LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 27: Of Memories and Festivals PART 1
When I realized it, I no longer stood in front of Rennala in the depths of the crystal cave, but in the hallways of a familiar place, the Carian Manor.
The decay and neglect caused by time gave way to long luxurious passages with blue carpets and wallpapers, brown wooden floors polished and gleaming so that I saw my reflection, fine furniture carved and cleaned with mastery, and golden candelabras lit with blue magical flames, softly illuminating the way.
I could not see the hallway's end and I had the same result when upon looking back, seeing only comforting and endless darkness.
There were large, ornate wooden doors lined up on both sides of where I stood, but they refused to open, no matter how hard I tried.
I moved forward, with no other options, casting Cast Light with my staff and creating a luminous orb above my head, pushing away the darkness.
Footsteps and the creaking of my armor were the only noises reverberating through the walls, which bothered me, as this should have been a memory of Rennala, but I was alone here. Where were the servants and guards?
For a moment, I thought they must be asleep, but the strange lack of windows prevented me from knowing the time, so I kept walking.
Minutes passed and a pang of uneasiness arose in my chest, as I had not reached anywhere. I saw the same doors, and the same decorations, but I did not find a single turn or exit.
I tested it and approached one of the paintings, of Rennala in her queenly robes, but without her crown, revealing long, dark, silky hair while a shorter woman similar to her stood beside, wearing silver armor and with short hair.
I turned the painting back against the wall, picked up a vase of flowers from a table, and placed it just below the painting, continuing my march.
My assumptions proved true, as I felt mild amusement when I found the painting overturned and the vase after five minutes of walking in a straight line.
I removed the Priestess Eye from my bag and analyzed my surroundings, but was disappointed by the lack of revelations, proving that I was not trapped in another complex illusion.
Come to think of it, I should have used the eye when I faced Rennala, it would have saved me trouble. I will seriously review my inventory and see what else I have of use, besides equipment.
I also noticed the intensity of the darkness at both nonexistent ends of the corridor, as the light from the flames and my spell illuminated only a little before stopping as if hitting an invisible wall, unlike in a normal situation where I would see a few meters ahead.
I stepped forward as I glanced back, seeing the darkness completely consume some of the furniture and chandeliers, then returned to my previous position, watching the dark mass recede and reveal what it had absorbed.
The same thing happened in front of me, creating a delimited space that I could observe.
I leaned against the wall, stopping next to the painting of a man in black armor riding a boar next to a giant riding a tiny horse, and rested my chin on my hand, thinking deeply.
Hm… This has never happened before, all the memories I have inhabited were extremely direct, going from point A to point B eliminating everyone in your path until you achieve something or defeat someone. I have walked through wars between men and giants, faced warriors from eastern lands, spoken to dead kings, and more, but I have never encountered anything so bizarre. I suppose this is caused by Rennala's unstable mental state, because despite being in the past, the memories still belong to the mind of their creator, and who knows how they were influenced by emotions and internal conflicts?
TEC!
TEC!
I assumed a battle stance after hearing a new noise midst the complete silence, footsteps against the floor, but there was something wrong with them.
They did not sound human, as there was the repetitive sound of more than one pair of feet moving simultaneously. It reminded me of the giant spiders I faced in Tseldora, their legs clicking against the floor, ceiling, and walls, creating small cracking sounds.
TEC!
TEC!
TEC!
I turned quickly in time to see one of the doors in the distance open and a figure entered the door opposite it. However, I turned again as I approached and caught a glimpse of the figure more clearly, leaving one room and entering another.
It was a hunched, slender figure, eight feet tall, with eight limbs, four on each side, pale skin, and what appeared to be hair of an unknown color.
Suddenly, I heard a muffled humming in the distance gradually approaching, reverberating off the walls. I tightened my grip on my sword and prepared to cast a spell.
Furniture shook, books fell from their shelves, vases shattered on the floor, paintings shook in their frames until…
"LEAVE!"
A female voice screamed, extinguishing all sources of light, making my ears ring, and doors slam open and close.
This paranormal display lasted only a few seconds and ended as if nothing had happened, returning everything to its normal, tense, and silent state.
That was until I heard a creak and a door to my left partially opened, revealing soft light and incomprehensible noises. I walked towards it with sword and spell in hand, slowly opening it only to stumble inside when a presence pushed me.
I turned as soon as I regained my balance, but frowned at the lack of a door or walls to support it, giving way to a long stone passage with an entrance and ornate statues. Looking back, I realized I was in an elevated section of the mansion, near the large bridges, overlooking the garden below.
