Subterra: Dark Relm

Part 8: Wrath of Vorath: The Fall of Eldoria

In Eldoria Castle

The majority of Elowen's soldiers were focused on stopping King Aric, Master Orin, Seraphina, Zev, Locos, and their forces as they stormed the castle. Meanwhile, other soldiers were stationed to block Galen and Damon from reaching the castle's middle section. Vorath, alerted to the raid, hurriedly disappeared to an unknown location.

Strong soldiers and guards, tasked with protecting King Elowen, confronted Galen and Damon. During the sword fight, an arrow struck Damon in the upper chest, just above his heart. Distracted by the pain, Damon failed to notice the archers hidden behind the swordsmen. However, Galen, staying alert, dodged every arrow aimed at him. In a swift display of combat prowess, the two brothers incapacitated all the soldiers without even using a single weapon, knocking them out cold.

Despite his pain and growing dizziness, Damon pushed forward. Galen urged him on as they split up, each heading towards their assigned targets from Master Orin. Outside, Aric's soldiers had successfully breached the castle and were cutting down every enemy in their path. Zev and Locos fought side by side, protecting Princess Seraphina, who, despite their efforts, refused to stay out of the battle. She joined the fight, fiercely holding her own against the enemies.

Master Orin and King Aric fought alongside their troops. Orin, wielding his Veyra-coated sword, sliced through shields and weapons as if they were made of butter. Zev and Locos exchanged astonished glances, amazed at how the old master was capable of such feats at his age.

Galen advanced through the castle but found no sign of King Elowen. He fought off every soldier that crossed his path, some easier to defeat, while others took more time and effort. Meanwhile, Damon reached the dungeon, finding a dead body outside a cage and no guards in sight.

He quickly freed King Thalric, stating, "Master Orin and Seraphina sent me."

Thalric sighed with relief but immediately warned Damon, "You must stop Vorath from taking the Luminara. When the attack on the castle started, the soldiers left their posts to fight. Vorath came here not long ago, manipulated a greedy man by showing him dreams of treasure, then killed him once he had what he wanted. He's gone to the temple north of the palace, down the hill. You can slide the god statue to reveal the path to the stone."

With this information, Damon, still dizzy from his wound, rushed toward the temple. Galen, on the other hand, had reached a large hall surrounded by soldiers, with King Elowen laughing on the opposite side. Galen dropped his sword, smirking as he declared, "A warrior needs no weapon." In a blur of motion, he knocked out every soldier in the hall with his bare hands.

Elowen's smile faltered, turning to fear and anxiety. He tried to escape, but it was too late. Elowen grabbed every weapon he could find and attempted to strike Galen, but none of his blows landed. Galen dodged effortlessly, his instincts sharper than ever. He took his time, toying with the king, enjoying the fight while Elowen grew more desperate.

Meanwhile, King Aric's forces were steadily advancing, clearing enemies as they pushed deeper into the palace. Damon finally reached the temple and saw that the god statue had already been moved, revealing the passage. He hurried down the hidden path, arriving just in time to see Vorath standing near the Luminara, his hand outstretched towards the glowing stone. The cave was illuminated as if it were daytime, the light from the Luminara casting an ethereal glow.

Damon, weakened and bleeding heavily from his chest, staggered forward, his vision blurred.

Vorath turned slowly, a cold smile forming on his face. "Ah, welcome. I am the great Vorath, and you must be one of the princess's little entourage. I'll give you one chance to leave now, and you may live. But if you try to stop me, I'll personally send you to the afterlife."

Without hesitation, Damon attacked. Their battle was fierce, blow for blow, evenly matched in strength. But Vorath, sensing he was running out of time, struck Damon's chest wound, bringing him down in agony. Damon, unable to rise, was overpowered by Vorath, who stood victorious over him.

As Vorath was about to deal the final blow, he noticed the ring on Damon's hand glowing under the Luminara's light. His smile widened.

"What a pleasure! And what a surprise," Vorath sneered. "You're one of the Renegades, aren't you? I thought I killed all of you that night. But it seems you were absent, or perhaps you've come here searching for me? How amusing. It seems I couldn't keep my promises to King Draven after all. But no matter. I've already gotten what I wanted from him."

Vorath paused, his eyes glinting with malice. "Let me tell you something, little Renegade. With this stone, I'll either repeat history... or perhaps, I'll revive it. Not sure which yet." He laughed maniacally. "Goodbye, Renegade. Enjoy whatever time you have left.

(Damon could only listen, his body too weak to move. Vorath grabbed the Luminara, and as he did, darkness began to rise in the cave. Damon, losing consciousness, could feel the world slipping away.)
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