—DARK EALHSTAN’S CAVERN—

By the time I reached him, the cavern was already trembling with the force of Ealhstan’s rage. Rocks fell from the jagged ceiling like the sky itself was collapsing, dust choking the air, but I couldn’t stop now, not when my brother was a raging beast before me. He towered over us, muscles rippling and twisting beneath flesh that shuddered as if it might burst. The miasma was coiled around him like a second skin, black and pulsing, tainting his every movement.

“Must not hurt… Must stay away…” he muttered, his voice low and mournful, like a storm whispering through a broken window. But his body defied his words, moving with a deadly purpose. He bent low and grabbed a boulder as if it were a mere pebble, his monstrous hands gripping it tight. With a grunt, he hurled it straight at us.

“Claude, get down!” I shouted, throwing myself against him. The boulder hurtled past, smashing into the ground where we’d stood moments before, splintering into a cloud of dust and pebbles. We rolled away, coughing and blinking through the dust, but Ealhstan was relentless. He stomped his foot, and the ground heaved beneath us as if alive, fissures splitting open and jagged rock erupting in our path.

Claude scrambled to his feet, eyes wide but calm. Quick as a cat, he darted left, narrowly avoiding another cascade of stone from the crumbling walls. But every time we tried to close the distance, Ealhstan would slam the ground again, his massive feet sending shockwaves that made us stumble and lose our footing. The floor beneath us bucked and cracked, splintering the cavern and shaking loose more debris.

“Must not… become a monster…” Ealhstan rumbled, but his voice warred with itself. Beneath the hoarse growls, I could hear him, truly hear him. “Must protect Ryne… must not hurt Ryne…”

“Brother, listen to me!” I shouted, pushing through the chaos, but he wouldn’t hear. His eyes, once so kind, were wild and unfocused, pupils swallowed by darkness. With a roar, he swung his massive arm, sending a cascade of shattered stone hurtling toward us.

I barely had time to react, raising my hands instinctively. Flames surged around me, a barrier of kindflame bursting forth just in time to shield us from the deadly spray. “Claude, get ready!” I shouted over the roar of the fire. I gathered the kindflame in my palms, the sacred fire that thrummed with warmth and life. With a swift gesture, I let it flow into Claude’s sword. The blade roared to life, bathed in blue-white light. Claude only had eyes on Ealhstan.

“That’s your gentle giant?!” he screamed, but then he nodded, determination etched on his face. With a cry, he charged forward, swinging the flaming sword in a wide arc. But through the cracks along the walls, shadowbeasts clawed out. They growled and swarmed upon us. Claude’s blade carved through one of the direwolves that had emerged from the cracks in the walls, disintegrating it with a shriek. Ealhstan roared, his huge body swinging toward us as if in slow motion, his sheer size making every movement devastating.

“Ealhstan, remember who you are!” I called again, voice breaking. “Please, Brother! You’re hurting us!”

“Ryne…” His voice faltered. His gaze wavered, confusion flickering through the monstrous visage. Then he snarled, shaking his head violently. “Ryne… stay… away…”

Desperation surged through me as I saw more shadowbeasts crawling from the cracks, their forms slick and sinuous, fangs bared and eyes glowing with hunger. There was no time. The others—Harlan, Jerome, and perhaps my brothers—were somewhere behind us, holding off the horde, but they wouldn’t last long.

“Claude, close your eyes and stay away!” I yelled. He did so, just as Ealshtan threw a boulder aimlessly and threw dust everywhere. I focused on the kindflame, feeling it surge through me like a river of molten gold. I raised my hands and flung the fire into the air, forming a wall of searing blue flame between us and Ealhstan. It wouldn’t hold long, but it would give us a moment’s respite.

Before I could take another breath, two figures darted through the chaos—a flash of red and silver. Wilbur and Woodrow burst into the fray, their eyes still tinged with crimson. Their movements were sharp and feral, but they were aware, lucid.

“Get down!” Wilbur’s voice rang out. With a swift motion, he hurled all the remaining explosive bottles he carried. They arced through the air, smashing against Ealhstan’s chest in a blaze of fire and shattered glass. The explosion sent sparks and splinters cascading around him, but Ealhstan barely staggered.

Woodrow lunged at his side, his dagger flashing as he tried to restrain Ealhstan’s massive arm. “Wilbur, now!” he shouted, muscles straining against his brother’s monstrous strength. Wilbur nodded and threw a handful of powder, the fine grains settling over Ealhstan’s face like dust.

Ealhstan coughed, a wet, ragged sound. But he did not slow. Instead, he looked down at Woodrow, recognition and sorrow flickering in his wild gaze. “Brother…?” he whispered, voice breaking.

“Yes, it’s me… We’re here to bring you home,” Woodrow murmured softly.

But then Ealhstan’s expression twisted. With a roar, he moved with terrifying speed, grabbing Woodrow and hurling him like a doll. Woodrow’s body collided with Wilbur’s, and both my brothers crashed into the cavern wall with a sickening thud.

