Whispers circulated among the villagers, attributing the curse to an ancient pact made by one of their own with a vengeful spirit. According to legends, the curse originated from a forbidden ritual performed by a powerful sorcerer named Isaac Whitaker, who sought immortality. Unknowingly, in his pursuit of eternal life, he had unleashed a malevolent force that took hold of the village.
As the curse took hold, the villagers started experiencing strange occurrences and unexplainable phenomena. Crops withered, livestock perished, and the once crystal-clear river turned murky and foul. The villagers' health deteriorated rapidly, and their once joyful faces became etched with despair and fear.
Isaac Whitaker joined hands with the Seven Dark Forces to complete his task. No one knew the true strength of these Seven Dark Forces, not even Isaac himself. He was obsessed with gaining immortality. To accomplish this task, the Seven Dark Forces asked him for a sacrifice—a Kaelith sacrifice.
Driven by his desire for immortality, Isaac willingly offered Quentin Reed, a senior from the Shadowmoon Clan, as a sacrifice to the Seven Dark Forces. Unbeknownst to him, the true strength and intentions of these forces were far more sinister than he could have ever imagined. The sacrifice of Quentin Reed was not just a means to achieve immortality but a catalyst for a chain of events that would bring chaos and destruction to the world.
Meanwhile, Hannah William, the wife of Emperor William, found herself expecting a baby girl. Unfortunately, this joyous news brought no cause for celebration in Mistwood Village. The village was plagued with worry, as both Emperor William’s reign and the tranquility of the village itself were now at risk.
It was nighttime, and a profound silence enveloped the surroundings, broken only by the sound of rain. Lightning momentarily illuminated the road ahead, but soon darkness prevailed, as if a dense black fog had engulfed the entire world. In the distance, the faint sound of a bell could be heard. The town's lights had been extinguished, leaving only a few flickering candles on house corners and lamps standing in front of them to provide illumination amidst the raging storm.
A small white rabbit emerged from its burrow and darted into the rain, seeking shelter in a nearby house. Three middle-aged women cautiously navigated the muddy terrain, paying no attention to the rainwater seeping into their shoes and drenching their clothes and hair. They walked in silence, their heads bowed, without exchanging glances.
A figure emerged from the shadows. Cloaked in a tattered black robe, the mysterious figure moved with eerie grace, their steps barely making a sound on the wet pavement. Their face was hidden beneath a hood, leaving only a glimpse of pale, ghostly skin. However, they departed silently.
"Let's go, let's go, hurry up, let's move quickly," urged Marlene Bennett, a woman with black eyes and gray hair. Her face, aged beyond her 50 years, bore an expression of deep concern. Her voice trembled from the cold, and she frequently glanced back at the large palace ahead.
"How can I walk in such heavy rain?" Tessa Knight, a 45-year-old woman with gray hair and glasses, grabbed Marlene's hand and urgently asked, rainwater running into her mouth as she spoke. Her tone was slightly whiny and irritating for some reason. "Did Empress Hannah have to give birth in this rain?"
She complained about the weather and quickened her pace. If she hadn't had to take care of a newborn baby, she would rather have stayed home and rested instead of going out and getting soaked in the rain.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
"She is the Empress. If anyone overhears, they could make your life disappear. And this girl is about to be born; that's why it's raining," said Willa Morgan, a 52-year-old woman with light brown hair tied in a low bun, some strands of wet hair sticking to her forehead. "Otherwise, there hasn't been any rain for the past six years."
She held a yellow infant blanket and smiled gently, but there was a hint of pity in her eyes. She also appeared tired. They had been midwives for over three decades, delivering countless babies into the world. However, this particular birth felt different, weighing heavily on their hearts because she was born one week before her expected due date.
Empress Hannah's due date was still a week away, and the unexpected early arrival of her baby left everyone bewildered. They couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, as if something was about to unfold. They knew that this birth held an omen, one that would forever change the lives of those involved.
"Who knows if this baby will change the fate of our village?" Marlene supported Willa and said, "the whole village is happy. For the past few years, the crops have not been harvested due to the lack of rain."
Tessa nodded, "It is true. It has been like a drought for years. The villagers are so happy that they don't know how to express their feelings." She sighed heavily, "We need food, and we don't have enough money."
The three midwives halted in front of the Imperial Jade Palace, a magnificent white structure resembling an enormous eggshell. The palace stood tall and majestic, its grandeur evident in every intricate detail. Delicate carvings adorned the exterior walls, depicting mythical creatures and ancient symbols. The pure white hue of the palace shimmered under the moonlight, casting an ethereal glow.
The architecture of the great hall blended elegance and might, its sweeping lines and graceful arches invoking the fluidity of the rivers that snaked through the land. Sturdy stone pillars, carved with intricate runes and adorned with symbols of protection, rose to meet the sky, embodying the power and resilience of the gods. The roof, with its undulating curves reminiscent of rolling hills and intricate carvings of mythical beasts, showcased the unparalleled skill of the dwarven builders.
Perched atop the hall were three wyrm statues, their heads craned to survey the bustling village below. Unlike typical dragons of legend, these wyrms bore no wings. Yet their elongated bodies and powerful limbs struck awe in all who beheld them, making their lack of massive wings seem trivial. Villagers often tilted their heads skyward, captivated by these magnificent guardians, believed to be protectors of the realm.
As visitors approached the entrance, they were welcomed by an imposing gate, adorned with golden wyrms and entwined with patterns of
Yggdrasil, the World Tree. The gate loomed high, symbolizing the authority of the hall and the divine power within. Beyond the gate lay a vast courtyard, filled with meticulously tended gardens where vibrant wildflowers danced in the wind, adding splashes of color to the scene. The air was rich with the fragrance of blooming herbs and flowers, creating a serene and sacred atmosphere, a reflection of nature’s bounty.
Stepping further into the hall, they entered a grand chamber with soaring ceilings and ornate pillars etched with tales of the Aesir and Vanir. The walls were adorned with vivid murals depicting legendary battles and epic sagas, each brushstroke alive with color and detail, a testament to the artistry of the skalds. Candlelight flickered, casting warm shadows that danced across the polished stone.
Inside, the hall was furnished with exquisite pieces crafted from rare woods and shimmering metals, embellished with intricate carvings of runes and scenes from ancient lore. Luxurious furs draped over benches made from fine timber, and elaborate carvings adorned every surface, enhancing the hall's beauty and elegance. The arrangement of the furniture was intentional, reflecting the principles of harmony known to the wise—a sacred balance of space and spirit within the grand hall. Here, the echoes of laughter and the songs of bards intertwined, promising tales yet to unfold.