The Star-Forged Oath
Chapter One: The Falling Ember
The first omen was a silver blaze that tore right through the dawn sky. It was so bright that the people of Larkfell stopped in their tracks, lifted the lids of their eyes , and looked at the amazing sight . Some of them murmured the words of their prayers. Others spat blasphemies. However, all of them came to the same conclusion: nothing good ever comes from the sky.
Eira Stonesworn, a renowned hunter of the Larkfell woods, was observing all this from the hillside overlooking the farms. Her very breath was suspended in her chest. The shooting star made a sharp turn in its trajectory, like a falcon attacking its victim, and then-
BOOM.
A crashing sound echoed far away . The ground beneath her feet shook.
Without hesitation, she ran down the mountain path. Hunting had been her way of life since she was a child , so she had a keen sense of things , and her steps were usually quite long and quick. However, in this case, it was not a deer she should follow. It was, in fact, this feeling that the stalker was actually after her.
When she reached the woods where the meteor had hit, a column of smoke was rising into the sky ; it was blue-colored, and light seemed to radiate from it. The impact site was still hot, coexistence of steam and the arrival of the sun.
What was visible through the hole carved in the earth , halfway through melting soil , was a glass-like crystal made of some kind of star stuff, and it glowed with light of its own.
Eira stretched out her hand.
"Don't touch it," a voice commanded.
She whirled around and dropped into a defensive posture without thinking. From the woods, an old man draped in gray, layered robes, holding a twisted staff , came forward. His beard was entwined with metal beads, and his eyes were as sharp as steel.
"Do you understand what this is?" Eira inquired.
"I know enough," the old man said. "And I only know one kind of idiot who would do such a thing: grabbing a fallen star-shard with bare hands ."
Eira cross-checked her point. "I am not a fool."
"Then show it by moving away."
However, the fragment was emitting light-once, twice-and Eira could not shake the feeling that the thing down in the crater and her own heartbeat must have been in perfect harmony. The old man's countenance darkened.
"It's picked you out ," he said under his breath.
"Who?"
"The Emberstar."
He moved closer, looking at her as if she were a mystery he needed to solve.
"My name is Arctus . I am the last Astromancer of the Celestial Order," he said. "That piece you see is a fragment of the dying starry sky. It's strong. It's hazardous."
Eira gulped. "Why does it want me?"
"I'm not saying," Arctus replied with a long breath. "But if it were to bond with you, we wouldn't have much time."
"What time for?"
Pointing his staff at the sky in the east, he stated, " Clouds were thickening up fast and unusually so . They were very dark and twisting like someone was dropping ink into water."
"The Night Sovereign won't be indifferent to the Emberstar falling. Thus, he will come for it."
Before the lady could even think of a response , the very thing that had been lying in the crater was no longer on the ground but in the air, levitating, and making its way to her until it was right above her open palms like a miniature sun that someone had captured. It beamed-
and her body absorbed it.
Eira was taken aback, almost falling; the warmth that coursed through her veins was so overpowering that her sight literally exploded with stars. The next time she opened her eyes, Arctus was looking at her with a mix of helplessness and admiration.
"So," he uttered in a low voice, "the Star-Forged has been activated once more."
Eira regained control of her breath. "What does that signify?"
"That you," Arctus said , looking very serious, "are the only one left to save this world."
The first omen was a silver blaze that tore right through the dawn sky. It was so bright that the people of Larkfell stopped in their tracks, lifted the lids of their eyes , and looked at the amazing sight . Some of them murmured the words of their prayers. Others spat blasphemies. However, all of them came to the same conclusion: nothing good ever comes from the sky.
Eira Stonesworn, a renowned hunter of the Larkfell woods, was observing all this from the hillside overlooking the farms. Her very breath was suspended in her chest. The shooting star made a sharp turn in its trajectory, like a falcon attacking its victim, and then-
BOOM.
A crashing sound echoed far away . The ground beneath her feet shook.
Without hesitation, she ran down the mountain path. Hunting had been her way of life since she was a child , so she had a keen sense of things , and her steps were usually quite long and quick. However, in this case, it was not a deer she should follow. It was, in fact, this feeling that the stalker was actually after her.
When she reached the woods where the meteor had hit, a column of smoke was rising into the sky ; it was blue-colored, and light seemed to radiate from it. The impact site was still hot, coexistence of steam and the arrival of the sun.
