Chapter 24: Glimmers of a Distant Mirror

Two days had passed since Reziel survived the Church's "assessment," and in that brief time, the Knights of the Radiant Dawn headquarters thrummed with a new undercurrent of purpose. Word had spread through Luxaria's corridors of power: the fortress's downfall and the cult's final stand were only the beginning. Deeper mysteries beckoned in the battered texts, pointing to an artifact rumored to break even the strongest forbidden bonds.

Aria Highwind guided Reziel down a long hallway lined with ornate sconces—simple but dignified. Her spear tapped the polished floor with each step, and Reziel, still nursing bruised ribs, leaned on his short staff. The ache was manageable now, more a reminder of how close he'd come to Overlimit's edge.

Aria, voice subdued: "Marisol and Anora have been at it nonstop since they uncovered that clue about the Mirror of Two Suns. They've asked us to join them in the library annex for a major update."

Reziel's heart fluttered. A major update could mean real directions on where the Mirror might lie—or a dead end. "Think they found something concrete?"

Aria's gaze flicked sideways, a soft grin tugging at her lips. "If I know Marisol, she wouldn't have called it 'major' unless it truly is."

The library annex was a modest chamber adjoining the main knight archives—a space usually reserved for special research or private study. Now, it buzzed with activity. Thick tomes lay open on every available surface, scrolls unrolled to reveal runic scribbles, and half a dozen notes pinned to a sprawling map of the kingdom.

Inside, Marisol darted from one stack of parchment to another, cheeks flushed with excitement. Anora maintained a calmer demeanor, carefully brushing dust off a fragile codex. Kiana, her arm still in a sling, flipped through a ledger of references, brow knit in concentration. Ronan stood near the door, arms folded, a faint smirk betraying his curiosity.

As soon as Reziel and Aria entered, Marisol beckoned them closer. "I'm so glad you're here!" She pushed back a stray lock of hair, nearly toppling a stack of scrolls in her haste. "We've cross-checked the ancient script about the Mirror with older city records—and I think we have a lead on its last known whereabouts!"

Marisol unrolled a large map on a cleared portion of the table. Circles and scribbles dotted various regions. One in particular, near the southeast border, stood out: Ebonwood Marshes. A small star was drawn there in fresh ink.

Marisol, tapping the star: "It's obscure, but references to the 'Mirror of Two Suns' appear in a centuries-old ledger describing relics seized during a mage war. After that, the artifact vanished from official records. However, a secondary note mentions an 'Ebonwood Marsh expedition' where certain contraband relics might've been hidden."

Aria leaned over the map, spearing it with a critical gaze. "Ebonwood Marshes… that's a treacherous region. Boggy terrain, rumored beasts, and thick mists. Not exactly a day's outing."

Kiana, adjusting her sling, nodded. "Traders avoid it. Foul things lurk there—if they can't see the path, they sink in quickly. Perfect place to stash contraband."

Reziel's pulse quickened. "So are you saying the Mirror was possibly concealed somewhere in that marsh?"

Marisol shrugged, though excitement glimmered in her eyes. "I can't be certain, but it's the strongest lead we've got. Several lines mention a 'moonlit reflection' deep in the marsh—poetic, perhaps referencing a mirror. The timeline fits with the Mirror's rumored disappearance."

Anora crossed her arms. "Venturing into Ebonwood Marsh for a centuries-old rumor is risky. We have no guarantee the Mirror is still there—or intact."

Ronan let out a low chuckle. "But if it is there, we'd be the first to find it. And we can't wait around forever for the Church or the Crown to do official investigations. The cult texts are clear: time isn't our ally."

Kiana looked to Reziel. "Ultimately, this is about you, Reziel. If you're up for it, we'll mobilize a team. If not, we can keep searching for safer leads in the city archives."

A swirl of uncertainty knotted Reziel's gut. The idea of trudging through a perilous swamp for an artifact that might not even exist was daunting. Yet the memory of Overlimit's agony and the looming possibility of being "devoured" prodded him forward. I can't stand idle waiting for a miracle.

He exhaled, meeting Kiana's gaze. "I say we at least investigate. If Ebonwood Marsh is the only lead, I want to follow it."

The door opened to reveal Sir Galland, who had been overseeing final fortress reports. He stepped into the library annex, taking in the map and the knights' gathered expressions. "I figured you were on the cusp of a revelation," he said, crossing the room in measured strides.

Aria brought him up to speed on the potential location for the Mirror. Galland's eyes narrowed thoughtfully as he studied the star on the map. "Ebonwood Marsh. Not a place for amateurs." He glanced at Reziel, voice gentle yet firm. "Are you certain you're fit for such a mission? Your injuries—"

Reziel squared his shoulders. "I'm not fully healed, but waiting around with no progress could be worse. I can manage."

Galland nodded, resolve flickering across his features. "Then let's do it properly: a small squad, well-supplied, with a plan for dealing with marsh hazards. I'll need to finalize it with the Crown, especially if we're leaving the city boundaries on an extended search."

Marisol brightened. "I'd love to come too—this is a once-in-a-lifetime scholarly pursuit!"

Anora sighed. "I won't stand idly by, either. But we must be careful, especially if the Mirror is in some hidden ruin or guarded. Let me gather wards and potions to counter swamp toxins."

Ronan cracked his knuckles. "Swamp or not, we've seen worse. Let's do it."

As the knights pinned down preparations, a knock came at the door. Another squire stepped in, bowing apologetically. "Pardon, Captain. The Church envoy—Cleric Yhaven—requests an audience. He heard mention of a possible expedition for an artifact…?"

