Thank you so much for reading! If you enjoyed this, I'd love for you to check out my friend's novel, The Kings Attendant in the Apocalypse by PagE_PickEr. It's an incredible story set in a post-apocalyptic world. Also if you do go read it tell them Skylar sent you thanks again. Your support means everything!
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The wind howled as Kaelen and his companions descended the jagged slopes of the Elemental Peaks. Each step was a struggle through thick snow and treacherous ice, but the mountain's grip had begun to loosen, as if the dragon of ice itself had allowed them to leave. The sky above was a dull, oppressive gray, the storm having subsided, but the weight of their journey lay heavy on Kaelen's shoulders. They had escaped the frozen heart of the mountain, but ahead lay an even greater challenge: the Dark Woods and the sorceress who ruled there.
"We need to find shelter before nightfall," Sir Eamon said, his voice barely audible over the wind. "We're too exposed here."
Kaelen nodded, though his thoughts were elsewhere. The dragon of ice had tested him, and while he had survived, he knew the bond was not yet complete. The dragon had spoken of another trial, a greater one that would prove his worth. And now, there was a new danger looming—the sorceress of the Dark Woods, a force as ancient and dangerous as the dragons themselves.
Ylara led the way, her pale form a ghostly figure against the snow-covered landscape. Though her face remained calm, there was a sense of urgency in her movements. The Frostwarden had spoken little since they left the dragon's lair, but her silence spoke volumes. She knew what lay ahead, and she knew the price they might have to pay to survive it.
Aeliana, walking beside Kaelen, glanced at him, her eyes filled with concern. "You haven't said much since we left the cavern," she said quietly. "Are you alright?"
Kaelen offered her a tired smile. "Just thinking. The dragon of ice… it's not done with me yet. I can feel it. There's more to come."
Aeliana's brow furrowed. "I sensed the same. Its power is still bound to the mountain, but it's waiting for something. Perhaps it's waiting for you to face the sorceress."
Kaelen's heart skipped a beat. "You think she's part of the trial?"
"I don't know," Aeliana admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "But I do know this: she's dangerous. Far more dangerous than the Frostfiends we faced. If the dragon of ice sent you toward her, then it's no ordinary test."
Sir Eamon called back to them. "We'll make for Skyhold. There are rumors of the Dark One's forces moving south, and we need to warn the city. They'll need every sword they can muster."
Skyhold was a fortress city nestled high in the eastern cliffs, its tall stone walls built to defend against the harsh northern winters and any threat that might come from beyond. It was one of the last strongholds of the northern kingdoms, and though it had been untouched by war for many years, the rumors of the Dark One's army had reached even its gates. The city was known for its fleet of wyverns, fierce creatures that the city's knights used to patrol the skies. Kaelen had only heard stories of Skyhold, but now they would see it firsthand.
As the group pressed onward through the snow, the mountains began to level out, and the thick forests of the north came into view. Tall, ancient trees stretched toward the sky, their branches heavy with snow, creating a canopy that blocked out much of the light. The Dark Woods lay beyond these forests, a cursed place filled with shadows and dark magic, where few dared to venture.
Hours passed, and the light of day began to fade as they reached the outskirts of Skyhold. From a distance, the city was an imposing sight—its walls towering over the surrounding landscape, the stone dark and foreboding. Above the walls, Kaelen could see wyverns circling in the sky, their cries piercing the cold air.
As they approached the gates, a group of armored knights rode out to meet them, their banners snapping in the wind. The leader, a tall man with graying hair and a scar across his cheek, raised a hand in greeting. "Halt! State your business."
Sir Eamon stepped forward. "We come from the Elemental Peaks with urgent news. Dark forces are stirring in the north. The Dark One's army moves south, and Skyhold may be their next target."
The knight's expression darkened. "We've heard rumors, but nothing concrete. Come with me. The captain of the guard will want to hear this."
The group followed the knight through the gates and into the city. Skyhold was a fortress in every sense—its streets lined with stone buildings, its walls reinforced with iron, and its people hard-faced and weary. The wyverns, perched on the rooftops like sentinels, watched the newcomers with piercing eyes.
Inside the main hall, the captain of the guard awaited them. He was a tall, broad-shouldered man with a stern expression, his armor gleaming in the firelight. "Sir Eamon," he greeted, nodding toward the old knight. "What news do you bring?"
Sir Eamon didn't waste time with pleasantries. "The Dark One's army is mobilizing. They are searching for the dragons, and they will come for Skyhold soon enough. You need to be ready."
The captain frowned. "We've heard nothing of this. Our scouts report no unusual movement in the north."
"That's because they aren't looking in the right places," Aeliana interjected, stepping forward. "The Dark One's agents move through shadow, not through open roads. Their forces gather in the Dark Woods, hidden by magic. If you don't prepare, Skyhold will fall."
The captain's eyes narrowed. "And how do you know this?"
Aeliana met his gaze without flinching. "Because I've seen it. I am a sorceress, and I have felt the Dark One's power stirring. His forces are moving, and they will strike soon."
The captain glanced at Sir Eamon, his expression unreadable. "What would you have me do? We cannot defend against an enemy we cannot see."
Sir Eamon stepped forward. "We need to send riders south to rally the other kingdoms. Skyhold cannot stand alone. The forces of Eldorath, Virithia, and Kharath must unite if we are to have any hope of standing against the Dark One."
The captain considered this for a moment, then nodded. "I will send word to the southern kingdoms, but we are stretched thin as it is. If what you say is true, we may not have much time."
Kaelen, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "There's more. The sorceress of the Dark Woods—she's powerful, and she's working with the Dark One. She'll send her creatures against Skyhold. You need to be ready for that."
The captain's frown deepened. "The Dark Woods are cursed. No one who goes in ever returns. If she's working with the Dark One, then we're already at a disadvantage."
"We don't have a choice," Kaelen said, his voice resolute. "If we can't stop her, Skyhold will fall. But I'll face her if I have to."
Sir Eamon turned to Kaelen, his eyes filled with both pride and concern. "It's a dangerous path you're choosing, lad. The sorceress is no ordinary foe."
Kaelen met his gaze steadily. "I know. But this is part of the prophecy. The dragon of ice sent me here for a reason. I have to face her."
Before anyone could respond, a sudden commotion erupted outside. The sound of shouting filled the air, and the ground trembled beneath their feet. The captain of the guard rushed to the door, his hand on his sword. "What's happening?"
A knight burst into the hall, his face pale with fear. "Captain! We're under attack! Wyverns from the east—Dark One's creatures are flying in!"
The captain's face hardened. "To arms! Prepare the defenses!"
Kaelen's heart raced as he followed the captain and the others outside. The sky was filled with wyverns—larger and darker than the ones that patrolled Skyhold. Their leathery wings beat against the air as they descended on the city, their shrieks echoing through the streets. On their backs were twisted riders, cloaked in shadow and wielding dark magic.
The battle for Skyhold had begun.
Sir Eamon drew his sword, rallying the knights. "Hold the gates! Don't let them through!"
Kaelen watched as the sky darkened with the approaching wyverns. His hand tightened around the hilt of his sword. This was just the beginning. The sorceress of the Dark Woods was out there, and her power was growing. If they didn't stop her soon, Skyhold would fall, and with it, the hopes of uniting the realms against the Dark One.
But first, they had to survive the night.
The wyverns descended, their riders unleashing blasts of dark magic as they swooped toward the city. The air crackled with energy, and Kaelen could feel the heat of the battle rising around him. He raised his sword, ready to face the oncoming storm.
The time for fear had passed. Now was the time for battle.