Far-reaching, the desert of Araelith spread like an endless sea ‒ golden dunes gleaming under a very harsh sun. Few people dared to cross this vast land because tales spoke of sands holding old empire memories, whispers of treachery and royal blood. Many who wandered too far probably got lost forever ‒ their bones buried by moving dunes. 

But Lirien from Khoradin just had no choice.

1. A Journey Born of Desperation 

Lirien’s horse plodded through the sand ‒ its steps slow and tired. The caravan he once led vanished, scattered by desert raiders’ attack. The merchants he promised to protect were either dead or enslaved and everyone blamed him. In the distance the sandstone spires of Zarvah towered ‒ an ancient city said to be cursed by angry gods.

“I’ll find you,” Lirien whispered under his breath gripping the amulet around his neck tightly. It was a keepsake from his sister, Alira ‒ taken by the raiders. They left him for dead ‒ but vengeance burned in his heart fiercely. He would not leave her to their cruelty.

‍2. The City of Ghosts 

Zarvah stayed empty for hundreds of years ‒ its streets buried under thick sand and its walls worn away by strong winds. When Lirien walked through the broken gates, he sensed unseen eyes watching him closely. The air shimmered with odd heat ‒ his boots made strange echoes in the silent streets. 

In the city’s center stood the Obsidian Tower ‒ a relic from Zarvah’s once powerful rulers. Stories talked about a weapon hidden inside ‒ a blade made from Araelith’s sands able to change everything around it. Lirien cared little for tales ‒ he knew raiders came here searching for its strength. To save Alira he had to confront whatever truths hid inside the tower.

3. Shadows of the Past 

While Lirien climbed the tower’s twisting stairs, the air became very cold. Odd paintings covered the walls ‒ showing Zarvah’s kings rising and falling. One picture showed a man wrapped in darkness ‒ holding a glowing glass sword above fallen foes.

“Do you want the sword too?” a voice echoed.

Lirien turned quickly ‒ sword ready. In dim light stood someone in ragged robes ‒ a veil hiding their face. Their voice sounded neither male nor female ‒ and felt as unsettling as this eerie city.

“I look for my sister,” Lirien said gripping his sword tightly. “And those who took her.”

“The sword’s power asks for something,” they said ignoring him. “It ties to its master’s will ‒ but needs truth from their heart first. Do you think you are worthy?”

4. The Trial of the Sands 

The person lifted a hand ‒ suddenly, the room turned into a spinning sandstorm. Lirien stood in a desert ‒ not an ordinary one. Dark shapes twisted in the storm ‒ becoming those he let down: his fallen friends trusting merchants and even Alira with her sad face.

“You left us,” they all said together. “You are not worthy.”

Lirien dropped to his knees ‒ the heavy guilt crushed him. He had let so many down. But as shadows moved closer ‒ he remembered Alira’s voice ‒ how she always pushed him forward against all odds.

“I cannot change what happened before,” he said while standing up again. “But I will fight for what’s ahead ‒ even if it means facing my mistakes to save her.”

The storm grew calm ‒ and the person appeared again ‒ with a molten glass blade in their hands.

5. Redemption and Resolve

“The blade knows your strong will,” the figure said offering the weapon to Lirien. Its surface shone softly ‒ almost like it breathed. “But it holds power that will challenge you constantly. Use it smartly ‒ or it will take over you.”

Lirien paused briefly before grabbing the blade. Its warmth spread inside him ‒ filling him with both strength and worry. He felt the weapon’s desire, its need for a goal ‒ it was not just a tool; it was an active force ‒ and it picked him.

“I will rescue her,” Lirien promised his voice firm.

The figure nodded ‒ disappearing into shadows. “Then may the sands guide you.”

6. A Fresh Goal 

With the sword by his side Lirien walked down the tower and stepped into daylight. The breezes softly spoke as he climbed onto his horse ‒ bringing both warnings and hopes. The raiders probably did not think he would come back ‒ but now, he carried Zarvah’s fury with him. 

As he rode toward the horizon ‒ the desert seemed to change ‒ its bright dunes mirroring the fire in his heart. The Sands of Araelith had pushed him hard ‒ but Lirien was no longer a man escaping from his mistakes. He was a fighter bound to a promise ‒ and he would see it through.

Yes! Don’t forget to check on my new fantasy stories.