The Obsidian Falldown

Chapter 2: The Path Ahead

Avalyn's POV

I woke up to the soft rays of dawn filtering through the heavy velvet curtains of my room. The events of the previous night replayed in my mind—the shattering of the Obsidian, the looming threat of Phondione, and the daunting quest that lay ahead. My heart was still racing with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Today was the day we would begin our journey to restore balance to our world.

After dressing in a simpler gown more suited to the day's tasks, I made my way down to the breakfast hall. The castle was quieter in the early morning, the usual hustle and bustle of maids and guards not yet in full swing. As I entered the hall, I saw my father already seated, a serious expression on his face.

"Good morning, Father," I greeted him, taking a seat across from him.

"Good morning, Ava," he replied, offering a small smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Did you sleep well?"

"Not really," I admitted. "Too much on my mind."

He nodded, understanding. "We have much to discuss."

We ate our breakfast in relative silence, the weight of our conversation hanging in the air. Once the meal was finished, he gestured for me to follow him to his study.

The study was one of my favorite places in the castle, filled with ancient tomes, maps, and artifacts from Avaloria's history. Today, however, it felt more like a war room than a sanctuary.

"Ava, you know the gravity of our situation," my father began, pacing the room. "The Obsidian has been shattered, and its shards are scattered across the lands. If we do not retrieve and restore them, Phondione will gain unimaginable power."

I nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on my shoulders. "What are the quests we must undertake to retrieve the shards?"

"The shards are hidden in places of great elemental power," he explained. "Each kingdom holds one. You will need to travel to Zyrrakian, Seraphina, and Emberlyn. There, you will meet with the princes of these kingdoms, who will aid you in your quest."

My father walked over to a large map laid out on his desk. "The first shard is in the Abyssal Depths of Zyrrakian. It's a treacherous underwater cave system guarded by ancient sea creatures and protected by powerful water magic. Prince Col will guide you there."

"Col," I repeated, committing the name to memory. "And the next shard?"

"The second shard is in the Tempest Peaks of Seraphina," he continued. "High in the mountains, guarded by fierce winds and air elementals. Prince Robin will be your guide for that quest."

"And the third?" I asked, eager to know more.

"The Enchanted Grove of Emberlyn," my father said. "A dense, magical forest filled with dangerous flora and fauna, and protected by nature spirits. Prince Pierce will assist you there."

I took a deep breath, trying to absorb all the information. "It sounds dangerous."

"It is," he agreed. "But you will not be alone. The princes are skilled and brave. Together, you will be stronger."

"And the fourth shard?" I asked, remembering that there was one more shard to be found.

My father's expression grew even more serious. "The fourth shard is here in Avaloria. It lies within the Flames of Avaloria, deep in the heart of a dormant volcano. The shard is protected by powerful fire magic and ancient guardians. It will be the final and most risky quest."

"A volcano?" I echoed, feeling a chill despite the topic. "How do we even begin to approach it?"

"Ydysses, your dragon, will be crucial in this quest," my father said. "Her mastery over fire will help you navigate the treacherous landscape and withstand the intense heat. You will need to unlock her full potential to succeed."