"Do not trust the stones that sleep, for on the night when the red moon shines, they shall open their eyes..."
"They are not mere watchers... but those who remember the destruction of this world."
"They hide in the shadows, atop towers and ruins. When night falls, the stone eyes will glow, their wings unfurl, and they will hunt."
"But with the dawn, they will remain still, like carved statues. No one knows if they are mere watchers, or demons waiting for the day they awaken once more..."
And then... the final page was turned, before the storybook was closed by the small hands of the girl.
—
The last light of day streamed through the old wooden window, casting a soft golden glow across the walls of the small wooden house. The atmosphere was warm and peaceful. A cool breeze blew through the thin curtains, causing them to sway gently. The creaky sound of the old wood beneath footsteps gave the house a lively presence.
In the corner of the room, a wooden chair covered with a woolen rug invited rest, while the fireplace still smoldered, filling the air with the sweet aroma of burning wood and herbs from the simmering pot. The sound of water dripping from the pipes leading from the garden well created a quiet, melodic tune, adding to the peacefulness.
Outside, a small garden full of plants reflected the last light of the day, as if enchanted. This wooden house was not just a dwelling; it was a tale of warmth and love, continuing through every moment of life.
The sound of chatter and the laughter of the girl could be heard, drifting out from the slightly ajar door.
Amiri pushed the old wooden door gently to open it wider. A cool breeze entered, bringing with it the scent of burning wood from the fireplace.
"Amy..." Iris called with her sweet voice, sitting beside the bed of the recovering woman, her face still adorned with a bright smile.
Amiri smiled in return, walking over to place the deer legs he had carried back onto the kitchen table and stowed his belongings in the storage room.
"Amy... Let me see what you''ve brought today... Wow! A whole deer leg!" his mother exclaimed excitedly.
"Mom, I''ll be back to help in a moment," Amiri replied softly, his voice warm. His mother smiled back before turning to prepare dinner, while Iris continued calling her brother without stopping.
"So... what are you going to tell me?" Amiri walked over and gently patted his sister’s head with affection.
"Alice is amazing! She''s a real mage and even survived a beast attack!" Iris said with excitement, her eyes sparkling.
Amiri raised an eyebrow slightly. "A beast? The ones in the stories?"
"But Alice said she really saw one!" Iris insisted firmly.
The young man fell silent for a moment, his gaze turning to the blonde woman sitting against the pillow. Her body was still covered with bandages, scars that could not have been caused by a mere animal...
"What kind of beast was it?" Amiri asked seriously.
Alice lifted her head slightly before answering in a soft voice,
"A gargoyle."
—
The quiet, serene atmosphere of the evening lake was bathed in the soft, golden light of the setting sun, making the sky feel both warm and cool at the same time. The gentle flow of the water mirrored this balance, reflecting the light in shimmering sparks, like stars beginning to twinkle in the night. The horizon lowered, nearly blending with the distant mountains. The sound of the gently flowing water blended with the breeze rustling through the leaves that fell to the ground, as if time itself had come to a temporary halt.
“What did you catch, Will?” The voice of a man with light brown hair floated over, drawing near. He paused beside Will, offering a faint smile at the corner of his mouth, as if trying to ease the tension in the air.
“Just one,” Will muttered, furrowing his brow slightly as he set the fishing rod down on the ground and gazed out at the peacefully flowing water. “I guess I’m not having much luck today.”
El paused for a moment, his gaze fixed on the horizon where the sun was slowly sinking. He squinted, speaking in a low tone, his voice seeming to reach out for Will''s attention. “Do you remember the stories from the past… the ones about beasts and magic?”
Will turned to look at him and nodded slightly, his tone heavy with the weight of something hard to forget. “That girl… the one Amiri saved yesterday, you mean?” He sighed deeply before continuing. “This might be bigger than we think.”
“El... the older he gets, the more like you he becomes,” Will said with a proud look, glancing up at the sky as though lost in thought.
“He’s a kind, gentle boy… easy to raise,” El replied with a smile, though it was tinged with an unspoken emotion, something hard to voice.
“You know… the world won’t be kind to him. Sooner or later, he’ll have to face it,” Will said, his expression troubled as he picked up his fishing rod and began to gather his things.
