Chapter 27 The Path to Blackridge
Elias stood at the edge of the forest, his gaze lingering on the fading outline of Rivermoor behind him. The village had been useful for his early exploits, but it was small, confined, and limited. Blackridge, on the other hand, was a city steeped in darkness, ambition, and the kind of opportunities that would feed his rising hunger for power. It was the next step in his journey to build something far greater than any single town could offer.
He had chosen ten of his most reliable undead to accompany him, leaving the rest to hunt and gather information in the forest. His strategy was one of stealth and subtlety. Showing up at Blackridge with a larger force of undead would draw attention, and Elias was not ready to reveal the full extent of his abilities just yet. He needed to move quietly, to gather knowledge and resources before making a bolder move.
Cinder, the artifact he had found in the ruin, had taken the form of a ring on his finger. Though still immature and inexperienced, Cinder was growing in awareness. Their mental link was constantly alive with Cinder's thoughts and questions, offering insights and challenges to Elias's plans.
"Why only ten undead?" Cinder's voice was curious, its tone carrying the weight of childlike innocence. "Wouldn't it be safer to bring more?"
Elias smirked, feeling the ring pulse slightly with Cinder's energy. "Too many would attract unwanted attention. This isn't about brute force. Not yet."
"You think ahead," Cinder observed. "But what if we need more? If there's danger?"
"Then we'll adapt," Elias responded, his tone calm, but firm. "We don't need to flaunt power. Not in a place like Blackridge."
Cinder seemed to accept this, but its curiosity wasn't satisfied. "You're going to a place filled with danger, aren't you? What do you hope to gain there?"
"Knowledge," Elias said after a moment, his thoughts turning inward. "Power. I'll need both if I'm going to build what I want."
"And what is that?" Cinder asked.
Elias's eyes gleamed as he imagined the future. "A kingdom. Not just any kingdom—one where I control everything. Life, death, and everything in between."
Cinder was quiet for a moment, as if digesting the enormity of Elias's ambition. Then it spoke again, this time with a note of hesitance. "Is that the only way? Is there no other path?"
"There's always another path," Elias admitted. "But this is the one that leads to greatness."
As they continued down the road, the air between them grew quieter, though Elias could feel Cinder mulling over his words. Despite Cinder's inexperience, it had a way of questioning Elias's decisions, making him reconsider his motives without outright opposing them. The dynamic between them was evolving, and Elias knew that Cinder's presence would become more influential over time.
By nightfall, they reached a small camp they had prepared earlier, well-hidden from the road. The undead set about their usual tasks without needing instruction, and Elias allowed his mind to drift as the fire crackled before him. Blackridge was still days away, and as much as he anticipated the opportunities there, his thoughts also wandered to the distant future.
He closed his eyes and let the vision fill his mind—his own kingdom, built on the ashes of the old world, governed by his will. He saw cities bowing to him, armies of undead at his command, and his enemies crushed beneath his feet. In this dream, the world was his to shape, to twist and control however he saw fit.
Cinder's voice cut into his thoughts, softer this time. "You'll have to make difficult choices to achieve that. Are you sure you're ready?"
Elias opened his eyes, the firelight reflecting in them. "I've been ready since the day I first summoned my undead. There's no turning back now."
The night grew darker, and the only sound was the crackle of the fire and the distant rustle of leaves. Elias knew that his journey was just beginning, and Blackridge would be the crucible where he could hone his skills, gather allies, and prepare for the future. A future that would be his, no matter the cost.
In the silence, Cinder remained a quiet presence, watching, waiting, and learning. Together, they would face what lay ahead—each step a move closer to the throne Elias sought to claim.