What was visible through the hole carved in the earth , halfway through melting soil , was a glass-like crystal made of some kind of star stuff, and it glowed with light of its own.
Eira stretched out her hand.
"Don't touch it," a voice commanded.
She whirled around and dropped into a defensive posture without thinking. From the woods, an old man draped in gray, layered robes, holding a twisted staff , came forward. His beard was entwined with metal beads, and his eyes were as sharp as steel.
"Do you understand what this is?" Eira inquired.
"I know enough," the old man said. "And I only know one kind of idiot who would do such a thing: grabbing a fallen star-shard with bare hands ."
Eira cross-checked her point. "I am not a fool."
"Then show it by moving away."
However, the fragment was emitting light-once, twice-and Eira could not shake the feeling that the thing down in the crater and her own heartbeat must have been in perfect harmony. The old man's countenance darkened.
"It's picked you out ," he said under his breath.
"Who?"
"The Emberstar."
He moved closer, looking at her as if she were a mystery he needed to solve.
"My name is Arctus . I am the last Astromancer of the Celestial Order," he said. "That piece you see is a fragment of the dying starry sky. It's strong. It's hazardous."
Eira gulped. "Why does it want me?"
"I'm not saying," Arctus replied with a long breath. "But if it were to bond with you, we wouldn't have much time."
"What time for?"
Pointing his staff at the sky in the east, he stated, " Clouds were thickening up fast and unusually so . They were very dark and twisting like someone was dropping ink into water."
"The Night Sovereign won't be indifferent to the Emberstar falling. Thus, he will come for it."
Before the lady could even think of a response , the very thing that had been lying in the crater was no longer on the ground but in the air, levitating, and making its way to her until it was right above her open palms like a miniature sun that someone had captured. It beamed-
and her body absorbed it.
Eira was taken aback, almost falling; the warmth that coursed through her veins was so overpowering that her sight literally exploded with stars. The next time she opened her eyes, Arctus was looking at her with a mix of helplessness and admiration.
"So," he uttered in a low voice, "the Star-Forged has been activated once more."
Eira regained control of her breath. "What does that signify?"
"That you," Arctus said , looking very serious, "are the only one left to save this world."
iNPC: Alexander Whitlock
The Star-Forged Oath
Chapter Two: The Astromancer’s Warning
The escape to Arctus's refuge took them almost the entire day. Eira was somewhat surprised to feel the heat coming through her skin when it was clearly cold outside. It was a very light heat, a warm glow from a small ember that was right under her ribs. Every couple of minutes , it throbbed along with her heartbeat.
Arctus took them along the wild track to a tower that was almost completely covered with a tree with very long, sharp thorns. It was slightly tilted, the stones were somewhat cracked , and it looked very old, but a transparent and defenseless barrier was shimmering on it like a soap bubble. When they got close, the barrier moved aside with a very faint bell-like sound.
"Welcome to the Starspire Tower," Arctus said as he opened the door , which made breaking sounds with his shoulder. "It used to be the home of twenty Astromancers. Now , it is only me. And, as it seems, you too, now."
After that, the building spiraled upward , and the walls were covered with shelves filled with scrolls and books. A huge mechanical orrery hung in the middle, the stars there were moving slowly, but their shimmering was consistent.
She was totally absorbed by the sight.
Arctus beckoned her with a hand to sit down at a rune-carved stone table. He sat down opposite her.
"So," he said while playing with his fingers, "how did you come by the shard?"
"It didn't let me go," Eira said. "I felt... an irresistible attraction."
Arctus looked displeased. "Not good. Star-shards never seek a host unless the constellation that they come from has already collapsed. The Emberstar must have been blown to smithereens."
Eira didn't quite understand . "I mean... how can a constellation be 'destroyed'? Aren't they just stars?"
"They are much more," Arctus said. "The constellations are , in fact, living cosmic creatures. Each one governs one aspect of magic and balance. When one dies, its power scatters. And at the moment... all that power is inside you."
Eira looked down at her hands. "Powerful ? I don't feel like I am."
"You will," he said, "not far off."
He stretched out his arm across the table with a metal disc that was icy to the touch-a medallion shaped like a sunburst.
"The Night Sovereign is a being that feeds on constellations," he said. "That is how he turned his kingdom into an everlasting night by consuming the Celestial Crown. After that, the Emberstar is the one he is after. As the vessel, you will be his first target."