“Hey, El… stop by my house before you head home,” Will called out as El paused, folding up the canvas chair.
“I’ve got something to return... You’ll surely miss her,” Will added with a tone that held a deeper meaning.
—
The atmosphere in the dining room was warm and filled with joy. Laughter and chatter echoed throughout as hot meals were served on the old wooden table, fragrant with the scent of venison stew and freshly baked bread. Everyone gathered around the table, sharing in the happiness. The soft glow from the oil lanterns made everyone’s shadows appear gentle, like a spell that made time pass slowly.
But when Father stopped serving himself, he placed his spoon down and slowly lifted his gaze. His eyes were resolute, and although a smile still lingered at the corners of his mouth, his demeanor shifted noticeably. The lively chatter that had once filled the room began to fade, and Father’s voice became the focal point.
“Gargoyles... the witch-hunting monsters,” Father’s voice, once warm, was now filled with mystery, as though it came from a place far beyond this world.
A hush fell over the room. Everyone stared at Father, waiting for the tale to unfold. The faint clinking of dishes and spoons faded into silence, as if everyone had sensed that something significant was about to be revealed.
Father paused for a moment before beginning to tell a dark and mysterious story from the past.
“They say... they were once cursed into stone by a sorcerer of immense power,” his voice low and clear.
“But for reasons unknown, someone broke the spell on them, allowing them to live among humans.”
“They were filled with anger and vengeance toward the sorcerer. They hunted at all hours, day and night, targeting those who wielded magic and absorbing their powers for themselves.”
“They had an uncanny resistance to magic and could heal themselves in ways beyond belief.”
“One legend tells that... even a sorcerer with power equal to that of a dragon could not defeat a gargoyle with such immense magical strength.”
“How can we defeat them?” Iris’s clear voice interrupted, cutting through the tension.
Father smiled warmly before continuing, “Only beastly weapon master can defeat them.”
“And... where did you hear this, Father? I’ve never heard such a thing…” Iris propped her chin on the table, pouting slightly.
Father paused for a moment, then smiled faintly and replied, “Well... from your grandfather.”
At that, everyone around the table burst into laughter. The atmosphere in the room returned to warmth, as the shadows of mystery and darkness seemed to lift, lingering softly in the air.
—
The atmosphere in the room grew calmer as time passed into the evening. The ticking of the clock on the wall echoed softly in the silence. Outside the window, the sky darkened, and one by one, the stars appeared, as if watching over the world, casting a gentle light upon the stillness below.
Inside the room, the warm glow of the oil lamp on the table continued to provide a soft radiance, filling the space with warmth. A cool breeze drifted through the window, making the thin curtains sway gently, the sound of the wind adding to the serene and calming ambiance.
Alice had just recovered from her injuries. Iris''s little storybook lay across her lap, and her hand, still marked with small cuts, turned the pages carefully. She focused intently on the story, though the pain lingered, the world around her still offered peace to hold on to.
The sound of footsteps drew closer, accompanied by the enticing scent of food. Amiri entered the room, carrying a plate of hot stew, a large piece of bread, and a cup of warm milk whose scent seemed to warm Alice''s very breath.
"I got some venison today," Amiri said, placing the food on the bedside table. His gentle smile spread across his face as he spoke, offering with kindness, "I made some stew with part of it, and the rest will be ham."
Alice smiled back at him before taking a bite of the bread, savoring it with quiet contentment. Although her attention remained on the book in her hands, the delicious food lightened her spirit, making her feel warm and comforted.
Suddenly, the sound of Iris''s footsteps approached quickly, her manner serious. "I helped with the cooking too!" she said, adopting a playful tone, as though trying to make sure everyone noticed how important she was.
Amiri turned to look at his younger sister, smiling faintly before speaking with amusement. "Help? You just came in to cause trouble, didn''t you?" He grinned widely, making Iris fall silent, though she still shot her brother an irritated glance.
Alice, lying in bed, chuckled softly at the exchange. Amid the warm banter, everything in the room seemed to radiate joy, love, and an unbreakable bond. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and happiness, creating a sense of belonging and connection that made one forget the challenges that awaited in the world outside. Cooking together as a family brought everyone closer, making them feel like they were truly part of each other.
