The King’s Gambit

The road from Varren's Hollow wound through dense forest, the fading light barely cutting through the thick canopy above. Eryndor's cursed arm throbbed faintly as he walked, the weight of the relics pressing heavily against his back.

Kaelith's footsteps crunched softly beside him. She kept glancing over her shoulder, her hand resting on the hilt of her dagger. "I don't like this."

Eryndor didn't look away from the path. "The shadows are gone. For now."

"That's not what I mean," Kaelith muttered. "It's too quiet. And after what we saw in the hollow, quiet isn't comforting."

Eryndor's cursed arm flared briefly, as if in agreement. He could still feel it the presence beyond the veil. Whatever had stirred beneath Varren's Hollow wasn't done watching them.

But something else tugged at him, a lingering unease that had nothing to do with shadows.

Elias.

Kaelith seemed to read his thoughts. "You think Elias is still following us?"

Eryndor nodded. "He warned us once. I doubt that was the end of it."

Kaelith sighed. "Great. Between shadow creatures and the king's men, we've got plenty of company."

As if summoned by her words, a flicker of movement caught Eryndor's eye. He stopped, signaling Kaelith to do the same.

Along the ridge ahead, armored figures emerged from the trees at least a dozen soldiers, their crests marked by the royal insignia. At the center of the formation stood Elias, his cloak billowing lightly in the wind.

Kaelith groaned under her breath. "Called it."

Eryndor stepped forward, keeping his hand near his sword but not drawing it. "Elias."

The royal envoy lifted his gaze, meeting Eryndor's eyes calmly. "Flamebearer. I hoped we wouldn't meet again under these circumstances."

Kaelith snorted. "Yeah, sure you did."

Eryndor's cursed arm burned faintly beneath his sleeve, reacting to the tension in the air. "Why are you here?"

Elias took a step forward, his hands resting lightly on the hilt of his sword. "The king sent me to collect the relics. I warned you before he believes the veil cannot hold without sacrifice."

Kaelith crossed her arms. "And by sacrifice, I'm guessing you mean Eryndor."

Elias's gaze hardened. "The crown isn't blind to the danger we face. The veil is cracking, and the dragon's awakening is only the beginning. If the Flamebearer dies, the relics can be bound to the crown directly. It's the only way to ensure"

"No."

Eryndor's voice cut through the clearing, calm but resolute.

Elias's expression darkened. "You don't understand the risk you're taking."

Eryndor stepped closer, the fire along his arm flaring softly. "I understand it better than the king. Binding the relics to him won't stop the veil from breaking. It will shatter it."

Elias didn't waver. "Then you leave us no choice."

At his signal, the soldiers drew their weapons, advancing slowly.

Kaelith's hand shot to her dagger. "Oh, come on. We're doing this now?"

Eryndor's cursed arm blazed brighter, the flames wrapping around his fingers. "I'm not giving the relics to the king. If he wants them, he'll have to take them by force."

Elias exhaled softly, drawing his sword. "So be it."

The clearing erupted into chaos.

The soldiers surged forward, blades flashing in the dim light. Kaelith darted around the edge of the formation, striking fast and hard, her dagger flashing like silver lightning.

Eryndor met Elias head-on, their swords clashing in a burst of sparks.

Elias's strikes were precise each blow aimed at Eryndor's cursed arm, trying to weaken him. But the fire burning in Eryndor's veins only grew stronger.

"You're making a mistake, Elias," Eryndor growled, blocking another swing. "The king isn't saving anyone. He's gambling with lives he doesn't understand."

Elias pushed forward, his blade locking against Eryndor's. "And you think you're any different? How long can you hold the flame before it burns you away?"

Eryndor's cursed arm surged, forcing Elias back with a burst of blue fire.

"I'll hold it as long as I have to."

Kaelith ducked beneath a soldier's swing, twisting her dagger into the gap between his armor. As he collapsed, she spun toward Eryndor. "A little help over here!"

Eryndor swept his blade wide, flames erupting in an arc that scattered the soldiers around him. Kaelith grinned as she drove her dagger into another attacker's side. "Thanks for that."

Elias staggered back, his eyes narrowing as the remaining soldiers regrouped behind him.

"This isn't over, Eryndor," Elias said coldly. "The king will keep coming. And one day, you'll have to choose them or yourself."

Eryndor's cursed arm flickered faintly as the fire began to settle. He met Elias's gaze with steady resolve.

"I already made my choice."

Elias hesitated, then lowered his sword. With a silent signal, the remaining soldiers retreated into the forest, vanishing into the shadows.

Kaelith wiped her dagger clean, shaking her head. "I'm starting to hate that guy."

Eryndor watched Elias disappear into the trees, his expression unreadable. "He's not wrong, Kaelith. If the relics fail… I'll have to finish this alone."

Kaelith sheathed her dagger, stepping beside him. "You're not alone. And I'm not letting some king's pawn decide how this ends."

Eryndor smirked faintly, but his cursed arm pulsed in quiet warning.

The veil was cracking and soon, even fire might not be enough to hold it together.