills, their rocky pathways dragging each footstep further from relative safety. Aria and Kael pressed on with urgency, knowing that at any time the Shadow Guild could be at their heels.
By the time they gained the footing of towering mountains, the sun had begun to rise over the lands, gilding everything in golden hues. They took a thin, twisting path that brought them up the face of the mountain, the ground ever more treacherous.
"How much further?" Kael asked, his voice tinged with exhaustion.
"Not far," Aria replied, peering along the path ahead. "The sanctuary is well hidden. We should reach it by midday."
Kael nodded and pushed on, as if that general ache in his limbs all the way to the core was beside the point. The promise of that sanctuary, and all the answers it held, drove him forward.
The way became increasingly steep and tricky to climb the higher up they went. One point, they had to sidle along a narrow ledge with a sheer drop on one side. Aria moved along it with practiced ease, but Kael found himself struggling to keep his balance.
"Careful," Aria called back, her voice steady. "Just take it slow."
Kael drew in a deep breath and concentrated on every step. He could feel the tingle of the amulet against his chest. It was a steady rhythm that somehow managed to feel like the pounding of his heart. It was reminding him of the power carried and the responsibility that came with it.
It seemed to take forever, but they finally emerged into a flat, open area. Directly in front of them, standing like a giant sentinel, was a large stone structure; large boulders and foliage still partially covered it. It blended into the mountainside so seamlessly that it would be invisible if someone wasn't actually trying to find it.
"Welcome to the Crimson Guard sanctuary," Aria replied with a prouder note in her voice.
Kael gazed in awe at the fortress-like building. Ancient, strong, its walls were covered in resplendent carvings that put into pictorial representation scenes from Aeloria's past. The reverence swelled inside him as they approached the entrance.
Aria pressed her hand against a hidden panel, and the heavy wooden doors groaned inward with a soft click. They pushed their way inside, and Kael found himself suddenly in a gargantuan hall; the blurry light cast some fumes over the chill, full of old stone and parchment.
"Come," Aria said, leading him deeper into the hall. "There's someone you need to meet."
They walked down a sequence of corridors, each lined with tapestries and relics from times long forgotten. The weight of the history pressing down on Kael was almost suffocating in its intensity. The legacy of the Crimson Guard surrounded him.
Finally, they entered a large chamber; standing at one end was an older man who stood waiting for them to enter. He was tall and slender with very long white hair that reached down to his waist and very bright blue eyes, full of energy and wisdom even at such an age.
"Master Elion," Aria bowed gracefulness. "This is Kael, the one chosen by the amulet."
Elion regarded Kael a moment, then nodded. "Welcome, Kael. We've been expecting you."
Kael shifted uncomfortably under the old man's gaze. "Thank you. I am still trying to get a handle on it all."
Elion smiled kindly. "You have many questions, I'm sure. And we have much to teach you. The Crimson Amulet is a powerful artifact, and it has chosen you for a reason."
A wash of anxiety mixed with determination washed over Kael. "What do I need to do?"
"First, you have to learn control over the power of the amulet," Elion said. "And in order to do so, you will need training. Aria will be your guide, but you will learn from others who are here at the sanctuary."
Kael glanced toward Aria, who nodded encouragement. "I'm ready," he said firmly.
Elion's eyes lit up with satisfied approval. "Good. Your journey is but beginning, Kael. The road ahead will be hard, but with courage and perseverance—you shall prevail."
Kael's eyes turned around the ancient sanctuary, and from within, a wellspring of hope and determination seemed to well up. He had a purpose now, a destiny to fulfill. And with the Crimson Guard at his side, he was ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Of course, the training and preparations would be rigorous, but he knew it was time for him to step up to the plate. After all, the fate of Aeloria depended on him.