Eira gulped. "Could you remove the shard if you wanted to?"
Arctus looked into her eyes and said, "No. Your connection is forever."
Her breathing situation was a little better after the shock. "So what am I supposed to do?"
"At the beginning," he said, "we train. Your body has to be able to use the energy coming from the Emberstar ; otherwise, it will be like fire inside."
He did this with his staff, and the orrery above them changed.
The orrery lit up , showing the connecting stars with strings of light. The entities were spinning and creating a glowing circle on the ground.
"Step inside," he said.
For just a second, Eira was doubtful before she stepped into the circle. Around her, light appeared as if it were a gentle fire. The Emberstar in her chest seemed to be reacting very much.
Arctus's voice echoed through the chamber.
"From now on, her path is the skies, the stars. She will be able to control the power of the Emberstar... or the Night Sovereign will take it away and leave her ashes."
Eira was holding her fists tightly as the light wrapped around her forearms, and her skin grew warm.
"I won't let him take me," she said.
"If that," said Arctus quietly, "is not what the world is counting on, I don't know what is."
The escape to Arctus's refuge took them almost the entire day. Eira was somewhat surprised to feel the heat coming through her skin when it was clearly cold outside. It was a very light heat, a warm glow from a small ember that was right under her ribs. Every couple of minutes , it throbbed along with her heartbeat.
Arctus took them along the wild track to a tower that was almost completely covered with a tree with very long, sharp thorns. It was slightly tilted, the stones were somewhat cracked , and it looked very old, but a transparent and defenseless barrier was shimmering on it like a soap bubble. When they got close, the barrier moved aside with a very faint bell-like sound.
"Welcome to the Starspire Tower," Arctus said as he opened the door , which made breaking sounds with his shoulder. "It used to be the home of twenty Astromancers. Now , it is only me. And, as it seems, you too, now."
After that, the building spiraled upward , and the walls were covered with shelves filled with scrolls and books. A huge mechanical orrery hung in the middle, the stars there were moving slowly, but their shimmering was consistent.
She was totally absorbed by the sight.
Arctus beckoned her with a hand to sit down at a rune-carved stone table. He sat down opposite her.
"So," he said while playing with his fingers, "how did you come by the shard?"
"It didn't let me go," Eira said. "I felt... an irresistible attraction."
Arctus looked displeased. "Not good. Star-shards never seek a host unless the constellation that they come from has already collapsed. The Emberstar must have been blown to smithereens."
Eira didn't quite understand . "I mean... how can a constellation be 'destroyed'? Aren't they just stars?"
"They are much more," Arctus said. "The constellations are , in fact, living cosmic creatures. Each one governs one aspect of magic and balance. When one dies, its power scatters. And at the moment... all that power is inside you."
Eira looked down at her hands. "Powerful ? I don't feel like I am."
"You will," he said, "not far off."
He stretched out his arm across the table with a metal disc that was icy to the touch-a medallion shaped like a sunburst.
"The Night Sovereign is a being that feeds on constellations," he said. "That is how he turned his kingdom into an everlasting night by consuming the Celestial Crown. After that, the Emberstar is the one he is after. As the vessel, you will be his first target."
Eira gulped. "Could you remove the shard if you wanted to?"
Arctus looked into her eyes and said, "No. Your connection is forever."
Her breathing situation was a little better after the shock. "So what am I supposed to do?"
"At the beginning," he said, "we train. Your body has to be able to use the energy coming from the Emberstar ; otherwise, it will be like fire inside."
He did this with his staff, and the orrery above them changed.
The orrery lit up , showing the connecting stars with strings of light. The entities were spinning and creating a glowing circle on the ground.
"Step inside," he said.
For just a second, Eira was doubtful before she stepped into the circle. Around her, light appeared as if it were a gentle fire. The Emberstar in her chest seemed to be reacting very much.
Arctus's voice echoed through the chamber.
"From now on, her path is the skies, the stars. She will be able to control the power of the Emberstar... or the Night Sovereign will take it away and leave her ashes."
Eira was holding her fists tightly as the light wrapped around her forearms, and her skin grew warm.
"I won't let him take me," she said.
"If that," said Arctus quietly, "is not what the world is counting on, I don't know what is."
iNPC: Alexander Whitlock
The Star-Forged Oath
Chapter Three: The Shadow Hunters
Training was a nightmare the next morning. It was a battle of wills between her and Arctus. The latter tried hard to control her rage and taught her to focus the devastating energy of the Emberstar through one's breath, movement, and feeling.