I entered the passage, hearing muffled voices in the distance.
I stopped as soon as I reached the end, summoning Chameleon, transforming myself into one of the many statues present, and leaning against the wall, observing the scene ahead.
An open area on the upper floors of the mansion, where two figures were talking with their backs to me, watching the large full moon in the starry sky. I recognized the first as Rennala, and the second as the woman in silver armor.
"You are leaving." The Queen sighed with pain and resignation in her voice.
I could not see her expression, but I believed it was something that matched her tone, judging by her downcast posture.
"Yes, I have found a new purpose in the Land of Shadows." The woman in armor answered with solemn determination, maintaining an upright and disciplined posture.
Rennala gripped her staff tightly, cracking the material, but took a deep breath, calming herself before answering with barely contained anger.
"Will you leave me just as Ymir left you? Will you abandon this Treant I have heard so much about even after proving your loyalty in combat? Will you leave your post as a princess and your only family behind?"
"The Carian line is in good hands, you have always been the most talented in sorcery, and the academy in the palm of your hand proves my words." The woman trembled, her posture momentarily weakening.
"That is not true! We are both blessed by the moon! There is no superiority between us!"
"Hmph! That is not what the other sorcerers think. They wish to unravel the mysteries of magic, not how to swing a sword. I have made my choice, Rennala, and my men have done the same, they will accompany me to where my destiny awaits."
They both remained in uncomfortable silence for a few seconds, until the queen cast a spell and a stony projectile circled her, tearing out long locks of her hair which she quickly wove into a glossy braid.
"A parting gift."
She offered the braid to the knight, dumbfounded by the display, who accepted the object with a trembling hand.
"You have always had the most beautiful hair between the two of us."
"I cannot deny that." The queen replied, making them both laugh lightly.
"I would love to stay longer, but it is time to leave."
"I understand, I wish you safety on your journey, for if the stories prove true, there is a new force wishing to conquer the Lands Between."
"I am aware. Travelers tell tales of a goddess in flesh, the epitome of beauty in golden hair and divine grace, whose overwhelming presence brings mortals to their knees. She can show unimaginable love to her subjects and allies and overwhelming fury to her enemies with her golden army, and invincible sacred powers. She calls herself Queen Marika, the Eternal, the one true goddess."
"Beautiful speech, do you plan to swear fealty to her and preach her word? Or should I be worried that some harlot has stolen my sister's heart?" Rennala teased, making her sister stutter.
"I merely repeated what I was told!"
"Queen Marika, the Eternal… Such an arrogant title, nothing in this world is eternal, not even the gods, and she has the hubris to declare herself one. I believe she is related to the giant tree growing on the plateau."
"Correct, and the tree blesses all of her followers, even more so with the defeat of the fire giants in the mountains by Marika's consort. She also seems to have acquired a new champion from this battle to fight in her name, a red-haired warrior named Radagon."
"You fear that they will set their sights on Liurnia, don't you?"
"Yes, I fear for the safety of our kingdom, but especially for yours." The knight spoke worriedly, clutching the bars in front of her.
"Let them come and I will reveal to them the terror that the moon hides behind its beauty." Rennala replied disdainfully.
"Rennala, this is serious!"
"I am taking this seriously, Rellana!"
They stared at each other in silence with frustrated faces, but those feelings soon gave way to sadness and they both embraced.
"Please, I beg you, be careful, I don't want to lose you." Tears streamed down Rellana's face.
"I know, but don't worry, I will take the necessary precautions." Rennala shared her sister's feelings.
This was too much revelation in a short time. Rennala has a sister who has never been mentioned, which is strange to say the least, since she is related to a monarch.
Was she still alive today? Who was Ymir? Why did he or she leave Rellana? What is the Shadowland? Why have I never heard of such a place? And what is there for Princess Cariana to abandon her lineage and sister?
"GO AWAY!"
TEC!
TEC!
TEC!
I stopped my musings when the noise returned and I felt warm breath on my neck.
Pale hair and two long, skeletal arms ending in fingers with sharp nails appeared in my vision, threatening to embrace me, which should have been impossible since there was a wall behind me.
I did my best not to react as I reached for my Grafted Sword, swinging it with all my might, breaking my illusion, and severing one of the monstrous arms.
The limb spilled boiling dark blood before bubbling and withering, crumbling into dust as a high-pitched screech assaulted my ears.
"WHO'S THERE!" The sisters screamed, but I paid no attention and fought against the remaining limbs.
