Andrew_Nickene

In a war torn continent ruled by tyrants and legends, Kael a young swordsman with a myserious back story departs into a journey that will uncover secrets buried deep within the history of past empiers,kingdoms and bloodlines of kings. Raised in the shadow of a forgotten legacy Kael is thrust in to a repeated never ending story.

Ashren

Chapter Thirty-One: The Gathering Storm

The air around David's fortress was cold and still, an unnatural silence hanging heavy over the jagged mountains that surrounded the stronghold. The path had been long, perilous, and entirely alone—Alex had come without escort, without soldiers, without pride.

He needed answers. And only David, the fourth Swordmaster, could give him what he needed now.

The iron gates opened without a word. The guards let him pass, their armor silent, their eyes knowing.

David stood in the central hall, arms crossed, his silver eyes narrowed the moment Alex stepped in. Time had done little to the legendary swordsman—he looked as calm and sharp as the first day Alex had seen him on the battlefield, though now, there was weariness in his gaze.

Alex dropped to one knee. Not out of loyalty—but desperation.

"He came to me… like a ghost wrapped in fire. He branded me for attacking Kael. He—he's not the same. He's… something else now."

"He's an immortal now. A Grand Swordmaster no longer bound by time. I feared this day would come."

Alex rose. His voice was low, strained. "He wants the continent. He'll take Mihai Land next, and with Mihai by his side, no nation will be strong enough to stand against him."

David turned, walking toward the great map carved into the stone floor of his hall—the map of the continent in all its former glory.

"This was Andreas's dream once," he said, brushing a finger over Dream Land's ruins. "And Andrew's nightmare. Now it may become a reality under Andrew's name, but not his mind."

Alex clenched his fists. "So what do we do?"

David looked up at him with a cold, determined stare.

"You search. Find every general and every swordsman who served under Andreas and Andrew. We must rally them—because only they know how to fight what he's become."

"And what of Andrei?" Alex asked, disdain already in his tone. "You want us to ally with that puppet king? He's not worthy of Andrew's name. He's a tyrant with enchanted toys."

"If we want to survive, we need his enchanted army. His magic. His knowledge of relics. This war will not be won by swords alone."

Alex snapped. "This war… This war might be Andrew's doing! He's the one who turned Mihai. Who left the shadows to start a fire. Who branded me like some mutt!"

David turned sharply, eyes blazing for the first time.

"Andrew was still human once. But now… now he's a force. And if we don't stop him, there won't be a continent left to argue over. He's walking the path Andreas carved in blood—but he's doing it with purpose. Not madness."

David stepped closer, placing a hand on Alex's shoulder.

"There's still one chance. Bring me Kael. And Green Wolf. And the girl—Lira. I've been watching them."

Alex blinked. "Watching? What do you mean?"

"The moment Kael fell asleep under my roof," David said grimly, "I cast a spell of Vision Binding. I've seen his journey. Every fight. Every doubt. Every word."

David turned toward the fire, shadows dancing across his face.

"Kael is no longer walking the path of Andreas. He walks the path Andrew once did—before immortality. Before the shadows claimed him."

David didn't answer at first. Then:

"No. Not yet. But he might… one day. If we give him the time. And the truth."

Andrew, the immortal shadow. Andreas, the blood-soaked king. Kael, the son of legacy.