It carried them north, deep into the chill heights of Eldoria, toward what was left under drifts of frost and snow of the broken hulk of the Eclipsed Ones. They had learned from Caelum's research that the Eclipsed Ones ruled a kingdom called Obsidian Reach, where the sun had shone barely often enough to be significant. They long, long ago sealed the Eclipsed Ones in, and not before they cursed the land to death and shadow.
Now, land was waking up from sleep, and with it, the magic of the Eclipsed One started to stir once more. In pursuit of Caelum's study, the road led them to an ancient city, one forgotten deep in mountains where the pulse of power from the heart of Eclipsed Ones could be found. They must find this city, unlock its secrets, and despatch the threat before it consumed Eldoria.
But the deeper they went into the wild, the stranger things kept piling up against them. Wild beasts enslaved by dark sorcery rose at every step. Unnatural silence supported the trunks of trees that were once green with freshness. There was no one to struggle and shake with leaves, but a stagnant heaviness hung over souls.
"I've never felt anything like this," Lyra muttered as they camped one night in the shadow of a mountain. "As if the very air itself is alive with malevolent intent."
Aiden leaned back in his chair, gazing into the flames. His mind was racing a mile a minute. The dark was getting stronger. Not just the Eclipsed Ones; something was working within them. An ancient force they could not understand. He clutched the Guardian's Blade to his chest, feeling its warmth glow within. But it was weak; as if even the Blade itself didn't know how to fight this new darkness.
Caelum had scoured his notes for days, but nothing. Well, almost nothing. He finally braved speaking out. "There's a ritual. One that seals away the power of the Eclipsed Ones. But it requires three sacrifices-three Guardians to bind the magic."
Aiden's body went stiff. "You really think we're up to it?
Caelum's face set itself in a stern line. "The ritual will require great power. We three have the strength, but it could be everything we possess."
"We will," Aiden stated firmly. "For Eldoria. For tomorrow.