Book of Ellagar

Chapter 24 : Resolve

Recovering from the barrow battle, Ardvek and Ellagar sought ways to free Verak from the black dragon spirit. The dragon continued to hunt the Wyrm Lords, causing widespread destruction. Rumors spread of an Empire force sent to resolve the issue.

Ardvek spent time connecting with the Mother Tree. Ellagar still did not understand this connection, and the spirit spoke in riddles whenever she asked. Thelara, as a Daughter Tree, had some knowledge of what Ardvek was to the Mother Tree, and when Ellagar asked her, Thelara replied, "It is not for me to say."

In the Mother Tree realm, Ellagar and Thelara laughed and shared stories, their voices echoing through the ethereal branches. Here, Thelara was as she once was, her touch warm and familiar. They held hands, the connection between them as strong as ever.

"Thelara, it's so good to see you like this," Ellagar said, her eyes shining with emotion. "I miss you so much when we're outside."

Thelara smiled, her eyes reflecting the same longing. "I know, Ellagar. These moments are as precious to me. Let us enjoy this now." And the two embraced.

When Ellagar returned to the outside world, her steps felt heavier, her heart aching for Thelara's steadying hand and wise counsel. Ellagar clutched the acorn tightly, her heart aching. "I wish we could be together like we are in the tree," she whispered, feeling the warmth of Thelara's spirit within the acorn.

Thelara's voice echoed softly in her mind. "I am here, Ellagar. Always. We will find a way to make this work."

Returning to the Archive, Ellagar sifted through WyrmLore and histories, searching for clues as if looking for a lost gold coin in the sand. With prophecy scrolls destroyed and the Caretaker unhelpful, she pieced together hints into a makeshift plan. It wasn't really a plan—more a prayer. Here she felt even more alone; Thelara could not enter this place. Why was that? How did these ethereal realms exist?

She felt time slipping away. They needed to act before Verak's mind was completely overtaken by the black dragon. At last, she said to Ardvek, "We are healed enough to leave here, and maybe we can get near the black dragon. Talk to her. Find out what she really wants. She cannot be attacking simply out of anger and revenge. There has to be something else she wants."

Ardvek nodded grimly, his eyes reflecting a mix of fear and determination. "She wants me for one—I am part of her hoard in her mind. But I won't let her control me. I will fight for my brother, for our future.'"

They prepared to leave when a familiar shadow descended from the sky. Sageclaw the Emerald Dragon landed gracefully before them, his green scales shimmering in the mid-morning autumn sunlight. His wise and ancient eyes met Ellagar's with a sense of urgency.

"Sageclaw, great one," Ellagar greeted, bowing her head slightly. "What news? Where is Verak now?"

Sageclaw's voice rumbled like distant thunder. "Verak, the black dragon, still pillages and destroys anything connected to the Wyrm Lords. There really isn't much left—they have fled far from this part of the world. Their power greatly reduced, and they will need to rebuild. Now she seems to be looking for something. Or someone."

Ellagar's heart pounded. "Is it Grandmother, do you think?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. "Or Ardvek?" Sageclaw gave his massive shoulders a shrug, indicating he was uncertain. But Ellagar thought she knew the answer as she looked to ensure that Ardvek was nearby.

"I came today because I have found a hint of an object that may help separate Verak from the Black Dragon. It is said to possess great power, capable of breaking even the strongest binding and possession spells."

Ellagar's heart leaped with hope, but doubt gnawed at her. "The Wren? You found the crystal wren?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

A look of surprise crossed his face, and Sageclaw nodded. "Indeed. How have you heard of the Wren?" Then he didn't wait for a response as he continued. "It lies within the heart of the Bramble Maze, a Fae labyrinth of thorns and shadows that few have passed. Many have tried, but it seems all have failed."