by B. A. Scott
“An Alluvian jewel,” said Kade, observing the crystal. “They are uncommonly rare. This shield will repel magic, Gabrel.” She then grazed her fingertips across the Caladen family crest. “Goddesses, you’ve found the shield of Genus Caladen. A gift from Idonitus himself. It can be no other.”
“It can’t be,” said Ayden, eyeing the tomb before her with disbelief. Gabrel suddenly realized that even though he had removed the shield from the tomb, there was another Caladen present with him.
“Would you care to have it?” Gabrel asked his brother.
Kaven wanted nothing more than to take the magnificent shield for his own. But then, to Gabrel’s surprise, his eyes lost their desire.
“You’re the eldest,” Kaven said.
“My god, “Kade gasped. “The allurement charm—the shield—only one person could have—do you have any idea what this means?!” The brothers looked at her, confused. “Do you have any idea where we are?!” Kade persisted, almost maniacally. Then, she suddenly burst into a sprint back down the corridor, leaving Gabrel, Kaven and Ayden behind.
“What’s got into her?” Kaven asked.
“Kade, wait!” Gabrel shouted. But the Sage did not stop. The others ran after her, up the stone steps to the jungle above. When they emerged into the daylight, they saw Kade racing through the trees, back toward the river, seemingly searching for something that simply wasn’t there.
“Kade!” Gabrel yelled as he, Kaven and Ayden followed the Sage across the river to the western bank.
“Where is she going?” asked Ayden.
Kade ran frantically through the jungle. “Arey’n, Teréyu, Ceraya,” she prayed aloud, “My Goddesses, guide me!”
Upon reaching the edge of the tree line, she slid to a stop, and gazed upon something so extraordinary that she could not help but fall to her knees. The others broke through the trees behind her, and stopped as well, taking in the spectacle before them.
There, amidst an overgrowth of vines, rose a grand city of sand-colored stone.
“Is that what I think it is?” Gabrel uttered under his breath, helping Kade to her feet. The group walked through the battered-down gates, and proceeded into the city, which looked as though it had not been disturbed for centuries. Cracked stone lay everywhere, and vines and patches of grass spread across the stone-laid roads, and up the walls of many of the city’s towering structures.
As they passed through a massive archway, whose surrounding wall was graced by enormous statues of Erygian men and women, the group emerged into a vast circular courtyard, large enough to hold all the armies of Adoran. In its very center stood a gigantic structure with three sets of steeply ascending stairs—one set on each of its three sides—leading up to its towering height, where it bore a huge, burning flame of brilliant blue.
“The Fountain... of the Avenflame,” Kade exclaimed, pure shock still filling her eyes. “The lost city of Avenalora has been found.”
“How is this possible?” Ayden gasped.
“After all these years, the Avenflame still burns,” Kade said. “And with it, we find ourselves in possession of a new weapon against Daro—the Celestial Blaze.”
Together, the group made their way through the courtyard to the base of the Fountain. The rising sun cast long shadows across the golden stone from the city’s towers. When they reached the fountain, their eyes traveled up the steep stairway that led to its basin.
They ascended the steps. The climb was taxing. And each person believed that even the faintest breeze would send them tumbling to their deaths. But no one said a word. Their eyes remained focused on the blue flame ahead.
When they reached the apex, they found a wide stone floor around the Fountain’s basin, whose waist-high brim looked to be stained by centuries of neglect. Ayden stayed back as Gabrel, Kaven and Kade stepped forward to the basin’s brim. Above their heads, the enormous blue flame roared as it burned. It did not touch the water below, but hovered above its surface. The basin itself was at least fifty feet deep, and as wide as a large pond. The water within reflected the flames above, and it truly appeared magical. At the very bottom of the basin, Gabrel saw a strange marking—a large symbol—which he gathered was a character of Erygian writing.
He paused, reflecting on the journey that had brought him to that moment. The hardships, the pain, the fighting, even the misfortune—all had led him to where he stood. Then, he, Kaven and Kade cupped their hands, dipped them into the waters of the Avenflame, and drank.
They felt the most amazing peace they had ever experienced. There was no burning, as there had been with Fury, Gabrel noticed. He remembered the words Athiux spoke after he and his brother drank from Evindar: “Its acquisition reflects the nature of the power it bestows,” the Sage had said. His body felt refreshed in every way. His mind was set at ease. And the waters in no way caused him the slightest bit of pain.
The Celestial Blaze, the divine light of purification used in ages past as a tool to burn away impurities, heal disease and cleanse everything from wounds to water, surged through them. Their eyes ignited as they felt its power within them, ready to be summoned.
At last, they released their magic, and turned to look at the city below. Avenalora, the Guarded Heart of Adoran, spread out before them amidst a beautiful golden sunrise. Ayden joined the others as the breathtaking view lifted their hearts, and replaced every doubt in their minds with glorious resolve.
“It’s unbelievable,” she said. “This changes everything.”
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