The cold wind whipped around Orion’s cloak as he pressed his back against the rough stone wall of Castle Eldrion. Beside him, Tray tensely gripped the haft of his spear—a weapon imbued with deadly magic. Its blade shimmered ominously, promising death with the slightest graze.

“We're outnumbered,” whispered Orion, eyes scanning the guards patrolling the battlements. Though he lacked Tray's deadly weapon, his prowess in combat was unparalleled.

Tray, ever confident in Orion's abilities, nodded toward the massive oaken doors. “Numbers won't matter if we’re quick and silent. Remember the plan.”

“Distract and divide. Always,” replied Orion, his fingers resting on his sword's hilt.

Without warning, Tray hurled a small, enchanted gemstone skyward. It erupted into a blinding blue flare, accompanied by a deafening roar. The guards, caught off-guard, scrambled in disarray.

Seizing the moment, Orion led the charge, his sword dancing in a lethal ballet. Each movement was calculated, each strike precise. Beside him, Tray wielded his spear with caution, ensuring its cursed blade touched only those who threatened them.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

A guard lunged at Orion, who parried with ease, disarming him and knocking him unconscious with a swift strike. Tray, witnessing Orion's unmatched skills, focused on enemies from afar, letting his friend handle close-quarter combat.

“Watch your back!” Tray called out, his spear intercepting a soldier attempting to ambush Orion. The touch was brief, but fatal—the guard's life extinguished in an instant.

Orion nodded in appreciation. “The door!”

Reaching the entrance, Orion retrieved a delicate silver key, their hope of accessing the inner sanctum. As he worked the lock, Tray defended their position, his spear warding off a volley of crossbow bolts.

The door yielded, revealing the castle’s shadowed corridors. Pulling Tray inside, Orion secured the entrance, barricading it with a heavy beam.

Catching their breath, Tray grinned, “You always were the better fighter.”

Orion smirked, “And you always had the better toys.”

Tray chuckled, lifting his spear slightly. “To the throne room, then?”

Orion nodded, determination burning in his eyes. “To the throne room.”

As they ventured deeper into Eldrion, their bond evident in every step and every swing, they knew this was merely the beginning of their perilous quest. The throne room awaited, and with it, the destiny they sought to fulfill.