Ronan and the secrets hidden beneath the stones.

Chapter 2

Nali's Blade Ronan and Elara set off at dusk, the shadow of the Sacred Mountain stretching out like a sleeping monster. The climb was arduous, the trail steep and treacherous, but Ronan's determination, fueled by the urgency of the mission and a mysterious trust in Elara, propelled him forward with every step. Elara, with her surprising knowledge of the region, guided them firmly, steering them away from hidden dangers and pointing out shortcuts that seemed to defy logic. Ronan and Elara finally reached the summit of the Sacred Mountain. The thin air burned their lungs, but the view was breathtaking. Below, the world stretched out like a carpet of shadows and light, the nearly full moon bathing everything in an ethereal silvery light. The altar of the Moon Goddess, however, was the center of their attention. It was an imposing structure, made of dark, smooth stones, covered by a veil of ancient moss. Strange and enigmatic sculptures adorned their faces, twisted figures that seemed to whisper secrets to the wind.

Ronan approached cautiously. As he touched one of the smooth stones, a whisper echoed in his mind, an ancient and deep voice that only he could hear. Stone: The Blade awaits, chosen one. But the choice comes at a price. As Ronan approached the altar, the stones whispered in his mind: Stone: The Blade shines, but darkness watches it. Your journey does not end here, chosen one. (This whisper served as a warning about the dangers that awaited him in the Submerged City, and not as an impediment to taking the blade.) Stone: The power of the Nali cuts through the darkness, but does not heal the soul. Use it wisely, for your path will be tested. (This whisper was advice about the responsible use of the blade, and not a physical barrier.)

Stone: Trust is a double-edged sword, as sharp as Nali's Blade. Choose your allies carefully. (This whisper was advice about trusting Elara and the importance of discernment, not an obstacle to obtaining the blade.) Ronan frowned, searching for Elara, who watched the altar with an expression of admiration, but without showing that she had heard anything. Ronan said to himself, "A price?" Stone: The journey does not end here. The shadow of the Black Moon stretches, and the path to the Sunken City is fraught with danger. He touched another stone, closer to the center of the altar. Stone: Nali's Blade grants power, but also attracts the attention of those who feed on darkness. Use it wisely. Ronan felt a pang of fear, but also a growing sense of power. He was about to pick up the Blade of Nali, a blade that shimmered with an almost supernatural light, when a third stone whispered:

Stone: Trust your intuition, but don't forget those who guide you. Trust, like a mountain, can be firm or treacherous. Ronan took a deep breath, the whispers of the stones echoing in his mind. He looked at Elara, who was still watching him with an expectant expression. He couldn't share the stones' warnings, but he knew he needed to trust his intuition and Elara's help. With a decisive movement, Ronan picked up the Blade of Nali. The blade was cold to the touch, but radiated a warm, vibrant energy that coursed through his body, filling him with a strength he had never felt before. The sensation was intoxicating, powerful. He knew his journey was only beginning. Ronan would need the Blade of Nali in the Submerged City to confront the guardian of the Heart of Lys. The creature, a sea monster of immeasurable power, protects the jewel with fury and magic. The blade, imbued with solar and lunar energy, is the only weapon capable of breaking through the guardian's defenses and allowing Ronan to reach the Heart of Lys. The blade's energy is the key to overcoming the darkness that protects the jewel.

Obtaining Nali's Blade wasn't difficult because the altar of the Moon Goddess, despite its mysterious and ancient aura, contained no traps or physical guardians. The difficulty lay in interpreting the whispers of the stones, which Ronan perceived as warnings and advice, not obstacles. Ronan speaks to Elara. “We are ready. Let's go down.” Elara, unaware of the whispers of the stones, nodded, ready for the next challenge that awaited them.