As Zarek regained consciousness, he found himself in a mysterious place, surrounded by others lined up before an imposing gate. He hesitantly joined the line, becoming the last person in queue.Turning to the person in front of him, Zarek inquired, "Do you know where we are?"
The person nodded solemnly. "Yes, this is the Gate to the Afterlife."
Zarek's in quite surprise as the reality of his situation dawned on him. "The Gate to the Afterlife..." he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper.
His fellow traveler continued, "Here, our sins and good deeds will be judged before we can enter."
Zarek's expression grew somber. "I understand now..." he murmured. "It seems I've already passed on... I'm sorry, everyone..."
Zarek waited in line for his turn, anticipation and apprehension gnawed at his heart. Each step closer to the gate weighed heavily on his soul. When the person before him finally stood before the imposing Gate of the Afterlife, the guardian spoke in solemn, antiquated tones, "Thou hast met thine end in the tumult of war, I perceive. Thus, thou art permitted passage, yet the gates of heaven and hell shall soon pass judgment upon thee."
Zarek's breath caught in his throat as the weight of the guardian's words settled upon him like a heavy cloak. The realization that his fate hung in the balance, to be decided by the forces beyond mortal understanding, filled him with a profound sense of foreboding and sorrow.
As Zarek approached the Gate of the Afterlife, his heart pounded with trepidation, knowing that his fate would soon be decided. The guardian's stern gaze bore into his soul as he began to speak."Zarek," the guardian intoned gravely, "a practitioner of forbidden arts, delving into the art of Necromancy. Such paths often lead to deeper transgressions. Yet, your demise was marked by an act of selflessness, a sacrifice of noble intent. Proceed."
Hope flickered in Zarek's eyes as the guardian's words offered a glimmer of redemption amidst the shadows of his past. But before he could step forward, a commanding voice echoed from beyond the gates, halting his progress with a single word.
As Zarek beheld the figure of the Headless Horseman, his eyes widened in astonishment. "How... How can you still be here?" he stammered, his voice tinged with disbelief and confusion.
But the Headless Horseman had not come alone. Beside him stood Zarek's younger sister, Sofia, who had passed away long ago. Zarek's heart clenched at the sight of her, tears welling in his eyes.
"Sofia..." he whispered, his voice choked with emotion.
Sofia rushed forward, embracing her brother tightly. "Brother," she murmured, her own tears mingling with his.
"It's been so long, Sofia," Zarek managed to say, his voice trembling with a mixture of joy and sorrow. "I've missed you more than words can express."
Sofia nodded, her grip tightening as if afraid to let go. "I've missed you too, Brother," she whispered softly, her voice filled with longing and love.
Zarek's tears flowed freely as he spoke, his voice thick with remorse. "I'm so sorry, Sofia," he whispered brokenly. "I regret every moment that led to your loss. We dreamed of escaping the horrors of war, but my greed clouded my judgment. I wanted the gold first, and I failed you. Please forgive me."
Sofia gently wiped away Zarek's tears with her thumb, her expression filled with compassion. "There's nothing to forgive, Brother," she said softly. "You've grown into a strong and honorable man. Everything that happened, happened for a reason. If I hadn't pushed you out of the house that day, you might not be here now. Your life is a testament to our bond, to the love that will always connect us."
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...
