The Varaksha’s Curse

The sun climbed higher into the sky as Kiran and the Varaksha trekked deeper into the forest. The encounter with the Ashen Circle and the vision of Iskar weighed heavily on Kiran's mind. The Varaksha had said the Void Shard was hidden, but it wouldn't stay that way for long.

"How do we even begin to find it?" Kiran asked, breaking the silence.

The Varaksha glanced at him, its golden eyes sharp. "The memories of your ancestors hold the key, but unlocking them will take time. There is, however, someone who may help us. A Keeper."

Kiran frowned. "A Keeper?"

"They are the last of an ancient order," the Varaksha explained. "Guardians of knowledge, tasked with preserving the history of the Watchers and their enemies. If anyone knows the location of the Void Shard, it will be the Keeper."

Kiran felt a flicker of hope. "Where can we find this Keeper?"

The Varaksha paused, its expression unreadable. "She resides in the Obsidian Hollow, a place hidden deep within the mountains to the north. But be warned, Kiran—Keepers do not offer their knowledge freely. She will test you, as all Keepers do."

The journey to the Obsidian Hollow was grueling. The forest gave way to rocky hills, then to jagged cliffs that seemed to claw at the sky. Kiran's muscles ached, and his hands were blistered from climbing.

The Varaksha moved effortlessly, its massive wings carrying it over the rough terrain. "Do not falter now, Kiran," it said, its voice steady. "The path of a Watcher is not an easy one."

After days of travel, they finally reached the entrance to the Obsidian Hollow. It was a narrow, dark crevice in the side of a towering mountain, its edges shimmering faintly as if veiled by an invisible barrier.

Kiran hesitated, feeling a chill crawl up his spine. "Are you sure this is the place?"

"It is," the Varaksha replied. "But only you may enter. The Keeper will not allow me inside."

Kiran's eyes widened. "What? Why?"

"The Keepers are wary of my kind," the Varaksha said. "They see us as reminders of the war, of the power that divided the world. This is your trial, Kiran. I will wait for you here."

Reluctantly, Kiran stepped into the crevice. The air grew colder as he descended, the walls narrowing until he had to squeeze through. The faint shimmer at the entrance became a glowing aura that pulsed rhythmically, almost like a heartbeat.

When he emerged on the other side, he found himself in a vast cavern lit by crystalline formations that cast an eerie, silver light. At the center of the cavern sat a figure cloaked in deep blue robes, her face hidden beneath a hood.

"You've come far, child," the figure said, her voice soft yet commanding. "Few dare to seek the knowledge of a Keeper."

Kiran stepped closer, his heart pounding. "I need your help. The Ashen Circle is searching for the Void Shard, and—"

The Keeper raised a hand, silencing him. "I know why you are here. The echoes of the Circle's corruption reach even this sanctuary. But knowledge is not a gift to be given lightly. If you seek the truth, you must prove yourself worthy."

Kiran frowned. "How?"

The Keeper stood, her movements graceful. "The Void Shard is not merely an object of power. It is a mirror, reflecting the essence of those who seek it. If your heart is not pure, it will destroy you. To find it, you must confront your own fears, your doubts, and the shadows within you."

She extended her hand, and a circle of light appeared on the cavern floor. "Step into the circle, Kiran. Face the trial, and we shall see if you are worthy of the knowledge you seek."

Kiran hesitated, glancing back at the entrance he had come through. But the Varaksha wasn't there to guide him now. He had to do this alone.

Taking a deep breath, he stepped into the circle. The world around him shifted immediately, the cavern dissolving into darkness.

When the light returned, he was standing in the middle of his village—only it wasn't as he remembered it. The homes were in ruins, the ground scorched, and the air thick with smoke.

"Kiran," a voice called, soft and familiar.

He turned to see his mother standing in the distance, her figure bathed in an otherworldly glow. His chest tightened. "Mother?"

She didn't answer, only raised her hand to point at something behind him. Kiran turned and froze.

A younger version of himself stood there, clutching a wooden toy bow. Tears streaked the boy's face as flames consumed the village.

"You couldn't save them," a voice whispered, low and taunting.

Kiran spun around to find the masked figure of Malrik, the leader of the Ashen Circle, standing behind him. The runes on his mask glowed faintly, and his staff pulsed with crimson light.

"You failed them," Malrik continued, his tone mocking. "And you will fail again."

"No!" Kiran shouted, gripping his bow tightly. "I won't let that happen!"

The vision shifted again, and Kiran found himself face-to-face with the shadow beast from the battle. Its fiery eyes bored into him, its breath scorching the air.

"You are nothing without the beast," it hissed. "And even with it, you are weak."

Kiran's heart raced, fear threatening to overwhelm him. But then he heard the Varaksha's voice in his mind, steady and strong. "Do not let the shadows deceive you, Kiran. The strength you seek lies within."

Steeling himself, Kiran raised his bow and aimed at the shadow beast. "You're wrong," he said, his voice firm. "I'm not weak. And I'm not alone."

The beast roared, charging at him. Kiran loosed his arrow, and as it struck, the shadow dissolved into a burst of light.

When Kiran opened his eyes, he was back in the cavern. The Keeper stood before him, her expression unreadable.

"You have faced the shadows and emerged whole," she said. "Perhaps there is hope for you after all."

She stepped closer, pulling a small, glowing sphere from within her robes. "This is a fragment of the Void Shard's essence. It will guide you to the place where the shard is hidden. But be warned: the closer you come, the stronger the Circle's power will grow."

Kiran accepted the sphere, its light warm in his palm. "Thank you," he said, his voice filled with determination.

The Keeper nodded. "Your journey is far from over, Kiran. The Void Shard will test you in ways you cannot yet imagine. Be prepared."

As Kiran left the cavern, he felt a newfound sense of purpose. The road ahead was dangerous, but he wasn't the frightened boy he once was. With the Varaksha by his side and the fragment as his guide, he would face whatever challenges lay ahead.

To be continued…