The Ember Within

Flickers OF Success

As we approached the narrow pathway, the flickering candlelight from the nearby Cardes hall created long, dancing shadows on the stone walls, suggesting hidden secrets from the past. When we reached the gate guarded by the sentry, my heart raced, and I turned to the group. "We can't let the soldiers see us. We need a distraction.

Shawne scanned the dim corridor, deep in thought. "I could conjure a small illusion—a guiding light for the soldiers, maybe," he chuckled.

Aiden chimed in, "Or we could create the sound of a commotion near the banquet hall. It's crowded enough that no one would question it."

I glanced nervously at the door behind us. "Let's do both. Aiden, create the sound first, then Shawn, you make the illusion."

"Alright, I'll handle it," Aiden said, his expression turning serious. He stepped back, closed his eyes, and began weaving intricate hand patterns while whispering an incantation.

Suddenly, a loud crash echoed from the grand hall, followed by startled gasps. "What was that?!" a soldier exclaimed, confusion lacing his voice.

"Perfect," I whispered, adrenaline surging. "Now, let's move!"

We slipped into the narrow pathway, the heavy tapestry brushing against me as the soldiers turned to investigate, their footsteps fading into the distance.

Sharon peeked around the tapestry. "Looks like they're buying it. We have a clear shot."

"Keep it quiet," I cautioned, excitement and fear coursing through me. "We still don't know how many are on duty."

As we navigated the dim corridor, the musty scent of old stone filled the air. My pulse quickened when we spotted four soldiers at the door, two of whom had gone to investigate the noise.

"Quick, Shawne! Create an illusion to distract them!" I urged as we approached the end of the corridor.

At the end, we found a heavy wooden door, worn and intricately carved. "This must be it," I said, placing my hand on the cool wood. "If the artifact is anywhere, it's behind this door."

Shawne pulled out his lockpicks and summoned his magic to the lock. "Give me a moment."

He knelt at the lock, and I held my breath, straining to listen for returning soldiers. Aiden's diversion echoed faintly, but time was slipping away.

With a soft click, the door swung open, revealing a dim room filled with flowers especially roses. A warm glow emanated from a central pedestal, illuminating the space. "Wow," Sharon breathed, stepping in, awe lighting up his face. "We hit the jackpot."

"Sharon, create a sound-absorbing shield at the gate now. The guards shouldn't hear us," I instructed as I began to move in, others behind me. Suddenly two large daggers from either sides of the room came our way. 

" Dodge now!!" I shouted as everyone dodged and bent their knees on the floor

"Great, just what I wanted—hidden spikes to test my reflexes," Aiden quipped, rolling his eyes.

"Come on! It isn't that bad," Shawne replied, though his nervousness was evident. "We've faced worse, right?"

"Right, like the time you nearly set off that fireball trap," Aiden smirked. "You thought it was a decorative lantern!"

Shawne crossed his arms, mock frowning. "It looked like a lantern Arden! How was I supposed to know it would explode?"

"Maybe by not touching everything shiny? And my name's Aiden, not Arden! Stop mixing us up!" he added, chuckling despite the tension.