Chapter 23

The Three Trials

Chapter Four: The Three Trials Marishka — The Forest of Memories Marishka stood beneath the silver moon, surrounded by ancient trees. Mist curled around her feet. "Who are you?" she whispered. The figure stepped forward. It was an old woman with silver hair and kind green eyes. Marishka's breath caught. "Grandmother..." The woman smiled. "You have grown into a powerful sorceress, little one." Marishka's eyes filled with tears. "But you're gone." "I am." Marishka reached toward her, but her hand passed through the shimmering figure. "Why are you here?" "Because you have forgotten something." "What?" "Magic is not power, Marishka. Magic is responsibility." The forest began changing around them. The trees became black silhouettes. The moon disappeared. Marishka saw images of frightened villagers, burning villages, armies marching across mountains, and kings fighting for territory. Her grandmother's voice remained calm. "Power can protect." The images changed. "Power can destroy." Marishka lowered her hands. "Then how do I know which choice is right?" "You don't." The old woman smiled sadly. "You listen to your heart—and you accept the consequences." A path appeared through the forest. At its end stood Mihail. Marishka began walking toward him. But her grandmother called after her. "Remember, Marishka: you cannot save everyone by yourself." Marishka turned. The old woman was gone. Only the moon remained. Mihail — The Throne of Shadows Mihail stood before the mysterious throne. The shadow wearing his face remained seated upon it. "Sit," it commanded. Mihail shook his head. "I will not." "You are a prince." "That doesn't mean I deserve a crown." The shadow laughed. "Your father is aging." Mihail's expression hardened. "Do not speak of my father." "You will become king." "When the time comes." "And what if someone else takes the throne?" Mihail stared at the shadow. "Then I will defend my kingdom." "Even if you must sacrifice the people you love?" Mihail hesitated. The shadow smiled. "That is the price of kingship." Mihail looked toward the crown. For one brief moment, he imagined himself wearing it. Then he turned away. "A king who must destroy the people he protects is no king at all." The throne cracked. The shadow screamed. The entire room began collapsing around him. Mihail remained standing. "I choose my people." The crown vanished. And the doors opened. Lord Barabus — The Mirror Barabus stared into the enchanted mirror. His reflection wore a magnificent crown. Behind him stretched an enormous palace. Armies filled the courtyards. Thousands bowed before him. "You see?" whispered the voice. "This can be yours." Barabus smiled. "I knew it." The reflection raised its hand. Barabus raised his. But their movements were not quite the same. Barabus froze. His reflection smiled. "Do you truly believe you control me?" Barabus stepped backward. "What are you?" The reflection leaned closer to the glass. "I am the part of you that you have hidden from everyone." The image changed. Barabus saw himself as a young man—ambitious, angry, and convinced that the world had denied him the greatness he deserved. He saw every betrayal. Every manipulation. Every secret plan. Every person he had sacrificed for his ambitions. Barabus looked away. "Enough." The reflection continued. "You never wanted to serve the kingdom." "I wanted what I deserved." "You wanted everyone beneath you." Barabus's face hardened. "Yes." The mirror cracked. A deep rumble filled the chamber. Then the reflection spoke one final time. "Then prove it." The mirror shattered. Darkness swallowed Barabus. The Return Marishka suddenly found herself standing in the underground chamber again. Mihail appeared beside her. "Marishka!" She turned toward him. "Mihail." He smiled with relief. "You are safe." "So are you." Across the chamber, King Mathias stood beside his soldiers. But Barabus was nowhere to be seen. The king looked around. "Where is he?" Marishka stared at the shattered mirror. "He failed the Trial." A terrible sound echoed through the chamber. Something moved behind the altar. Mihail drew his sword. "Is it over?" Marishka shook her head. "No." The ancient guardian appeared again. "The Trial is complete." King Mathias stepped forward. "What happens now?" The guardian turned toward the broken mirror. "The one who sought power has awakened the darkness he carried within." A cold wind swept through the chamber. Then Barabus's voice echoed from somewhere far below. "You haven't defeated me." Mihail looked toward the darkness. "Barabus!" His voice returned as a distant whisper. "I have only begun." The guardian's light suddenly vanished. The chamber became completely dark. Marishka reached for Mihail's hand. "We must leave." "Why?" She looked toward the deepest passage beneath the castle. "Because something else has awakened." Far beneath Poenari, beyond the ancient chamber, another door slowly opened. And behind it waited a secret that even the guardian had feared. To be continued... I can �⁠continue with Chapter Five, where Marishka and Mihail discover the secret beyond the second door and learn why Lord Barabus wanted the ancient power in the first place.