Blood of My Blood

For a moment, no one spoke. The air was heavy, as though the tomb itself held its breath.

Gorran's voice came low, uneasy.

"By the gods… he just sat here and died?"

The twins clung closer to Maeryn. One whispered, "Why does it feel like the statues are watching us?"

"Stay close to me," Maeryn whispered.

Alvis stepped forward, his eyes darting from the runes to the statues. "These are the Gods themselves. Zam, goddess of earth. Atar, God of fire. The twin spirits, Spenta and Angra Mainyu—creation and destruction. Tir, God of rain. Ahura, God of wisdom. And Haoma, lord of plants and trees."

Caliondur's gaze fixed on the withered remains. He and his son bowed their heads in reverence. A moment of silence passed before Caliondur's eyes narrowed on the skeletal hands of Elendir.

He whispered. "A Rúncöa."

Gorran scratched his face. "A what?"

Rúmilion spoke softly. "A secret letter box. It only opens for its rightful receiver. Opened by the wrong hands… the message burns to ash."

Caliondur carefully lifted the small box from the brittle bones and handed it to his son. "See if you can find the name of its bearer."

Rúmilion nodded, stepping aside as the others spread out, each examining some corner of the chamber.

Alvis's voice cut through the silence. "And the writings? What do they say?"

Caliondur turned toward the walls. His voice echoed as he read aloud.

"Above the statues: I gathered, I created, I hid. Just as I was told.

Beneath the sword's hilt: Blood of my blood."

He paused. "I knew Elendir spoke our tongue, but to write it so fluently… as if he were born to it. That surprises me."

"Father," Rúmilion suddenly called. "Here—this word. It says mother."

Kazuki froze. "That is what the snake demon told me. Mother knows...., she told me… before her death."

Caliondur met his gaze, then looked away, deep in thought.

Maeryn's eyes lingered on the sword embedded in the wall. She turned to Kazuki.

"Do what you did with the door to the sword."

Kazuki stepped forward, placing his glowing hand against the hilt. Light flared… but the blade did not budge.

Maeryn frowned, her eyes narrowed. "But why would Elendir leave a sword here if he had no lineage?"

The question struck Kazuki like a bolt. He spun toward Alvis.

"Master Alvis—you once told me. Light affinity can only pass from parent to child. Is that correct?"

Alvis straightened, realizing the truth at once. "Indeed."

And then, he and Kazuki turned toward Zephyr.

She blinked, startled by their stares. "What? Why are you all looking at me?"

Kazuki walked forward and gripped her shoulders.

"Zephyr… you are his lineage. You are the heir of Elendir."

"That can't be," Zephyr stammered, shaking her head. "It's impossible—"

"He was the first light user. And now his light passed down to you," Kazuki said firmly. "Try it. Imbue the hilt with light."

Hesitant, Zephyr stepped forward. She laid her hand on the hilt, light blooming from her palm.

The chamber shook as radiant cracks spread across the wall. With one smooth pull, the sword slid free. The statues that lined the tomb split open, their stone shells crumbling, each revealing ancient weapons sealed within.

The sword in Zephyr's hand glowed fiercely.

The chamber fell silent—every face struck with shock and awe.

Gorran's jaw dropped, "I can't believe it."

The twins' eyes sparkled, awe brimming. "Zephyr! You're really a hero!

Caliondur's eyes softened, smile crossing his face. He looked at Zephyr as though seeing Elendir reborn.

"Yes," he whispered. "That sword is Cáltulion… the Light-Bringer." Bowing his head slightly. "Elendir's legacy… has returned to us."

Alvis stepped closer to the cracked statues as he examined the treasures revealed within.

"These weapons," he murmured, "each represents the element of its god."

One by one, he lifted them and placed them in the hands of those destined to wield them.

To Gorran, he gave Zam's colossal hammer. He staggered as the weight met his hands, then laughed in wonder as the stone hummed with the strength of mountains.

To Maeryn, he offered Atar's blazing ring. She slipped it onto her finger, and a pulse of warmth coursed through her veins, flames flickering in her eyes.

To the twins, he handed the paired daggers of the twin spirits—one pale as moonlight, the other black as midnight. They grinned, the blades already mirroring their mirrored souls.

To Ardent, he gave Tir's blade, serene yet unyielding. Ardent exhaled, the sword fitting his grip as if it had always been his.

And at last, he claimed Ahura's staff for himself, the wood etched with runes, wisdom carved into its very grain.

Only one weapon remained: Haoma's bow, carved of living wood, its string gleaming as though woven from sunlight itself.

Caliondur stepped forward. He lifted the bow with both hands. "All of this was prepared by Elendir at the will of the Gods. These gifts were meant for this day… for this battle."

He turned to the party, the bow resting against his shoulder, his expression resolute.

"I will finish my father's work by standing with you in the fight against the darkness."

Later that night, in the quiet of their chamber, Gorran sat on the edge of the bed. His voice was low, almost dazed.

"I still haven't processed everything… You being pregnant, Zephyr's legacy, and this beautiful weapon."

Maeryn, brushing out her hair as she prepared to sleep, gave a small laugh. "It all happened so fast."

Gorran leaned back onto the mattress with a heavy sigh, staring at the carved ceiling. "This place… it's peaceful. Safe. Are you sure you don't want to stay here? Where we're headed—it's dangerous."

Maeryn's tone sharpened as she turned, her eyes locking with his. "The Ashen Vow don't leave each other behind."

"But the child—"

Her voice cut through his. "And what then? That I should sit here in safety, worried sick about you and the others, while I twiddle my thumbs? No Gorran." Heat shimmered from her skin.

"Calm down," Gorran said softly, raising his hands. "I just… I don't want anything to happen to you. To either of you."

She lay down, turning her back to him. "Don't forget the promise you made me. Because I haven't."

Silence hung heavy between them. Then Gorran wrapped his arms around her from behind. He pressed a kiss gently to her.

"I won't forget," he whispered.

Her fingers closed over his hand, holding it tightly against her heart. 

Both knew the path ahead would not allow such peace for long.