"When your mind wanders," he warned, "the star becomes unstable."
By mistake, Eira blew up the entire table with the third lesson.
"Promising," said Arctus while he picked up the remains with a broom.
But training was cut short when the tower's shield shook. Books fell off the shelves. The orrery spun out of control.
Arctus 's reaction was immediate. "He found us."
Eira also sensed it-an uncomfortable and thick chill that ran down her spine. Together with Arctus, she ran to the tower's door. The sky outside looked dark and strange , though it was still day.
Figures appeared from the woods.
Shadow Hunters.
Their physiques were tall and skinny, arguably the darkest of shadows themselves. The only things visible were their eyes , and those were similar to small streaks of violet fire. Their index finger ends changed progressively to claws, and those claws were oozing the darkest of shadows.
One of them stepped out, looked them over , and said in a distinctively hissing voice, "Sssurrender the Star-Forged."
Eira stepped one pace backward , but Arctus was still, and his staff was like a spear planted firmly into the ground.
"Follow me only."
The Hunters attacked.
With great force, Arctus hit the earth with his staff ; a wave of light from the stars followed, sending a handful of assailants flying. Eira saw the Emberstar take the initiative, and the heat seemed to flow through her arms. She raised her hands, and flames danced over her palms, but these were not the usual red ones ; rather, they were of a white-gold color.
A Hunter pounced on her.
Eira guessed her hand and moved the attack forward. A ray of heavenly fire came out, cutting the monster 's lace. With a loud squeal, it turned into smoke of the darkest kind and disappeared.
Arctus came with a little laugh, "Force, you certainly don't."
However, the forest was not done with them yet. More Shadow Hunters appeared. There were at least 30 or 40 of them. Arctus whispered a villainous "Damn" under his breath.
"The tower is not an option for us. It is time for the run - now!"
They ran hard across the open space. The shadows were fast and silent , and they also possessed wings. They could do nothing but watch the sky and see the dark figures circling above in eagerness. Eira tried to hold these creatures off by firing a few glimmering bolts of heavenly fire from her hand. Each time she did so, she became more and more exhausted.
They arrived at a cliff looking down on a river that was far below and flowing rapidly.
Arctus was facing her. "Do you trust me?"
Eira looked at the drop. "No, if you're going to say we should jump."
Arctus went for her hand and took a firm grip.
"It's too late now."
He took her over the cliff.
The wind made a terrible noise as it passed between them. The Emberstar was in total panic-and out of the blue, Eira felt as if the air was made up of invisible hands that were grabbing her. Their fall was slowed. So, they hit the river with a splash rather than a terrible impact.
They came up for air, coughing loudly.
Eira looked at her hands. "Was it me...?"
"In part," Arctus explained. "The Emberstar is a minute reaction to survival instinct."
On their side, the Shadow Hunters were shrieking while looking everywhere for the riverbank to trap the fugitives.
Arctus set their way along the river with the help of his staff. "It won't be too long before they are on our tail. We are off to Obsidian Pass. The last place, I assure you, where the Sovereign's hunters will not come."
Eira nodded, still catching her breath.
The Emberstar kept beating in her chest like a loud bell of warning.
Even further up, the sky grew darker-the night was coming where it was not supposed to.
Training was a nightmare the next morning. It was a battle of wills between her and Arctus. The latter tried hard to control her rage and taught her to focus the devastating energy of the Emberstar through one's breath, movement, and feeling.
"When your mind wanders," he warned, "the star becomes unstable."
By mistake, Eira blew up the entire table with the third lesson.
"Promising," said Arctus while he picked up the remains with a broom.
But training was cut short when the tower's shield shook. Books fell off the shelves. The orrery spun out of control.
Arctus 's reaction was immediate. "He found us."
Eira also sensed it-an uncomfortable and thick chill that ran down her spine. Together with Arctus, she ran to the tower's door. The sky outside looked dark and strange , though it was still day.
Figures appeared from the woods.
Shadow Hunters.
Their physiques were tall and skinny, arguably the darkest of shadows themselves. The only things visible were their eyes , and those were similar to small streaks of violet fire. Their index finger ends changed progressively to claws, and those claws were oozing the darkest of shadows.
One of them stepped out, looked them over , and said in a distinctively hissing voice, "Sssurrender the Star-Forged."
