The Devil's Warrior Queen
Chapter 379: The Dragonspire

Chapter 379: The Dragonspire

"Do you know exactly what we need?" Zoya asked him as they walked among the few people gathered.

Meanwhile, the monks attentions were keenly divided among everyone present at the dragon spire as they observed everyone’s discernable motives.

Some of the relics and artifacts were on display in the main hall, enclosed in magical fortified glasses. She could feel the magical energy pulsating from the enclosed glasses.

"The flaming crystal, they’ll take us to see a fake of it." Aldric said.

"What do you mean by a fake? Why would they show us a fake artifact?" Zoya queried in curiosity.

"Because it’s very powerful and one of the most priceless mystical artifacts in the world." Aldric pointed out and she nodded.

"So what now?" Zoya queried.

He leaned toward her as he whispered "We wait until they proceed to showing us the fake." Aldric said and she nodded.

As visitors entered the hall, they were greeted by the sight of towering glass cases, each one containing treasures of immeasurable value and mystical significance.

The artifacts within the cases seem to hum with power, their surfaces shimmering with a faint aura of magic that dances in the air like wisps of smoke. Runes and symbols of arcane origin adorn the walls, their meanings known only to the most learned scholars and the monks who guard these hallowed treasures.

At the center of the hall stood a grand pedestal of polished marble, upon which rests the most prized possession of the Dragonspire: the Heart of the Ancients, a jewel of unimaginable beauty and power said to hold the key to unlocking the secrets of creation itself. Surrounding the pedestal were smaller glass cases, each containing artifacts of lesser renown but no less significance in the eyes of those who seek to harness their power.

As visitors approached the glass cases, they were filled with a sense of reverence and awe, knowing that they stood in the presence of relics that have shaped the course of history and altered the fate of nations.

But despite the temptation to reach out and touch these wondrous objects, they were reminded by the monks who stand watchful guard that such actions were forbidden, for the artifacts were not mere trinkets to be handled lightly, but vessels of immense power that must be treated with the utmost respect.

The glass cases themselves were not ordinary, for they were enchanted with a magical shield that repelled any attempt to breach their confines. Those who tried to touch the glass find their hands met with an invisible barrier, as if the very air itself has turned solid to deny them access to the treasures within.

Within each case, the artifacts were displayed with care and precision, arranged in such a way as to highlight their unique features and significance.

Swords forged from meteoric iron, their blades shimmering with otherworldly light, stand alongside ancient scrolls inscribed with spells of unimaginable potency. Jewels of every color of the rainbow, each containing a fragment of the elemental forces that govern the world, sparkled in the dim light, their brilliance captivating all who beheld them.

But perhaps the most intriguing of all were the relics imbued with the essence of legendary creatures of myth and legend. Dragon scales as hard as steel, said to grant their wearer protection from harm. Phoenix feathers that blaze with the fire of rebirth, capable of healing even the most grievous of wounds. Unicorn horns that radiated purity and virtue, imbuing those who possess them with strength and courage beyond measure.

As visitors wandered through the main hall, guided by the monks who served as stewards of these ancient treasures, they cannot help but feel a sense of wonder at the sight before them. And as they gazed upon these wondrous artifacts, they were reminded that even in the darkest of times, hope and wonder still shone brightly for those who dare to seek them out.

Finally, after an eternity, the monks finally proceeded to showing the visitors the other artifacts kept in their private rooms, as they said.

They exchanged glances between each other before following the direction of the monks as well as the other visitors.

Deep beneath the foundations of the Dragonspire, hidden from prying eyes and protected by layers of enchanted wards, lies a secret chamber of immense power and mystery. This subterranean sanctum was home to some of the most potent artifacts ever known to existed in the realm of East Ravka.

As visitors descended into the depths of the earth, guided by the flickering light of torches held aloft by the monks who served as guardians of this sacred place, they can feel the air grow heavy with the weight of ancient magic. The stone walls seemed to pulse with energy, resonating with the power that coursed through the very heart of the Dragonspire.

