Chapter 1: Opening Image
The tower rose ominously from the desolate landscape, a monolith of black stone and twisted metal that pierced the sullen sky. It was a blight on the world, a testament to the evil that dwelt within, and it was the hero's destination. Kaelen had seen his share of horrors, but this place had an atmosphere that made his skin crawl and the hairs on the back of his neck stand at attention like soldiers awaiting their orders.
The air was thick with the stench of decay and the acrid tang of dark magic.
Kaelen wrinkled his nose, his boots crunching on the charred remnants of what was once a lush forest. The warped trees now stood as twisted sentinels, their blackened branches clawing at the smog-choked heavens. He adjusted his grip on the hilt of his greatsword, the runes etched into the blade glowing softly, casting an eerie light on the desolation around him.
"By the gods," he muttered, his voice a low rumble, "what kind of monster calls this place home?"
As if in answer, a guttural roar echoed from the tower.
Kaelen's grip tightened on his sword, the glow of the runes intensifying. He squinted up at the immense structure, its obsidian spires reaching like claws into the darkened sky. The sound had come from high up, one of the upper balconies perhaps. He could see a vague shape, a massive form silhouetted against the gloom.
"Well, well," Kaelen said, his voice echoing in the empty landscape. "Looks like I've got your attention."
The form shifted, a tail lashing out and striking the balcony with a crack that sent shards of obsidian raining down.
Kaelen ducked, his helmet shielding his face from the falling debris. He knew that form, had seen it before in his nightmares. A draconic demon, a monstrosity with the horns, scales, and wings of a dragon. This one, however, was huge, the size of a small castle.
"You're a long way from home, human," the demon called down, its voice like thunder. "Why do you disturb my solitude?"
Kaelen stood straight, his armor creaking as he did so.
"I'm here to end your reign of terror," he shouted back, making sure each word was clear and confident. "You've been preying on the innocent for too long."
The demon chuckled, a sound like boulders tumbling down a hill. "Innocent? There is no such thing in this world."
Kaelen sighed, shaking his head. "That's where you're wrong. There's always a choice to be made. And you've made yours."
"And you?" The demon's voice was mocking now.