—
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
As time passed quietly, Alice began to walk again… with the aid of crutches. Though there was still some lingering pain, she smiled at the slow but steady recovery taking place within her. Under the soft sunlight of late morning, Iris, unable to contain her excitement, approached the young woman with a lively demeanor.
"Today, I''m going to take you on a tour of the village!" Iris exclaimed, her voice ringing with the joy of a child receiving a new toy. She beamed and led the way, explaining, "Amy once told me that ''Ariawood'' means a music box! He said this village is like a song, beautiful and full of life."
Alice smiled faintly, feeling warmth at Iris''s words. Though she didn’t put much stock in them, she couldn’t help but relax in the presence of the girl''s cheerful spirit.
They crossed a small wooden bridge over a narrow canal and entered the village, which was surrounded by lush greenery. The songs of birds harmonized with the sound of the water flowing through the canal, slowly creating an atmosphere like something out of the fairy tales Alice had read.
Iris took Alice to a bakery with an oven that smelled wonderful, the scent of freshly baked bread filling the air. The bread made daily at the bakery was a local favorite. Iris picked up a warm loaf and handed it to Alice.
"Try it! This is the best bread in the village!" Iris said cheerfully.
They then headed to an old inn situated on the village road, its wooden veranda lined with small trees. The warm atmosphere of the inn felt inviting, and the people there seemed to know Iris well. They greeted her with friendly smiles and affection, and Iris cheerfully responded in kind.
"Isn''t this village just lovely?" Iris asked Alice as they passed a small flower shop, its shelves bursting with brightly colored flowers.
"It’s full of life," Alice murmured softly, smiling in return.
Iris led Alice to a beautiful lake in the center of the village, its clear waters reflecting the sky and the large trees surrounding it. They sat by the lake, taking in the peaceful, shady nature and enjoying the tranquility of the moment.
The small courtyard in front of the little house was calm under the soft afternoon sunlight, which was beginning to fade. The cool air mixed with the gentle light from the sky. Though it was usually hot at this time of day, a cool breeze swept through the area, and the sounds of birds and the scent of flowers made everything feel still in a peaceful serenity. This was the perfect time to relax, surrounded by the greenery and blooming flowers.
The rhythm of time seemed to calm the mind, leaving no rush or chaos—like a picture of restful happiness. It was the ideal moment for a quiet conversation or simply to admire the view of this small village.
"Amiri, I have something important for you," the father’s deep voice called as he beckoned his son closer, holding a long object as he approached.
"When I was 19, that was when I got my first real sword," the father said as he handed the weapon to the young man.
The young man drew the sword from its black metal scabbard, the sound of the blade sliding out was soft, like a melody drifting from an instrument in the midst of quietness. Every movement was filled with grace and power. The weapon in his hand seemed almost alive, adorned with metal at both the hilt and the end of the guard, adding both strength and beauty to the blade. It symbolized the fusion of beauty and death.
As he gripped the handle wrapped in dark leather, the stability he felt from it gave him a sense of the latent power within. The double-edged sword, with its razor-sharp silvery blade, reflected light in a way that made it seem lighter than expected. Its weight felt like a breath of wind, so light it seemed to vanish into the breeze, designed to move swiftly and precisely.
The hilt was cast into a rounded shape, with silver rose patterns that hadn’t yet bloomed, symbolizing beauty hiding danger. The curved crossguard spiraled into twisting, flowing lines, almost seeming alive. It looked as if it could move with the wind, its beauty so captivating that one might forget the underlying threat, as if it were created for the art of killing.
If one looked at the sword long enough, they would feel a chill in the air, as though the blade were not just a weapon but a tool of fate—one that could lead its wielder to victory or drag them into destruction, unknown to them.
Amiri swung the sword with one hand, expertly testing its balance. “It’s so light, Father…”
“She’s called Gale,” the father replied with a soft smile, “the lightest hand-and-a-half sword I''ve ever used.”
"Then why don’t you use her anymore? The sound she makes is beautiful." Amiri swung it skillfully with both hands.
"The song she sings… seems like it’s for you." The father''s expression showed a hint of concern.
