These posts will feature digital artwork of fantasy maps created in Wonderdraft. Each post will present fantasy flash fiction inspired by the map, sometimes with commentary on the mapping elements. Stories may appear in a single post or be divided into multiple parts. All maps and stories are original creations of Ed R White.
Part II of the Galleis series…
After fleeing the Lightsworn Brotherhood, Alden, Chorvaz, and Eldiana arrive at the Moon Dais. The city is dark, lifeless, and chilled like winter. Lightning streaks the sky, and cold rain drenches their faces. A massive black gate adorned with skeletons blocks their way.
A shadowsworn demon named Chung appears, offering them a riddle with three chances to guess correctly.
What is it that both Light and Darkness fear?
The companions struggle with the riddle, wasting two guesses. Desperate, Alden looks to his tattoo for guidance—the mark representing the Yum’dah, the union of all things.
“Light and Darkness both fear the Yum’dah,” Alden answers. “They fear unity with each other.”
Chung, satisfied, agrees to open the gate on the condition that he joins them.
The four enter the city, with Chung as their guide. Shadowsworn fill the streets, vice runs rampant, and the stench of garbage and urine permeates the air. Shadows cling to stone and skin like living, gelatinous masses, and the air itself feels thick, like breathing through wool.
Disgusted, Eldiana urges her companions to leave quickly. Chorvaz, however, suggests they seek out the city’s head priest, Daltan—a former friend who had been a good man before the Shadow Wars turned him into a shadowsworn. Chung informs them Daltan resides in the Moon Temple at the city’s center.
Upon reaching the temple, they find it encircled by a hedge of deadly deathblossoms. Undeterred, they navigate the hedge maze, fending off shadowsworn brigands along the way. Eldiana is wounded during the fight, and Alden, abandoning some of his gear, carries her. Chorvaz warily watches Chung, who continues to lead them.
They emerge from the maze and enter the Moon Temple, a vast cathedral filled with stygian designs that evoke the nightmares Alden has had since childhood.
Inside, Daltan greets them with a cold demand to leave due to their disruptive entrance. Chorvaz steps forward, introduces himself, and reminds Daltan of their past friendship. Daltan’s demeanor softens, and he agrees to speak privately with Chorvaz. Meanwhile, Chung escorts Alden and Eldiana to a separate chamber to tend to her wounds.
As Eldiana’s wound begins to fester, Chung instructs Alden to gather young deathblossoms outside for a healing salve. Alden ventures back into the maze, but a strange light draws his attention.
Deeper in the maze, he finds a clearing where a glowing greatsword hovers above a pedestal. Entranced, Alden approaches, hesitating as a voice echoes in his mind.
Alden, son of Yah’thor, descendant of the Lightbearers, I have awaited your arrival. As I served your ancestors, so shall I serve you. Grasp me, for there is much yet to be done. The Lightsworn weaken, while the Shadowsworn grow stronger. My blade will bring an end to this endless war and vanquish the Shadowsworn darklords. All I ask is a meter of your blood, young Alden—a sacrifice to fill my chalice, so that I may awaken from my long slumber.
Confusion and apprehension swirl within Alden as he stares at the floating sword, contemplating its message. He raises his tattooed arm, watching as arcs of electricity crackle between it and the sword.
“I… accept, noble spirit,” Alden says, his voice steady but uncertain. “In my heart, I feel a longing, a pull toward my destiny. Like you, I am born with the need to bring balance and peace to this besieged world—to end the senseless wars that claim so many lives.”
Resolved, Alden cuts his arm, letting his blood drip onto the pedestal. The greatsword glows, seemingly satisfied with the offering, and descends within his reach.
When Alden grasps the sword, his armor transforms—ornate and regal, adorned with rubies, silver runes, and a flowing golden cape. Though the greatsword is massive, Alden wields it effortlessly, as if it were an extension of himself. He then notices young deathblossom flowers nearby and gathers them before heading back to the Moon Temple.
Upon his return, he finds Eldiana missing and discovers a note left by Chung. The message reveals that Chung has abducted the priestess and taken her to the City of Umbrer, demanding a ransom of five thousand shïmmer coins.
Alden rushes to inform Chorvaz, who is still speaking with Daltan. Furious, Chorvaz vows to travel to Umbrer and rescue Eldiana.
Daltan offers them a vessel to make the journey and insists on joining them. As the leader of the Moon Dais, Daltan declares that this matter now involves his city as well, and he will aid them in confronting it.
To be continued in Part III of this fantasy flash fiction series. Thanks for reading.