“No!” I screamed, heart clenching with fear. Before I could even think, I was running toward them, kindflame blazing in my hands. But Ealhstan’s roar froze me in place. He turned, his gaze locking onto me. The ground shuddered beneath him, cracks spidering outward.

“Stop!” I shouted, pouring everything I had into my voice. The words reverberated through the air, and I heard Gaelmar’s power surged through me, deep and unyielding. “Stop!” It was his voice in my mouth.

Ealhstan froze, trembling. I stepped closer, breathing hard, the kindflame flickering in my hands. “Look into my eyes, Ealhstan. Remember the goodness of your soul.”

His gaze met mine, wild and full of pain. I could see him—the real Ealhstan—trapped beneath layers of corruption and agony, chained by the miasma. I stepped closer, murmuring his name over and over, each word a lifeline pulling him back.

“You’re a gentle giant, Brother,” I whispered, voice breaking. “You used your strength to build homes for the homeless, to raise castles for the common people. You repaired, not destroyed. You built places of rest and safety. You promised to build me a cottage in the peaceful Alps. Come back to us, Brother Ealhstan. Come back home.”

Tears welled in his eyes. His body convulsed, fighting against the chains of darkness. I reached out, touched his face, letting the kindflame flow over him, burning away the miasma that clung to his soul.

Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

A terrible, angry scream filled the cavern as the darkness recoiled, fighting back. But I held firm, pouring every last bit of my strength into the flames until the shadows shriveled and fell away, leaving only Ealhstan’s true form beneath.

He collapsed, his massive frame shuddering. His eyes, now clear and bright, looked up at me, filled with tears. He reached out with a trembling hand.

“Brother… Ryne…” he whispered, voice hoarse and broken.

I fell to my knees beside him, reaching out to grasp his hand. “I’m here, Ealhstan. You’re safe now.”

And for the first time in what felt like an eternity, I saw my brother’s true tired smile. Before the flame ebbed away from me, leaving me breathless and shaking.

I have gotten used to fainting by now.

—

When I finally stirred, I wasn’t sure where I was. The ground beneath me wasn’t as cold as I remembered. There was something soft, solid, like a steady rise and fall. Blinking, I looked up to see Ealhstan’s face looming over mine, his eyes gentle and warm, his brows furrowed in concern.

“Keep him close to the flame,” I heard Wilbur mutter softly beside him. Woodrow hovered at his other shoulder, both brothers’ faces drawn and tight with worry.

“Ealhstan…?” My voice came out as a cracked whisper. The relief that washed over his expression was enough to make my own vision blur. I reached out, touching his cheek with trembling fingers. His skin was rougher than I remembered, lined and creased by hardship and pain. He was too young to look so worn.

And yet, he smiled—a soft, broken smile—as a tear slipped down his face. I barely managed to blink back my own before throwing my arms around him. Hugging him felt like embracing a boulder, a wall of solid muscle that seemed to hold me together. He rumbled softly, his voice a low, comforting vibration in his chest.

“Thank you for saving me, Brother Ryne,” he murmured.

“I missed you,” I whispered, my words muffled against his broad shoulder. I felt small, fragile, but whole. “I missed you so much.”

“And I, you.” He pulled back slightly, letting me down gently. I swayed, unsteady, but Woodrow and Wilbur moved in to catch me, the three of us sharing a brief embrace before stepping back.

Ealhstan nodded approvingly at them, his gaze full of pride. “These two brothers told me of your adventures. Well done. Very well done. I always knew you had power within you. I never doubted you for a moment.” His smile widened as he glanced at Woodrow and Wilbur. He placed a hand on each of their shoulders, shaking them slightly. “Woodrow, your strategy and soldier’s spirit helped your brothers survive. Be proud that they can depend on you.” He turned to Wilbur, his voice deepening with gratitude. “And you, risking your life to help others… You’ve saved more than you know.”

Woodrow and Wilbur exchanged glances, their expressions shifting to something darker, more somber. “We… drained people of their blood this day,” Woodrow muttered, his voice low. “We became killers, too.”

A heavy silence descended upon us, the weight of our deeds crushing what little joy we’d managed to rekindle. Ealhstan looked down, shame etched into every line of his face. “So did I,” he murmured, stepping back as if to distance himself from us. “I lost control. I found myself in a village… I destroyed it in a heartbeat. Once I realized what I’d done, I fled to the mountains, through the trees and past the vines, until I reached this place. And then… nothing. I didn’t wake until now. All I remember was that I kep calling for help. I kept calling for you, Ryne. All I saw was this tiny bright light amidst a sea od shadow.”

He turned away, shoulders hunched. My heart twisted at the sight, but I stepped forward, refusing to let this darkness pull him under again. “That is not you. That is not who you are,” I said firmly. “None of this was you. And I’ll keep reminding you of that, for as long as it takes.”

