The night had fallen like a heavy curtain over Grey Hollow, swallowing the village in shadows thick enough to choke hope. Lanterns flickered weakly in the square, their flames trembling as if sensing the dread that crept closer with every breath of wind.
Alex stood at the edge of the village, his sword sheathed but ready. Around him, Kaelen nocked an arrow, her eyes sharp and alert. Lira's hands glowed faintly with healing light, ready to mend wounds that might soon be carved by steel. Toma stood close, his youthful face pale but determined.
The villagers huddled behind barricades, clutching whatever weapons they could find—pitchforks, old swords, even sharpened sticks. Fear had carved deep lines into their faces, but beneath it, a fragile spark of defiance still burned.
Mother Ysolde's voice was steady as she addressed the crowd. "Tonight, we face the Ashen Knight. But we do not face him alone. We stand together."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the gathered souls, but the tension was palpable.
The Ashen Knight's Demand
From the darkness beyond the village, a slow, rhythmic clanking echoed—the unmistakable sound of armored footsteps. The Ashen Knight approached, his silhouette looming like a specter of doom.
He stopped in the center of the square, his greatsword planted in the earth before him. The red glow from his helm pierced the night, searching faces as if weighing their worth.
"I have come for tribute," his voice boomed, cold and unyielding. "Food, weapons, and a champion to prove their strength."
The villagers trembled, but no one stepped forward.
Alex moved forward, sword drawn, his voice steady. "I will be your champion."
The Ashen Knight's gaze fixed on him, the glow intensifying. "So be it. If you win, I will leave this village in peace. If you lose, I take the boy."
His eyes shifted to Toma, who swallowed hard but met the knight's gaze without flinching.
Alex's heart clenched, but he nodded. "I accept."
The Duel Begins
The village fell silent as the two warriors faced each other. The Ashen Knight's armor seemed to absorb the moonlight, making him appear as a moving shadow. His greatsword was massive, each swing a tidal wave of destruction.
Alex circled cautiously, his own blade gleaming with the faint light of the God of Life's blessing. He knew brute strength would not win this fight; he needed speed, precision, and heart.
The knight struck first, a sweeping blow that forced Alex to roll aside, the ground cracking where the sword landed. The force of the strike sent splinters flying from nearby barricades.
Alex countered with a flurry of strikes, aiming for the joints in the armor. The knight blocked each blow, his movements surprisingly fluid despite his size.
The Curse's Grip
As the fight wore on, Alex sensed something deeper—pain, rage, and a darkness that seemed to pulse beneath the armor like a living thing.
The Ashen Knight's attacks grew more desperate, fueled by grief and fury. Each time Alex landed a hit, the knight's eyes flared with agony.
"You do not understand!" the knight roared. "I fight for them! For the village! For the family I lost!"
Alex's voice softened, even as he dodged a crushing blow. "Then let me help you. You don't have to carry this alone."
But the knight's rage was a storm, blinding and relentless.
Kaelen's Sacrifice
Suddenly, the knight lunged toward Toma, who froze in terror. Kaelen reacted instantly, stepping between them and taking the full force of the blow.
Her armor buckled under the strike, and she collapsed, blood blossoming across her side.
"Kaelen!" Alex shouted, rushing to her side as the knight retreated into the shadows, his heavy footsteps fading.
Kaelen's breath was shallow, but her eyes burned with fierce determination. "Protect them… no matter what."
Alex nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. "I will."
Aftermath and Resolve
The village was shaken but alive. Lira tended to Kaelen's wounds, her healing magic steady but limited.
Toma sat beside Alex, his youthful face etched with pain and fear. "Will he come back?"
Alex looked at the boy, feeling the weight of every life he was sworn to protect. "He will. But we will be ready."
As the first light of dawn touched the horizon, Alex sheathed his sword and looked toward the dark forest beyond the village.
The battle was lost, but the war was far from over.
End of Chapter 22