The battle between Kael and the Shadow King raged on, with Lirien, Arin, and Eira taking advantage of the distraction to launch their own attacks. The Shadow King's dark energy swirled around him, trying to engulf Kael, but the ancient warrior stood firm, his blue glow growing brighter as he absorbed the dark energy.
As the fight continued, Lirien noticed that Kael seemed to be holding back, not striking with his full power. She wondered if he was hiding something.
"Kael, what's going on?" she shouted above the din of battle. "Why aren't you fighting with all your might?"
Kael paused, his eyes locking onto hers. "I am bound by an ancient oath," he replied, his voice thundering through the throne room. "I cannot harm the Shadow King without a clear reason."
Arin's eyes widened. "An oath? What kind of oath?"
Kael's gaze flickered towards the Shadow King. "I was once a hero of this land, sworn to protect it from darkness. But I was cursed by the Shadow King himself, bound to serve him until the balance of light and darkness is restored."
Eira's creative spark flared with excitement. "That means there's a way to break the curse! If we can find a way to restore balance, Kael will be free to join us!"
The Shadow King snarled, his eyes burning with malevolent fury. "Foolish mortals! You think you can undo what I've done? I'll crush you all before I allow that to happen!"
Lirien's words hung in the air, her eyes locked on Kael's. The ancient warrior's gaze seemed to bore into her very soul, as if searching for answers.
"I understand your oath," Lirien said softly. "But I implore you, Kael, do not stand idly by while the Shadow King destroys everything we hold dear. Our people are suffering, our land is dying, and our future is at stake."
Kael's gaze faltered, his eyes flickering with a hint of sadness. For a moment, it seemed as though he might crack under the weight of his duty. Then, his expression hardened, and he spoke in a voice that sent shivers down Lirien's spine.
"I am bound by my oath," he repeated. "I will not break it, no matter the cost."
The Shadow King cackled, his dark energy surging with malevolent glee. "Ah, excellent! The fool is committed to his duty. And soon, I will be the one who decides the fate of this pitiful land!"
Eira's creative spark flared with determination. "We can't give up! We have to find a way to break Kael's curse and free him from the Shadow King's control!"
Arin nodded, her eyes flashing with resolve. "We'll find a way to restore balance and free Kael from his oath. We have to!"
Lirien's heart swelled with hope. For the first time, she felt a glimmer of optimism in their battle against the Shadow King.
Suddenly, a burst of light illuminated the throne room, and a figure appeared before them. It was an old wise woman, her eyes shining with ancient wisdom.
"Ah, young ones," she said in a voice that seemed to carry the weight of centuries. "I sense that you are about to make a grave mistake. Kael's oath is not so easily broken..."