In the depths of the Trelvon Layer, silence reigned, broken only by the echo of dripping water. Mamir, Runya, and Ener stepped forward until they reached the iron cage. Inside, chained and broken, lay Necor. Ten years of darkness had carved lines upon his face, his wrists raw and bloodied from the iron shackles.
Runya pressed her hands against the bars. Ancient elvish words flowed from her lips, glowing runes shimmered, and with a groan the gate unlocked.
Without hesitation, Mamir entered. He gripped the heavy chains binding Necor's wrists and pulled with all his strength. His muscles tightened, his teeth clenched—and with a resounding crack, the chains shattered. Necor collapsed to his knees, rubbing his scarred wrists.
— "We were forced to leave you, Mamir…" he whispered, voice trembling. "But my heart never left your side."
Mamir's eyes burned with emotion.
— "Uncle… I have you back now. I'll never let you go again."
Necor lifted his head. The shadow in his eyes faded, replaced by a growing light. In that moment, the three companions saw not a prisoner, but a warrior reborn.
---
FLASHBACK
A young Mamir gripped a wooden sword, only to stumble and fall. Tears welled up in his eyes.
— "I can't do it…" he muttered.
Necor crouched beside him, smiling as he pulled him back to his feet.
— "Falling is the first step to learning, Mamir. As long as you rise again, you will never be defeated."
Beside them stood a younger Ener. Necor corrected his stance too, guiding his hand on the hilt.
— "You two must always stand side by side. As long as you do, no darkness can destroy you."
The three of them had laughed beneath the bright sun of that day.
---
Necor blinked, returning to the present. His voice gained strength.
— "I have a surprise for you."
He walked to the far wall where a massive boulder sat. Planting his hands against it, he pushed with all his might. The stone groaned and shifted, revealing a hidden chest beneath.
When the lid opened, three swords gleamed within. Two were identical—twins, forged as if from the same steel. The third was massive, reminiscent of the great blade Ener had once carried on his shoulder.
Necor gazed at them with solemn eyes.
— "You always wanted a blade like this, didn't you, Mamir? These are forged from the very essence of darkness itself. Cursed blades… as rare as elven light, and just as deadly against creatures of shadow."
He lifted the twin swords, spinning them briefly with familiar grace. Then he turned and extended the colossal blade toward Ener.
— "What are you waiting for, Ener? Take it."
Ener froze. His eyes filled with tears, his voice heavy.
— "I thought I was just Mamir's childhood friend… I didn't think you would remember me. But you… you didn't forget."
Necor smiled softly.
— "You were never just a friend, Ener. I trained you as well. You used to call me 'Master,' remember?"
Ener's mind drifted back.
---
FLASHBACK
Necor placed Ener's trembling hands firmly on a sword hilt.
— "Your strength doesn't come from your arms, Ener, but from your heart."
The boy struggled, sweat dripping down his face.
— "Master… do you really think I can do this?"
Necor chuckled and tapped his shoulder.
— "As long as you walk beside Mamir, you will always succeed."
---
Ener's eyes snapped open. He clutched the dark blade tightly to his chest and whispered:
— "Yes… Master. I remember."
Now, reunited, Mamir, Runya, Ener, and Necor stood side by side. Chains shattered, bonds reforged. The family—and the brotherhood—was whole once more, ready to march into the depths of darkness together.
---