Chapter 13 - March to the Void Chasm
A select vanguard of fifty solar knights, accompanied by Elara, Lyra, and the Sol-Phoenix, rode south toward the Jagged Wastes. As they left the fertile heartland of Aurendor, the landscape transformed into a desolate, ash-covered tundra where no trees grew and the sky remained trapped in a perpetual twilight.
The Sol-Phoenix flew high above them, its golden light creating a protective dome that shielded the vanguard from the freezing void-winds that swept through the valley.
On the third evening of their march, the vanguard made camp in the ruins of an ancient fortress. As Elara sat by the campfire sharpening her sun-blade, Lyra sat close beside her, drawing in the dirt with a small stick.
"Mother," Lyra asked softly, looking up at the gray sky. "What was Father like?"
Elara smiled wistfully, her eyes softening. "He was kind, Lyra. He loved the gardens, and he played the lute terribly. But whenever he looked at our kingdom, he saw hope. He believed that light wasn't something you held in your hand, but something you gave away to others."
"Do you think he will remember us?"
Elara wrapped her arm around Lyra’s shoulders. "We will make him remember."
Suddenly, the ground beneath the fortress shuddered violently. Deep fissures opened across the stone courtyard, glowing with sickly purple light. From the cracks, towering shadow-beasts—creatures made of black bone and liquid darkness—crawled into the moonlight, screeching with horrific, high-pitched wails.
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"To arms!" General Vane’s replacement commander shouted, drawing his shield.
Elara stood up instantly, her sword igniting in golden fire. "Protect the princess!"
