Northern Grass Saga

16 Sealed fate of a King

King Everstone, fueled by determination and desperation, continued to advance towards the Hooded Stranger, their swords clashing in a flurry of steel and sparks. The battle raged on, moving from the Great Hall into the hallway, the sound of ringing metal echoing off the stone walls.

Neither combatant spoke a word, their focus solely on the fight. The king's exhaustion was forgotten in the heat of the moment, his training and experience taking over as he pressed the attack.

The Hooded Stranger, equally skilled and relentless, matched Everstone blow for blow, their swords dancing in a deadly rhythm. The two fighters moved up the stairs, their footsteps thundering on the stone steps as they ascended to the next floor.

The fight was a blur of motion, each warrior intent on gaining the upper hand. The outcome hung in the balance, the fate of the kingdom precarious as the two enemies clashed in a frenzy of steel and fury.

The scene was a testament to the skill and determination of both fighters, their battle a symphony of swordplay, each movement precise and deadly. The outcome was far from certain, as the two warriors fought on, their swords ringing out in a deadly duel.

The battle raged on, Everstone and the Hooded Stranger moving from room to room, their swords clashing in a flurry of steel and sparks. Neither spoke a word, their focus solely on gaining the upper hand.

Everstone, his skills honed from years of combat, wielded his sword with precision and deadliness. He executed a fancy spin, his blade slicing through the air, and slid it down to the enemy's hilt. As their swords met, Everstone grasped the Hooded Stranger's wrist with his free hand, pulling him in close.

Their faces inches apart, Everstone's eyes blazed with intensity as he demanded, "What do you mean by 'you're here to finish what you started'?"

The Hooded Stranger's expression remained hidden, but his eyes flickered with a hint of surprise at Everstone's sudden move. For a moment, the two enemies locked gazes, their breathing heavy, their swords still clasped together.

The tension was palpable, the air thick with unspoken threats and unanswered questions. Everstone's grip on the stranger's wrist tightened, his knuckles white with tension, as he waited for a response. The Hooded Stranger's silence was unnerving, but Everstone refused to back down, his determination to uncover the truth burning brighter than ever.

Azure, the majestic sky blue dragon, lay beside her father Tharros' lifeless body, her heart shattered into a million pieces. She wept uncontrollably, her sorrow echoing through the desolate landscape. Her scales, once shimmering with a radiant blue hue, now seemed dull and muted, reflecting the anguish that gripped her soul.

As the minutes passed, Azure's tears slowly ceased, replaced by a steely determination. She knew she couldn't stay beside her father's body forever, no matter how much she wanted to. Her friend, King Everstone, needed her now more than ever. The kingdom of Northern Grass, which Everstone ruled with kindness and wisdom, was under attack by the goblins.

With a heavy heart, Azure composed herself, her eyes red-rimmed but resolute. She stood up, her massive wings unfolding from her back like a canvas of sorrow. She took one last look at her father's body, her gaze lingering on the wise, ancient eyes that had always guided her.

Then, with a fierce cry, Azure launched herself into the sky, her wings beating powerful and slow. She soared through the air, her heart still heavy with grief, but her spirit now driven by a sense of purpose. She would fly to Northern Grass, rally the knights, and fight alongside Everstone against the goblins with every ounce of strength she possessed.

As she flew, the wind rushing past her scales, Azure felt her determination grow. She would honor her father's memory by protecting Everstone and his kingdom, just as Tharros would have wanted.