The journey to the Temple of Light was long and arduous. The mountains to the east of Elandor were treacherous, their jagged peaks and narrow passes posing a constant threat to the travelers. The path was steep and rocky, winding its way through dense forests and along the edges of sheer cliffs. The air grew colder as they ascended, and a biting wind whipped through the trees, carrying with it the scent of pine and snow.
Draven led the way, his eyes scanning the landscape for any signs of danger. The weight of the Obsidian Scepter in his pack was a constant reminder of the urgency of their mission. The dark sorcerer would not remain weakened for long, and they needed to find the Lightforged Blade before he could strike again.
Aria and Kael followed close behind, their expressions tense but focused. The journey had taken its toll on all of them, but there was no time to rest. They had to reach the temple before the sorcerer could regain his strength.
"We're getting close," Kael said, his voice low as they navigated a narrow pass. "The Temple of Light is said to be hidden deep within these mountains, protected by ancient wards that keep it safe from those who would misuse its power."
Draven nodded, his thoughts racing. The temple was their only hope of finding the blade, but he knew that it wouldn't be easy. The wards that protected the temple were powerful, and they would have to be careful not to trigger any traps or alarms.
As they pressed on, the landscape began to change. The trees thinned out, replaced by barren rock and patches of snow. The air grew colder, and the wind howled through the mountains like a living thing. The path became more treacherous, forcing them to move slowly and carefully.
"We need to find shelter," Aria said, her voice barely audible over the wind. "A storm is coming."
Draven glanced at the sky, noting the dark clouds gathering on the horizon. The storm would make the journey even more difficult, but they couldn't afford to stop. They had to reach the temple before the storm hit.
"Keep moving," Draven urged, his voice firm. "We can't afford to lose time. The temple can't be far."
As they continued their ascent, the storm rolled in, bringing with it a blinding snow that obscured their vision and made the path even more perilous. The wind howled like a banshee, and the cold seeped into their bones, sapping their strength.
Draven's heart pounded in his chest as he led the way, his every step a battle against the elements. The weight of the Obsidian Scepter seemed to grow heavier with each passing moment, and he could feel its dark energy pulsing in the air around him, as if the scepter itself were reacting to the storm.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they reached a small, sheltered alcove in the side of the mountain. It wasn't much, but it would provide some protection from the storm. Draven and his companions huddled together, using their cloaks to shield themselves from the biting wind.
"We'll wait here until the storm passes," Kael said, his voice muffled by the wind. "But we can't stay long. We need to reach the temple before nightfall."
Draven nodded, his thoughts turning to the task ahead. The Temple of Light was their only hope of finding the blade, but it was also a place of great danger. The wards that protected the temple were said to be nearly impenetrable, and they would have to be careful not to trigger any traps.
"We'll need to be cautious," Draven said, his voice barely audible over the howling wind. "The temple is protected by powerful magic. We can't afford any mistakes."
Aria and Kael nodded in agreement, their expressions serious. The storm raged on around them, the wind and snow battering their small shelter, but Draven's thoughts were focused on the task ahead. The temple was close, and with it, the key to destroying the Obsidian Scepter.
As the storm began to subside, Draven felt a renewed sense of determination. The journey had been long and difficult, but they were close to their goal. The fate of Valoria rested on their shoulders, and they couldn't afford to fail.
"We move as soon as the storm lets up," Draven said, his voice firm. "The temple is close, and we need to reach it before nightfall."
With a nod of agreement, the group huddled together, waiting for the storm to pass. The wind howled outside, but inside their small shelter, Draven's resolve only grew stronger. They were close to finding the Lightforged Blade, and with it, the power to destroy the Obsidian Scepter and defeat the dark sorcerer once and for all.
For he was Draven, the last of the Draconic Bloodline, and he would not rest until the darkness was vanquished.