Chapter 56 The Earth-Blooded Herald
### Chapter 56: Earth-Blood Herald
The grove had fallen silent after Bren's successful trial, the tension giving way to an almost serene calm. The sparrows, still glowing faintly, chirped their approval before fading into the fiery flora of the grove. Bren stood amidst her companions, her breathing steadying as she processed the trials and the profound connection she now felt with the Earth's heart.
"I think we've earned a breather," Vas said, sheathing his sword with a relieved sigh.
Before anyone could respond, the ground trembled again—different from the earlier quakes. This vibration wasn't violent; it was rhythmic, as if the very air pulsed with anticipation. A low hum began to rise, growing louder and louder until it filled the vale.
"What now?" Lyra muttered, her eyes scanning the grove for the source.
A sudden burst of wind roared through the hidden grove, sharp and frigid, sweeping through the fire-touched plants. Leaves and embers swirled into the air, creating small tornadoes that danced across the clearing. The group instinctively dropped to the ground, shielding themselves from the fierce gales that tore at their clothing and hair.
Trill clutched the brim of his hood as he pressed himself against the ground, glancing toward Bren. "Is this part of your trial?" he called over the cacophony.
Bren shook her head, her expression tight with concern.
---
The howling winds grew stronger, carrying with them the smell of ozone. The once-calm grove now seemed on the verge of collapse, the force of the gales threatening to uproot even the sturdy Phoenix Parasol tree. Bright flashes of light lit the darkened sky above, lightning streaking across the heavens in sharp, jagged lines.
Just as suddenly as it began, the storm stilled. The silence that followed was deafening, broken only by the faint rustling of leaves and the crackling of embers.
Cautiously, the group lifted their heads, looking around for the cause of the commotion.
---
Hovering in the air above the molten pond was a figure.
A man, tall and radiating power, floated effortlessly above them. His wings, made entirely of wind and streaked with arcs of lightning, stretched out behind him, their span enormous and majestic. His long, dark hair swirled wildly, caught in an unseen breeze, and his piercing golden eyes seemed to glow with an inner light.
He descended slowly, his presence commanding and almost overwhelming. Despite the wild energy around him, his smile was warm and triumphant, a stark contrast to the chaos his arrival had caused.
When he spoke, his voice was deep and resonant, carrying a tone of unmistakable authority.
"Congratulations, Earth-Blooded Hero! You are now awoken!"
---
The group exchanged glances, unsure of how to respond.
Bren stepped forward cautiously, gripping her sword tightly. "Who are you?" she demanded, her voice steady despite the strange figure's overwhelming aura.
The man's smile widened. He landed gently on the ground, his wings folding behind him as he placed a hand over his chest in a gesture of greeting.
"I am Zephyros, Herald of the Elemental Sovereigns. I serve as the voice of the winds and the lightning's fury. And you, Earth-Blooded warrior, have caught their attention."
Bren's grip on her sword loosened slightly, though her expression remained wary. "And why would the Elemental Sovereigns care about me?"
Zephyros chuckled, his laughter like the rumble of distant thunder. "Because you have proven yourself worthy. By passing the trials of the grove and bonding with the Earth's heart, you have taken your first step toward fulfilling your destiny."
---
Ares stepped forward, his arms crossed. "Destiny? That's a vague and overused word. What exactly do you mean by it?"
Zephyros regarded Ares with a raised eyebrow, his golden eyes narrowing slightly. "Ah, a skeptic. I suppose you would prefer more concrete answers. Very well."
He turned his gaze back to Bren. "You, Earth-Blooded one, are now part of a much larger tapestry. The Elemental Sovereigns are the guardians of balance in this world, and those chosen by the elements are their champions. You have been marked as a protector of the Earth, its heart, and its people."
Trill, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. "And what does that mean for her practically? More trials? More battles?"
Zephyros nodded, his expression turning serious. "Indeed. The trials you've faced so far are but the beginning. The Earth's heart will strengthen you, but it will also demand much from you. As you grow in power, you will find yourself drawn to places of imbalance, where the natural order is threatened."
---
Lyra crossed her arms. "Sounds like she's been drafted into a war she didn't sign up for."
Zephyros shrugged, his wings flickering with faint arcs of lightning. "The Earth-Blood does not choose lightly, nor does it bond with the unwilling. The fact that she stands here, victorious, is proof enough that she is prepared to face what lies ahead."
Bren frowned, her mind racing with questions. She had fought her entire life, but this...this was something far greater than she had ever imagined. Could she truly shoulder such a burden?
"Why me?" she asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Zephyros stepped closer, his gaze softening. "Because you are strong. Because you are brave. And because the Earth has seen something in you that even you may not yet realize."
---
Before Bren could respond, the ground beneath their feet trembled again. This time, it wasn't an earthquake but a pulse—a deep, resonating thrum that seemed to come from the very heart of the grove.
Zephyros turned his gaze toward the molten pond, his expression unreadable. "Ah, it seems the Earth's heart wishes to speak."
The group watched in awe as the molten lake began to glow brighter, its fiery surface rippling as if alive. A voice, deep and ancient, echoed through the grove.
"Earth-Blooded warrior...you have proven yourself. Take the strength of this grove, and carry it with you into the world. Protect the balance, and remember that the Earth always watches."
The glow faded, and the grove fell silent once more.
---
Zephyros turned back to Bren, his smile returning. "The heart has spoken. Your journey begins now."
He took a step back, his wings unfurling once more. "I will be watching, Earth-Blooded one. When the time comes, we will meet again."
With a burst of wind and lightning, he ascended into the sky, disappearing as quickly as he had arrived.
---
The group stood in silence for a moment, processing everything that had just happened.
"Well," Vas said, breaking the tension. "That was...dramatic."
Lyra smirked. "Dramatic is an understatement."
Trill turned to Bren, his expression thoughtful. "How are you feeling?"
Bren took a deep breath, her hand brushing against the pommel of her sword. "I don't know yet. But I think I'm ready to find out."