Storms of Destiny
Chapter 11: The Writh of Truth
The sun shimmered across the gentle waves as the Aurion glided through the open sea. On the main deck, a quiet tension filled the air. The mysterious artifact they had fought so hard to claim—the Writh of Truth—rested atop a carved pedestal, its polished surface glowing faintly with threads of red and gold.
Pol stood before it, the wind tugging at his coat. Around him, the Embarkers had gathered—Kaiden with arms crossed and one eyebrow raised, Nira quietly observing with her ever-focused gaze, Sorin squinting at the artifact like it owed him money, and Mirae holding her staff close, brows knitted in concern.
Pol reached forward, fingers hovering above the Writh's engraved seal. "Here goes nothing," he muttered and pressed his hand against the markings.
A burst of warm energy pulsed from the artifact. Ancient letters shimmered to life, curling and shifting across the surface in a fiery hue. To most, the symbols were unreadable—but not to Pol. His bloodline, the Flamingers, carried the knowledge to decode the language of the old clans.
He began to read aloud.
> "This Writh is but one shard of the Flame's Memory. Seek the center where truth sleeps. In the depths of the divided flame, the path to peace or ruin shall be chosen. Only when all nine Wriths are assembled will the legacy of the ST and EL be revealed."
As he spoke, silence gripped the deck.
Then Lamin broke it.
"Okay, but does anyone else feel like that just raised more questions than answers?"
"Definitely," Sorin grumbled. "Like, what the heck is a 'divided flame'? Sounds like something you get when Nira tries to cook."
Nira turned slowly toward him, one hand on her dagger. "You're still alive because I haven't tried."
Kaiden chuckled. "Classic. World-changing prophecy, followed by kitchen threats."
Mirae shook her head with a soft laugh. "We've just learned there's a weapon or truth that can reshape our clans' history, and you all are focused on food and fire metaphors?"
Sorin smirked. "Hey, if destiny's going to kill us, I want my last words to be funny."
Pol, despite the heavy news, allowed himself a brief smile. "You guys are impossible."
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A Gesture of Trust
Later that evening, the sun dipped low, painting the sea in hues of orange and pink. Kaiden stood at the ship's bow, the breeze brushing through his hair as he stared toward the horizon.
Pol approached silently, a sword wrapped in crimson cloth in his hand.
"Kaiden," he said.
Kaiden glanced sideways, curious.
Pol held out the blade. "Take it. It's yours now."
Kaiden blinked. "Wait, what?"
"This sword—it's served me well. But you're the better swordsman. And I trust you with it. More than anyone."
Kaiden raised a brow. "You sure this isn't a mid-life crisis?"
Pol laughed. "I'm eighteen."
"Exactly," Kaiden replied with a smirk, taking the sword carefully. He examined the hilt, the familiar weight of battle humming in the weapon. "It's a fine blade. But you know…"
Kaiden Continued "I've always preferred The Dragon Sword."
Mirae, passing by, perked up. "Wait,So You used The Dragon Sword?"
Kaiden nodded proudly. "Yeah."
Sorin leaned over the railing. "I named my left boot. It's called Pain Bringer."
Lamin deadpanned. "Your boot isn't magical."
"It kicked a demon once."
"And you screamed louder than the demon."
Kaiden sheathed his sword and turned to Pol. "Thanks, though. I'll carry both, if that's alright. And maybe one day... I'll tell you the story behind the Dragon Sword."
Pol nodded, eyes glinting with curiosity. "I'll hold you to that."
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Setting Sail Again
Night had fallen, the sky clear and littered with stars. Below deck, laughter echoed as the Embarkers gathered for a humble meal—though most of it came from Sorin and Lamin arguing over who had the better battle stance.
Above, Pol stood at the helm, watching the sea. Behind him, the Writh of Truth was secured in the ship's hold—a powerful reminder of what lay ahead.
He could still hear the words:
> "Nine Wriths. Flame's Memory. Peace or ruin."
Kaiden joined him, arms crossed. "You worried?"
Pol shook his head. "Not worried. Just... ready."
Kaiden grinned. "Good. 'Cause I think the sea's about to get a lot rougher."
As the Aurion sailed forward into the vast unknown, their spirits were high, their hearts aligned. They had found one Writh, but the journey for truth—and destiny—was only just beginning.
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End of Chapter 11
With this chapter the Frostbane Isle Arc Begins
Next In Chapter 12:The Flameborn Rises