The journey back to the guild was marked by a palpable sense of relief. The oppressive atmosphere that had weighed heavily on them during their trials had lifted, replaced by the familiar camaraderie that defined their group. The sun was setting, casting a warm golden hue over the landscape as they walked.

Thrain led the way, his clerical cloak swaying with each step. "I've got some jerky left if anyone's hungry," he offered, rummaging through his pack.

Lyra's eyes lit up at the mention of food, but her haughty demeanor quickly returned. "Is it the good kind, or that awful dried fish you always carry?"

Thrain chuckled, pulling out a piece of smoked venison. "The good kind. I learned my lesson after the last time."

"Good," Lyra said, snatching the jerky from his hand. "Because I refuse to eat anything that smells like the bottom of a boat."

Syl’vanae rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "You've got to admire her dedication to quality."

"Or her talent for complaining," Dwagon added with a grin, adjusting the strap of his greataxe on his back.

Lyra shot him a mock glare but couldn't suppress a smile. "I'm just making sure we maintain some standards."

As they continued their trek, the lighthearted banter flowed easily among them, a stark contrast to the tense silence that had followed their initial separation. It felt good to be together again, each of them drawing strength from the others.

"So, what do you think we'll find at the guild?" Syl’vanae asked, her eyes scanning the horizon.

"Hopefully some answers," Thrain replied. "And maybe a lead on this Vyraxxis."

"Whatever it is, we'll face it together," Dwagon said firmly, his eyes reflecting the determination shared by all of them.

The sun dipped below the horizon as they neared the gates of the Hall of Heroes, the building's silhouette a welcome sight against the darkening sky. They paused for a moment, taking in the sense of homecoming that the guild always seemed to evoke.

"Ready to see what trouble we can get into next?" Thrain asked, a twinkle in his eye.

"Always," Dwagon replied, “Let's see what the guild has for us.”

The interior of the guild was bustling with activity, as usual. Adventurers of all kinds filled the large hall, sharing stories, trading goods, and planning their next quests. The atmosphere was lively, a stark contrast to the dark and oppressive places they had just come from.

The companions made their way to the front desk, where Norn, a stern-looking half-orc woman, was managing the flow of adventurers with practiced efficiency. She looked up as they approached, her expression softening slightly when she recognized them.

"Back so soon?" she asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Had a bit of an adventure," Dwagon said with a grin. "We're looking for some information on Vyraxxis."

"Vyraxxis, huh?" she replied, raising an eyebrow. "That's not a name I hear often. What do you need to know?"

"Anything and everything," Syl’vanae said, her voice serious. "Rumors, sightings, anything the guild has would be helpful."

Norn’s expression darkened. "Vyraxxis... that's a dangerous topic. You’ll want to speak to archivist Cyril. He’s the one who handles the old records and stories. His chamber is behind the library."

"Thank you," Thrain said, giving her a nod. "We’ll head there right away."

The library was a large, quiet room lined with shelves of ancient tomes and scrolls. At the back, a heavy wooden door marked "Archivist" stood slightly ajar.

Dwagon knocked, and a muffled voice called out, "Come in."

They entered to find a small, dimly lit chamber cluttered with books, scrolls, and strange artifacts. In the center of the room, an elderly man with a long white beard and spectacles perched on his nose was bent over a desk, scribbling notes into a large tome.

"Excuse me," Dwagon began, "we were told you might have information on Vyraxxis."

The archivist looked up, his eyes narrowing as he took in the group. "Vyraxxis, you say? That is not a name to be spoken lightly. Come, sit. I will tell you what I know."

They found seats around the cluttered chamber as the archivist settled into his chair, his eyes distant as he began to recount the ancient tale.

"Long ago, in the earliest days of our world, the land was ruled by an ancient civilization, blessed by a singular god, the Allfather. This deity, powerful and wise, created the world and who bestowed the gifts of magic, life, and knowledge. For balance between order and chaos to occur, the ancient evils were manifested to equal out the scale.

"However, this ancient civilization grew arrogant and sought to harness the powers of the gods for their own ends. They betrayed the Allfather, attempting to steal their divine essence. Enraged by this betrayal, the Allfather unleashed a cataclysmic event that shattered the world, ending the reign of the ancient gods and sealing away the three great evils—Vyraxxis, Naxthul, and Xarkon, who in the spiraling chaos attempted to reign.

