Shadows in the Night

That night, as I lay in bed, my mind still reeled from the events of the day. I couldn't shake off the feeling that my life had taken a dramatic turn, and that Fyrke, the mysterious patron, was at the center of it all. As I drifted off to sleep, I felt a presence in my dreams. At first, I thought it was just my imagination, but as I opened my eyes, I saw her standing before me. Fyrke, the goddess, stood tall and proud, her piercing green eyes gleaming in the darkness. I felt a surge of adrenaline as I reached for the sword that wasn't there. My hand closed around the hilt of a sword that seemed to materialize in my grasp. I held it up, ready to face her. "Why have you chosen me?" I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady. Fyrke's smile was like a ray of sunlight in the darkness. "I've always wanted you as my champion," she said, her voice husky and confident. But I was not convinced. I had heard stories of dark gods and goddesses, and I assumed Fyrke was one of them. "You are the goddess of darkness, an evil god," I spat, trying to sound braver than I felt. "I will not serve you." Fyrke's expression changed in an instant. Her smile vanished, and her eyes blazed with anger. "You fool," she hissed. "I am no goddess of darkness. I am a goddess of fire, and my flames were extinguished by the priests of a jealous god." Her words were like a revelation, and I felt a pang of guilt for misjudging her. Fyrke's anger seemed to dissipate, replaced by a deep sadness. "My temple, once a beacon of light and warmth, was reduced to ashes and rubble," she continued. "My eternal flame, which burned bright for centuries, was snuffed out by the very people who claimed to serve the light. But I have chosen you, my champion, to help me reclaim my rightful place." Fyrke's eyes locked onto mine, burning with intensity. "Your first task is to find my temple and relight my eternal flame. It is a simple task, but one that requires great courage and cunning. Are you up to the challenge?" I hesitated, unsure of what lay ahead. But something about Fyrke's words resonated with me. I nodded, determination rising within me. "I will do it," I said, my voice firm. Fyrke's smile returned, and she vanished into thin air, leaving me to ponder the task ahead. As I woke up, I felt a sense of purpose that I had never felt before. I knew that my journey as Fyrke's champion had just begun, and I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.