Reziel's heart sank. Of course they'd want to weigh in. Aria set her jaw. "He's not about to forbid us, is he?"

Galland shrugged, expression wry. "We'll see. Come, let's speak with him. We have nothing to hide."

They convened in a side office near the archives, where Cleric Yhaven awaited with two younger clerics at his flanks. He inclined his head politely at the knights' arrival, but his demeanor was guarded. "I've heard rumors you intend to leave the city in search of an ancient mirror—one that might sever the boy's System."

Galland stood tall, voice steady. "Yes. The Crown condones our pursuit of legitimate leads, especially if it prevents a future Overlimit crisis. The church recognized Reziel's current status as stable—this is an extension of that safety measure."

Yhaven frowned, adjusting his glasses. "The church demands oversight of any artifact that manipulates forbidden power. If you locate this Mirror, we must ensure it's not misused or used to unleash a worse fate."

Aria's spear tapped the floor, echoing her irritation. "We have no intention of unleashing anything. We're the ones who destroyed the cult's fortress ritual. We can handle an old relic."

Yhaven exhaled. "Even so, the arch-priests ask that at least one church representative accompany you, to verify the artifact's nature. This is non-negotiable."

A hush followed. Reziel bristled at the idea of a church observer trailing their every move—but refusing might provoke the church into stricter measures. Galland's gaze swept the group. "If that ensures the Church stays cooperative, we can accept. But you'd better choose someone who won't sabotage the mission."

Yhaven nodded, shoulders relaxing slightly. "I'll find a devout scholar or templar who knows subduing rites but can work peacefully with your knights. We have no desire to sabotage your quest… only to protect the kingdom from unintended consequences."

Reziel sighed, tension easing a fraction. At least they're not forbidding it outright. "Fine. Let them come."

By late afternoon, the knights reconvened in the main courtyard. Galland addressed them in a crisp briefing, finalizing squads. Aria would lead the expedition with Reziel, Anora, Kiana, Ronan, Marisol, and the yet-to-be-named church representative. A second knight detachment would remain in Luxaria, continuing fortress clean-up and handling any cult prisoner interrogations.

They planned for a dawn departure—pack horses with swamp gear, wards against illusions or toxins, and enough rations for at least a two-week round trip. The Ebonwood Marsh might demand scouting or forging new paths. Danger was guaranteed.

Galland, finishing the roster: "Move quickly but safely. If the Mirror is real, secure it. If not, gather any clues to the artifact's true fate. Above all—return alive."

Anora nodded, carefully rolling up her array of prepared scroll-wards. Kiana checked her sling, muttering about how she'd do her best despite the arm. Ronan cracked jokes about giant swamp eels. Marisol hovered, scribbling notes on the local topography. Reziel watched them all, heart drumming with both fear and anticipation.

Aria noticed his unease. Leaning in, she murmured, "You okay?"

He forced a small smile. "Yes. Nervous, but yes. If this leads to severing the System safely, I'll do whatever it takes."

She matched his determination with a firm nod. "Then let's chase that hope."

That night, Reziel rested in the knights' infirmary wing for one last time, though he felt no acute pain. His side remained tender but healed enough to travel. The flutter of excitement warred with the memory of the fortress horrors. Could the marsh be as bad—or worse?

Aria visited briefly, offering a small clay jar of salve Bryn had prescribed to ease any inflammation from Overlimit's scars. "We leave at dawn, so try to sleep," she urged, voice gentle.

He accepted the jar, gratitude warming him. "I'll sleep, I promise."

She lingered, as if wanting to say more, then simply squeezed his hand. "Tomorrow, we begin."

Dawn broke with a muted pink sky. The knights assembled in the courtyard, breath steaming in the crisp air. Horses pawed at the cobblestones, saddlebags stuffed with supplies. Marisol fussed over rolled maps, double-checking compass sets. Kiana tested her mobility, wincing but resolute. Anora inspected her satchel of wards. Ronan joked about the swamp's smell.

Reziel stood beside Aria, staff in hand, determination coursing through him. He didn't know the path ahead or whether the Mirror truly awaited. Yet the possibility of freedom from Overlimit's grim shadow spurred him on.

Then came the final addition: a Church representative in pale gold-trimmed robes, stepping forward with a respectful bow. "I am Templar Cassian," he introduced himself, face serene but watchful. "Cleric Yhaven assigned me to assist—and observe. I vow not to hinder your mission, only ensure the artifact's safe handling."

Aria studied him with a wary nod. "We appreciate your cooperation."

Cassian's gaze drifted to Reziel, voice measured. "We share the same goal: preventing harm to the kingdom… and hopefully aiding your burden."

With that, Galland signaled the gates. Knights on the walls saluted as the small expedition rode out into Luxaria's streets. Early vendors gawked at the loaded packhorses and grim-faced group, rumors spreading that another quest awaited these unstoppable warriors.

The city gates opened onto the southern road, leading them past farmland and gentle hills that gradually sloped toward more desolate regions. As the party advanced, the day brightened, glints of sun piercing scattered clouds.

Reziel felt each hoofbeat echo in his bones, the uncertain future calling from beyond the horizon. Yet the presence of Aria, Kiana, Ronan, Anora, Marisol, and even the new Templar Cassian steadied him. We face it together.

He lifted his gaze to the broad sky. Somewhere in those marshes… a mirror might grant me freedom. The thought ignited a trembling hope, tempered by caution. For now, the path lay open, and he would ride it to the end—no matter the perils lurking in Ebonwood's murky depths.