Volume 2: Shards of Unity
Chapter 20: The Sovereign Strikes Back
The journey back to the stronghold was eerily silent. The relic's faint glow pulsed in Eryth's hands, but it offered little comfort. Nyx limped beside them, its movements slower than usual, though its fierce determination remained unwavering. The jungle seemed to hold its breath, the usual cacophony of life replaced by an oppressive stillness.
"We're being followed," Solas whispered, their sharp eyes scanning the dense foliage.
Kaelen nodded, his expression grim. "The Sovereign's forces don't stop. They know what we have now, and they'll throw everything they have at us."
Eryth tightened their grip on the relic. "Then we'll have to keep moving. We can't let them catch us in the open."
The Ambush
The first sign of the attack came with the rustling of leaves above. Shadowy constructs dropped from the canopy, their dark forms blending with the night.
"Defensive positions!" Kael shouted, flames igniting in his palms.
The group formed a tight circle, their backs to one another as the constructs closed in. Kael unleashed torrents of fire, illuminating the jungle and burning through the nearest attackers. Solas moved like a whirlwind, their blade cutting down anything that came too close.
Kaelen summoned the jungle's strength, roots and vines erupting from the ground to ensnare the constructs.
Eryth focused on the relic, its light intensifying as they channeled its power. A pulse of golden energy erupted from their hands, disintegrating a wave of shadowy constructs.
Nyx roared, leaping into the fray. Despite its injuries, the nightmare creature fought with unparalleled ferocity, its claws ripping through the attackers with ease.
But for every construct destroyed, more took their place.
"We're outnumbered!" Kael yelled, sweat dripping down his face as he fought to hold back the tide.
Kaelen raised his staff, his voice resolute. "There's a shortcut through the jungle—a tunnel system that leads straight to the stronghold. Follow me!"
The Tunnel of Thorns
The group broke into a run, following Kaelen as he led them through a hidden path. The jungle seemed to part before him, revealing an ancient tunnel covered in glowing vines.
"This place doesn't look safe," Solas muttered, their blade still drawn.
"It's not," Kaelen admitted. "But it's better than staying out there."
The tunnel was narrow and winding, the walls lined with thorns that seemed to move of their own accord. The air was thick with the scent of decay, and the faint sound of dripping water echoed in the darkness.
Eryth glanced back, their heart pounding as they heard the distant screeches of the constructs. "They're still following us."
Kaelen nodded. "The tunnel will slow them down, but it won't stop them."
As they moved deeper into the tunnel, the vines began to react to the relic's presence. They glowed brighter, their light creating intricate patterns that pulsed in time with the relic's energy.
"What's happening?" Kael asked, his eyes wide.
"The jungle recognizes the relic," Kaelen said, his voice filled with wonder. "It's guiding us."
The Betrayal of the Jungle
Just as hope began to rise, the tunnel shifted. The vines turned dark, their once-gentle glow replaced by a menacing red light. The ground trembled, and the walls closed in around them.
"It's a trap!" Kaelen shouted, his voice echoing through the tunnel.
The group scattered as massive roots erupted from the ground, striking with deadly precision. The jungle itself had turned against them.
"This isn't natural!" Solas yelled, dodging a root that nearly impaled them.
Eryth held up the relic, its light struggling to push back the encroaching darkness. "It's the Sovereign—they're controlling the jungle!"
Nyx roared, its claws slicing through the attacking roots. Despite the chaos, it stayed close to Eryth, protecting them from harm.
Kaelen raised his staff, his face twisted in concentration. "I can fight this, but I need time!"
"Then we'll buy you some!" Kael said, unleashing a wave of fire that temporarily cleared the path.
Eryth stepped forward, the relic's light flaring brightly. "Nyx, with me!"
The nightmare creature growled in response, its golden eyes fixed on the attacking roots. Together, they charged ahead, the relic's energy carving a path through the chaos.
The Sovereign's Messenger
As the group pushed forward, the jungle fell eerily still once more. The red glow faded, and the roots retreated into the walls.
"What just happened?" Solas asked, their voice cautious.
A figure emerged from the shadows, their form cloaked in darkness. They radiated an aura of power, their presence oppressive and suffocating.
"The Sovereign sends their regards," the figure said, their voice cold and emotionless.
Eryth raised the relic, its light illuminating the figure. They appeared human at first glance, but their eyes glowed with the same unnatural light as the constructs.
"Who are you?" Eryth demanded.
"I am the Sovereign's Herald," the figure replied. "And I bring a message: surrender the relic, or your stronghold will fall."
Eryth's grip tightened on the relic. "We don't surrender."
The Herald smirked. "Then you've chosen death."
With a wave of their hand, the jungle came alive once more, roots and vines surging toward the group.
"Run!" Kaelen shouted, his staff glowing as he fought to hold back the attack.
The Race to the Stronghold
The group sprinted through the tunnel, the walls closing in around them. The Herald's laughter echoed in their ears, a chilling reminder of the power they faced.
Eryth glanced at Nyx, the nightmare creature's golden eyes filled with determination. Despite the odds, they wouldn't give up.
As they burst out of the tunnel and into the open jungle, the stronghold's walls came into view. Fires burned on the horizon, and the sounds of battle echoed through the night.
"They're already here," Solas said, their voice grim.
Kaelen's face darkened. "We're out of time."
Eryth raised the relic, its light casting a golden glow over the battlefield. "Then let's end this."