Eira stepped one pace backward , but Arctus was still, and his staff was like a spear planted firmly into the ground.
"Follow me only."
The Hunters attacked.
With great force, Arctus hit the earth with his staff ; a wave of light from the stars followed, sending a handful of assailants flying. Eira saw the Emberstar take the initiative, and the heat seemed to flow through her arms. She raised her hands, and flames danced over her palms, but these were not the usual red ones ; rather, they were of a white-gold color.
A Hunter pounced on her.
Eira guessed her hand and moved the attack forward. A ray of heavenly fire came out, cutting the monster 's lace. With a loud squeal, it turned into smoke of the darkest kind and disappeared.
Arctus came with a little laugh, "Force, you certainly don't."
However, the forest was not done with them yet. More Shadow Hunters appeared. There were at least 30 or 40 of them. Arctus whispered a villainous "Damn" under his breath.
"The tower is not an option for us. It is time for the run - now!"
They ran hard across the open space. The shadows were fast and silent , and they also possessed wings. They could do nothing but watch the sky and see the dark figures circling above in eagerness. Eira tried to hold these creatures off by firing a few glimmering bolts of heavenly fire from her hand. Each time she did so, she became more and more exhausted.
They arrived at a cliff looking down on a river that was far below and flowing rapidly.
Arctus was facing her. "Do you trust me?"
Eira looked at the drop. "No, if you're going to say we should jump."
Arctus went for her hand and took a firm grip.
"It's too late now."
He took her over the cliff.
The wind made a terrible noise as it passed between them. The Emberstar was in total panic-and out of the blue, Eira felt as if the air was made up of invisible hands that were grabbing her. Their fall was slowed. So, they hit the river with a splash rather than a terrible impact.
They came up for air, coughing loudly.
Eira looked at her hands. "Was it me...?"
"In part," Arctus explained. "The Emberstar is a minute reaction to survival instinct."
On their side, the Shadow Hunters were shrieking while looking everywhere for the riverbank to trap the fugitives.
Arctus set their way along the river with the help of his staff. "It won't be too long before they are on our tail. We are off to Obsidian Pass. The last place, I assure you, where the Sovereign's hunters will not come."
Eira nodded, still catching her breath.
The Emberstar kept beating in her chest like a loud bell of warning.
Even further up, the sky grew darker-the night was coming where it was not supposed to.
iNPC: Alexander Whitlock
The Star-Forged Oath
Chapter Four: The Obsidian Pass
The journey took them through gorges so tight that the dark volcanic rocks seemed to rise like sharp teeth from the earth. The Obsidian Pass was a forlorn strip winding its way through the hills, the wind screaming so loudly that it was impossible to hear one's own thoughts.
Eira snuggled her cloak closer to her body. "What reason is there that Shadow Hunters should not come here?"
Arctus indicated the volcanic glass with his arm. "Obsidian is a natural glass made from lava. It interferes with void magic. The Hunters are dependent on shadows. In this place, they have almost no power at all."
"Almost?"
Arctus just let out a sigh.
After the third night, they came upon an old stone arch that was carved into the rocky hillside. Weird angular runes twisted over its surface.
"This is the Gate of Echoes," Arctus told her. "The last sanctuary of the Celestial Order is the next place."
Eira moved to the door-and halted.
Someone was there, waiting beyond.
She was a tall figure, covering her body with overlapping dull silver plates that had stars etched on them. Her hair was one tight braid running along her head, her face was fierce , and she seemed to be in control. A faint light was coming from a spear that she had by her side.
"Arctus," she spoke. "Late you are."
Arctus made a sound between a groan and a laugh. "Serana, it is you , of course, who are alive."
Serana did not heed him and instead looked at Eira. "Show me."
Eira was confused and said, "Show you what?"
Serana came and stood close to Eira. "The Emberstar. If you are its holder , then let me see it."
Eira was not sure at first , but then she concentrated on herself. A warmth started in her ribs, and a quiet light burst through her garments ; it was like a sun in a cage. Serana was shocked but did not show it.
"So, I was right," she said in a low voice. "The first one to be chosen by the universe is not you, but someone else."
She moved her body to one side. "Go in. Fast."
The chamber behind the door was a huge underground hall made bright by small balls of light , which seemed to be the stars themselves and which were floating in the air. On the walls were statues of mages in armor who used the stars for magic. Eira was suddenly overwhelmed by the presence of the past surrounding her.
