Çhapter 87: The rising Dawn

Chapter 87: The Rising Dawn

It was evident from the environment all around that they had just come from battle. Natasha and Alison walked aimlessly on the thick foliage, cutting short their breaths in between the journey. Occasionally, Natasha would look at Emberstone to notice that the light had become a mere blinking. This was a change, and it felt easier nowadays as though the stone was still regaining from the great energy it had used.

"We simply cannot continue with such a pace," Alison spoke after some time. His scabbard hung low by his side, across his back hung his sword, and his face was stern. "Malrik continues to come up with more tricks. And the moment will come when everybody will become tired."

Natasha paused, fixing her back against an adjacent tree. "I know," she said, almost angrily. "But what choice do we have? It is the Emberstone that is the only thing that still keeps him from complete destruction."

Alison just frowned, even though now his eyes looked kind when he was looking at her. 'All this as well, Natasha, is not just the Emberstone.' It's you. As it is,'You've been carrying this fight from the start.''

She let out a bitter laugh. "And look where that's gotten us." Living minute to minute, fearing each meeting, but never becoming any closer to ending him.

Alison moved closer and touched her on the shoulder. "We've come this far because of you." Don't forget that."

Natasha glanced at him, and finding that he seemed genuine, she was longing for a glimmer of hope. She nodded, taking a deep breath. "Alright. "I think it is about time that we decided on what we are going to do next."

They went on, the forest becoming thicker and thicker. The sunlight filtered through the dense vegetation, and there was hardly any light that was reaching the ground. No word was said for the longest time, and any sound, no matter how small—the crackle of twigs or the whispering of the leaves—made them stiffen.

Finally they came into an open ground. In the middle of it an old altar could be seen overgrown with moss and creepers. It had various carvings on its surface; they included battles and rituals.

"This place…" Alison murmured, and his words faded away.

Natasha walked slowly towards the altar, and her hands slid along the carving. "It's an ancient sanctuary," she said, and the pitch of her voice mirrored her belief in this statement. "I've read about these. They were utilized by the guardians of the Emberstone to recharge its power.

Alison's eyes widened. "You think it still works?"

"We're about to find out." Natasha was able to put the Emberstone on the altar. The second the stone made contact with the wall, it started to emit a light, and the intensity of it increased every second.

The ground rumbled a little, and the sound of the air being disturbed started to buzz. Natasha and Alison moved aside while on the altar there were engravings that started glowing, emanating a golden aura over them. Lightning filled the Emberstone bright again.

"It's working," Natasha said, clearly relieved, again speaking to the 3D hologram of the doctor.

But the moment was short-lived. The trees around them grew darker, the temperature dropping suddenly and unnaturally. A soft growl could be heard coming from the darkness, and Natasha felt her spirit was caving in.

"We're not alone," Alison said and pulled out her sword.

Out of the darkness came creatures they had never seen before, and they were not quite sure how to fight. They were skin and bones, and their eyes stared like green lights. The two creatures glided with inhuman grace, like an eagle that moves round its hunting ground.

Natasha took the Emberstone—the energy of which returned to her once again. "These are those Malrik has made," she said, her lips clear though her heart was racing with terror.

"Oh well, let us give him something to regret," said Alison in a very determined fashion.

The creatures charged as they moved in a rather shifty manner. Natasha cast a barrage of light from the Emberstone, bringing back the creatures into submission. With the sword in his hand, Alison rushed into the scene and started slashing the poor skeletal shapes.

Despite this, the creatures advanced and attacked; their supply appeared inexhaustible. Natasha knew that using the Emberstone affected her negatively, and that was why she could feel the effects.

"We can't keep this up!" Alison screamed and nearly escaped one's claws.

Natasha's mind raced. They had to find a way to do this fast; otherwise they would not be able to keep pace with the demands. She concentrated on the Emberstone and looked for a means to boost its energy while at the same time not depleting herself.

She noticed the carvings on the altar; they still appeared charged. She huddled an idea in her head—very dangerous one, but it could be their only opportunity for escape.

"Alison, watch my back," she shouted.

He nodded, and with a valiance, he fought the creatures away more than he ever did before.

Natasha put the Emberstone back on the table of the symbols; she transferred the power therein in the symbols. Luminosity increased and emanated from the altar in either parabolic wave in a blinding manner.

All these creatures opened their mouths to let out terrifying screams as the light enveloped and turned them to ashes. The wave of energy grew even bigger and drove the darkness away that had settled in the forest.

When the light vanished, all was still in the clearing. The skeletal creatures are absent, as were the depressing aura and bone-numbing cold.

Alison went to Natasha, who was now leaning on the table very heavily. "You are not bothered, right?" he queried, looking at me with worry on his face.

She nodded, although she seemed to be very tired. "I'm fine. Just… give me a moment."

He scooped her up in his arms and put her on her feet again; his hands didn't shake. It was not a warm embrace, but he managed a small smile: "You did it."

Natasha then swallowed a weak smile in return. "We did it."

Emberstone was shining brighter than before, and the power was completely back to the structure. Natasha took it up, and the energy of the thing replenished her strength.

"This alters the issue," said she, her tone being assertive. "Malrik will not know what is hit on him."

Alison smirked. "Let's hope so. Because if that's just a part of what he is capable of…

Natasha just nodded, and her face turned serious. "We'll be ready."

After that they went out of the sanctuary, the light from the Emberstone illuminated their way. For the first time in what seemed like ages, hope flickered strongly within their breasts. But they understood they had yet a long road to travel, and the path was all bars; there was no getting around it; Malrik's next action would certainly prove to them how unforgiving their journey really was.

In the distance, the fearsome pair stared at them with two emitting green eyes hidden in the darkness. A low growl echoed in the room, and the figure disappeared in the shadow as the room went completely silent once more.