Elara, taken aback, questioned Lord Goffridus, "How is it that.. you can notice me?"
Lord Goffridus responded, "Indeed, I know. Thy crimson locks and the ash-like pallor of thy skin; 'tis not a sight one forgets, Ashes Whisper."
Lord Goffridus continued, "Seems thou hast found thy way to Avalon. I extend my gratitude for gracing my kingdom with thy presence." Elara remained silent.
Lord Goffridus pressed, "Speak, Ashes Whisper. What tidings bring thee from the days yet to come?"
Elara's words quivered as she revealed, "In the future, turmoil reigns. A relentless pursuit by Arvandor Kingdom, aiming to end my life. Their sinister motive? Achieving immortality by taking mine."
"Ah, I see... So, who holds the throne in Arvandor Kingdom?" Lord Goffridus inquired, his tone filled with curiosity and concern.
"Thrush, the ruler of Arvandor Kingdom," Elara revealed, her voice tinged with apprehension.
"Thrush? How could such a man become so cruel a ruler?" Lord Goffridus exclaimed in shock, his tone reflecting disbelief.
"Lord Goffridus, do you know him?" Elara questioned, a curious edge to her voice.
"Indeed, Ashes Whisper, I know him well," Lord Goffridus began. "Thrush and I have known each other since our childhood days. One fateful day, my father during a war, heard the cry of a baby. Following the sound, he discovered a gruesome scene—a headless woman's body with Thrush born amidst that gruesome sight. His mother had perished before his birth, a tragedy. Shortly after my father's arrival, my own birth took place. From that moment, Thrush and I grew up side by side."
"While at a tender age, I found myself a ruler, taking on the mantle due to Father's condition and—" Lord Goffridus was interrupted by a knock at the door. It was Thrush. "Ah, brother. What brings you here?" Lord Goffridus inquired.
Thrush replied, "Father wishes to see both of us."
"Very well," Lord Goffridus said as Thrush started to depart. He turned to Elara and added, "We shall speak later, Ashes Whisper." With that, Lord Goffridus exited the room. He swiftly followed Thrush down the hallway.
Thrush inquired, "Goffridus, may I ask?"
Lord Goffridus turned to his brother. "Yes? What is it, brother?"
"Why are you speaking alone? Have you lost your mind?" questioned Thrush.
As Lord Goffridus realized that only he could perceive Elara's presence, he began, "Ahhh, brother, the truth is, I have decided to commence writing."
"Writing?" queried Thrush.
"Indeed," Lord Goffridus continued. "Recording memories of us."
"Ah, I see," replied Thrush with a smile.
As they entered their father's chamber, Goffridus respectfully took a seat and bowed before their father. "Father, do you require our aid?"
Their father replied, "Thrush, Goffridus, I require both of you to embark on an expedition to the west. There, you shall discover an ancient tomb that might hold the answer, a cure for my ailment."
Thrush added firmly, "Indeed, Father. We shall seek the cure for your affliction."
Elara observed in silence from within the room, quietly watching the exchange between Goffridus, Thrush, and their father.
As their father responded, "Very well... you may depart," Goffridus and Thrush heeded their father's command and exited the chamber. Yet, in a sudden turn of attention, their father sensed Elara's presence.
YOU ARE READING
Ashes Whisper
FantasyAshes Whisper is a novel that follows the story of Elara, a young woman cursed with the ability to absorb the souls of the dead. As the war takes a heavy toll on Elara, she struggles to keep fighting, and her curse becomes increasingly difficult to...