Serana took them to a round table that had the stars drawn on it and said,
"There is something very important that you need to know. The Night Sovereign, when he did it, didn't just destroy the Emberstar ; he actually corrupted it."
Arctus looked very shocked and said, "That's not possible."
Serana was shaking her head. "He did it somehow. The last thing that fell, the Emberstar was mixed with void essence. In case the Star-Forged is out of control... the corruption could take over her."
Eira's whole body was cold as she said, "And if that happens?"
Serana looked into her eyes and said, "You would be the Sovereign's puppet. A living conduit to bring about the destruction of the other constellations."
There was silence.
Arctus put his hand on Eira's shoulder and said, "Then we have to make her bond stronger. There is still some time left."
"Maybe," said Serana. "However, the Sovereign is already on the move with his armies. His fortress-the Ebon Spire-is back ; that's why the sky is getting dark."
Eira tried to speak , but the lump in her throat was too big. "So, what do we do?"
The spear of Serana became even brighter .
"We do it first,"
Arctus was almost choking on his words. "Have you lost your mind? Going straight to the Sovereign's heavily guarded place?"
"There is no other way," was the sharp reply from Serana. "Waiting will only let the corruption get stronger. If she faces him early, the Emberstar may be able to get rid of the void taint for good."
Eira was looking at both of them before she spoke.
"In that case, I will be the one to go . "
Arctus said in a very low tone, "Eira, it's definitely a risky mission."
"Perhaps," she answered. "But waiting is also a risk of death."
The Emberstar was very clear in its support-very heated, very urgent.
And the road to the shadow revealed itself.
The journey took them through gorges so tight that the dark volcanic rocks seemed to rise like sharp teeth from the earth. The Obsidian Pass was a forlorn strip winding its way through the hills, the wind screaming so loudly that it was impossible to hear one's own thoughts.
Eira snuggled her cloak closer to her body. "What reason is there that Shadow Hunters should not come here?"
Arctus indicated the volcanic glass with his arm. "Obsidian is a natural glass made from lava. It interferes with void magic. The Hunters are dependent on shadows. In this place, they have almost no power at all."
"Almost?"
Arctus just let out a sigh.
After the third night, they came upon an old stone arch that was carved into the rocky hillside. Weird angular runes twisted over its surface.
"This is the Gate of Echoes," Arctus told her. "The last sanctuary of the Celestial Order is the next place."
Eira moved to the door-and halted.
Someone was there, waiting beyond.
She was a tall figure, covering her body with overlapping dull silver plates that had stars etched on them. Her hair was one tight braid running along her head, her face was fierce , and she seemed to be in control. A faint light was coming from a spear that she had by her side.
"Arctus," she spoke. "Late you are."
Arctus made a sound between a groan and a laugh. "Serana, it is you , of course, who are alive."
Serana did not heed him and instead looked at Eira. "Show me."
Eira was confused and said, "Show you what?"
Serana came and stood close to Eira. "The Emberstar. If you are its holder , then let me see it."
Eira was not sure at first , but then she concentrated on herself. A warmth started in her ribs, and a quiet light burst through her garments ; it was like a sun in a cage. Serana was shocked but did not show it.
"So, I was right," she said in a low voice. "The first one to be chosen by the universe is not you, but someone else."
She moved her body to one side. "Go in. Fast."
The chamber behind the door was a huge underground hall made bright by small balls of light , which seemed to be the stars themselves and which were floating in the air. On the walls were statues of mages in armor who used the stars for magic. Eira was suddenly overwhelmed by the presence of the past surrounding her.
Serana took them to a round table that had the stars drawn on it and said,
"There is something very important that you need to know. The Night Sovereign, when he did it, didn't just destroy the Emberstar ; he actually corrupted it."
Arctus looked very shocked and said, "That's not possible."
Serana was shaking her head. "He did it somehow. The last thing that fell, the Emberstar was mixed with void essence. In case the Star-Forged is out of control... the corruption could take over her."
Eira's whole body was cold as she said, "And if that happens?"
Serana looked into her eyes and said, "You would be the Sovereign's puppet. A living conduit to bring about the destruction of the other constellations."
There was silence.
Arctus put his hand on Eira's shoulder and said, "Then we have to make her bond stronger. There is still some time left."
