All Chapters of Echoes in the Ashes: Chapter 61 - Chapter 70

Pale gold streaks appeared on the tired faces of Kael's team as the first rays of dawn peaked through the dense forest canopy. The memories of their betrayal at the temple were still vivid in their thoughts, and the night had been long and sleepless. The wounds to their trust and morale were still fresh even after the injuries had been treated.Standing apart from the others, Kael gazed into the dwindling campfire's embers. His mind was racing with ideas of what they would do next. The Syndicate's treachery had shown a weakness—their conceit—but it had also served as a planned reminder of their dominance.He clenched his fists and whispered to himself, "We'll use that against them."A Strategy DevelopsThe crew convened around mid-morning to deliberate on their next course of action. Even though there was still a hint of hesitation, Kael stood in the middle, commanding their attention with his powerful presence.He started, "The Syndicate believes they have won." They believe that we

Anticipation made the night come to life. The intensity flowing through the insurgent camp seemed to be matched by the flickering stars above. Kael, Zara, Elara, and Lyra clustered around a centre fire, the flames shining on their faces. As they all considered the discovery from the last chapter, there were many unanswered questions in the air.They had not anticipated the turn of events that followed Doran's betrayal. The scars from his deceit now hung over them as they prepared themselves to attack the Citadel. They had to move quickly, but their dynamics had changed due to the awareness of an inside threat.Through the crackle of the fire, Zara's voice pierced through: "We can't afford another blind spot." Her fists rested on her knees as she leaned forward. "We've progressed too much to allow fear to control us."Kael gave a nod but remained silent. His gaze was fixed on the horizon, as if he thought the towers of the Citadel would suddenly rise out of the shadows. The quiet was b

The valley below was bathed in an amber glow from the early sun, but the warmth was illusory. Zara and her friends were standing on the mountain ridge, looking out at the expansive stronghold in the distance, when a chilly breeze blew through. They had come to this location—a fortress hewn into the rock, a seat of authority, the origin of the repressive powers that had been chasing them for months.Zara stated, "We've come too far to falter now," in a steady but tired voice. They had all suffered on the trek, but her will had not wavered.Kael stood beside her, pulling his armor's straps tighter. Zara, it's not about stumbling. It all comes down to being ready. Our lives will be on the line in this battle.Elara and Lyra looked at each other behind them. Elara's hands were lightly resting on her daggers as she looked around for any activity on the horizon. Lyra's mind was whirling with calculations and plans as she clutched a little, glowing sphere in her hands."If my readings are tr

Gold and crimson streaks painted the sky as the sun rose above the broken horizon. Gazing at the far-off ruins of the citadel, Zara stood on the hill with her hair blowing in the wind. Even if her resolution was burning hot inside, her breath created a mist in the chilly early air. The others in the group stirred behind her, exhausted but determined.With his heavy boots crushing the frost-dusted grass, Kael walked softly towards her. His voice was low and worried as he remarked, "You didn't sleep again.""How could I?" Zara answered, her voice tinged with resolve and fatigue. "They have more time to bolster their defences with every second we waste."Kael followed her eyes to the fortress and nodded. "Those walls hold the key," he stated. But using force alone won't get you in. The traps of the Shadowbound are difficult to escape.Zara's eyes were angry as she turned to face him. We have Lyra and Elara because of this. They have as sharp a mind as any razor.Elara and Lyra emerged, t

The forest floor was painted in a rainbow of green and gold as the early sun broke through the thick canopy overhead. Elara was the first to awaken, her senses keenly aware of the silence surrounding their secret camp. A tangible reminder of the perils they had just barely avoided, the anxiety from the night before persisted in the air.Kael awoke close by, opening his eyes and reflexively clutching the hilt of his sword. "Is there anything out of the ordinary?" he said softly.Elara said, "No," but her voice was a little uncomfortable. However, something seems... strange. We ought to relocate shortly.The others started to wake up. Zara came out of her temporary shelter, her face as stern as usual. Lyra joined the group around the remains of their fire last, staring blearily. With a worried expression on his face and his eyes focused on the far horizon, Doran sat apart.Zara said, "We have to make a decision," speaking to everyone. Should we take the longer path around the marshes or