They grabbed my arms and legs, trying to immobilize me as they dragged me towards the wall.
I lit my flame and cast Great Combustion on the face of the creature hidden by its long hair, receiving a pained scream, but not before being pulled against the rock, where I sank and found myself in the halls of the mansion in the blink of an eye.
Everything was more decayed, cracks spread across the floor, ceiling, and walls, furniture was moldy and crumbling, paint from paintings was melting, and moths were eating the carpets and other fabrics.
The chandeliers swayed dangerously above me as a new door opened further ahead, next to the painting of a bearded old man wearing colorful clothes and a hood that hid the upper region of his face.
He carried a flamberge, but I momentarily saw a red-hooded figure holding a broken sword in its place before returning to its original state.
I frowned at this display, for I felt familiar with him, perhaps I had met him in a distant step in my forgotten memories.
Leaving that aside, I walked through the second door, finding myself on the staircase leading down to the pool surrounded by chairs, where I faced the fake Loretta.
I stopped short as I noticed several Carian knights with their backs to me, walking up the stairs in a synchronized march.
I put away my current equipment, except for the armor and rings, and removed the Carian knight's sword and shield from my bag, assuming a similar stance to theirs before stepping to the end of the line, blending in with the group.
Arriving at the top, I spotted Rennala standing with four knights on guard on either side, facing a tall, shirtless figure with long red hair on the other side of the pool, accompanied by the golden knights of the capital.
The knights I was following spread out, forming a semicircle, threatening to surround the red-haired man and his escort. I did the same and waited.
Judging by his appearance and what I've been told so far, this must be Radagon, and by the gods, other than our hair, skin color, and build, we didn't look alike at all.
He was nearly three meters tall, with pale skin, hair tied in a braid, a lean, muscular build, and a sharp face like a carved statue.
Although he looked younger than me, I don't doubt that he was millennia old.
Unfortunately, I understand why some people believe we're related, and if Godwyn's jokes are true, he refused to wear a shirt on any occasion, which seemed to be the case here.
"No matter how many times you repeat your demands, my answer will be the same. Liurnia will not surrender its freedom." Rennala spoke firmly in a regal tone, but she sent a withering glare toward the person in front of her.
"Do you understand the consequences of your actions?" Radagon replied in the most emotionless voice I had ever heard in my life, ghosts had more joy than he did.
"I suppose I should ask you this. You, champion of a woman of no renown, come to our lands demanding that we bend our knees and abandon our worship of the cosmos in favor of your Golden Order. Do you demand that we forget our culture and religion in the name of something unknown and supposedly superior?" She raised a questioning eyebrow.
"The Golden Order offers what its name implies, order. Don't you desire a world of peace and harmony where every being has its place, blessed by the Erdtree? Where everything works like a great mechanism from its most basic foundations to its most complex?" Radagon replied with a distant look as if there was no palpable tension and angry people in front of him.
"Tell me, did not all your defeated enemies live in peace and harmony before you and your mistress demanded worship of your shining tree? Did you offer the same proposal that you offered me? I believe that the available places are only for those who fit your preferences. In this case, those who give up without a fight or believe your sweet words."
"Is that your final answer?"
"Correct."
"There will be war."
"Indeed."
"Many will perish."
"Oh, I am aware, but I believe it will not be on my side."
"I will deliver your message to my lady and she will decide what will become of Liurnia and its inhabitants."
"Your lady is a fool to believe that she has the right to decide the fate of my lands. Only the stars possess such power." The queen smiled smugly, pointing upward with her staff.
Radagon showed a rare moment of emotion, frowning at the insults, and slowly raised his head, looking up at the constellations and full moon that stared back at him.
"So be it." He raised his right hand and a golden glow consumed the entire area.
The knights, myself included, and Rennala took up fighting stances, but when the light faded, there was no one there.
She lowered her staff, clicking her tongue before descending the staircase with her guard following her.
I waited for the knights to form lines so I could rejoin the group, but stopped when I heard a noise.
SPLASH!
"LEAVE!"
Something splashed into the pool and I saw the last knight disappearing down the staircase.
My gaze alternated between both sources of interest before drifting to the body of water, leaning forward and seeing my reflection and that of the starry sky.
Suddenly, the creature appeared behind me, allowing me to analyze its details, its feminine figure, face partially hidden by its hair, and pieces of dark fabric serving as clothing.
I turned quickly as I swung my sword, but only cut the air. Fortunately, I spun on my heel in time to sever the arm that came out of the water trying to grab me.
