Beginning of my tale

The atmosphere sighs deeply and holds onto the night; its bated breath choking the lungs of those who are witness and freezing the blood within them. Celedwen clings to the edges of sanity, holding on desperately to reason and her failing courage. The world seems to collapse around her, the ground quakes beneath her feet. The panting of the caged beast, the quivering the moment held. Waiting, just waiting.

Celedwen trembles in fear, the air round her is like daggers slicing through her. It is as though she awaits execution and in a way this is true. The walls of the realms are collapsing; the life they once knew now lies in ruin and corruption. Pain precedes an oncoming death; the graves beckoning and trenches consuming. The sights flicker past her eyes and the images swarm her mind, screaming endlessly within her head. Blinded, gasping, sweat pouring and skin growing tight; she whispers to the darkness, I cannot. I cannot fight this.

The night continues to linger, the silence ringing as if skimming along the edge of a knife. Cracks and welds appear along the edge of the skyline, mirroring the separation between the realms within the cosmos. Then a voice sounds in the darkness, a distant call but it is clear to Celedwen’s ears. The war cry of Azrael? Heralding from his homeland? His voice becomes clearer as a unity draws nearer. The earth readied with anticipation, preparing for the collision of worlds. Again, Celedwen finds herself withering in terror, the battle edging ever closer and, despite her strength, she feels unprepared for its impact.

I cannot fight this wrath. I cannot stand up against its overwhelming hatred. She whispers to Azrael, not even sure he will receive her words. Looking up at the crumbling world around her, the burning air and falling ash, she knows that it is drawing her into fate’s path, an inescapable plight of destiny. It is her valour and honour that she must defend and that of her allies. Anger at the destruction and a sense of justice seem to keep her in balance and contain the fight within her. Azrael’s cries ring out clear again, louder than before, his voice calming her fear and building her fury. They are allies of distant realms; separated by dimensions but brother and sister in blood, bonded by the pain of loss and triumph of battle. Feeling they will soon bring bloodshed to these lands, Celedwen braces herself for the outbreak. Azrael now sounds with clarity, she can hear his words as he calls to her, a voice filled with defiance and eager desire, We will fight. Then the skies shatter above. And the earth opens below.