"Maybe," said Serana. "However, the Sovereign is already on the move with his armies. His fortress-the Ebon Spire-is back ; that's why the sky is getting dark."
Eira tried to speak , but the lump in her throat was too big. "So, what do we do?"
The spear of Serana became even brighter .
"We do it first,"
Arctus was almost choking on his words. "Have you lost your mind? Going straight to the Sovereign's heavily guarded place?"
"There is no other way," was the sharp reply from Serana. "Waiting will only let the corruption get stronger. If she faces him early, the Emberstar may be able to get rid of the void taint for good."
Eira was looking at both of them before she spoke.
"In that case, I will be the one to go . "
Arctus said in a very low tone, "Eira, it's definitely a risky mission."
"Perhaps," she answered. "But waiting is also a risk of death."
The Emberstar was very clear in its support-very heated, very urgent.
And the road to the shadow revealed itself.
iNPC: Alexander Whitlock
The Star-Forged Oath
Chapter Five: The Ebon Spire
At first light , they came to the Ebon Spire-although the sky overhead was still very dark. The tower was sharp and looked as if it was going to cut the sky ; the walls were made of black glass, and there were some shadows trapped within them, swirling.
A storm of void energy crackled around its peak.
Eira's skin was covered with goosebumps.
"This place... is terrible, I think."
Serana confirmed with a nod of her head. "The Sovereign is twisting the magic. Be careful."
Arctus looked like he had lost a lot of blood. "If the situation turns out to be bad, I will try to sever the bond-"
"No," Eira replied. "I will be the one to face him, no matter what."
They entered through the huge doors after breaking them down.
The air inside was even colder than during the most severe winter. The corridor was very long , and the shadows were even more alive ; they looked like ink-like living ink. The longer they went , the more the dark things spoke to them, calling and trying to invade Eira's mind.
After that came the voice.
" Star-Forged... call to me."
Eira nearly fell.
Arctus grabbed her arm. "Don't listen-he's trying to invade your mind."
They arrived at a throne room made of voidstone. Black flames burned in the sconces. At the extreme end, the Night Sovereign sat -tall, majestic, cloaked in a darkness thicker than smoke. His face was a shifting shadow, but his eyes were bright violet , like two stars dying fast.
He got up slowly.
"So," he said in a voice that resonated in the bones, "the last Emberstar returns to me."
"I'm not yours," Eira hissed.
"You have my taint," the Sovereign said. "You are already of the void."
He smashed his hand on the ground, and the floor tore open.
Shadow Hunters rushed out of the darkness.
Serana charged, spear lighting her way, headlong into the wave. Arctus fired starfire explosions.
Still, Eira could feel the corruption growing inside her-like a poison being stirred. Her limbs shook.
The Sovereign reached out a hand.
"Give in," he murmured. "I belong to you."
The Emberstar glimmered-darker-her chest aching terribly. Her legs gave way.
Arctus yelled, "Eira! Fight it!"
However, the presence of the Sovereign weighed on her mind , invading, choking.
" You cannot resist," he whispered.
And something inside her broke.
Light burst forth-an abrasive, unstable beam that knocked Arctus down, wrecked the throne steps, and even forced the Sovereign to back away.
Eira howled as the Emberstar tore apart, revealing two hues: one bright gold and the other a pitch-black void, swirling violently.
Serana shouted, "She's losing control!"
The Sovereign laughed like a victor. "The corruption takes her."
But then-amid the uproar-Eira caught another voice. Gentle. Familiar. Her own.
" I am the one who decides. "
She planted her feet firmly on the ground. She reached deep inside the Emberstar-not the corrupted part, but the original spark. The memory of the falling star. The warmth she had first felt. The light that had called to her.
And she took it.
An explosion of pure starlight , so brilliant, could be seen from her core, stretching out and washing over the entire room. Shadow Hunters vanished in an instant. The voidstone walls shattered. The ebony storm above was broken.
Eira raised her eyes, her pupils now white-gold and blazing.
The Sovereign stood unsteady. "Unbelievable..."
"You desired my power," Eira said, her voice sounding loud and deep. "Why don't you come and take it?"
She pushed her hands forward as far as she could.
He was surrounded by a single laser of cosmic fire.
For a brief moment, the Sovereign resisted-screaming, writhing-but the Emberstar devoured the part of the corruption inside her and gave it back to him.
With a final roar, his figure disintegrated into dust and disappeared.
