Fate's Crossroads Chapter 43
Fate’s crossroads chapter 43 Across the barren plains, the wind howled like a banshee, bearing the chill of impending winter. With a worn and scarred face, Borin gripped his combat axe, Frostfang, more tightly. As he looked out over the icy horizon for any indication of their assailants, his breath created vaporous clouds in the chilly atmosphere.
He wasn’t by himself. The mysterious elven sorceress Anya stood behind him, her face veiled by her robe. But her green eyes sparkled with a fierce determination that matched the fire burning in Borin’s chest.
After fleeing the grasp of the despotic Baron Volkov, they had been on the run for weeks. The Baron, who was infamous for his brutality and lust for power, had attempted to use Borin’s special talents—his incredible fortitude and resiliency—for his own evil ends. With her own arsenal of powerful magic, Anya had disobeyed the Baron and helped Borin get away.
They were now fugitives, pursued by Volkov’s ruthless operatives across the desolate terrain. Borin was exhausted, but his will was strengthened by the thought of what would happen to them if they were captured. He looked at Anya, who was moving lightly on the uneven ground.
“Are you certain this is the way?” With the air dry and his voice scratchy, Borin questioned.
Anya nodded and gestured to a far-off shape that was rising from the plains. Beyond that ridge is the Oracle’s cave. Our only chance lies with him.”
Their final hope was the Oracle, a fabled recluse who was said to be able to predict the future. They had high hopes that he would be able to help, maybe even find a method to lift the curse that connected Borin to the game and made him repeat an apparently never-ending cycle of difficulties and trials.
The wind picked up more intensity as they got closer to the ridge and began to whip them. They gulped when they reached the crest. Beneath the rough rocks, there was a shadowy aperture that led to the Oracle’s cave.
Anya said a brief invocation and drew a sigil in the air. Unseen electricity crackled in the air.
Borin paused briefly, putting his hand on Frostfang’s handle. He inhaled deeply before passing through the portal.
The world vanished into a whirling maelstrom of hues and feelings. When it hardened once again, Borin discovered himself in a dimly lit cave where the aroma of old stone and incense filled the air. Shadowy, a lone guy sat on an elevated platform.
A harsh voice said, “Welcome, child of the storm,” resonating throughout the cave. “I have been expecting you.”
Borin narrowed his eyes and peered through the shadows. With a gesture, the figure’s face was softly lit. It was an elderly man, his aged face engraved with life’s experience and wisdom. But there was something otherworldly about the intensity of his eyes.
“You seek answers,” said his voice carrying an ethereal quality.
Borin ingested. He said, his voice hardly audible above a whisper, “I’m looking for a way to break the curse.” “I… I’m tired of this endless cycle.”
The Oracle stared straight into Borin’s soul for a moment before continuing to speak. At last, he said, “The curse is entwined with your very being.” “But there is a path, a perilous one, that could offer you freedom.”
A pounding sensation battered Borin’s chest. “What path?”
The Oracle turned to face Anya, who was standing behind Borin in silence. “Your journey is not one you can walk alone,” he stated. “Your strength and hers must be combined, a bridge built between two worlds.”
A flash of understanding appeared in Borin’s head at his words. Anya’s magical abilities might hold the key to breaking the curse.
Abruptly, the cavern was flooded with dazzling light. It subsided, and the Oracle vanished. A shimmering doorway pulsed with energy from another realm in his place. Anya stood next to it, resolve and trepidation mixed together in her gaze.
Her voice was scarcely heard as she said, “Are you ready, Borin?”
Borin looked up at her, a fiery purpose in his eyes. He gave Frostfang a firm grasp. “As ready as I ever will be.