The Coming of Endless Darkness

The Last Stand

Jerlin set everyone down near the center of the mesa, about a hundred paces from the nearest black reapers. Their enemies drew two-handed weapons, ready to strike at a single command from Astaroth. If their fiend‑forged blades pierced Jerlin’s shield, the fae and druids would be slaughtered without mercy.

Everyone exchanged wary glances. There was no escape. Even if they fled the mesa, a million more reapers waited below. There is no turning back now.

The king of the fae turned to his companions, his deep, reverberating voice booming across the mesa. “My friends, do not fear! We did not come all this way to fail at the hands of our enemies!”

Jerlin rose. Sasha stood with him. With a grand gesture, he raised the Sword of Order over his head.

“In every life, there comes a time to stare death in the face. Those who flinch will be smitten from this world. Those who defy death and spit in its wretched face will be tested with pain. But those who have faith are the chosen of The One Above All Creation.”

The Sword of Order flared to life as if it recognized the moment. Its light washed over the terrified humans and fae. Jerlin’s voice rolled across the mesa like a divine judgment. He lifted the Sword higher. Its radiance swelled until the reapers snarled in agitation.

“Our lives are brief, forgotten in the turning of ages… yet what we do today will echo beyond time. This field, this hour, this stand is already written. Our darkest, most desperate hour is at hand.”

The Sword hummed, the air vibrating around each soaring word from Jerlin’s lips.

“The fiends believe they have cornered us. They think this will be our end. But I did not bring you here to die. No! I brought you here to witness the Sword of Order driving the endless darkness before us. I promise this day belongs to us. Their shields will shatter! Their ranks will crumble! Their master will learn fear!”

Cheers erupted from humans and fae alike. The reapers howled back, trying to drown out their resolve. The Sword blazed with a bright blue light, warming the barrier’s interior.

“I am Jerlin Lightbringer, Guardian of the Sword of Order. When we leave this place, we will lead our people into a new era of peace and prosperity!”

Kalen’s skin tingled as the Sword’s blessings filled him with hope and faith.