Another screech assaulted my hearing and the creature's reflection crawled away, but I jumped into the pool in pursuit, surprising myself when I sank into what should have been shallow water.
Just like before, the experience lasted less than a second and I found myself face down in a pool of water with noises in the distance.
I got up on my hands and knees, spitting water out of my mouth and nose, but rolled to the side immediately when I saw the reflection of a golden knight raising his sword behind me.
I used the ash of war from my weapon, creating a colossal magical blade, and brought it down towards the knight, leaving a huge wound in his chest before delivering a second blow aimed at his neck, decapitating him.
His armored form fell with a heavy thud, allowing me to recheck my surroundings, a battlefield. Liurnia, I was sure of that, but not of the exact location, as I could not see the academy or the mansion.
I hurled several insults as I saw two armies, one golden and the other blue and silver, facing off between two rock formations. Spells and enchantments fell midst the rain, and the water flow formed waterfalls around us.
Lightning and dark clouds obscured the starry sky, with streaks of moonlight piercing through the few gaps I could find. The sound of the storm mixed with the battle cries and the clash of steel, creating a disorienting cacophony.
Raya Lucaria's foot soldiers stood at the head of the formations, serving as archers and crossbowmen, sending volleys of arrows and darts toward the enemy infantry, while academy soldiers traded blows with their Leyndell counterparts in different sections of the battlefield.
Glintstone Sorcerers bombarded the enemy lines with spells, but the capital forces returned the attack with incantations of lightning, fire, and golden discs.
The Sentinels' heavy cavalry galloped forward, tearing the puppet warriors apart with their halberds, clearing the way for their allies who were close behind.
However, they had to turn around when they faced a phalanx of spears. Their moment of deceleration left them open to attack by winged puppets that broke through the clouds and dove toward them.
I found myself amid absolute chaos, but I quickly had to prepare myself, as I became the focus of the enemy forces.
I blocked a vertical slash from a Leyndell soldier with my shield and pierced his stomach with my sword, creating a spray of blood followed by a pained scream. I wasted no time and parried his blade to the side, breaking his balance, and allowing me to slice his neck.
I struck the second soldier in my path, who raised his shield, trying to defend himself, but my blade passed through his steel easily and severed his arm. I pierced his heart soon after, granting a quick death and allowing his body to join the limb midst the rain, where they reunited with a wet squelch.
The remaining soldiers tried to overcome me with numbers, but it was not enough, I cut down everyone in my path. They came with swords and shields, spears, war pikes, and more, but soon joined the pile of bodies on the ground.
The knights of both forces joined the fight, surrounding me in a sea of silver and gold, their screams fading and their forms becoming blurred.
I do not know how much time passed, but the number of enemies and the sounds of battle were diminishing, and Liurnia was winning the war. I had personally witnessed the power of her warriors and why Marika had not become the ruler of this kingdom.
However, something was bothering me, where was Rennala? These are her memories after all. That didn't matter now, as the victors pursued the stragglers who retreated from the lost battle.
I lowered my sword, breathing heavily and recovering my energy after so much fighting. The nearby Carian knights did the same, watching victory approach. It would have been easier if I could cast spells. Let this be a lesson to improve my combat skills.
Suddenly, a golden light shone in the distance followed by a massive holy explosion.
It blinded me momentarily, but when it disappeared, I watched the burned bodies of Liurnia's forces fall and a colossal crater formed where they had previously stood.
The battlefield fell silent and a red-haired figure left the smoking crater, thus a huge war hammer that looked more like a brick attached to a wooden handle. Radagon's presence energized the capital's forces, who roared in victory, raising their weapons to the sky as they resumed their battle formations.
Liurnia's forces refused to allow their enemy to recover and took the offensive, closing the gap on the red warrior. Unfortunately, they met their end with each swing, shrouded in holy energy, reduced to a red mist.
I stepped back, feeling a pang of fear in my chest and my stomach sinking at the thought of facing such an opponent. I would have to use spells to survive, but it would ruin my disguise.
Radagon raised his right hand and a ring of light appeared in his palm, spinning rapidly in a spray of sparks. The ring grew, dwarfing the size of its caster before being sent toward us.
We immediately dropped to the ground, but the forces behind us were not so lucky and became a trail of broken bodies in a sea of scarlet as the spell progressed.
I was halfway to my feet when I saw a blur approaching, revealing Radagon, who kicked a knight away, crushing his armor and bones.
