The following days passed in a blur of training and preparation. Oryn pushed Darian and Sumner harder than ever, driving them to their limits. Every day, they flew farther, climbed higher, and faced increasingly difficult challenges. They practiced precision dives, controlled bursts of fire, and even the art of vanishing into the clouds to evade enemies.
But despite their progress, a shadow hung over Darian's heart—the image of the Beacon of Avarice, glowing faintly on the horizon, seemed to grow brighter each day. And with it, the sense of impending danger grew stronger.
"We need to learn more about the Shadow Weaver," Darian said one evening as he and Sumner rested beside a crackling fire. "If we're going to defeat him, we need to understand what we're up against."
Agreed, Sumner replied, curling his tail protectively around his rider. But where do we start?
"Perhaps with me," Oryn's voice interrupted. He approached them, his face illuminated by the warm glow of the fire. "There's something I haven't told you."
Darian sat up, his curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"
Oryn sighed, sitting down across from them. For a moment, he stared into the flames, as if gathering his thoughts. "The Shadow Weaver wasn't always what he is now," he began slowly. "Long ago, he was a rider like you, bonded to a dragon named Zephyros. Together, they were the greatest protectors of our world."
"What happened?" Darian asked, leaning forward.
"Power," Oryn replied simply. "The Shadow Weaver sought more of it. He delved into forbidden magics, experimenting with dark rituals to strengthen his bond with Zephyros. But in his quest for power, he twisted that bond, corrupting his dragon and himself. By the time he realized the cost, it was too late. Zephyros was consumed by darkness, and the man who had once been a hero became something far more sinister."
Darian felt a chill run down his spine. "So that's why the kingdom fell…"
Oryn nodded. "The Shadow Weaver used Zephyros to unleash terror upon the land. Kingdoms were razed, and countless lives were lost. The other riders tried to stop him, but one by one, they fell to his power. In the end, only a few survived. I was one of them."
Darian's eyes widened in disbelief. "You… you were a rider?"
"Yes," Oryn replied, a sad smile tugging at his lips. "But my dragon, Arondar, was slain in the final battle against the Shadow Weaver. I swore then that I would protect the next generation of riders, that I would help them learn from our mistakes."
Darian felt a surge of empathy for the old man. "That's why you're helping us, isn't it? You want to make sure we don't end up like him."
"Exactly," Oryn said softly. "But there's more. The Beacon of Avarice is more than just a symbol of the Shadow Weaver's power—it is a source of it. It amplifies his magic, allowing him to control the shadows and twist the minds of others. If you are to defeat him, you must find a way to destroy the Beacon."
"But how?" Darian asked, feeling overwhelmed by the weight of the task.
Oryn looked at him with a fierce intensity. "There is a place—a hidden sanctuary deep within the mountains. It is called the Shrine of the First Flame, and it is said to contain the only weapon that can destroy the Beacon. You must find it."
Why haven't you taken it yourself? Sumner asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.
"I tried," Oryn admitted. "But the shrine's magic is ancient and powerful. It can only be accessed by those who possess a true bond, a bond untainted by darkness. That is why I have waited… waited for someone like you."
Darian stared into the flames, his mind racing. "How do we find the shrine?"
"Tomorrow, I will take you to the entrance," Oryn replied. "But beyond that, you must travel alone. The path is perilous, and only you and Sumner can pass through its trials."
Darian nodded, determination hardening in his chest. "We'll do it. We'll find this weapon and end the Shadow Weaver's reign."
Oryn smiled, though there was a sadness in his eyes. "You are stronger than I was, Darian. I believe in you."
That night, Darian lay awake, staring up at the stars. The reality of what lay ahead was finally sinking in. He could feel the weight of the world pressing down on him, the responsibility that came with being Sumner's rider.
You're not alone, Darian, Sumner's voice broke through his thoughts. We're in this together. And we'll face whatever comes our way.
Darian smiled, reaching out to place his hand on Sumner's side. "Thank you, Sumner. I don't know what I'd do without you."
You'd probably still be wandering around lost in the forest, Sumner teased. Now get some sleep. We've got a shrine to find in the morning.
The next day, as the sun rose over the mountains, Oryn led them to a hidden pathway carved into the rock. It was narrow and treacherous, winding upward into the mist. "This is as far as I can go," he said. "Follow this path, and you'll reach the entrance to the shrine."
Darian took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. "Thank you, Oryn. For everything."
"Remember," Oryn said, placing a hand on Darian's shoulder, "the bond you share with Sumner is your greatest weapon. Trust in each other, and you will find the strength to face whatever lies ahead."
Darian nodded, and with one last glance back, he and Sumner began their ascent. The path was steep, the air growing colder with each step, but Darian felt a sense of purpose driving him forward.
As they reached the top of the ridge, they saw it—a massive stone archway covered in intricate carvings, glowing faintly with an otherworldly light. Beyond it lay a winding staircase, disappearing into the darkness below.
This is it, Sumner said, his voice tinged with awe. The Shrine of the First Flame.
Darian took a deep breath, feeling a surge of excitement and fear. "We're one step closer."
As they stepped through the archway, the air seemed to hum with energy, and Darian felt a warmth spreading through his chest. He glanced at Sumner, who nodded in encouragement.
Together, they descended into the depths, ready to face whatever trials awaited them. The shadows closed in around them, and for a moment, Darian felt the familiar sting of fear. But then he reached out with his thoughts, feeling the strength of Sumner's presence, and the fear melted away.
No matter what lay ahead, they would face it together.
And together, they would find the light that would banish the darkness once and for all.