Broken Blades Don't Sing (Tales of Ashkar Book One) by Kayl Karadjian

found a way to use
demonic magic, and as far as we know it is in an unnatural way",
Serraemas said. "My initial impression was that demons were
involved. Witches and warlocks, among other unholy factions, are
not fond of others who try to mimic them."
    Raxxil nodded in agreement, bringing his hand to
his chin and scratching it in pensive thought.
    Erendil sat back and pondered what Serraemas had
said. Demons were unfamiliar to him, but he did know that that they
existed somewhere that wasn't Ashkar. He raised a hand slowly to
his face and scratched his chin, mimicking Raxxil’s gesture. He
looked over at Raxxil, expecting the hammer-wielder to yell an
obscenity at him or strike him for copying the movement. To
Erendil’s surprise, he found a man quieter than Serraemas.
    Raxxil gazed up at the night sky, seemingly
absorbed in himself. He held a solemn expression, as if
recollecting a particularly sorrowful memory. The hothead loosed a
melancholic sigh, but otherwise continued stargazing in
solitude.
    "Be sure to get some rest", Serraemas whispered
softly to Erendil. “I know this is all new to you, but Ashkar and
all its… wonders… can wait. What’s important is the quest.” The
latter turned his head, attempting to read the former’s expression
and ascertain the meaning of the words, but Erendil was not able
to. Just like that place he knew not of which they spoke, he wasn't
going to push this curiosity either.
    Serraemas picked up his staff and stood up
silently before turning away. His cloak fluttered as he walked away
from the campfire toward his makeshift bed. Before lying down, he
turned back to Erendil and the now quiet hammer-wielder. "Be
prepared for whatever may come tomorrow.”
    Erendil glanced once more at Raxxil, who was
still entranced in thought. Erendil’s lips curled up in a smile. He
sat there for a moment, then stood up and grabbed his bow. He
looked around, attempting to find a suitable area to rest. He
noticed a slight depression in the ground that spanned several
feet, and made his way toward it. Erendil inspected it more
closely, and after being satisfied with the area, placed his bow on
the ground next to it and slumped into the hole.
    Erendil’s eyelids drooped as he drifted
in-and-out of consciousness. Slowly, his world faded to black, and
the last thing he saw was the dancing fire flickering in Raxxil's
melancholic eyes.
    He could have sworn he saw a tear run down the
man’s face.

Chapter
5

    346th Dawn of the 4999th Age of Rimas

    Chilling rain pours down from the crying sky
    Two figures standing apart
    A gaping chasm in my cold, dark heart
    Don't give up, don't let it die

    Arms outstretched, but now you’re gone forever
    Powerless, hopeless
    There is nothing left; all of this is meaningless
    Take my hand and we will transcend together

    Serraemas awoke abruptly, lurching forward as he
placed his palms on the ground. He panted heavily, and realized
that he was sweating quite profusely despite the temperate weather
around him. It never became any easier, and the nightmares were
always recurring.
    Time is supposed to heal all wounds.
Right?
    Lost in thought, Serraemas hadn't noticed the
looming shadow over him. He looked up and was greeted by an
outstretched hand. Looking further up, his gaze fell upon Raxxil's
warm, reassuring eyes.
    Serraemas took his partner's hand and stood up.
Looking around, he discovered that both Raxxil and Erendil had
already packed their things.
    "Yup, this time I beat you to it!" Raxxil
proudly exclaimed from behind.
    Serraemas did not have to turn around to know
that his larger counterpart stood triumphantly with a smug look. He
scoffed, shook his head, and then moved to gather his things. Once
he finished, he looked at his companions again. They waited with
patience and expectant visages. With an affirming nod, he took
point and headed toward the dark, twisted trees. Erendil followed,
with Raxxil behind him wresting with their mounts and struggling to
get