The second tried to raise his sword, but his upper body disappeared with a swing of the hammer, leaving a pair of legs and organs sprawled on the ground.
The third nearly hit his opponent, but Radagon created another ring and sliced it vertically.
This distraction was more than enough for me to conjure Iron Flesh with my flame and survive the next attack. My body transformed into what named the pyromancy and my feet left the ground as I received a heavy blow to my chest.
I bounced like a ball, letting out pained screams with each impact and leaving a trail of destruction in my path. It wasn't the worst pain I'd felt, but it was high on my list.
I rose to one knee, only to widen my eyes when I saw Radagon in front of me again. I cast Toxic Mist as I rolled away, pointing my right hand at his location while holding my wrist, casting Forbidden Sun.
Radagon stared at me with an unusual mix of anger and surprise as he saw the gigantic fireball approaching. To my dismay, he simply slapped one of my most powerful pyromancies away, where it exploded thunderously in a sea of boiling flames.
"You, knight, are you related to the fire giants?" He pointed his weapon in my direction.
I seriously considered leaving the memory here and now, but salvation arrived in the form of a blinding blue light coming from above.
By the gods, it was unbelievable, the majestic full moon was crossing the stormy sky, surrounded by stars, as if it were physically approaching the ground.
Everyone gazed at this beautiful sight, a large, shining orb bathing the earth in its calming moonlight. A dark figure appeared in the center of the celestial body, slowly approaching until its appearance was revealed.
Rennala, the Queen of the Full Moon, walked through the air with grace and beauty, maintaining a regal posture and an impassive face as she surveyed the battlefield with her sharp, judgmental gaze.
Her eyes focused on the red-haired warrior, who cast another incantation, but the Queen acted quickly and pointed her staff in his direction. A tiny blue dot glowed at the tip of the staff until an absolute magical bolt boiled the air, descending with overwhelming power and consuming Radagon.
A cloud of dust and smoke hid him from the rest of the world, but soon revealed him kneeling in the center of a pit, covered in scalding burns.
A second bolt similar to the first came next, but Radagon disappeared in a flash of gold and resurfaced a few meters away, sending a barrage of golden rings towards Rennala, who wrapped herself in her full moon and dove towards her adversary.
Soon both combatants clashed, lighting up the night with blue and gold, filling the air with spells and incantations, the sounds of their blows echoing far and wide along with the tide of ruins they left behind.
I heard them both laugh in amusement, but soon I was left with the dark outline in the corner of my vision. It seemed my host had returned.
"LEAVE!"
The creature crawled amidst the dead and ruins, blending into the darkness, and staying low to the ground.
Unfortunately for it, I detected its presence. It advanced quickly, trampling over the Carian warriors distracted by the spectacle, and leaped towards me.
I stabbed my sword into her chest as I was brought to the ground, planting my feet on her stomach before kicking her away, only to find myself in the hallway as I stood up with a pyromancy spell ready.
The cracks expanded, separating my surroundings and revealing a bright light that I feared I would fall into if I tripped. Furniture was destroyed, its pieces floating along, books leafing through themselves, and decorations crumbling into dust.
The paintings moved as I passed, their occupants following me with their eyes and whispering incomprehensible phrases. The unearthly gale buzzed past my ears, opening and closing the various doors.
I looked into one of them and saw more memories, but I didn't dare to cross it again, remaining in the doorway and watching the other side.
I saw the renovated church of vows, with Miriel at its center and Rennala and Radagon holding hands at its front, wearing the ceremonial robes of what I believed to be their respective cultures.
This must have been the moment when the houses of the Erdtree and the Moon came together, judging by the decorations, flowers, and members of both houses in the place.
The couple exchanged their vows with smiles and tears, and with Miriel's final words, they sealed their union with a loving kiss amid the cheers of the Carians and the people of the Erdtree.
I closed the door with a smile and walked to the next one, passing the painting of a thin man wearing blue priest's robes and a golden hat with a hole in the center.
Opening the second door, I saw a messy child's room, where a small boy with tan skin and wild red hair was rocking on a wooden horse.
"Go, Leonard!" He raised a pair of wooden swords with a glint in his eye, making me stifle a laugh.
The next door revealed a pale boy with straight red hair in a dimly lit room, where he laughed sadistically as he watched a snake in an aquarium devour a live mouse.
"Yesss, join the Serpent King as familyyyy and togethaaarrr we shall devouaaarrr the very gaaadsss!" He rubbed his hands together.
I frowned at this display. I prefer to believe that people are not born evil, but there was something wrong with this child, something in his eyes that I have seen in many madmen and murderers.
