11/24/2020 Cloaked Figure On Stairs

 Elandria’s footsteps fell quietly on the stairs. She paused to scan the forest below, searching for any sign of the creature. She had lost him in the forest, but as guardian of this tower, he would be here soon. He wouldn’t be a problem, but she preferred not to harm him. 

She turned back to the stairs and jumped out of her skin. There sat the creature, his tail swishing in the air. He sat poised, watching her with hungry eyes, daring her to make a move. 

Elandria clutched the tungsten dagger in her hand, not moving a muscle.

“You are brave,” the creature hissed, his voice deep and gravely, “but you are foolish. And that will be your downfall.” He stood up on his hind legs and took a step closer, tucking his stone colored wings neatly against his back. 

Elandria took a slow step back, brandishing her weapon. Her eyes narrowed and her lips curved slightly in a smile. “You have mistaken me for one of your usual victims,” she said, “I am Elandria of the Golden Forest, and I command you to step aside.” 

The creature hissed as the knife began to glow. The air crackled with magick.

He let out a deep rumbling growl, then launched himself at her, stone teeth bared. A burst of light shot from the knife, straight into the creature’s chest. The force of it launched him back. He slammed against the wall, shuddering, and then shattered. Grey stone shattered, flying in all directions. 

Elandria held up a hand, shielding her face from the spray of rock. Her smile widened as she ran up the rest of the steps, taking two at a time. 

At the top of the tower was a heavy cage. Inside was an altar, carved with the runes of the Gods. A warrior lay on his back, fast asleep. He wore heavy leather armor and a sword on his chest, clasped between two scarred hands. Beneath his dark beard, his skin was turning ashen from all the years of endless sleep. 

They thought they could keep him from her. They thought they could lock him away in the darkest corner of the kingdom, and she would be helpless to find him. 

Elandria set the lantern on the ground and slid the door open, stepping inside. Gently, she laid her hands over his.  

“Duhrak of the Cold Mountains, I release you from your sleep.” She leaned forward, planting a soft kiss on his lips. Power seeped from her fingers into his rough hands. 

She opened her eyes, meeting the dark eyes of her Beloved. 

Prompt