The first Trial

Volume I: Children of the Earth

Chapter 9: The First Trial

The wind howled as it swept through the towering peaks, its icy fingers tugging at Alozie's clothes and hair. The mountains loomed before him, dark and foreboding, their jagged cliffs wrapped in a thick veil of mist. Each breath he took felt heavier than the last, the air thinner and colder as they climbed higher.

Alozie tightened his grip on the cloak wrapped around his shoulders, trying to stave off the chill that seemed to seep into his bones. Beside him, Olaedo moved silently, her eyes scanning the path ahead, her face set with grim determination. The mysterious guardian led them further up the mountain, his steps silent and sure, even as the terrain grew treacherous.

Alozie's thoughts were heavy with the weight of the Oracle's prophecy, the old woman's warning echoing in his mind. The path he was walking was not just one of physical distance—it was a journey into the unknown, a test of his will, his strength, and his ability to embrace the destiny the spirits had chosen for him.

"What is this trial you spoke of?" Alozie asked the guardian, his voice barely audible above the wind.

The guardian paused at the edge of a steep incline, his glowing eyes reflecting the pale light of the overcast sky. "The mountains are sacred to the spirits," he said, his voice low and resonant. "They are a place where the veil between the living and the dead is thin. Those who seek to understand their destiny must first prove their worth to the spirits. You will be tested, child of the earth. But know this: not all who enter the mountains return."

Alozie swallowed hard, his heart pounding in his chest. The words were a warning, but they did nothing to quell the fear gnawing at him. He had no choice but to move forward, to face whatever lay ahead. Turning back now would be a betrayal of everything he had fought for.

Olaedo placed a hand on his arm, her voice steady despite the tension in her eyes. "We'll get through this, Alozie. Together."

He nodded, grateful for her presence. Though the path was uncertain, he wasn't alone. And for now, that was enough to keep him moving.

The guardian led them to a narrow ledge that overlooked a deep ravine. Far below, the sound of rushing water echoed faintly, though the river itself was obscured by mist. The air here was colder still, and Alozie could feel the presence of something ancient in the stones beneath his feet.

"This is where your first trial begins," the guardian said, his voice a whisper on the wind.

Alozie stepped forward, his heart racing. The ground before him shifted, and suddenly, a figure materialized from the mist. It was a man, tall and imposing, dressed in the ceremonial garb of a warrior. His face was hidden behind a mask of bone, his eyes burning with an unnatural light.

"Who are you?" Alozie asked, his voice trembling.

The warrior said nothing, but drew a long, curved blade from the sheath at his side. He stepped forward, his movements slow and deliberate, his gaze fixed on Alozie.

Olaedo moved to draw her dagger, but the guardian held up a hand. "This trial is for him alone."

Alozie's blood ran cold. The warrior stood before him, the challenge clear in his stance. There would be no turning back. He had to fight.

The blade in the warrior's hand gleamed in the pale light as he moved with terrifying speed, lunging at Alozie with deadly precision. Alozie barely managed to leap aside, his heart pounding in his chest. He reached for the small knife at his belt—hardly a match for the warrior's blade, but it was all he had.

The clash of metal rang out as their blades met. The force of the blow sent a jolt through Alozie's arm, and he stumbled back, his feet skidding on the loose stones. The warrior pressed forward, relentless in his attack, his movements fluid and practiced.

Alozie's breath came in ragged gasps as he parried another strike, barely managing to keep the warrior's blade at bay. The strength of the warrior was overwhelming, and Alozie knew that if this continued, he wouldn't last long.

But something stirred within him, something ancient and powerful, like the echo of the spirits themselves. The Oracle's words echoed in his mind: You cannot fail, child of the earth. You can only choose.

This trial wasn't just about strength—it was about choice. Alozie had to find another way.

As the warrior swung again, Alozie dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the blade. He kept his distance, his mind racing. The warrior was bound by the rules of the trial, and that meant there had to be a way to end this without violence.

Alozie lowered his knife, stepping back.

The warrior paused, tilting his head as though confused by Alozie's actions.

"I don't want to fight you," Alozie said, his voice trembling but firm. "I don't need to prove my strength. I'm here to understand the prophecy, not to shed blood."

The warrior stood still for a moment, his burning gaze locked on Alozie. Then, slowly, he lowered his blade.

Alozie's heart skipped a beat. Had he passed the trial?

The guardian stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "You have made your choice, child of the earth. You have chosen not to fight, not to seek power through violence. The spirits have witnessed your decision."

The warrior's form began to shimmer, his body dissolving into mist until there was nothing left but the wind.

Alozie let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, relief flooding through him. He had passed the trial—though the victory felt strange, hollow somehow.

"Come," the guardian said, turning toward the path ahead. "The mountains have more to show you."

Udochukwu's Pursuit

Back at the palace, Udochukwu stood before Eze Nnobi, his face a mask of calm despite the urgency in his voice.

"Our scouts have reported movement in the mountains," Udochukwu said. "The boy is making his way toward the highest peak—the place where the spirits are said to be strongest."

Eze Nnobi frowned, his fingers drumming against the armrest of his throne. "And what of the guards we sent after him? Have they reached him yet?"

Udochukwu's lips curled into a faint smile. "Not yet, Your Majesty. But they are close. Once they find him, we will be able to take control of the prophecy."

The king's expression remained grim, doubt flickering in his eyes. "You speak as though it will be easy. But the boy has already proven resourceful. And if the spirits are truly guiding him, this will not be a simple task."

Udochukwu bowed his head slightly, though the glint of ambition in his eyes did not go unnoticed. "I have taken precautions, Your Majesty. Even if the boy has the spirits on his side, he cannot outrun destiny. We will reach him before he can claim his power."

Eze Nnobi stared at him for a long moment, his jaw tight with tension. Finally, he nodded. "Very well. But make no mistake, Udochukwu—if you fail, it will not be the boy you need to fear. It will be me."

Udochukwu's smile widened ever so slightly. "I understand, Your Majesty. I will not fail."

The Mountain's Secrets

The path grew steeper as Alozie and Olaedo followed the guardian deeper into the heart of the mountains. The air was thin, and each step felt like a struggle against an unseen force, as though the very mountain itself was testing their resolve.

Alozie's mind was still reeling from the trial. He had passed, but the victory felt strange. He had chosen peace over violence, yet the spirits had left him with more questions than answers. What was the true nature of the prophecy? And what role was he meant to play in it?

"We're getting close," the guardian said, his voice breaking through Alozie's thoughts. "The next trial awaits."

Alozie's heart sank. Another trial. Another test. But this time, he wouldn't be unprepared. He would face whatever the spirits threw at him—and he would find the answers he sought.

As they reached the summit of the next ridge, the mist parted, revealing a vast plateau at the base of the tallest peak. At the center of the plateau stood a massive stone altar, its surface etched with ancient symbols that seemed to glow faintly in the dim light.

The guardian gestured toward the altar. "This is where the spirits will reveal their will to you. Step forward, child of the earth. The time has come to face your destiny."

Alozie took a deep breath, his hands trembling as he approached the altar. His heart pounded in his chest, his mind racing with questions.

As he reached the altar, a voice echoed in his mind—a voice that was not his own, yet felt intimately familiar. You have come far, child of the earth. But your journey is not yet over. The spirits have more to show you.

Alozie's vision blurred, the world around him dissolving into darkness. And then, in the blackness, he saw it—a vision of fire, of war, of a kingdom in flames.

And at the center of it all was him.