"After the fall of the old civilization, the world was left in chaos, a harsh and desolate place. But hope was not lost. Prophecies spoke of a time when new gods would rise to restore balance and renew life to the world. This prophecy came to pass, and a new pantheon was born, bringing with them a resurgence of life and magic. It was during this time that diverse species began to appear—magical beasts, dragons, and different humanoid races.

"For thousands of years, the world thrived under the guidance of the new pantheon. But ancient evils do not rest easily. Vyraxxis, one of the three great evils, lies imprisoned beneath the Ashen Peaks, a dormant threat that now stirs once more. Each of these ancient evils are guarded by the respective gods in whose temples they were sealed. Vyraxxis, the Destroyer, is watched over by Zale, the Magma Warden, within the temple beneath the Ashen Peaks. Naxthul, the Tormentor, and Xarkon, the Overlord, are similarly imprisoned in the depths of the largest ocean and a dense jungle that never sees light, guarded by the Wardens of Waves, Caedric, and the Earth Warden, Ephrais, respectively."

The archivist paused, his eyes meeting each of theirs in turn. "Vyraxxis is a being of immense power and malevolence. Its awakening would spell disaster for our world. You must seek out the old ruins in the Ashen Peaks, where the ancient rituals took place. Only there can you find the means to prevent its return."

"Thank you, Archivist," Syl’vanae said quietly. "Your knowledge is invaluable."

The old man nodded, his expression grave. "May the gods guide you and grant you the strength to face the darkness. Remember, the path ahead is fraught with danger, but together, you can overcome it."

As they left the chamber, the weight of the archivist’s words hung heavily over them. The ancient tale of betrayal and rebirth was more than just a story—it was their reality. And the fate of the world rested on their shoulders.

Making their way through the bustling streets of the city, the atmosphere within the group began to shift back to its usual dynamic. Thrain and Lyra started bickering about snacks again, with Lyra complaining about the lack of variety in Thrain's rations.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

"Honestly, Thrain, can't you pack something other than dried meat and hardtack?" Lyra grumbled, her temper flaring.

"It's practical and doesn't spoil easily," Thrain retorted, rolling his eyes.

"Well, a little variety wouldn't hurt," Lyra shot back, crossing her arms.

"Will you two stop it already?" Dwagon interjected, his deep voice cutting through their argument. "We have bigger things to worry about."

Syl’vanae chuckled softly. "Some things never change."

Approaching the edge of the city, Dwagon turned to Thrain, curiosity etched on his face. "Thrain, how come you didn't know who these ancient evils were? You're a cleric of Caedric, right? Shouldn't you have known about the evil your god is guarding?"

Thrain sighed, a hint of embarrassment in his eyes. "By the church’s standards, I’m still considered a fledgling. Some information is only given to those of higher rank. I always knew my god wardened something along with the other two gods, but I didn’t know what exactly."

"So, Caedric, Ephrais, and Zale are the ones guarding these ancient evils?" Syl’vanae asked.

Thrain nodded. "Yes, they are the men among the new pantheon who took on this responsibility. But the specifics of what they guard were kept from me. I guess I always assumed it was something powerful, but I never imagined it would be like this."

Lyra looked thoughtful for a moment. "Well, it seems like you’re going to learn more about it now, whether you are ready or not."

Thrain chuckled, though there was a serious undertone to his voice. "Looks like it. I just hope I’m up to the task."

“We all have our parts to play," Dwagon said, his tone reassuring. "Thrain, could you explain the gods of the new pantheon to us? Their names and symbols?"