At the center of the chamber stood a pedestal of obsidian, its surface polished to a mirror-like sheen that reflects the dancing flames of the torches. Upon this pedestal rests the object of their quest, the Flaming Crystal, a jewel of fiery brilliance that burned with the intensity of a thousand suns.

The crystal was encased in a protective shell of shimmering energy, its surface crackling with flames that leaped and danced like living beings. Even from a distance, its heat can be felt radiating outwards, casting a warm glow upon the faces of those who dare to approach.

Legend had it that the Flaming Crystal was forged in the heart of a volcano by the hands of ancient sorcerers, imbued with the power to expel dark forces and banish evil from the land. It was said that those who possessed it hold the key to victory in the eternal struggle between light and darkness.

As the monks watched over the crystal with solemn reverence, they knew that its power must be wielded with caution, for even the most virtuous of intentions can be corrupted by the allure of its fiery glow. And so they stood guard, ever vigilant as they watched the visitors, cautionary against those who would seek to misuse its power for their own gain.

Surrounding the Flaming Crystal were other artifacts of equal significance and power, each one carefully placed upon its own pedestal and guarded by a silent sentinel of stone. Swords forged from starlight, shields that can turn aside the deadliest of blows, and talismans said to grant their bearer immortality were just a few of the treasures that adorned the chamber’s walls.

But it was the Flaming Crystal that drew the most attention, its flames casting shadows that dance and flicker like specters in the darkness. Those who gaze upon it could not help but feel a sense of awe and wonder, knowing that they stood in the presence of something truly extraordinary.

As the monks led the visitors through the chamber, recounting the tales of each artifact and the legends that surrounded them, they could not help but feel a sense of humility in the face of such power.

"Are you sure it’s fake?" Zoya queried Aldric as her eyes was maintained on the fiery artifact, but Aldric was certain of his fact.

"It is indeed fake, but it’s a good pretence for the real one, even you find it hard to distinguish between the real and fake." Aldric mentioned and she sighed.

Suddenly, he pulled her along with him, traversing through the crowd while the monks were distracted with recounting the history of the artifacts to the other visitors.

She gasped softly as they skillfully evaded the watchful gaze of the monks and they emerged out of the hall.

"Do you know where the real one is?" Zoya enquired as they marched through the empty corridors with quick steps.

"Yes, remember I was once the leader of skilled warriors, the second most trusted person in the entire kingdom." Aldric stated out with a nonchalant look, but immediately the words rolled out, her chest felt heavy with guilt.

After all, she was the reason he betrayed his kingdom, for her.

For a moment, he halted as he looked deeply into her eyes, "There’s nothing to be guilty for, I won’t hesitate to do it again." He said with a firm voice and she beamed him a smile.

"Let’s go, we don’t have all day." He said hastily and they continued their journey.

Hidden deep within the labyrinthine depths of the Dragonspire lies a secret passage, known only to the most trusted of monks and whispered of in hushed tones by those who dare to speak of it. The clandestine corridor winds its way through the bowels of the fortress, concealed from prying eyes and guarded by ancient wards of protection.

To the untrained eye, the passage appeared as nothing more than a narrow tunnel of rough-hewn stone, its walls damp with the moisture of ages past and its floor slick with the residue of centuries. But to those who knew its secrets, it is a gateway to untold power and unimaginable riches.

After what felt like an eternity of winding corridors and treacherous pitfalls, the passage opened up into a cavern of breathtaking beauty and majesty. The air was filled with the soft glow of luminescent crystals that lined the walls, casting a warm and inviting light upon the chamber’s occupants.

In the center of the cavern stood a pedestal of polished marble, upon which rests the object of their quest, the Flaming Crystal. Its fiery glow illuminated the chamber with a brilliance that rivals the sun, casting dancing shadows upon the walls that seem to come alive with the flickering light.

The crystal itself was encased in a protective shell of shimmering energy, its surface crackling with flames that leap and dance like living beings. Even from a distance, its heat could be felt radiating outwards, casting a warm glow upon the faces of those who dare to approach.

As they both stood in awe of the crystal before them, they could not help but feel a sense of reverence and wonder at the sight before them..