He didn’t respond, but the tension in his shoulders seemed to ease slightly. Wilbur swallowed hard, staring at the ground. “They probably had families…”

“Then we will bury them with dignity,” I said, my voice steady and strong. “And we will make sure their families are taken care of. We owe them that much.”

Ember, who had been pacing anxiously at my side, let out a sharp bark. Ealhstan glanced down, and I nudged her forward gently. “Go on, Ember. Say hello.”

Tentatively, Ember sniffed at Ealhstan’s outstretched hand. He grinned; a weary, lopsided grin that felt more like the brother I remembered. “Hello, furball.” His voice was soft, almost a whisper. Ember licked his fingers, her tail wagging. She looked up at me with bright, trusting eyes, as if reassuring me that this truly was our brother. A small, wavering smile broke out on my face.

But then I remembered something and whirled around. “Claude!” I called, looking past Ealhstan’s massive form.

“Right here,” came his voice from beyond the shadowed edges of the cavern. He stepped forward hesitantly, flanked by Harlan and Jerome, their eyes wide with awe as they took in Ealhstan’s towering figure. Harlan stared open-mouthed.

Ealhstan turned his gaze toward them, raising a hand in a tentative wave. “We’ve already made our introductions,” he said softly, voice still rumbling like distant thunder. “They were gracious enough to give us some space.” He nodded toward Claude. “Though that one kept checking over you.”

Claude stepped closer, his expression uncertain, but his eyes were soft with relief. I reached out, gently grabbing his arm and pulling him in beside me. He looked up— way, way up—at Ealhstan, and for a moment, I saw the faintest flicker of awe and nervousness in his gaze.

“The friend of my dearest brother!” Ealhstan boomed suddenly, making us all jump. He laughed; a deep, booming sound that echoed through the cavern. “Another little brother joining our flock, eh?” Before any of us could react, he scooped Claude up as if he weighed nothing but haystack, tossing him into the air. Claude’s startled laugh rang out, arms flailing in surprise before he landed gently back in Ealhstan’s massive hands.

Laughter filled the empty cavern, bright and joyful. Even Harlan and Jerome chuckled, the sound cutting through the lingering tension. Ealhstan grinned at them, his eyes sparkling.

“And you, Brother Ryne,” he murmured, turning to me. Before I could protest, I found myself lifted into the air alongside Claude, both of us laughing breathlessly as Ealhstan juggled us like we were no heavier than wooden balls. The laughter was freeing, cleansing, and for a brief moment, everything felt normal again.

Ealhstan finally settled us down, his massive arms cradling us close. “I felt like a bird!” Claude gasped, his cheeks flushed with exhilaration.

He looked up at Ealhstan, eyes shining. “Such strength you have, Brother! A gift from the Miracle. A monastery full of blessed monks. The other priests will seethe with envy.”

Ealhstan gently set us on the ground, turning to face Harlan and Jerome. “Well met and well fought,” he said, inclining his head. “And now… where do we go from here?”

I glanced around, noticing a faint glimmer of light beyond a narrow passage. “There’s a path that leads to the monastery,” I murmured. The others nodded, but just as I finished speaking, a low growl echoed from the cavern entrance.

We all fell silent, tension coiling tight. Harlan and Jerome raised their weapons. But Jerome was almost out of arrows, so Harlan broke his spear in half. It was pitiful, but it was all we had. Ealhstan’s gaze hardened as the growls grew louder, closer.

“All right,” he muttered, turning toward a weak section of the wall. “This way.” With a single powerful punch, he shattered the rock, sending dust and debris flying. He struck again, again, until the wall gave way, revealing a narrow tunnel that led outside. Wilbur and Woodrow scrambled through, pulling Harlan and Jerome after them.

But as I turned to follow, Ealhstan didn’t move. “What are you doing?” I cried, heart pounding.

“I’m not going,” he said quietly. “I can’t trust myself… not like this. Wilbur and Woodrow can barely contain themselves with their hunger, and there’s a small settlement nearby. I can’t… I won’t risk it.”

I grabbed his arm, desperation clawing at my throat. “I’m not leaving you!”

“You’ll come back for me,” he murmured, a sad smile tugging at his lips. “I want to be with you, to see what you’ve accomplished. You’ll find a way. You’re the bringer of hope, Brother.” He winked, gently pushing me forward. “Go.”

Before I could protest further, the beasts were upon us. Ealhstan turned, his massive frame blocking the entrance. With a roar, he struck out, scattering them like leaves in the wind. Ember darted past me, flames roaring from her jaws as she scorched a path through the darkness. Ealhstan gave me one last smile. One final amused wink and a salute before the tunnel collapsed around him, sealing him inside.

“Ealhstan!” I screamed, but it was too late. All I could do was watch, heart aching, as his silhouette faded into the dust and darkness.

“Let’s go,” Claude murmured, his voice tight with urgency. He gently tugged me away, and I followed, the echo of Ealhstan’s laughter lingering in the empty air behind us.