Chapter 4: Trials and Secrets

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Amid the cloistered practice yards, Aeron tested might,

With other novices, he learned to parry, block, and strike with light.

The ghost stood silent at his side, intangible yet keen,

And gleaned intelligence at night, among the Order’s scene.

For walls could not impede the shade who drifted ‘tween the doors,

He overheard the whispers low of secrets, feuds, and wars.

He learned how certain high-placed lords had pressed the Phoenix knights,

Corrupting some to accuse the true n’ good of heresy and spite.

He watched as Sister Eliwen prayed, her brow with worry lined,

As worries of mistrust and lies left half the Order blind.

Meanwhile, Aeron sparred at dawn, a swirl of battered steel,

Confronting older squires whose skill tested his nerve and zeal.

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At dusk he pored o’er ancient tomes of relic armor’s spark,

And how the Phoenix’s blessing shone when hearts refused the dark.

Among the novices, he found a friend in Amelia, a priestess new,

A quiet soul with healing gifts, her faith unshaken and true.

Together they spoke softly of the ghost’s potential role,

To slip through necromancers’ lairs and glean unholy toll.

“There’s much we do not understand,” she mused with gentle grace,

“But if the ghost can pass unseen, he might reveal their place.”

Yet shadows stretched beyond the crypts, to halls of gleaming stone,

Where whispers claimed the necromancers did not act alone.

Some hands that ruled from gilded thrones, or bore the State’s decree,

Might weave their schemes with darker threads, by light of day unseen.

The Order knew that such a path, if boldly they pursued,

Could draw the ire of royalty, with vengeance swift and crude.

To uncover ties of blood and coin to lich’s cursed domain,

Might risk not just their mortal lives, but the very Order the Phoenix claims.

So was the conundrum and dilemma our faithful heroes faced,

Yet they resolved when shadows rise, so too must rise the brave.

Thus plans were hatched to track the lich and end his vile campaign,

No matter if the State forbade an action so humane.

In hushed conclaves, Theodric stood, forging a secret band,

To sally forth and quell the threat that loomed upon the land.