Thrain nodded, grateful for the change in topic. "Of course. The new pantheon emerged after the prophecy, bringing order and stability to the world. Here are their names and symbols:

* Kannah, the Eternal Light - Symbol: a lot torch surrounded by nine stars

* Caedric, the Warden of Waves - Symbol: a cresting wave with a shield at its center

* Astryn, the Flaming Rose - Symbol: a rose engulfed in a blazing flame

* Lilyi, the Sun’s Grace - Symbol: a radiant sun with rays extending like outstretched arms

* Kyelli, the Silent Shade - Symbol: a crescent moon with a whispering shadow

* Ephrais, the Earth Warden - Symbol: a mountain with tremors radiating from its base

* Prisma, the Thunder Muse - Symbol: a lightning bolt intertwined with a quill

* Sa’lani, the Whirlwind Dancer - Symbol: a spiraling gust of wind around a dancing figure

* Xara, the Snow Maiden - Symbol: a snowflake within wreath

* Zale, the Magma Warden - Symbol: a molten lava flow with new growth emerging

"These gods govern different aspects of the world. They guide and empower those who follow their teachings," Thrain explained.

Syl’vanae nodded thoughtfully. "It's a diverse pantheon, each with their own domain and responsibilities."

"It's impressive how each symbol captures their essence," Dwagon remarked, examining the descriptions with interest.

"They are revered and worshiped across the lands for their guidance and protection," Thrain added, a note of reverence in his voice.

After a moment of silence, Thrain spoke up again. "Given what we've learned, I think our next move should be to seek an audience with the main church of Zale. The city it's based in is also within the vast Ashen Peaks. It's called the Obsidian Citadel. The priests there might have more detailed information about Vyraxxis and how to stop its awakening.”

"That makes sense," Syl’vanae agreed. "If Zale is the Magma Warden, then his followers might know more about the seals and how to strengthen or restore them."

"And it would be a good idea to consult with those who have a direct connection to one of the gods involved in guarding these ancient evils," Lyra added.

Dwagon nodded. "Then it's settled. We'll head to the Ashen Peaks and find the main church of Zale. Hopefully, they'll have the answers we need."

Two weeks had passed since the companions set out from Redbrook. The main road had taken them through lush forests, across sprawling plains, and now, as the Ashen Peaks loomed on the horizon, they found themselves setting up camp for the night.

The fire crackled warmly, casting a soft glow over the group as they settled around it. The sky was a deep, velvety black, dotted with countless stars.

Thrain poked at the fire, deep in thought. "You know, I've been thinking a lot about what the archivist told us. It’s still hard to believe that our gods have been guarding such immense power all this time."

Dwagon nodded, his greataxe resting at his side. "It does put things into perspective. Makes you wonder what else we don’t know."

Syl’vanae leaned back, her eyes reflecting the firelight. "It's humbling. But it also makes me feel like we're part of something much bigger."

"Speaking of big things," Lyra said, her tone lighter. "Has anyone else noticed how Dwagon's snoring could probably wake Vyraxxis on its own?"

The group chuckled, and Dwagon rolled his eyes. "I don’t snore that loudly."

"Sure you don't," Syl’vanae teased. "But seriously, Thrain, what else do you know about these gods? Their symbols were fascinating, but what about their personalities or domains?"

Thrain smiled, grateful for the opportunity to share more. "Well, each god has their own distinct personality and domain of influence. For example, Kannah, the Eternal Light, is known for her wisdom and compassion. She is the guiding light for many who seek truth and justice.

Caedric, the Warden of Waves, is a protector of sailors and those who travel by sea. His domain includes water, healing, and protection.

Astryn, the Flaming Rose, embodies passion and creativity. She inspires artists, lovers, and those who seek to change the world through their actions.

Lilyi, the Sun’s Grace, brings warmth and growth. Farmers and healers often pray to her for bountiful harvests and good health.

Kyelli, the Silent Shade, is the goddess of the night, secrets, and the unseen. She watches over those who operate in the shadows, like spies and thieves.

Ephrais, the Earth Warden, stands for strength and endurance. He is the guardian of mountains and all who rely on the land.

Prisma, the Thunder Muse, inspires innovation and creativity, particularly in music and writing. She is often invoked during thunderstorms, believed to bring clarity and inspiration.

Sa’lani, the Whirlwind Dancer, governs change and freedom. She is the patron of travelers, dancers, and those who seek to break free from constraints.

Xara, the Snow Maiden, represents purity and resilience. She is revered in cold climates and by those who endure harsh conditions.

Zale, the Magma Warden, balances creation and destruction. He is worshipped by blacksmiths, miners, and those who live near volcanoes."

Lyra, listening intently, nodded. "It's incredible how each god's domain is so interconnected with the world and the people who worship them."

