The Rise of the Dragon Realms

Chapter 7: The Battle for Skyhold

Thank you so much for reading! If you enjoyed this, I'd love for you to check out my friend's novel, The Kings Attendant in the Apocalypse by PagE_PickEr. It's an incredible story set in a post-apocalyptic world. Also if you do go read it tell them Skylar sent you thanks again. Your support means everything!
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The wind howled as Kaelen and his companions descended the jagged slopes of the Elemental Peaks. Each step was a struggle through thick snow and treacherous ice, but the mountain's grip had begun to loosen, as if the dragon of ice itself had allowed them to leave. The sky above was a dull, oppressive gray, the storm having subsided, but the weight of their journey lay heavy on Kaelen's shoulders. They had escaped the frozen heart of the mountain, but ahead lay an even greater challenge: the Dark Woods and the sorceress who ruled there.

"We need to find shelter before nightfall," Sir Eamon said, his voice barely audible over the wind. "We're too exposed here."

Kaelen nodded, though his thoughts were elsewhere. The dragon of ice had tested him, and while he had survived, he knew the bond was not yet complete. The dragon had spoken of another trial, a greater one that would prove his worth. And now, there was a new danger looming—the sorceress of the Dark Woods, a force as ancient and dangerous as the dragons themselves.

Ylara led the way, her pale form a ghostly figure against the snow-covered landscape. Though her face remained calm, there was a sense of urgency in her movements. The Frostwarden had spoken little since they left the dragon's lair, but her silence spoke volumes. She knew what lay ahead, and she knew the price they might have to pay to survive it.

Aeliana, walking beside Kaelen, glanced at him, her eyes filled with concern. "You haven't said much since we left the cavern," she said quietly. "Are you alright?"

Kaelen offered her a tired smile. "Just thinking. The dragon of ice... it's not done with me yet. I can feel it. There's more to come."

Aeliana's brow furrowed. "I sensed the same. Its power is still bound to the mountain, but it's waiting for something. Perhaps it's waiting for you to face the sorceress."

Kaelen's heart skipped a beat. "You think she's part of the trial?"

"I don't know," Aeliana admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "But I do know this: she's dangerous. Far more dangerous than the Frostfiends we faced. If the dragon of ice sent you toward her, then it's no ordinary test."

Sir Eamon called back to them. "We'll make for Skyhold. There are rumors of the Dark One's forces moving south, and we need to warn the city. They'll need every sword they can muster."

Skyhold was a fortress city nestled high in the eastern cliffs, its tall stone walls built to defend against the harsh northern winters and any threat that might come from beyond. It was one of the last strongholds of the northern kingdoms, and though it had been untouched by war for many years, the rumors of the Dark One's army had reached even its gates. The city was known for its fleet of wyverns, fierce creatures that the city's knights used to patrol the skies. Kaelen had only heard stories of Skyhold, but now they would see it firsthand.

As the group pressed onward through the snow, the mountains began to level out, and the thick forests of the north came into view. Tall, ancient trees stretched toward the sky, their branches heavy with snow, creating a canopy that blocked out much of the light. The Dark Woods lay beyond these forests, a cursed place filled with shadows and dark magic, where few dared to venture.

Hours passed, and the light of day began to fade as they reached the outskirts of Skyhold. From a distance, the city was an imposing sight—its walls towering over the surrounding landscape, the stone dark and foreboding. Above the walls, Kaelen could see wyverns circling in the sky, their cries piercing the cold air.