The last door showed me a room full of books where a dark-haired girl in a large hat played classroom with a wolf boy and stuffed animals serving as students.
"Watch closely, Blaidd, for I will show you my power as the Lunar Princess!" She raised both hands, only for blue sparks to shoot from her palms, disappointing her as the boy laughed.
I didn't know how to react, I found them both adorable, but I couldn't erase the bitterness I felt at knowing what they would both do in the future. Furthermore, what is the half-wolf's relationship with Rennala?
I followed my path, going from door to door and watching time pass by for this family.
There were moments of joy when Rennala sang songs for her children to fall asleep, read stories, or taught them sorcery, or Radagon carried them on his shoulders and arms, pretending to be a steed, trained them in combat, or told stories of his exploits on the battlefield.
Birthdays, travels, visits to distant relatives, and adventures. I watched them grow as time passed, slowly taking on the appearance of what I believed to be their current versions.
In that small moment, I felt a beat in my heart, an overwhelming longing for something I didn't remember, something taken from me. I saw a man hugging a woman holding a baby in her arms. I couldn't identify their faces or clothes, everything disappeared as quickly as it had appeared, melting into wax.
Joy, sadness, and something else. I felt it burning in my chest and something running down my face, but soon apathy replaced it all as there was nothing left, after all, how could I miss something that didn't exist?
I stopped this train of thought as soon as I felt a heat in my hand, the frenzied flame burning, contorting my fingers. I held my wrist and took a deep breath, frowning in effort, trying to calm myself, feeling the flame disappear and returning to my exploration.
A perfect family was impossible, and I saw their worst moments, arguments due to disagreements and different philosophies, rivalries, insults, and tears shed in the heat of the moment, always with reconciliation and understanding when everything had calmed down.
It seemed that everything would end well until the fateful day arrived, Rennala held the amber egg while extending a hand towards Radagon who left without giving a last look of regret or apology.
The door closed and the Queen fell to her knees in the academy library, shedding tears and hurling insults at her former spouse and the person responsible for taking him away.
It was only the beginning of her suffering, as news of the Night of the Black Knives and Ranni's death reached her ears, with the fragmentation of the Elden Ring and the war between the demigods coming soon after.
The fates of Radahn and Rykard were unknown, but she could only assume the worst. I heard the screams of a desperate mother reverberate through the dark hall. She clawed at her face and tore at her hair, her heart and mind, breaking apart with the tragedies in rapid succession.
I do not know how long this heartbreaking scene lasted.
I cowered with my eyes closed, but after crying out unanswered questions, denying reality, or wallowing in anger and sadness, the Queen fell silent, caressing the last gift left behind.
Raya Lucaria's betrayal had probably been uninterrupted, but considering all the challenges I had faced, the red wolf, knight, and sorcerer had kept the traitors at bay.
Ranni and Blaidd appeared, tending to Rennala and setting up final defenses in case the protectors failed, but the Queen did not react to their presence, completely unaware of the world.
Finally, she entered the state in which I had first encountered her, wrapped in a golden bubble while holding the amber egg like a child.
To my surprise and disgust, I discovered the origins of the children surrounding her, sorcerers who had volunteered to be reborn without their imperfections, but instead became failed attempts to recreate Ranni with the Great Rune in the egg, seeing and protecting Rennala as their mother.
The doors to the great library opened and a Carian knight, therefore staff and sword, entered.
"Hello, is anyone here? Lady Rennala?" The knight spoke until he bumped into one of the children. "Hello, little one! I apologize for kicking you. Do you know where I can find Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon?"
She raised her head and stared at him with her mouth open as she made strange noises.
"HAHAHA!" Several laughs echoed along with the sound of something metallic hitting the floor.
Gradually, several candlesticks carried by children like the first one lit up the library, then everyone looked up.
"Hush, little culver." A female voice said. "I'll soon birth thee anew, a sweetling, fresh, and pure..." Rennala said, caressing the amber egg in her hands.
"Godwyn, it seems we will have to fight." The knight said, preparing his sword and staff.
I closed the last door behind me, knowing what would follow, and stood in the center of the hallway, thinking about what to do.
"WHAT IS THE POINT OF ALL THIS?! WHY REVEAL SO MANY MEMORIES TO ME EVEN THOUGH YOU ORDERED ME TO LEAVE?!" I shouted, waiting for the voice to respond.
"LEAVE!"