Amiri sheathed the sword just as Alice and Iris returned.
"Alice... you really seem to love it here," Iris said cheerfully, raising both hands in excitement, making both the father and brother smile.
"Alice..." the young man turned to meet the young woman''s gaze.
"When you’re better... you’ll leave, won’t you?" Amiri spoke with a calm yet slightly sorrowful tone.
The young woman avoided his gaze.
"I… have to travel to my family... in Lunasia," she answered, her voice shifting slightly.
"Then… I’ll take you there. It would be dangerous for you to go alone."
Iris glanced between Amiri and Alice, feeling an odd sensation about the chemistry that seemed to be filling the air.
—
The soft morning sunlight streamed through the trees, settling on the small, cozy house in front of them. The day felt quieter than usual, the sound of birds singing becoming a soft, harmonious hum in the air. As the sunlight gently kissed the leaves, a pale golden reflection shimmered on the stone ground, creating a warm and relaxing atmosphere, yet there was an undercurrent of something unspoken—like a calmness that lingered in the air, masking the sorrow that hung within it.
The father and mother stood at the front of the house, their expressions betraying the heaviness of the moment, as if they were silently bidding farewell to their son, who was about to embark on a journey. They had not spoken much to each other, but the sadness in their eyes was impossible to hide. The mother’s face remained clouded with sorrow, while the father, once strong, struggled to maintain his composure. He held his wife tightly, as if to offer both of them the strength they needed in this quiet farewell.
Alice expressed her gratitude to Amiri’s parents, thanking them not only for taking care of her with love and concern, but for providing warmth and affection as if they were her true family.
"Couldn’t you stay a little longer...?" Iris''s voice, full of tenderness and a hint of pleading, broke through the silence. The atmosphere grew even heavier with her words, laden with an unspoken sadness. Alice knelt down to embrace Iris, saying nothing, simply letting the moment pass. Iris’s small body trembled slightly, knowing that a farewell was coming, yet she understood that Alice had to leave.
Amiri smiled lightly at his parents, trying to ease the tension with a calm expression, aware that Lunasia, the city he was traveling to, was not far from their village.
"El, I really don’t want him to grow up," his mother’s voice quivered, a soft admission of her reluctance to accept her son’s growing independence.
The father, who had never shown weakness, spoke in a tone that carried an unfamiliar tremor, "I’ve known from the start, that someday Amiri would..." As he finished speaking, he tightened his arm around his wife’s shoulder, smiling gently at his son, who stood waiting before them.
Iris, still standing in the scene, was confused, unable to grasp the emotions behind their expressions. She asked with innocence, "Why do mom and dad look like that... Lunasia is only half a day’s walk from here... Amy will be back soon, right?"
Her question made her parents smile faintly, but with a touch of bitterness. They turned to watch their son and the young woman slowly walking away, their departure marking a moment filled with hidden emotions.
As Amiri and Alice turned their backs on the house, the family stood still, knowing that the distance growing between them was not just a matter of miles. It symbolized a life change, one that could never be undone.
"I really do love Amy, El..." the mother’s voice echoed in the air as she clung to her husband.
"I know... I know..." the father murmured, gently stroking his wife’s head, offering comfort. They stood there in silence, giving space to the emotions of love and sorrow that filled the moment.
Only Iris remained in the spot, still confused and unaware of the meaning behind her parents'' actions. She stood, puzzled and questioning, unable to understand the shift in their behavior from what she had always known.
—
The road stretched out ahead, paved with clean, gray bricks, the smooth surface free from dust, making the journey feel effortless and easy. Tall trees lined the sides, their presence framed by the cool, gentle breeze that carried the refreshing scents of earth and foliage. The entire path seemed to resonate with a sense of calm and abundance, as if everything around were basking in a life full of balance.
In the distance, a familiar merchant was traveling with a cart laden with goods bound for the village of Ariawood. He began his journey from the city of Lunacia at dawn, when the first rays of sunlight pierced the morning mist. The cool wind from the mountains made the journey feel less tiring. The slow creak of the cart mixed with the birdsong in the trees, filling the atmosphere with a serene joy.