Silence surrounded them.
Eira fell to the ground, emptied of her power.
Arctus and Serana rushed to her aid as the stars seemed to fall one by one, like snow.
"It is finished," Arctus murmured.
Eira lifted her eyes, barely. "Did... we win?"
Serana nodded . "You saved the constellations."
Eira gave a weak smile.
Above, the sun for the first time in ages broke through the night-bright, golden, hopeful.
The earth had been changed by the power of the stars.
So had she.
At first light , they came to the Ebon Spire-although the sky overhead was still very dark. The tower was sharp and looked as if it was going to cut the sky ; the walls were made of black glass, and there were some shadows trapped within them, swirling.
A storm of void energy crackled around its peak.
Eira's skin was covered with goosebumps.
"This place... is terrible, I think."
Serana confirmed with a nod of her head. "The Sovereign is twisting the magic. Be careful."
Arctus looked like he had lost a lot of blood. "If the situation turns out to be bad, I will try to sever the bond-"
"No," Eira replied. "I will be the one to face him, no matter what."
They entered through the huge doors after breaking them down.
The air inside was even colder than during the most severe winter. The corridor was very long , and the shadows were even more alive ; they looked like ink-like living ink. The longer they went , the more the dark things spoke to them, calling and trying to invade Eira's mind.
After that came the voice.
" Star-Forged... call to me."
Eira nearly fell.
Arctus grabbed her arm. "Don't listen-he's trying to invade your mind."
They arrived at a throne room made of voidstone. Black flames burned in the sconces. At the extreme end, the Night Sovereign sat -tall, majestic, cloaked in a darkness thicker than smoke. His face was a shifting shadow, but his eyes were bright violet , like two stars dying fast.
He got up slowly.
"So," he said in a voice that resonated in the bones, "the last Emberstar returns to me."
"I'm not yours," Eira hissed.
"You have my taint," the Sovereign said. "You are already of the void."
He smashed his hand on the ground, and the floor tore open.
Shadow Hunters rushed out of the darkness.
Serana charged, spear lighting her way, headlong into the wave. Arctus fired starfire explosions.
Still, Eira could feel the corruption growing inside her-like a poison being stirred. Her limbs shook.
The Sovereign reached out a hand.
"Give in," he murmured. "I belong to you."
The Emberstar glimmered-darker-her chest aching terribly. Her legs gave way.
Arctus yelled, "Eira! Fight it!"
However, the presence of the Sovereign weighed on her mind , invading, choking.
" You cannot resist," he whispered.
And something inside her broke.
Light burst forth-an abrasive, unstable beam that knocked Arctus down, wrecked the throne steps, and even forced the Sovereign to back away.
Eira howled as the Emberstar tore apart, revealing two hues: one bright gold and the other a pitch-black void, swirling violently.
Serana shouted, "She's losing control!"
The Sovereign laughed like a victor. "The corruption takes her."
But then-amid the uproar-Eira caught another voice. Gentle. Familiar. Her own.
" I am the one who decides. "
She planted her feet firmly on the ground. She reached deep inside the Emberstar-not the corrupted part, but the original spark. The memory of the falling star. The warmth she had first felt. The light that had called to her.
And she took it.
An explosion of pure starlight , so brilliant, could be seen from her core, stretching out and washing over the entire room. Shadow Hunters vanished in an instant. The voidstone walls shattered. The ebony storm above was broken.
Eira raised her eyes, her pupils now white-gold and blazing.
The Sovereign stood unsteady. "Unbelievable..."
"You desired my power," Eira said, her voice sounding loud and deep. "Why don't you come and take it?"
She pushed her hands forward as far as she could.
He was surrounded by a single laser of cosmic fire.
For a brief moment, the Sovereign resisted-screaming, writhing-but the Emberstar devoured the part of the corruption inside her and gave it back to him.
With a final roar, his figure disintegrated into dust and disappeared.
Silence surrounded them.
Eira fell to the ground, emptied of her power.
Arctus and Serana rushed to her aid as the stars seemed to fall one by one, like snow.
"It is finished," Arctus murmured.
Eira lifted her eyes, barely. "Did... we win?"
Serana nodded . "You saved the constellations."
Eira gave a weak smile.
Above, the sun for the first time in ages broke through the night-bright, golden, hopeful.
The earth had been changed by the power of the stars.
So had she.
iNPC: Alexander Whitlock