Chapter 58: Echoes Within Stone
The gates of the Citadel groaned open, revealing a vast courtyard carved from black ice and obsidian. Strange symbols glowed faintly on the walls—runes from a language long buried by time.
Andrew stepped forward, feeling the weight of the place settle on his chest.
"This isn't just a stronghold," Elira whispered. "It's a tomb."
"No," Mihai corrected. "It's a prison. For monsters who once defied the gods."
From above, figures watched—warriors with horns, wings, eyes glowing with otherworldly fire. None spoke. None welcomed.
Until a voice rang through the air.
"You carry Ashren."
They turned.
A woman descended the main stairway—regal, draped in silver-black robes. Her eyes shimmered like liquid starlight. This was Lady Lys, Warden of the Citadel.
"You stand at the door between history and heresy. Speak your name."
Andrew raised his head.
"Andrew. I seek knowledge… and power enough to stop the gods."
Lady Lys stared at him—then smiled faintly.
"Then enter. But know this: if you falter… the Citadel will eat your soul."
- Trials of the Forgotten-
Inside, they were led through winding halls filled with murals—depictions of war, betrayal, and forgotten kings. Ashren vibrated in Andrew's grip, resonating with the etched shadows.
"Your other self once walked here," Mihai whispered. "They haven't forgotten him."
They passed prisoners sealed in runed cages. Creatures of old myths. A fallen archangel. A weeping giant made of roots. A swordsman with no mouth, endlessly dueling the air.
"Each of them once tried to unseat the gods," Lady Lys said. "Some failed. Some still try."
- Reunion of Shadows-
That night, in the deepest chamber, Andrew found a mirror unlike the rest. Not silver—obsidian, with a jagged frame of bone and shadowsteel.
As he approached, it shimmered.
Then spoke.
"I remember you. I was your sword… before Ashren."
From the reflection stepped a man—shadow-cloaked, with eyes like black suns. A former incarnation of Andrew. But this one was not the Grand Swordmaster.
He was older. Quieter. Full of wrath barely held in check.
"You left pieces of yourself here," he said. "And they still bleed."
Andrew clenched his jaw. "I'm not you."
The shadow nodded.
"No. But you will be."
Before Andrew could reply, the image faded.
- Chapter End Hook: A Seat in the Dark-
Lady Lys appeared at his shoulder.
"The gods have begun to stir. Soon, they'll send another Scourge."
"Then I'll be ready," Andrew said.
Lys turned, her voice dropping.
"You misunderstand. This time… they won't send a servant."
She led him to a balcony, where a dark seat rested—cold, empty, waiting.
"They're preparing to awaken the Fifth Seat. And if it rises…"
She looked at him with grim certainty.
"Your sword will be the only thing that can kill it."