Ashes

Arch III. The Longest Road. Entry 1. The Beginning of the Nightmare

Several weeks have passed since Ahriman returned to Xentaron. They say that as soon as he entered the city, all troubles disappeared, as if it was necessary to let in the Darkness to save it. From that day on, no one and nothing could harm the inhabitants of Xentaron. Eclip kept his word and gave power to Ahriman. Thus began a new era.

One starry evening, Ahriman stood on the roof with a glass of wine, watching the people of Xentaron go to bed. He enjoyed this power, knowing that now everything would be completely different. Ahriman was planning new reforms that would change this place forever, and no one knew where it would lead.

"Look at the city," the man turned to Eclip, who stood silently nearby. "It seemed like only yesterday I was trying to take two cities by force. And now we are standing here. Me, as the ruler, and you, as my strongest ally."

"I'm so happy for you," Eclip sounded more sarcastic than sincere. He still wasn't thrilled about what had happened a while ago and seemed to regret his choice.

Ahriman ignored his displeasure. He knew it would go on for a long time, so he let the young man speak his mind. One of his followers entered the roof.

"Your Grace" he began to speak "I have news."

"News, Doug?" the man turned to face the follower

"Yes, sir," the young man nodded and, looking at Eclip, immediately straightened his back and fell silent. He did not dare to speak further.

"Eclip, may I ask you to leave us?" Ahriman looked at Eclip. In response, the young man nodded silently and went down to the castle. "Continue."

"News from Florael, sir. The locals have found her," Doug looked closely at Ahriman. "She is alive."

"This just can't be happening!" the man growled. At that moment, lightning flashed brightly and thunder rumbled. "How did this even happen?"

"I have no idea, sir," Doug shook his head. "Any orders?"

Ahriman thought a little. On the one hand, killing the girl would give him some peace of mind, since no one would interfere. But on the other hand, if he did this, Eclip would not forgive him and would probably kill him in his sleep. What could he do? There was one more option, but it was also not very humane. However, what was forbidden on this continent was allowed on another. So a completely different decision was made. Having sent Doug to patrol the streets, Ahriman went down to Eclip's room. The young man continued training, as if preparing for something.

"Eclip," he began speaking. "I need you to do something for me."

"I already told you that I am not an errand boy!" the young man growled.

"You are silent and listening to me" Ahriman looked at the young man intently. Fury flared in his eyes. "I need you to find someone in the City in the Distance. His name is Agas. He is a merchant"

"Why not send your people?" Eclip countered, feeling his voice began to tremble.

"As I said, you will do small tasks if you want to live."

Eclip, standing in front of Ahriman, felt his cold gaze penetrate his soul. Realizing that it was useless to argue, and the Darkness would not tolerate disobedience, the young man nodded silently. Emotions raged inside: the desire to attack and kill him, fear of the unknown. Why did Ahriman need this merchant? The young Dragon did not argue further and at dawn set off for the City in the Distance.

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Enia, known as the City in the Distance, was a place where dangers lurked. Eclip remembered John's stories about how the people of this place had become completely different. It was no longer a city of hunters, but a city where evil lived. The young man knew that there was more to this quest than a simple request.