All Chapters of Echoes in the Ashes: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

As the troop pushed forward, their will unwavering in the face of growing peril, the winds howled around the rocky peaks. There was no time for hesitating as the tiny road wound along the brink of the cliff. Zara took the lead, her piercing eyes ever alert as she darted between the rocky landscape and the far horizon. Kael stood guard behind her, his senses keen and his sword at the ready.Lyra and Elara strolled alongside each other, their steps timed like a clock. With one hand firmly gripping the map and the other resting on her belt, Lyra was prepared to draw her blade if needed. Ever observant, Elara looked for any movement in the darkness. Doran, who was a little behind, appeared to be carrying an unseen burden, his eyes dark with anxiety.An old stone archway carved into the rock face was visible when the cliffside opened up into a plateau. Time had masked the significance of symbols engraved into the surface, which shone faintly. As they took in the scene, the group stopped, t

None of them had expected how dangerous the plunge into the centre of the cliffs would be. With every stride, the terrible weight of the unknown pressed against their chests, making the air thicker. With his hand firmly clutching his sword's hilt, Kael took the initiative. Zara trailed closely behind, her keen eyes searching the shadows for any sign of activity. Doran trailed after, his silence noticeable, as Elara and Lyra walked side by side, their faces a mix of resolve and discomfort.As they continued, the road became narrower and they had to move in single file. Dark shadows appeared to move and writhe as flickering torchlight danced across the ragged granite walls. Something caustic mixed with the subtle smell of moist dirt, causing the hairs on Zara's neck to stand on end.Over the sound of their boots crunching on loose dirt, Doran whispered, "We're close.""To what precisely?" Elara's tone was stern as she asked.Doran paused, his gaze flitting uneasily. "The artefact." You'

The woodland floor was covered in dancing patterns as the first rays of sunlight seeped through the thick canopy above. With their camp packed up with military efficiency, the group was already in motion. Zara took the lead, her blade securely fastened to her back, and Anya trailed a few paces behind, her presence still drawing suspicious looks from the others.The typical symphony of birdsong had been replaced by an oppressive calm, and the woodland was disturbingly quiet. Zara became tense, her gut telling her that something was wrong.Anya broke the stillness by saying, "This path leads to the nearest settlement." "After that, we can plan our next course of action and gather supplies."Although his hand never left the hilt of his blade, Kael grunted his approbation.Just before noon, the village came into view. It was a collection of wooden houses surrounded by expansive fields. Smoke was rising from the chimneys, and the sound of children's laughter could be heard in the air.Zara

The early morning sun was having a hard time breaking through the canopy of the thick forest, which was a maze of tall trees and tangled vegetation. Zara kept the party moving at a steady pace while keeping an eye out for any indication of a chase. Although the Vanguard had suffered a serious setback in the battle at the river, they were also directly targeted.With just hand gestures and sporadic murmurs for communication, the group travelled in silence. Every movement was exact, every stride deliberate. They were getting ready for something more significant than merely surviving.They arrived at a clearing before midday, where a slender path wound its way up into the hills. Anya stopped and looked at a hand-drawn map with several sites of interest highlighted on it."The eastern outpost is accessible via this trail," she stated. Although it's a smaller base, their communication network depends on it. We'll make it impossible for them to organise reinforcements in this area if we can

As the troop advanced, the smouldering remains of the Vanguard's core hub were left in their wake. The air was clear. Never had victory tasted so sour. The crew felt that their battle was far from finished and that invisible eyes were watching them every step of the way, even though they were successful.The first person to notice it was Anya. She stopped in the middle of her stride, her head cocked slightly as though she was trying to hear something that was just out of her regular range.Her voice was tense as she muttered, "They're following us."Kael's hand automatically reached for his sword. "Are you certain?"Anya gave a nod. "I would wager my life on it." It's too quiet in the forest. They are good, whatever they are.The gang should seek cover in the thick undergrowth, Zara signalled. Breathing shallowly and deliberately, the group vanished into the darkness. A little while later, there was a slight rustling sound coming from the trees."Scouts from Vanguard?" Holding a tiny