The Isles Of Avaris Arc Begins With this Chapter
Storms of Destiny Chapter 5: The Isles of Avaris
The Aurion sailed into unfamiliar waters, where the skies above hung low and grey, and the wind whispered with an ominous undertone. Silence lingered across the deck, broken only by the rhythmic creaking of wood and the distant caws of unseen birds. Tension gripped the crew. Whispers and half-heard legends had warned of this place—a domain of riches and ruin.
Pol ST Daniel stood at the helm, the salty wind brushing against his coat. Beside him, Kaiden ST Theri, ever alert, scanned the sea with a frown etched deep into his brow.
"This is no ordinary place," Kaiden said quietly. "The Isles of Avaris are cursed. That's what the stories say."
Pol didn't turn from the horizon. "Cursed or not, the Wriths call to us here. We press forward."
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A Warning from the Sea
"Captain! There's debris ahead!" Lamin's voice rang from the starboard side.
"Sorin!" Pol called.
Without hesitation, Sorin climbed the mast, his gaze sweeping across the water from the crow's nest. "Wreckage! A ship—recently sunk!"
The crew stiffened. Nira's hand fell to her weapon. "This place stinks of danger. If the tales are true, this is where greed comes to die."
"Or to be born," Mirae added softly.
Pol raised a hand. "Prepare for landfall. Eyes sharp. Weapons ready."
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The Isles of Avaris
As the Aurion approached the coastline, the crew beheld a realm both beautiful and terrifying. Towering cliffs ringed the main island like jagged guardians, while golden beaches shimmered beneath thick jungle canopies.
Kaiden narrowed his eyes. "It looks too perfect."
"It's a trap," Pol replied.
The crew deployed the landing boats. Before departing, Pol addressed them with grave clarity. "Legends say Avaris holds untold riches—gold, gems, relics of lost worlds. But such treasures are never without cost. Stay alert. Stay together. No one wanders off."
Nods passed among the crew as they prepared to face whatever waited on shore.
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The First Encounter
The moment their boots met the sand, the air thickened with unnatural energy. The jungle ahead shimmered with humidity and hidden power.
Humanoid figures emerged from the shadows—their skin radiant like gilded stone, eyes sharp and ancient. Treasureborn. An old, secretive race said to be bound to the Isles.
Their leader stepped forward, adorned in golden tattoos that pulsed faintly. His voice echoed like metal scraping glass. "Outsiders. You come seeking what is not yours. Do you know the price?"
Pol met his gaze. "We seek no treasure. Only truth."
The man laughed. "The Isles give nothing freely. To earn answers, you must face the Trials of Avaris. Or turn back, while you still can."
Kaiden sighed. "Why is it never simple?"
Pol allowed himself a half-smile. "Where's the fun in simple?"
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The Trials Begin
Guided briefly by the Treasureborn, the crew ventured into the jungle. Soon, the guides vanished, swallowed by the trees. Ancient carvings marked their path—stories carved into bark and stone, warnings or perhaps instructions.
Nira brushed her fingers across one. "These aren't just myths. They're clues."
Kaiden nodded. "Every trial leaves behind its lessons. Let's learn fast."
The jungle opened into a clearing where a golden chalice sat atop a stone pedestal. Around it, the remnants of past challengers—skeletons, rusted blades, shattered armor.
Pol stepped forward. "The Trial of Greed. Our test begins."
And so, with the weight of destiny pressing on their backs, Pol and his crew stood at the edge of the unknown. The Isles of Avaris had revealed their first secret, and only those who proved themselves worthy would survive what came next.
Next In chapter 6:The Trial Of Greed