THE HALF OF A YELLOW SUN

Chapter Three: Trials of Thalor

The sun had barely risen when Arielle stood before the grand gates of the Trials of Thalor, her heart pounding like a war drum. A crowd had gathered, their murmurs weaving a tapestry of anticipation and doubt. She could feel their eyes on her, weighing her worth even before she stepped into the arena.

Kaelan stood beside her, his presence a steadying force. “Remember, the trials are not just tests of strength; they will challenge your mind and spirit. Trust in the amulet’s guidance.”

With a nod, Arielle stepped forward, the gates creaking open to reveal a vast arena, the ground marked with ancient symbols that pulsed faintly underfoot. She inhaled deeply, the scent of damp earth and anticipation filling her lungs.

The Elders sat high above on a dais, their expressions inscrutable. Elder Rian leaned forward, his voice echoing across the arena. “You will face three trials: the Trial of Shadows, the Trial of Wisdom, and the Trial of Heart. Each trial will push you to your limits. Succeed, and we may consider your request for aid. Fail, and you will leave here empty-handed.”

A chill crept up her spine, but determination flared in her chest. “I’m ready,” she called, her voice ringing clear.

The first trial began, and a thick fog rolled in, enveloping her in darkness. Shadows danced around her, whispering secrets and fears. Arielle’s breath quickened as she felt their cold fingers brush against her skin, memories of doubt flooding her mind.

“Focus,” Kaelan’s voice cut through the haze, steady and strong. “Remember the light within you.”

Summoning her courage, Arielle closed her eyes, feeling the amulet’s warmth. She pictured the half yellow sun, its radiant glow breaking through the shadows. With a deep breath, she shouted, “I am not afraid!”

Light erupted from the amulet, cutting through the fog like a sword. The shadows shrieked and retreated, dissipating into wisps of smoke. As the arena returned to clarity, the crowd erupted into cheers, but Arielle barely registered them. She had won the first trial—but at what cost?

The second trial began immediately, shifting her surroundings into a labyrinthine chamber filled with mirrors. Each reflection showed a different version of herself, twisting her appearance and distorting her reality. Doubt crept in as she faced the most daunting reflection—a version of herself, lost and defeated.

“Which is the true you?” a voice echoed from the mirrors, mocking her.

“Silence!” she shouted, anger bubbling to the surface. “I am not defined by fear or failure.”

She focused on the amulet, allowing its warmth to guide her. With each step, she shattered the mirrors one by one, revealing a path forward until only one mirror remained—one that reflected her true self, strong and resolute.

Arielle stepped through, the glass shattering like glass beneath her feet. The crowd roared again, but she was no longer just a girl; she was becoming a warrior.

But the third trial loomed ahead, darker than the others. The arena transformed into a stormy landscape, lightning crackling in the sky, rain pelting down as figures cloaked in shadows emerged from the darkness. They were twisted versions of her fears: friends betrayed, family lost, her own insecurities brought to life.

“Face us!” they howled in unison, voices like nails on a chalkboard.

Arielle felt the weight of despair crashing over her. But as the shadows closed in, she remembered Kaelan’s words: “Trust in the light.”

Summoning all her strength, she raised the amulet high. “I am the light!” she cried, its energy surging around her like a shield. The shadows recoiled, but they were relentless, pressing forward with a hunger for despair.

“I will not let you take me!” she shouted, channeling her will into the amulet. A burst of golden light erupted, illuminating the arena and forcing the shadows back, their cries turning to shrieks of rage.

As the storm calmed, Arielle stood amidst the remnants of darkness, breathing heavily. The arena fell silent, the crowd staring in awe. She had faced her fears and emerged victorious, but she knew the shadows were not gone—they were only waiting.

Kaelan stepped forward, pride shining in his eyes. “You have proven yourself, Arielle. The Elders cannot ignore your strength.”

Elder Rian rose, his gaze piercing. “You have completed the Trials, but the true test lies ahead. The shadows are gathering in force, and they will not rest until they claim the light you protect.”

Arielle felt a chill run through her. “What must I do?”

You must seek the Oracle of Elaris,” Elder Rian declared. “Only she can reveal the truth of the coming darkness and how you may defeat it.”

As she left the arena, Arielle felt the weight of her victory, but also the burden of the path ahead. The half of a yellow sun glowed within her, a reminder of hope and a promise of danger.

The shadows had been pushed back, but they were still there, lurking at the edges of her mind, waiting for the right moment to strike. And as Arielle looked out over Thalor, she knew that her journey had only just begun.