Chapter 2: Journey to the Cathedral

image [https://64.media.tumblr.com/8b89b11abf43e0d14c5156301dcdaec3/30304bff40180875-03/s2048x3072/7042a78c2c315c7fb8b8c92327cf5daba6f7996a.pnj]

Eastward they went, in solemn step, the swamp-ways bleak and wild,

A marsh of endless gloom that reeked, where living rot defiled.

Along the path, they heard faint cries of spirits lost at sea,

For rumors spoke of haunted coasts beyond the hill’s degree.

And lo, upon a stony shore, a fractured mast stood tall,

A battered prow half-buried there, a remnant of a squall.

Yet moaning winds revealed a shape: a ghost with sorrowed mien,

Bound by guilt and tides of time to that forsaken scene.

“Why do you linger so?” asked Aeron, pity in his tone.

“I was a sailor once,” the shade intoned in whisper prone.

“In storms I drowned, my final breath stolen by savage foam,

Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work!

My soul enshackled to these rocks, a castaway from home.”

A flicker sparked in Eliwen’s eye; she clasped her pendant tight:

“The Phoenix stands for second chance, for hope beyond the night.

If your spirit’s task remains undone, then join us on our quest,

Perhaps in faith you’ll find release, your mortal burdens blessed.”

The ghost, at first, recoiled in woe, uncertain of this plea,

But through the priestess’ gentle vow, the shade felt partly free.

“I sense in you a righteous cause,” the phantom softly sighed,

“If necromancers rise once more; such evils must be tried.

Then yes, I’ll follow, see undone the dark that plagues your path,

And maybe find my soul’s release at triumph over wrath.”

So parted they from haunted coast, with ghost in sorrow bound,

Their mission weighed by necromancers rumored all around.

They crossed the marsh, dispatched undead that festered ‘midst the reeds,

Until the swirling mists gave way to farmland’s gentler meads.

Yet travelers along the roads all spoke of dread events:

The State had labeled many vile in sacrilegious sense.

Some Phoenix knights were turned astray by twisted power’s lure,

And in the capital, it seemed, no innocence was sure.

Thus hearts grew tense when they arrived at last with weary stride,

To see the Cathedral rising tall with pillars starry-eyed.

Behind its walls, the Burning Tree’s bright braziers crowned the spires,

A living symbol, flame unquenched, of all that faith inspires.