Ashes

Arch II. Empire of Steel. Legend 3. Masquerade of Oblivion

Illusory clouds thickened in the sky like heavy blankets, bringing with them the smell of freshness and the expectation of rain. The first drops knocked on the ground, creating a melodic rhythm that gradually grew, turning into a real noisy concert of nature. The rain became heavier, forming streams that flowed through the streets like invisible rivers, carrying away everything in their path. In the distance, lightning flashed, illuminating the night sky with its electric light, adding mystery to this wet theater of nature.

The rain poured inexorably, as if demonstrating its strength and power, but this bad weather also had its own beauty, incredible and mystical, attracting glances and making hearts beat faster to the beat of its endless melody.

This weather was not conducive to travel at all. But what is rain when the survival of an entire city is at stake? Eclip understood this and, taking with him as little stuff as possible, prepared to leave the Capital

"Leaving already?" Hope managed to catch him at the exit from the Castle "In this weather? Maybe it'll be better to wait a little? Until the rain stops?"

"This adventure can no longer be delayed. Who knows what might happen if I wait some more?" he turned to The Hunter. "Promise me. Promise me that you will take care of the city while I'm gone."

"I will do anything I can to not let them die, I promise" Hope bowed a little as if given The Hunter's vow.

"Thank you"

Eclip hugged his friend and disappeared into the pouring rain, leaving the Hunter alone among the quiet walls of the empty Castle. The girl knew that the journey to the Empire was a one-way journey. Few people get a second chance.

-----

Soon the path led Eclip to Thais, a small city surrounded by forest. Everything was different here, not like in the Capital. People here continued to live as if nothing was happening. The only thing that has changed is the Manor where Hope used to live. The coat of arms of the Golden Dragons adorned the facade of the building. Everyone knew for a long time that the Golden Dragons were dead... Perhaps people simply did not want to change anything.

The young man looked at the Manor with curiosity until a woman's voice called out to him.

"Welcome, dear traveler," she left the estate. Her eyes glowed with gold, and her pale blue hair was pulled back into a beautiful hairstyle. She was dressed in a red dress with intricate gold embroidery. On her head was a golden crown with amethysts shimmering in the moonlight. "You came from far. From The Capital, I suppose?"

"Yes" trembling from the cold, the young man answered. The woman invited him to the castle. Eclip did not refuse, hoping that they would help him here.

Inside, the Manor looked completely different. It's as if they decided to leave the consequences of that battle as they were. Something was destroyed, something was restored. Eclip felt a little dizzy: images of the past appeared here and there every now and then. But these are just ghosts of days gone by; they can no longer harm anyone.

-----

"And who is this?" Lord Kellan's stern voice made Eclip flinch "and what happened to him?"

"My name is Eclip, your grace" he bowed "I recently got caught in a heavy downpour and was looking for an overnight stay in your wonderful..."

"...and you decided that I will let you stay in my Manor?" Lord interrupted him.

"I didn't... Not at all!" Eclip took one step back. "The Empress brought me here." he pointed at the woman sitting near Kellan.

"He came from the Capital. Please, listen to him. He needs help." her gentle voice seemed to ring in his head.

"What help does he need then?"