"FORGIVE ME, BUT I AM UNABLE TO! I WENT FROM DOOR TO DOOR, WITHOUT FINDING A WAY OUT!"
"LEAVE!"
"HOW ABOUT YOU SHOW ME WHERE TO GO THEN?" As soon as I uttered those words, an ornate double door appeared at one end of the hallway.
"LEAVE!"
"WHAT ARE YOU EXACTLY? MISS RENNALA, OR SOMETHING ELSE? WHY DO YOU WANT TO THROW ME OUT SO MUCH? DID I DO SOMETHING TO OFFEND YOU? DO YOU CONSIDER ME A THREAT?"
"LEAVE!"
TEC!
TEC!
TEC!
"Unless, of course, your words are not directed at me…" I turned with my shield raised, blocking a swing aimed at my head with a metallic crack, applying more force and parrying the blow to the side.
A second blow came from the opposite direction, but I stepped back, dodging the sharp nails and striking the arm right after, leaving a bloody cut.
The monstrosity screeched in fury, but I didn't back down and swung my sword, assuming a thrusting stance and attempting to pierce its head. Unfortunately, it leaped to the side, clinging to the wall and crawling away like a spider, destroying the double doors and invading what was on the other side.
I gave chase, sheathing my shield and removing my staff and chime from my bag. I conjured a barrage of Dark Orbs towards the monster, but it moved nimbly, dodging the spells that left smoking holes as it hit the ceiling.
I found myself in the great library again, but gray cobwebs covered every possible spot, similar to the nest of the Duke's Dear Freja, with a familiar figure wrapped in a large web on the other side of the hall.
Rennala had only her head free, screaming and struggling in protest, trying to free herself. The creature returned, walking just above the queen, allowing me to see her.
She was an extremely distorted figure of Marika, tall, thin, large, pale, and hunched, using six remaining limbs of the original eight to keep herself upright, with disheveled pale blond hair hiding her face and a mass of dark scraps serving as clothes and a cape, similar to the spiders I faced in the chapel and in Stormveil.
I believe she is the culmination of all of Rennala's traumas, after all, it was Marika's expansion that caused her sister's departure, and it was Marika who ordered Radagon's invasion of Liurnia.
It was Marika who took Radagon from her, it was Marika who planted the desire for revenge in Ranni, leading to Godwyn's death and she, it was Marika who shattered the Pristine Ring, starting this war.
And now, Marika is the one preventing Rennala from freeing herself from her prison. Marika, Marika, Marika, why is Godwyn's mother responsible for most of the problems I encounter?
"Listen to me, free Rennala immediately and I will allow you to retreat with the remaining members!" I pointed my staff at the beast, receiving a high-pitched screech in return.
"So be it. I know how to deal with pests like you." I cast Fire Dance, creating a flaming arc and setting several of the webs ablaze.
The material ignited immediately and spread at the same speed. I advanced towards the Queen, casting pyromancies and creating an inferno around me.
The books and furniture suffered the same fate, burning amidst the crackling of flames and the crackling of the wood as it gave way, filling the air with smoke and steam as the temperature rose.
The false Marika roared in terror and crawled towards Rennala, probably intending to use her as a hostage, but I did not allow it. I snapped my fingers and a small ball of fire floated in her path, exploding in her chimey as she passed over it.
The monster shrieked in agony, flying away with a trail of smoke and landing in the center of the library with a heavy thud, cracking the floor. Its heavily burned flesh stank horribly, and its clothes were nothing more than charred rags fluttering in the wind.
"I gave you a chance, but you ignored it, now suffer the consequences."
She tried to reorient herself, only to stare at my flame aimed at her face, which soon took on a similar appearance to her belly after receiving a scalding spiral from close range.
"After all the trouble you've caused me, did you think I would give you time to get back on your feet? I expected more, but I believe your deplorable performance explains why you always stalk me. You are a cowardly parasite who possesses no power whatsoever, preferring to prey on the depths of individuals' minds rather than confront them directly. You are the cruel voice deep within our heads, preventing us from moving forward, tempting us to give up and live in an illusion, our fears, insecurities, traumas, bad memories, and more. I can't say I've dealt with anything like you before, and if I have faced such a battle, then it has disappeared from the confines of my consciousness, and you will meet the same fate, but not at my hands."
The flames reached the webs that imprisoned Rennala, weakening them and allowing the Queen to free herself with a cry of effort, landing in a crouch, breathing heavily for a few seconds before standing up with a murderous look.
