The sun had just risen when Elara and Kael left the forest and made their way east. The path was rocky, the wind cold, but their determination was stronger than the cold. The citadel of Solara was the destination, but the way there was lined with dangers.
"I heard that the citadel of Solara was built by the oldest and most powerful seers of light," Kael said as he determined the direction. "But it's not just a place of knowledge. It is also a place of examination."
"Examination?" Elara asked. "What do you mean?"
"Anyone who wants to climb up there must face his inner demons. Only those who pass the exam are allowed to enter the halls of the elders. The path is full of traps – not only of physical nature, but also of mental and emotional challenges."
Elara thought as the windy fog moved around her. "I already have enough demons in me. I think I'm ready."
"It's not that easy," Kael said and glanced at her. "Sometimes the biggest opponents are one's own fears. You'll feel it when you get there. And then... you'll have to decide how to proceed."
They went further, the path led them deeper and deeper into uninhabited mountain slopes. The citadel was located high up on an inaccessible peak that could only be reached via narrow, dangerous paths.
On the third day of their journey, they reached the foot of the mountain. The clouds hung heavily in the sky, as if they were guarding the mystery of the mountain itself.
"This is the last step," said Kael as he pointed to the summit. "From here on, it will be difficult."
"I'm ready," said Elara, who felt a determination within herself that she had never known before.
But when she took her first step on the steep path, she felt something uncary - a twitch in the air, a flicker that only she seemed to feel. It was as if the mountain itself challenged them.
"Something's wrong," Kael murmured as he suddenly paused. "I feel a presence."
"Something follows us," said Elara, who looked around.
Kael drew his sword. "Get yourself prepared."
Suddenly, from the fog, figures appeared. Black silhouettes that moved like shadows.
"Demons," whispered Kael. "They belong to the trials of the Citadel. They test the determination of those who want to step on the mountain."
The first of the shadows rushed towards her, her eyes glowing red. Elara felt her own energy begin to flow as darkness enveloped her.
"Stay behind me!" cried Kael as he struck back the first attackers with his sword. But the demons seemed to appear again and again, as if the mountain itself was conjuring them up.
Elara felt her powers awaken in her, the light in her hands began to pulse. She raised her hand and let the energy of the light flow through her fingers. A blinding beam broke through the darkness and struck back the demons, but they didn't stop coming.
"We have to move on!" Kael called. "There is no other way! We have to reach the citadel!"
"I know," replied Elara, looking resolutely at the dark figures, who approached again.
They fought side by side, their movements were precise and fast. Kael was a master of sword fighting, while Elara broke through the darkness with light. But the demons were numerous and never seemed to end.
In the midst of the chaos, Elara suddenly felt a different presence - a dark, almost familiar presence. Her heart beat faster as she looked around for the origin of the feeling.
"Kael! There's something else!" she cried when she saw a huge, dark figure emerge from the shadows. The outline was grotesque, with bright red eyes and an aura of pure hatred.
"This is the true guardian of the Citadel," said Kael when he recognized the figure. "The mountain itself will turn against us to test our determination."
"Then we have to defeat him!" Elara said, her voice firm. "There is no other way!"
Kael nodded and gathered his energy to prepare. "Are you reat?"
"Ready," replied Elara, and with a last cry they rushed forward, ready to conquer the guardian of the citadel.