Book of Ellagar

Chapter 22 : Ashes

The world around Ellagar was chaos. The newly arisen black dragon—Verak-dragon—rampaged through the remaining cult members, her fury unmatched. In panic and desperation, the Wyrm Lords tried to use portals to escape, but Verak's relentless assault tore them apart.

Ellagar, dazed by the explosion, staggered forward, vision blurred, ears ringing. She searched frantically for Ardvek's body amidst the carnage. I must find him. Only he can save Verak. When she found him, she cradled him to her chest, relief flooding through her as she felt his faint breath. Nearby, Sageclaw scooped up Thelara, her body limp and covered in a pulsing black that spread over her scales. Thelara are you alive? In a swift motion, he gathered Ellagar into his other claw, and they took to the skies, fleeing the devastation below.

As they ascended, Ellagar looked down to see the barrow now a gaping wound in the earth, the aftermath of the magical explosion a testament to its destructive power. The once-solid ground was shattered, massive chunks of earth and stone hurled into the air, leaving a crater that swallowed everything in its path. Water cascaded into the chasm, a torrential flood sweeping the dead and debris into the depths, the swamp itself seeming to mourn the destruction. Deep below, the egg chamber was no doubt lost, the magic that once preserved the black dragon eggs likely obliterated by the blast. The air was thick with the acrid scent of scorched earth and the lingering echoes of the cataclysmic blast, a grim reminder of the battle's toll.

Ellagar struggled to keep her hold on Ardvek, her arms trembling with the effort. The newly arisen black dragon roared and flew towards them, its massive wings beating the air into a frenzy. This is all my fault, but I must find a way. For our world. For them. For a heart-stopping moment, Ellagar thought they were doomed, but then Sageclaw's sisters appeared, their emerald scales glinting in the storm's light as they intercepted the beast. The sky was a blur of scales and claws, the air filled with the deafening sounds of dragon roars and clashing magic. Ellagar glanced desperately at Thelara, held in Sageclaw's other claw, her body limp and covered in the pulsing black that spread over her scales. Thelara, please be alive. I can't lose you. Not like this. Ellagar couldn't tell if she was alive, the distance and chaos making it impossible to reach her. Panic surged through her, but there was no time to check. They had to keep moving, had to escape the chaos below.

Ellagar's arms ached, the strain of holding Ardvek almost too much to bear. She had to do something. Using her robes, she harnessed Ardvek to her, hoping it would be strong enough to hold. It has to be. Desperately, she reached into her inner reserves, searching for any spark of magic. Then she felt it—the reserve in her Concordance bracelet. It might be enough. She directed the magic at Thelara, willing it to preserve her. Bright light surrounded Thelara, and the pulsing black faded to a dull stain. As Ellagar channeled the magic, she felt a searing pain shoot through her veins, her body trembling with the effort. I will not give in, I can't stop. I must save her. I must save them both. Her vision blurred, and sweat poured down her face, but she held on, focusing all her energy on Thelara. The immediate danger seemed to have lessened, but Ellagar still couldn't tell if Thelara was alive.

Ellagar's heart raced with panic as she realized she had pushed herself too far. Her vision blurred, and she felt herself losing consciousness, the edges of her world darkening. What if it's not enough? What if I fail? No. She has to be. She fought against the encroaching blackness, desperately trying to stay awake. Reaching out with her mind, she tried to connect with Grandmother, but there was no response. Grandmother, where are you? I need you. But even without you, I will fight. I will not give up. The silence was deafening, a void where she had always found guidance and strength. Fear gripped her as she felt herself slipping away, her last thoughts a frantic plea for help. Then, everything went black.