In Sanctuary, the others are rested, as Elara when she opened her eyes, she stood upon a mirror lake, where every ripple reflected the vastness of endless sky, stars turning slowly above and below her.
Barefoot, she walked across the surface. Each step felt like a memory, until the horizon and a figure appeared ahead, cloaked, hooded, his garments torn and dirt stained, like someone who had wandered.
The figure lifted his gaze, though his face remained shadowed. "We meet again, Ashes Whisper," he said softly, his voice neither young and not old.
Elara froze and her breath trembled. "You.. who are you?"
The man stepped closer, and for a moment he continue to spoke " You already know," he said.
Elara her eyes widened, the man smiled faintly and continue " Once, perhaps. Now, I am but a witness to what my children have become, gods who forget love, mortals who chase despair, and shadows that dream of light."
He continue "you are the last voice of hope, when the final dawn comes, remember this.. The Chalice does not grant salvation, it remembers who tried."
Elara awoke with a faint gasp and suddenly a soft knock on her door. "Come in,"
The door creaked open, and Ludmilla stepped inside, a smile curved her lips. " You 're finally awake," she said. " Come, we have something to show you."
Elara rise slowly and walking together with Ludmilla through the hall the scent of dragon and incense growing stronger with each step. As they arrived at the vast chamber where Zeirsulair and several dragons stood in silence. In the center, upon obsidian stand, was set of armor unlike any she had ever seen, shimmering faintly between silver, sapphire and crimson hues, like moonlight caught in blood.
Ludmilla turned toward her. "This.. is for you.... Elara. A special armor forged for the one they call Ashes Whisper."
Elara's breath caught. "For me?" she asked softly, almost in disbelief.
Zeirsulair begin to spoke "This armor was forged by the dragons themselves," and continue "it carries our essence, bone, blood and scale. It's not just armor.. it's a covenant between mortals and dragons."
Elara stepped closer, reaching out her trembling hand. The armor pulsed with warmth at her touch, as though it recognized her, a veins of light threading across its surface, matching the faint glow in her eyes.
Ludmilla turned away slightly, giving her space. "We'll wait outside. Take your time, Elara, once you wear it there's no turning back."
As they left the hall, Elara stood alone before the armor. She gazed upon it and the reflection of her uncertain mirrored in the metallic sheen, she slowly reached for the chest plate.
Elara began to wear the armor, the pieces closing around her like a living flame, binding with her essence. As the gates of the Sanctuary opened wide. Elara stepped forward. each step echoed through the courtyard.
As she emerged into the open, every dragon bowed. Their scales reflecting the sunlight. Even the wind fell silent, as though the world itself acknowledged the arrival of chosen one.
High above them, Zeirsulair descended in his dragon form, his wings spread across the horizon. His eyes gaze upon her as he lowered his head "Ashes Whisper," and continue "Are you ready.. to save the world?"
Elara looked up and replied with determination "Yes." she continue "I am ready and together we will stop Azathoth."
Zeirsulair's roar split the skies. The dragons of the Sanctuary lifted their heads and answered in unison, their collective cry shaking the skies.
Then Zeirsulair lowered his neck toward her. "Ashes Whisper.. ride upon me."
Elara climbed onto his back, Zeirsulair's voice echoed again, deeper now, filled with reverence. "From this day forth, we dragons shall heed your voice. Your command is our law, Ashes Whisper. Before we take flight.. have you any last words?"
Elara gaze upon them " I thankyou, All of you, for standing with me. Once the world turned against me.. but now I see hope through you, through us. As a human, I ask for your strength. Together, we will end Azathoth reign and end this cycle forever."
Then she raised her hand, her voice ringing clear across the Sanctuary. "Now! let us fly to the Land of Eldar!"
YOU ARE READING
Ashes Whisper
FantasyAshes Whisper is a novel that follows the story of Elara, a young woman cursed with the ability to absorb the souls of the dead. As the war takes a heavy toll on Elara, she struggles to keep fighting, and her curse becomes increasingly difficult to...
