Chapter 13: A Shard Divided
Chapter 13: A Shard Divided
The soft glow of the enchanted lanterns in the library cast eerie shadows across the shelves and the faces of the weary group. The air was thick with the scent of burned paper and the metallic tang of blood from the battle they had just survived. Bodies of Valen's enforcers lay scattered across the chamber, bound by the remnants of Vaelith's shadowy magic.
Alden's sword rested at his side as he surveyed the room. "We need to move," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Valen's forces know we're here. It's only a matter of time before reinforcements arrive."
Garrick growled low, leaning on his bloodied axe. "We can't keep running. Every fight gets harder, and we don't even know what this shard really wants from us."
Therron nodded in agreement, rubbing his temples. "He's right. The shard's power is attracting enemies like moths to a flame. And Vaelith... whoever they are... complicates things further."
Emryn sat on a nearby bench, her grip tight around the artifact box. The shard inside seemed to hum faintly, as if responding to her inner turmoil. "Vaelith said the shard's true test is yet to come," she said softly. "What does that even mean?"
Therron sighed, his gaze distant. "It means the shard isn't just a weapon or a tool. It's a force tied to fate itself. Whatever test Vaelith spoke of, it won't be something we can face without preparation."
---
The Fractured Trust
As they debated their next move, tension simmered beneath the surface. Lila stood at the edge of the room, her daggers still drawn, her eyes fixed on the shadows.
"This is ridiculous," she muttered. "We're walking blind into a war we didn't start. For all we know, Vaelith is manipulating us, and the shard is a curse waiting to explode."
Piper, who was cleaning her sling, glanced up. "So what? We give up and hand the shard over to Valen? Let him destroy everything?"
"I didn't say that," Lila snapped. "But we're outmatched. Every time we fight, it's a miracle we survive. We can't keep relying on luck."
"Then what's your plan, Lila?" Alden asked, his voice calm but firm. "Because running isn't an option. And neither is surrender."
Lila's jaw tightened, but she didn't respond.
Emryn's voice broke the silence. "We don't have all the answers, but we can't give up now. The shard chose me for a reason. I have to see this through."
Her words hung in the air, a quiet resolve that silenced the growing argument.
---
A Clue in the Shadows
After regrouping, Therron returned to the ancient tome Emryn had discovered, "Echoes of the Radiant Shard." His fingers carefully turned the delicate pages, his brow furrowing as he read.
"There's a section here about the shard's trials," he said, drawing the group's attention. "It mentions that the shard will test its chosen wielder by revealing their greatest fears and weaknesses. Only by overcoming them can the wielder unlock its true potential."
"That sounds... ominous," Kael muttered, shifting uncomfortably.
"Fitting for an artifact tied to creation and destruction," Therron replied. "But it doesn't stop there. The shard is tied to something called the Nexus of Fate."
"The Nexus of Fate?" Alden asked.
Therron nodded. "It's a location, a convergence point of the planes. If we're going to understand the shard's true purpose, we need to find the Nexus."
"And where is this Nexus?" Garrick asked.
Therron hesitated. "That's the problem. The texts don't say. It's as if its location is... hidden."
Emryn's grip on the artifact box tightened. "Then we'll have to find another way to locate it."
---
An Unexpected Visitor
As the group packed their belongings and prepared to leave the library, a soft voice echoed through the chamber.
"You seek the Nexus, yet you walk in circles."
The group whirled around to see an elderly woman standing at the entrance. She was cloaked in simple robes, her long silver hair framing a weathered but kind face. Her eyes, however, glowed faintly with a golden light.
"Who are you?" Alden demanded, his hand on his sword.
The woman smiled gently. "I am Eryndra, a Keeper of the Nexus. I've been watching your journey, waiting for the right moment to intervene."
Therron's eyes widened. "A Keeper? I thought your order was lost centuries ago."
"Most of us were," Eryndra said, her tone tinged with sorrow. "But I survived, and so did the Nexus. I can guide you to it, if you're willing to face the trials ahead."
Emryn stepped forward, her voice steady. "I'll face whatever trials are necessary. The shard chose me, and I won't let its power fall into the wrong hands."
Eryndra studied her for a moment before nodding. "Your resolve is admirable. But the path to the Nexus is treacherous. It lies within the Obsidian Expanse, a realm of shifting shadows and endless night."
---
Journey to the Obsidian Expanse
Eryndra led the group out of the library and through the streets of Tavriel. The city's bustle had subsided, the weight of their mission pressing heavily on their minds.
"The Obsidian Expanse isn't just a physical place," Eryndra explained as they walked. "It's a reflection of the soul. The shadows there will prey on your fears, your doubts, and your regrets. To reach the Nexus, you must confront these challenges head-on."
"Sounds like a nightmare," Piper muttered, shivering.
"It will be," Eryndra said without a hint of humor. "But it's the only way forward."
---
The Portal of Shadows
The group followed Eryndra to the outskirts of Tavriel, where an ancient stone archway stood in a secluded grove. Runes etched into the arch glowed faintly as Eryndra raised her hands, chanting softly.
The air shimmered, and the space within the archway darkened, swirling with shadowy tendrils.
"This portal will take you to the Obsidian Expanse," Eryndra said, her voice grave. "Once you step through, there's no turning back until you've faced the trials."
Alden looked at each member of the group, his gaze steady. "We've made it this far together. Whatever happens in there, we face it as a team."
Emryn took a deep breath, her grip on the artifact box firm. "Let's do this."
One by one, they stepped through the portal, the shadows swallowing them whole.