Syl’vanae added, "And it’s no wonder they were chosen to guard such powerful evils. They each bring something vital to the table."

Thrain's eyes were filled with determination. "I believe that by understanding more about our gods and their roles, we'll be better prepared for what lies ahead. The journey to the Obsidian Citadel will be challenging, but it's a necessary step in our quest."

The fire crackled and popped, and for a moment, the group sat in comfortable silence, each member lost in their thoughts and the weight of their shared mission. The journey ahead was daunting, but together, they felt ready to face the challenges that awaited them.

As they neared the northern border of the Ashen Peaks, the air grew noticeably hotter, and the vibrant colors of the landscape began to fade. The once lush vegetation gave way to a gray, ashy terrain, where only the hardiest plants managed to survive.

The group trudged on, their spirits high despite the oppressive heat. Each step kicked up small clouds of ash, and the sky above seemed to reflect the desolate land below.

"We must be getting close," Dwagon said, wiping sweat from his brow. "I can feel the heat intensifying."

Thrain nodded, his eyes scanning the horizon. "Yes, the Obsidian Citadel is still many miles ahead, but we’re definitely in the right place."

Lyra spoke up. "I’ve never seen land like this before. It’s like life has been sucked out of it."

Syl’vanae agreed, her gaze distant. "It’s eerie, but there’s a strange beauty to it as well."

As they continued their march, the group fell into a comfortable silence, each member lost in their thoughts. The journey had been long and grueling, but their resolve remained unbroken. They knew that reaching the Obsidian Citadel was crucial to understanding and stopping Vyraxxis.

Suddenly, Thrain halted, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed the ground. "Wait. Something doesn’t feel right."

Before anyone could respond, the ground beneath their feet erupted in a cloud of ash and dirt. Three enormous ash centipedes, their bodies blending seamlessly with the ashen landscape, burst forth, pincers snapping menacingly.

"Ambush!" Dwagon shouted, raising his greataxe and moving into a defensive stance.

The centipedes were terrifyingly large, each one nearly the length of a horse and as thick as a tree trunk. Their segmented bodies undulated with eerie fluidity, and their pincers gleamed with a deadly promise.

"They're ash centipedes," Thrain shouted, recognizing the creatures. "Watch out for their pincers! They can inflict ash-rot!"

With that warning, the battle began in earnest. One of the centipedes lunged at Dwagon, its pincers aiming for his legs. Dwagon swung his axe in a wide arc, connecting with the creature’s hard exoskeleton and forcing it back.

Lyra, quick and agile, darted around another centipede, casting her force bolts as she aimed for its vulnerable joints. "These things are fast!" she called out, barely dodging a strike from the creature’s pincers.

Syl’vanae, her bow at the ready, loosened arrows with deadly precision, targeting the centipedes’ eyes and softer underbellies. "Stay alert! They’re using the ash for cover!"

Thrain, invoking a protective spell, moved to support Dwagon. "We need to take them down quickly before they can inject their venom!"

One of the centipedes managed to latch onto Thrain’s shield with its pincers, attempting to inject its ash-rot venom. With a grunt of effort, Thrain bashed it away, his shield glowing with divine light.

The battle raged on, the group fighting with coordinated efficiency. Despite their size and ferocity, the centipedes were no match for the combined skills and determination of the adventurers.

Finally, with a final, desperate lunge, Dwagon cleaved the last centipede in two, its segmented body collapsing into the ash with a final, writhing twitch.

Breathing heavily, the group surveyed the battlefield. The ash was now stained with the dark, viscous blood of the fallen centipedes.

"Is everyone alright?" Thrain asked, his voice tinged with concern.

"A bit shaken, but otherwise fine," Syl’vanae replied, checking her bow for damage.

Lyra breathing heavily, her eyes still wary. "That was too close. We need to be more careful."

Dwagon nodded, wiping his greataxe clean. "Agreed. We can't afford to let our guard down."

Thrain looked ahead, the Obsidian Citadel still a distant silhouette against the horizon. "Let’s keep moving. We’re not out of danger yet."

They continued their journey through the ashen landscape, their eyes ever watchful for the next threat. The Obsidian Citadel silhouette grows clearer upon the horizon. Its outer walls towering over the barren landscape.