She approached with hurried steps and clenched teeth, ignoring the chaos and destruction that surrounded her and making the beast shiver in fear, trying to get up, but failing pathetically.
The Queen raised her hand and manifested her staff with a blue glow, but instead of casting a spell and finishing the creature, she used her tool like a mace to crush her enemy's skull.
CRACK!
CRACK!
CRACK!
She let out a shrill scream with each blow, releasing all the feelings she had pent up for years and staining her clothes and face with the creature's dark blood, which begged for mercy.
I looked away in fear, Rennala's once beautiful and graceful face contorted into something from a horror story, and the source of her suffering had given up fighting, but that didn't stop her attacker from continuing.
SPLAT!
And with one final blow, the beast's head was nothing more than a reddish pulp full of blond hair.
Rennala soon focused her attention on me, and I soon assumed I was next, judging by her nondescript face and bloodied form, with disheveled hair and ruined robes. However, she stared at me intensely as the fire consumed everything, collapsing the library in a shower of rubble and ash.
The glowing insects returned and I saw my form disappearing into the mist, obstructing my vision along with the fire and smoke, but amidst this wall of obstacles, I heard a voice.
"Thank you."
Then everything disappeared.
-XXXXXX-
Blaidd and Drummond fought vigorously against the endless horde of crystal golems. Steel and enchantments tore through the air, eliminating crowds in a shower of shining fragments. However, it was a losing battle, as the enemy numbers only increased.
"If we perish here, I would just like to say that it was good to know you and fight by your side while it lasted." The half-wolf took a breath, resting his back against his companion.
"Don't talk like that, we just need to hold them off a little longer." Drummond replied, his armor covered in cuts and dents.
"What makes you think our friend down there has made it? It's been a long time."
"Call it a hunch."
Blaidd clicked his tongue at the humorous response and turned his attention to his enemies. Both combatants raised their weapons in defiance, prepared to fight to the bitter end, but stopped as the golems did the same, standing like statues in varying positions.
A buzzing sound echoed through the crystal cavern, and the mineral constructs shook like leaves in the wind, before exploding into glittering dust.
"Well, it seems he succeeded!" Drummond rested his ax on his shoulder.
"I suppose I owe you an apology for doubting him. But how will we get to Miss Rennala? Those crystals are enormous." Blaidd sighed wearily, shaking off the confusion of the previous scene and stomping his feet on the ground.
"Allow me." He walked to the center of the chamber, raising his weapon.
"What do you plan to do?" The half-wolf raised a questioning eyebrow.
"I will use the ash of war on this thing."
He raised his ax with both hands, holding its tip against the ground and bringing it down with all his strength. A tremor shook the area as the heavy blow landed, cracking the crystals.
Two more similar blows followed soon after, the last one being the strongest and destroying the barrier in its path, leaving a hole large enough for everyone to pass through.
"Everything okay down there?!" He crouched down at the edge of the hole and peered inside.
"COUGH! COUGH! Drummond?!" a surprised Alden responded, waving the powdered crystal away from his face.
"Where is Miss Rennala?!" Blaidd interrupted the conversation, stopping beside the knight.
"She is safe and unharmed thanks to some healing miracles, but unconscious!"
"Thank the moon." The half-wolf sighed in relief.
However, that relief disappeared as the crystal cave shook and trembled, with pieces of the upper levels crashing down toward the individuals present.
"BUT OF COURSE THIS PLACE WOULD COLLAPSE AS SOON AS RENNALA STOPPED USING HER MAGIC! WHY AM I NOT SURPRISED?!" Drummond threw his arms up.
"And there's no way we can climb back up!" Blaidd tried to keep his balance.
"Get down here! I'll get us out of this place!" Alden held his chime, approaching Rennala as both presents jumped down without hesitation.
"I hope you have a plan!" Blaidd commented.
"There's a slim chance of failure since this miracle interacts with the last bonfires I rested in." The sorcerer dropped to one knee, holding his artifact with both hands.
"That's not comforting! And what the hell do you mean by miracle and bonfire?!"
"Stop complaining and enjoy the spectacle!" Drummond elbowed him in the side, making him jump and growl slightly.
A large golden circle appeared on the floor, illuminating the cave and surrounding everyone present, with Alden at its center.
A mass of darkness crept from the sorcerer's feet, covering his surroundings, but never going beyond the limits of the miracle. The glow intensified and streaks of light flowed towards the ceiling, creating an almost divine image amidst the approaching collapse.
Then, everyone disappeared, leaving the cave behind as everything fell to the ground.
END OF CHAPTER.