Novel Square
Chapter 27
The Aeris Shrine stood before them, a magnificent structure of polished white stone that seemed to float among the clouds. Lyra and Fenris approached with reverence, their footsteps echoing in the thin mountain air. The Air artifact, a delicate crystal sphere that pulsed with ethereal energy, now rested safely in Lyra’s pack.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org
“I can’t believe we actually found it,” Lyra breathed, her eyes wide with wonder. “Three artifacts down, one to go.”
Fenris nodded, his expression a mixture of relief and concern. “But we’re no closer to understanding how to use them to prevent the cataclysm. The prophecy is still mostly gibberish to us.”
Lyra’s brow furrowed as she considered their predicament. “You’re right. We need to take some time to study it more closely. Maybe now that we have three of the artifacts, we’ll be able to decipher more of its meaning.”
They made camp in a sheltered alcove near the shrine, protected from the biting wind that whipped around the mountain peaks. As Fenris tended to the fire, Lyra spread out the ancient parchment containing the prophecy. The words seemed to shimmer in the firelight, as if alive with their own inner power.
“Okay,” Lyra murmured, running her fingers over the text. “We know the first part talks about the four elemental artifacts and the impending doom. But there’s more here, something about… a convergence?”
Fenris settled beside her, peering at the cryptic writing. “Can you make out any more details?”
Lyra closed her eyes, focusing her magical senses on the parchment. As she did, she felt the Moonstone shard around her neck grow warm. On a hunch, she grasped it, channeling its power into the prophecy.
Suddenly, certain words began to glow with a soft, silvery light. Lyra’s eyes snapped open, her heart racing with excitement. “Fenris, look! I think the Moonstone is helping us decode it!”
Together, they pored over the newly illuminated text, piecing together fragments of meaning. As the night wore on, a clearer picture began to emerge.
“It speaks of a sacred grove,” Lyra said, her voice hushed with awe. “A place where the veils between worlds are thin, where the power of the artifacts can be fully awakened.”
Fenris leaned in, his eyes scanning the parchment. “Does it say where this grove is located?”
Lyra nodded, pointing to a series of glowing symbols. “It’s not exact, but it gives us landmarks to follow. A ‘lake of mirrors’ and a ‘forest of whispers.’ It must be somewhere to the east of here, in the lowlands beyond the mountains.”
As dawn broke, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold, Lyra and Fenris packed up their camp. The prophecy, carefully rolled and stored in Lyra’s pack, seemed to hum with potential. They set out down the mountain path, their steps quickened by a new sense of purpose.
The descent was arduous, but far less treacherous than their climb had been. As they traveled, Lyra and Fenris discussed their next move, weighing the urgency of their quest against the need for caution.
“We should resupply in the next town we come across,” Fenris suggested as they navigated a particularly steep section of the trail. “We don’t know how long it will take to find this grove, and we’re running low on provisions.”
Lyra nodded in agreement. “Good idea. Plus, we might be able to gather some local information. Someone might have heard rumors of a mysterious forest or an unusually reflective lake.”
As they emerged from the mountains into more temperate lowlands, the landscape gradually transformed. Craggy peaks gave way to rolling hills, and sparse vegetation became lush forests. The air grew warmer and thicker, heavy with the scent of growing things.
After two days of travel, they came upon a small village nestled in a verdant valley. The sight of thatched roofs and wisps of chimney smoke was a welcome one after their time in the wilderness. As they approached, however, Lyra sensed an undercurrent of tension in the air.
“Something’s not right,” she murmured to Fenris, who nodded in agreement, his posture alert and wary.
The village square was eerily quiet as they entered, with only a few furtive faces peering out from behind shuttered windows. An elderly man, his face etched with worry lines, approached them cautiously.
“Travelers,” he said, his voice quavering slightly. “You’d do well to pass on by. We’ve no comfort to offer here, I’m afraid.”
Lyra stepped forward, her voice gentle but firm. “We mean no harm. We’re simply looking for supplies and perhaps some local knowledge. May I ask what troubles your village?”
The old man hesitated, glancing nervously at the surrounding buildings. Finally, he sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat. “It’s the forest to the east. Dark things have been stirring there of late. People gone missing, strange lights and sounds in the night. We fear to venture far from our homes.”
Lyra and Fenris exchanged a meaningful look. Could this be the ‘forest of whispers’ mentioned in the prophecy?
“This forest,” Fenris said carefully. “Would you happen to know if there’s a lake nearby? One that’s particularly reflective, perhaps?”
The old man’s eyes widened in surprise. “Aye, there is. We call it the Mirror of the Gods. But how did you…?” He trailed off, suddenly regarding them with a mixture of hope and suspicion. “Who are you people?”
Lyra stepped closer, lowering her voice. “We’re here to help. The disturbances you’ve been experiencing… they’re part of something larger. Something we’re working to prevent.”
For a long moment, the old man studied them, as if weighing the truth of Lyra’s words. Finally, he nodded. “Come with me. There’s someone you should speak with.”