The Betrayal at Moon's Gate
The sun hung low as Kaelen and Selene emerged from the mire, their bodies weary, their minds heavy with what they'd faced. But the land ahead brought little comfort — jagged rocks, sparse grass, and the looming shape of Moon's Gate — the ruins of a fortress that had once guarded the mountain pass.
Moon's Gate had long since fallen, its walls cracked and crumbling, its towers half-swallowed by time. But it still stood as a symbol of defiance — and now, it would be the place where paths crossed and choices were made.
As they approached the outer wall, Kaelen's eyes caught movement. Figures on horseback. He reached for his dagger, but Selene's hand shot out. "Wait. Look at their banners."
Kaelen squinted. Two riders dismounted, their cloaks bearing a silver falcon and a crimson sun — noble crests of two once-great kingdoms. They removed their helms, revealing faces both youthful and hardened by duty.
The first was a man of twenty winters, tall and proud, with dark hair pulled back and sharp eyes that missed nothing. His armor bore the marks of battle, but he moved with a soldier's grace. "I am Lord Eryndor Valryn, of the House of the Falcon," he said, his voice calm but commanding. "And this is Lady Aelira Solayne, heir of the Crimson Sun."
Aelira, no older than Kaelen, stepped forward. Her hair was gold as dawn, her eyes a deep green that seemed to see through lies. She wore a light mail shirt beneath a scarlet cloak, and at her hip hung a slim, curved blade. "We mean you no harm," she said. "We seek what you seek."
Selene's eyes narrowed. "And what would nobles want with the Sunforged Spear?"
Eryndor's expression remained steady. "Our kingdoms lie in ruin. The Dragon King's shadow grows each day. We seek the Spear not for power, but to end this war — to bring peace, before there's nothing left to rule."
Aelira stepped beside him, voice softer. "Please. Let us join you. No one finds the Spear alone. Together, we have a chance."
Kaelen hesitated. He felt the scar on his arm burn faintly, as if the Spear itself whispered warnings he could not hear. But he saw the truth in their eyes — or wanted to.
Selene crossed her arms. "The more who seek the Spear, the more danger we invite."
"True," Eryndor said. "But also the more strength we bring. Together, or divided — the choice is yours."
Kaelen met Selene's gaze. He saw the storm of doubt in her eyes, but also the faintest nod. They both knew — if the Stonekin and worse hunted them, they'd need allies.
"Alright," Kaelen said. "We travel together. But understand this — the Spear isn't a prize. It's a responsibility."
Eryndor smiled, a warrior's smile. "Well said."
And so the pact was made. Four souls, bound by need, by hope, and by the weight of destiny.
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Moon's Gate's Secrets
They set camp inside the broken walls of the fortress as night fell. Aelira tended to Kaelen's shoulder wound with gentle hands, her touch cool and sure. "You fought bravely in the mire," she said softly.
Kaelen flushed, unused to praise. "I did what I had to."
"You have the look of one who carries too much," she said, her eyes kind. "But perhaps together we can share the burden."
Eryndor stood watch near a broken archway, his gaze fixed on the horizon. Selene sat apart, sharpening her daggers, silent and watchful.
As the night deepened, they spoke in hushed tones — of their homelands, of battles lost, of dreams of peace. Aelira spoke of her father's kingdom, now little more than ash and ruin. Eryndor spoke of the last stand of the Falcon Guard. There was pain in their voices, but also resolve.
And above them, the stars wheeled silently, as they had for ages.
---
The Betrayal
At dawn, the fortress seemed to breathe with ancient life. Kaelen woke to the scent of smoke — but not from their campfire. He shot to his feet. "What—"
A horn blast echoed through the mountains. From the pass beyond Moon's Gate, a line of torches flickered — the Stonekin, advancing.
Selene swore under her breath. "How did they find us?"
But Kaelen's gaze fell on Eryndor, who stood apart, his sword drawn — and the map in his hand. The map of the Spear's resting place. The map they'd come here to find.
"You…" Kaelen's voice was hollow. "You betrayed us."
Eryndor's face was grim. "I had no choice. My people — I made a pact. I give them the map, they spare the last of my kin. It's the only way."
Aelira stared at him, hurt flashing in her eyes. "Eryndor, no…"
Kaelen stepped forward, fury rising. "You would doom us all for a bargain with monsters?"
Eryndor's grip tightened on his sword. "I would save what's left of my people. And if you stand in my way—"
Selene was already moving. Blades flashed in the morning light. Steel rang on steel as Kaelen and Selene clashed with Eryndor. Aelira tried to intervene, but the Stonekin were upon them.
The fortress became a battleground. Kaelen fought with all he had, anger fueling his strikes. Eryndor was skilled, but Kaelen's desperation made him fierce.
At last, Kaelen's blade knocked the sword from Eryndor's hand. The map fluttered from his grasp, caught by the wind.
"Go, Kaelen!" Selene shouted, as the Stonekin closed in. "Get the map! Find the Spear!"
Kaelen hesitated — but only for a heartbeat. He turned and ran, Aelira at his side, as Selene held the line.
Behind them, Eryndor sank to his knees, the weight of his choices heavy upon him. And the Stonekin swarmed over Moon's Gate, hungry for blood and secrets.
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🌟 The betrayal had been written in the stars. But the journey was far from over.
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