The towering spires ahead were a beacon, their faint glow piercing through Ventosca’s ever-shifting skies. Willie and Ghoida trudged forward, their steps weary but determined. The echoes of their encounter with the shadow creatures lingered in their minds.
“You think this place will be any friendlier?” Ghoida asked, breaking the silence.
Willie glanced at the artifact in his hand, its faint hum now constant. “I doubt it. But whatever’s there, it might have answers.”
Ghoida sighed. “Answers are nice, but I’m really hoping for no more collapsing bridges.”
The path to the spires wasn’t straightforward. Floating islands shifted unpredictably, forcing them to navigate precarious jumps and narrow ridges. The wind howled around them, carrying faint whispers that sent chills down their spines.
“Still hearing those voices?” Ghoida asked, her eyes scanning the skies.
Willie nodded. “They’re clearer now, but I can’t make out what they’re saying.”
“Let’s hope they’re not giving directions to more monsters.”
As they approached a larger island, they found themselves standing before an ancient, weathered gate. Intricate carvings covered its surface, depicting figures holding artifacts similar to the one Willie carried. The air around the gate shimmered faintly, like heat waves on a hot day.
“This looks promising,” Ghoida said, stepping closer to inspect the carvings. “But also like a trap.”
Willie studied the gate, his fingers tracing the runes. “It’s definitely connected to the artifact. Maybe it’s a key.”
“Or a big flashing sign that says ‘attack us now,’” Ghoida muttered.
Ignoring her, Willie held the artifact up to the gate. The runes on the gate glowed in response, and the ground beneath them trembled. The shimmering air condensed into a vortex, pulling the gate open with a low groan.
“Here we go,” Ghoida said, drawing her sword.
Beyond the gate was a vast chamber carved into the floating rock, its walls lined with glowing crystals. The air was thick with energy, and the whispers Willie had been hearing grew louder, forming distinct words.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
“They’re... calling to us,” Willie said, his voice barely above a whisper.
“That’s not creepy at all,” Ghoida replied, her grip tightening on her weapon.
As they ventured deeper, the chamber opened into a large circular room. In the center stood a pedestal, and atop it lay another shard similar to the one Willie carried.
“Another piece,” Willie said, stepping toward it.
“Wait!” Ghoida hissed, grabbing his arm. “Don’t just walk into the obvious trap!”
Before Willie could respond, the room began to shake. The crystals along the walls dimmed, and shadows started to seep from the cracks in the ground.
“Too late,” Ghoida muttered, readying her stance.
From the shadows emerged a hulking figure, its body made of dark, jagged energy. It towered over them, its glowing red eyes fixed on the shard.
“That thing looks tougher than the last ones,” Willie said, his voice trembling.
“You think?” Ghoida snapped. “Any ideas, genius?”
Willie looked at the artifact in his hand, then at the shard on the pedestal. “I think we need that shard to fight it!”
“Of course we do,” Ghoida said through gritted teeth. “I’ll keep it busy. You grab the shard!”
She charged at the shadowy figure, her blade flashing as she struck. The creature roared, its massive arm swinging toward her. Ghoida dodged, rolling to the side and landing a counterattack.
Willie sprinted toward the pedestal, his heart pounding. The whispers in his mind grew deafening, urging him forward. He reached out, his fingers brushing the shard just as the creature turned its attention to him.
“Willie, move!” Ghoida shouted.
The creature lunged, its massive fist slamming into the ground where Willie had been standing moments before. He stumbled backward, clutching the shard. The artifact in his other hand began to glow brightly, resonating with the new piece.
“Do something!” Ghoida yelled, her strikes barely phasing the creature.
Willie focused, holding the two shards together. The light intensified, forming a protective barrier around him and Ghoida. The creature roared, its form flickering as if it were being torn apart.
“It’s working!” Willie shouted.
“Then keep doing it!” Ghoida replied, dodging another attack.
The light expanded, engulfing the creature. It let out a final, ear-splitting roar before disintegrating into a cloud of smoke. The chamber fell silent, the crystals regaining their glow.
Willie collapsed to his knees, the shards in his hands humming softly.
“Nice work,” Ghoida said, offering him a hand.
He took it, pulling himself up. “Thanks. You weren’t bad yourself.”
She smirked. “I know.”
As they caught their breath, Willie examined the new shard. It fit perfectly with the first, their combined energy pulsing in his hands.
“We’re getting closer,” he said, his voice filled with determination.
Ghoida nodded, sheathing her sword. “Let’s hope the next step isn’t as dangerous.”
But as they left the chamber, the whispers returned, their tone more urgent than before. The journey through Ventosca was far from over, and the secrets of Elaris were only beginning to reveal themselves.
> End of Chapter 11