Kapitel 32: Chapter 32: Eldrath's Veil
The city of Eldrath emerged on the horizon just as the sun dipped below the treetops, painting the sky in fiery streaks of orange and crimson. Towering walls encased the sprawling settlement, their dark stone weathered by centuries of wind and war. Even from a distance, Azarion could see the faint glow of magical wards etched into the walls, pulsating like a heartbeat.
Sera whistled low, her eyes scanning the fortress-like city. "Well, this looks cozy. Nothing says 'welcome' like ancient defenses meant to keep people out—or something in."
Azarion didn't respond. His gaze lingered on the towering spires of Eldrath's central district, each adorned with glowing blue runes. This city was said to be the heart of magical knowledge, but its secrets came at a cost. Eldrath was also a place of whispers—of betrayal, forbidden pacts, and hidden agendas.
"Think they'll let us in without a fight?" Sera asked, nudging him.
"That depends," Azarion replied, his tone guarded. "Eldrath's mages don't take kindly to unannounced visitors, especially ones carrying an artifact like the Eternal Flame."
Sera smirked. "Good thing we're not unannounced. We're just... unexpected."
---
The gates of Eldrath loomed before them, massive slabs of black iron engraved with intricate wards. As they approached, two guards in dark armor stepped forward, their spears crackling with faint arcs of electricity.
"Halt," one of them barked, his voice sharp. "State your business in Eldrath."
Azarion stepped forward, pulling back his hood to reveal his face. "We seek the Magister of Eldrath. Our journey is urgent."
The guard's eyes narrowed. "The Magister doesn't see wanderers or sellswords. Turn back, or we'll escort you out."
Sera sighed, leaning on one hip. "Oh, come on. Do we look like wanderers to you?"
The second guard, younger and less hardened, hesitated. His gaze lingered on Azarion's sword and the faint glow emanating from the crystal embedded in its hilt. "Wait," he murmured to his companion. "That blade... it's enchanted."
The first guard frowned, but before he could respond, a voice echoed from behind the gates. "Let them in."
The guards stiffened and stepped aside as the gates creaked open, revealing a robed figure standing just inside. The man's robes shimmered with threads of silver and gold, and his piercing green eyes seemed to see straight through them.
"Welcome to Eldrath," the figure said, his voice smooth and deliberate. "I am Callidus, the Magister's steward. She has been expecting you."
Azarion exchanged a glance with Sera, his unease deepening. "Expecting us?"
Callidus smiled faintly. "The Eternal Flame's arrival was foretold. Come. The Magister awaits."
---
The streets of Eldrath were both breathtaking and unsettling. Magical lamps bathed the cobblestones in a soft, ethereal glow, and towering spires stretched toward the heavens. But for every sign of splendor, there were shadows that spoke of secrecy. Hooded figures moved swiftly through alleyways, their faces obscured. Vendors sold enchanted trinkets, their wares radiating power that felt almost... wrong.
Sera leaned closer to Azarion as they followed Callidus. "This place gives me the creeps," she whispered.
"You're not alone," Azarion replied, his eyes scanning their surroundings. "Stay alert."
They arrived at the Magister's tower, an imposing structure of black stone veined with glowing blue runes. Callidus led them inside, where the air buzzed with magical energy. The walls were lined with ancient tomes, their spines etched with glyphs, and floating orbs of light illuminated the chamber.
At the center of the room stood the Magister. She was a tall, regal woman with silver hair that flowed like liquid starlight. Her eyes glowed faintly, and her presence commanded both respect and caution.
"Bearer of the Flame," she said, her voice resonating with power. "You have come at last."
Azarion stepped forward, feeling the weight of her gaze. "You know why I'm here?"
The Magister nodded. "The Abyss stirs, and the Eternal Flame has chosen its champion. But its power is both a gift and a burden. Tell me, Azarion, do you truly understand what you carry?"
"I know it's the only thing that can stop the Abyss," he said firmly.
The Magister's lips curved into a faint smile. "So you believe. But the Abyss cannot be stopped—it can only be contained. And even that comes at a great price."
Her words sent a chill through Azarion. "What price?"
The Magister raised her hand, and an orb of light appeared, swirling with shadows. "The Flame's power grows as you wield it, but so too does the Abyss. Light and shadow are bound together. The stronger you become, the more dangerous the Abyss becomes. To wield the Eternal Flame is to risk becoming the very thing you seek to destroy."
Sera stepped forward, her expression defiant. "That's nonsense. Azarion isn't some puppet of the Abyss. He's the only one who can stop it."
The Magister's gaze shifted to Sera, her eyes cold. "And what would you know of such things, shadow-dancer? Your path is one of knives and misdirection. You tread in darkness already."
Sera bristled but said nothing.
Azarion's voice cut through the tension. "If the Abyss grows stronger, then I'll just grow stronger too. I won't let it consume me."
The Magister studied him for a long moment before nodding. "Very well. But know this—your path will lead you to Eldrath's vaults, where an ancient secret lies hidden. It may be the key to defeating the Abyss... or the key to your undoing."
Azarion's jaw tightened. "Then show me the way."
The Magister gestured toward a spiral staircase leading down into the depths of the tower. "The answers you seek lie below. But be warned—once you descend, there is no turning back."
Azarion glanced at Sera, who gave him a small, encouraging nod. Together, they stepped toward the staircase, their resolve unshaken but their fates uncertain.
The shadows of Eldrath seemed to close in as they descended, and the air grew colder with every step. Whatever awaited them in the depths, Azarion knew it would test them both—and the Flame—like never before.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein