Elysia, Thane, Lira, King Eryndor, and Prince Kael made it out of the palace and into the tunnels. The sounds of battle faded behind them, replaced by an eerie silence. Elysia's heart ached with the loss of Aldric, and tears streamed down her face.
Thane's expression was grim. "He sacrificed himself for us. We need to honor his memory by continuing the fight."
King Eryndor placed a hand on Elysia's shoulder. "We will. Aldric's sacrifice will not be in vain. We will gather our forces and reclaim Thaloria from Morgath."
But as they emerged from the tunnels, they were met with a sight that crushed their hopes. The city was in ruins, and Morgath's forces had overrun their stronghold. The remnants of their allies were either captured or scattered.
Morgath's dark banner flew over the palace, a stark reminder of their defeat.
Elysia clenched her fists, her heart filled with determination. "We may have lost this battle, but the war is not over. We will find a way to defeat Morgath. For Aldric, for Thaloria."
As they retreated to regroup and plan their next move, the memory of Aldric's sacrifice burned in their hearts. The road ahead would be long and filled with hardship, but they vowed to carry on the fight.
Epilogue
In the depths of the palace, Morgath stood over Aldric's fallen body, a triumphant smile on his face. He reached down and took the cursed key from Aldric's hand, feeling its dark power surge through him.
"You were a worthy adversary, Aldric," Morgath said softly. "But in the end, darkness always prevails."
With the keys in his possession and his enemies in disarray, Morgath's hold over Thaloria grew stronger. The land fell into an age of darkness and despair, but the memory of Aldric's bravery and sacrifice lived on in the hearts of those who continued to resist.
And so, the story of Aldric, the brave mage who fought against impossible odds, became a legend. A beacon of hope for a future generation that would one day rise to challenge the darkness and reclaim their homeland.
The end for volume 1,like for more man!!!