Veiled Shadows

Chapter 7 - A cave in the cold

Lily needed to form a plan on how to rescue Devians brother, because she somehow knew he said the truth with that. His father did in fact caught him and probably put him into a little cell in the dark tunnels of the castle. 

But first she needed to get home and see her parents, to know they were okay and not harmed. So she took the fastet route she knew about and arrived only a week later. The moment she knocked on her houses door, it flew open.

"Lily! My little girl came back to us, I missed you so much I thought I would never see you again!" Her mother took her into a long hug and her father joined in too. After this warm welcome, Lily told them the whole story and her parents were shocked by the events. 

"You really want to go back there?" Lily nodded. "I need to, I have the feeling his brother needs my help" her parents weren't amused by this idea, but they agreed that she had to do it. 

"But I need to train more before I can go back. And the only person that could possibly help me is the old Lady that no one has ever seen again. Master Elrik told me that she lived in a cave deep inside the ice so I need to find it. It's my only option." 

Lily was sure she had to go there and find this wonderous lady. She had to be powerful if she left the safe kingdom to live in such conditions, wanting nobody around her. Her parents were again, concerned and told her to pack warm clothes and some proivant for her journey.

"Lily, we love you and we are waiting here for you whenever you come back. Please don't forget us and be careful on your way" her mother said to her the morning she was leaving for her second journey to find the lady in the dangerous ice lands far in the far north. 

"I will mother. I will come back and our kingdom will be safe from the darkness. For ever and always" she hugged her parents one last time, hopped on to her trusty horse and it trotted off.

As Lily embarked on her journey to find the mysterious Lady in the ice lands, she rode her horse through vast and treacherous landscapes. The wind whipped against her face, carrying a biting cold that reminded her of the dangers that lay ahead.

Days turned into weeks as Lily ventured deeper into the northern regions. The terrain grew increasingly harsh and unforgiving, with towering mountains and icy plains stretching as far as the eye could see. She faced blizzards, icy winds, and freezing temperatures that tested her resilience.

Guided by the tales and rumors she had heard, Lily navigated through the icy wilderness with determination. She followed the guidance of the stars, the only source of light in the perpetual darkness of the north, and relied on her instincts to lead her towards the elusive cave where the Lady was said to reside.

On the way she saw multiple dangerous animals. Wolfes that stood still to look at her, tiger-like animals that growled when she passed them and she was sure she saw a dragon flying high above her. But none of them tried to harmed her, as if they knew she had to pass through. 

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Lily stumbled upon the entrance to the hidden cave. It was nestled within a frozen cliff, concealed by layers of ice and snow. She dismounted her horse, her breath forming clouds in the frigid air, and cautiously approached the entrance.

Inside the cave, the temperature dropped even further, and the air seemed to crackle with an ancient power. Lily's steps echoed through the icy chamber as she ventured deeper, guided by a faint glow emanating from within.

And there, amidst the icy stalactites and stalagmites, sat the enigmatic Lady. Her hair was as white as snow, and her eyes held the wisdom of centuries. As Lily approached, the Lady turned her gaze towards her, a hint of recognition in her eyes.

"I have been expecting you, young one," the Lady spoke, her voice resonating with a deep sense of knowledge. "You carry the Light within you, a force that can bring hope and dispel the darkness."

Lily bowed respectfully before the Lady and shared her tale, explaining her purpose and the need for guidance and training to rescue Devian's brother and defeat the King of Darkness.

The Lady listened intently, her expression grave yet compassionate. She acknowledged the weight of Lily's mission and understood the sacrifices she had made along the way.

"My child, the path you have chosen is not an easy one, but your determination and pure heart have led you here. I will impart upon you the wisdom and skills you seek, for you are destined to bring balance and harmony to this world."

Under the Lady's guidance, Lily underwent rigorous training, honing her control over her powers and unlocking new abilities. She learned to channel the light within her, harnessing it as a weapon against the encroaching darkness.

Months passed as Lily immersed herself in her training, pushing her limits and surpassing her own expectations. She grew stronger, both physically and mentally, readying herself for the final confrontation that awaited her.

Finally, the day came when the Lady deemed Lily ready to continue her quest. With a newfound sense of purpose and resolve, Lily bid farewell to the Lady and set out once again, back towards the dark castle that held Devian's brother captive.

Armed with the Lady's teachings and strengthened by her own indomitable spirit, Lily rode forth, knowing that her journey would lead her back to the heart of darkness. She would face the King, rescue Devian's brother, and bring an end to the reign of darkness that threatened their world.

Filled with hope, determination, and the light that burned within her, Lily galloped forward, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead and fulfill her destiny as the Light Warrior.