Chapter 16 - The Gathering Storm
Hours later, Vance groaned as the paralysis gas slowly wore off. His vision was blurry, his body aching, but the image of Mara being dragged away burned in his mind like fire.
Forcing himself up through sheer willpower, Vance dragged himself to his feet. He found his sword, wiped the mud from his face, and began tracking the deep boot prints left by Celeste’s men in the mud.
Halfway up the mountain trail, Vance heard the thunderous sound of approaching hooves. He drew his blade, preparing for another fight, but stopped when he saw the banner flying in the wind—it was the Golden Phoenix of House Eldoria!
Leading the charge was King Alistair himself, his armor stained with blood, accompanied by fifty elite royal knights.
"Vance!" Alistair called out, pulling his horse to a halt. "Thank the heavens you are alive! Where is Aurelia?"
"They took her to the summit, Your Majesty!" Vance reported breathlessly. "Celeste and Malakor plan to perform the Blood Ritual during the Eclipse tonight!"
King Alistair’s eyes burned with terrifying resolve. "Malakor’s forces in the palace have been crushed. My loyal guards have retaken the gates. Now, we take back my daughter."
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Vance mounted a spare horse provided by a knight. He looked up at the darkening sky, where the moon was already beginning to slide across the face of the sun, casting an eerie, reddish shadow over the world.
"We have less than an hour, Your Majesty," Vance said, drawing his sword. "Ride fast!"
