~Chapter 7- Ebonheim's choice~

"So, some Densius was controlling everything in the gulch?" Temp asked after hearing Amethi and Therma's explanation. They had been escorting the kids through the gulch for some time.

Amethi replied, "Yes. Like me, Ebonheim reached enlightenment and learned how to control the earth beyond its body. Ever since it learned how centuries ago, it claimed this gulch for its own after scaring away the owners of the manor."

Therma pouted her lip, "We've faced Ebonheim several times in the past, but that Densius always runs away before we're able to finish it off."

"How did it learn how to do that?" Ruben asked.

"Well, it was without a body for decades. I imagine in that time it learned how," Amethi replied, "I do feel for Ebonheim though. It had a terrible life living in that manor. I can understand why it carries the hate that it does..."

"That's not a good excuse to hurt people," Ruben replied.

"No, it's not."

Amethi and Therma guided the group across the gulch through the night. No unnatural earthly manifestations appeared in that time. It seemed with those two protecting them; Ebonheim had given up its attack.

They came out to a great desert with a town not far in the distance.

"Ebonheim won't bother you out here. You should be able to make it the rest of the way on your own," Therma said, "Just promise you'll never go through this gulch on your own again. Unless you become as powerful as either of us once you're older."

The group unanimously replied, "We promise!"

Before Jirro could head out into the desert with the others, there was a burning question on his mind. He turned to Therma and Amethi and asked, "So... Ebonheim wasn't a spirit or anything like that. It was just a very powerful Densius?"

"That's correct."

"Well, while we were in the gulch, Ebonheim created a statue that looked just like my mother. How is that possible?" Jirro asked.

Amethi and Therma looked at each other before answering, "Ar-Are you sure it was your mom? Or was it just someone similar?"

"It was her."

Amethi grimaced, "Well... the only way Ebonheim could've done that is if it had met your mother at some point in the past."

Why... why would mom have been around Ebonheim?

Jirro pondered this for a moment before nodding. "Okay. I was just wondering. Thank you for rescuing us!"

Amethi nodded, "Just be safe from now on. That'll be thanks enough."

With that, Jirro and the others headed towards the desert town while Amethi and Therma headed back the way they came through the gulch.

Ebonheim moved as a muddy snake through the landscape, keeping the amulet and its Heartstone safe in the process. Under moonlight tt slunk back to the manor once it was sure that Amethi and Therma would be gone.

The mud spiraled through the ceiling, landing on the podium. When the mud gently slunk away from it, the amulet rested on the podium once again. Moonlight streamed in from above onto it.

But Ebonheim felt anxious. Someone was in the manor with it. It gnashed the stones of the house together to create an ominous voice.

"Who dares trespass here?"

Ebonheim sensed the earth throughout manor until it discovered a single figure, one wearing a black cloak. Without warning, Ebonheim formed several stone spears from the walls and launched them at this individual. But with a gesture of its hand, light batted the spears aside.

"Calm yourself, Ebonheim. It's me."

Ebonheim formed stone eyes in the walls and looked at the individual closer. They had luminescent orange eyes, spotted skin, ebon black limbs, and a pale face.

"Lunahreim! It's been too long!" Ebonheim exclaimed, discarding the ominous voice it had used before.

"I understand you've run into some trouble recently."

Lunahreim came into the moonlight near the amulet, and Ebonheim manifested a giant stone face near him. The face spoke, "Yes, I faced Therma and Amethi earlier today. I thought I might've stood a chance this time, but they're as unstoppable as ever."

"Yes, they're fairly formidable," Lunahreim coolly replied.

"I'm sure if you fought at my side, we could've defeated them," Ebonheim remarked, "My offer still stands for you to stay in the manor with me."

"I'll have to decline."

"Pity..." Ebonheim replied, "That reminds me! A group of children entered my gulch today, and one of them was apparently the son of Michta!"

Lunahreim raised an eyebrow, "Is that so?"

"Yes! I always liked Michta out of that group of yours. She was feisty! Nothing like her ancestors. Too bad she's dead."

"It is..." Lunahreim replied, "Tell me, how would you like to leave this place with me?"

"R-Really? You'd want me to come with you?" Ebonheim asked, honest giddiness evident its voice.

"Yes. I think I may be able to complete my mission very soon."

"I thought you said there was no chance of that anymore."

"Things have changed..." Lunahreim replied starkly, "Would you like to accompany me?"

"Y-Yes! I'd be happy to go with you!"

Lunahreim smiled, approached the podium, and reached out for the amulet. He stopped himself before touching it. "May I?"

"Go ahead."

Lunahreim lifted the black-gemmed amulet and put it around his neck. He could feel the Heartstone in it wriggle ever so slightly with life. Ebonheim was putting a great deal of trust to allow Lunahreim to do this.

Lunahreim whistled, and from the hole in the ceiling emerged a crow, a massive black-winged bird. He circled the crow and climbed onto its saddle. With that, the crow took to the night sky, carrying Lunahreim and Ebonheim along.

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Thanks for reading!

Hope you enjoyed this short story. I wanted to try my hand at a spookier story within this setting, and I think it fared well.

If you liked this story and are interested in checking out future entries, this story is followed by

The Lands of Ralosia: The Desert

If you enjoyed Jirro & Ruben within this story, you may also enjoy

The Lands of Ralosia: The Orephi