Thanks to the well-maintained road, the merchant could reach Ariawood by mid-morning and still make it back to Lunacia by early evening without much fatigue. The journey, though familiar, felt comforting and peaceful, imbued with the beauty of nature as the trees and cool winds accompanied him the entire way.
“Your family must be worried...”
The young woman avoided the boy’s gaze and said nothing in reply.
“Do you travel often?” Alice asked briefly, as they passed a row of tall trees. The further they moved away from the village, the thicker the trees became.
“I don''t get out much... It''s been so long since I last visited Lunacia with my friend,” Amiri tried to recall, almost unable to remember the last time he came to the city with Erik.
“Thank you for helping me earlier,” Alice said softly, but Amiri didn''t respond.
Although the road remained smooth, the silence began to creep in as they moved farther from Ariawood. The sounds of people and activity slowly faded, replaced by the quiet rustling of leaves. The road shifted into a sparse forest, where the trees weren’t dense enough to block out all light but created enough shade to cast a faint glow. The sunlight grew diffused, mingling with the soft breeze that carried dried leaves along the way.
The scenery, enveloped by the sparse forest, made the surroundings feel eerily quiet, as if time had paused for a moment. The only sound was the gentle flow of a nearby stream, its murmur so soft it was almost imperceptible. The sound of water flowing seemed to contrast strangely with the chilling, lonely atmosphere, as though something was lurking in the silence. Sunlight filtering through the trees added an air of mystery to the path. Even though the road was smooth, it couldn’t escape the sense of oddness that lingered.
The clash of swords rang out!
Amiri gritted his teeth as he absorbed the blow from a mysterious man.
“Give me the girl, and you might survive!” the chilling voice threatened.
The mysterious man attacked swiftly, only to find himself being pursued instead!
Amiri counterattacked fiercely, swinging his sword with the force of a storm. Each strike grew heavier and more intense, throwing the stranger off balance for a moment before the sound of steel piercing flesh rang out.
A giant spear pierced through the middle of the man’s torso!
Amiri spun to look—Alice was standing behind him. She flicked her hand lightly, causing the spear to float in mid-air before it shot forward, impaling the stranger in the throat.
But what happened next chilled the blood in both of their veins...
The mysterious man slowly pulled the spear out of his body. Black blood, like ink, dripped onto the ground, yet the torn flesh hardened, eventually turning to stone and disintegrating as though the wound had never existed.
“This is the sorcerer I’ve been seeking.” His skin tore into ribbons, and his head morphed into a goat’s skull. His tall form stretched, dark wings resembling a bat’s sprouted from his back, and massive claws emerged. The stench of decay filled the air.
Flames roared toward him, but they had no effect. With a sudden, swift motion, he shot into the sky.
Amiri wasted no time. He leaped high, his dual swords almost vanishing with the wind. The clash of metal rang with power every time his blades met the demon’s claws.
The gargoyle opened its mouth, revealing sharp fangs. A sparkling black flame gathered in its mouth, forming a massive ball of shadowy fire before it shot toward him with great speed.
He barely dodged in time, but it was too fast!
Its claws slashed deep into his flesh, blood spurting from the wound.
Pain surged through him, threatening to bring him to his knees. Every breath felt like a dagger, twisting within his chest.
Alice tried everything she could, using all her magic, but nothing seemed to work. The demon closed in on Amiri, who could barely stand.
The creature grinned cruelly, its victory near.
Alice stood, frozen, as if bound by time.
“I''m sorry...” Her voice was a whisper, barely a breath, as she struggled to watch Amiri lying helpless before her.
Weakly, Alice fell to her knees, as if the world itself had denied her the chance to change anything.
<hr>
The air, once still, began to churn, as if the sky itself would rip apart.
Lightning flashed through the clouds, followed by a thunderous roar. Amiri stood up, his neck still under the threat of the demon''s claws—when it suddenly halted.
Crack! A storm of blades swung back, severing the demon’s arm instantly.
The gargoyle recoiled, its stone eyes widening in shock.
“…The wind... the storm... What kind of grim are you!?”
Swish! Another wave of blades sliced through, severing one of its wings before it could move.
Its once-mighty claws now trembled in fear!
It howled in pain!