Eldrida's Call to Arms: Aria's Journey From Loss to Legacy

By J.B. Corgard

In the land of Aurorielle, a young woman named Aria sets out on an incredible journey to save her kingdom from the clutches of the evil Zoltar. Along the way, she faces challenges and dangers she never could have imagined. 

With the help of her loyal friends, Aria must navigate through all of these obstacles to reach Zoltar's castle and put an end to his wicked plans once and for all. Her journey is full of unexpected twists and turns, as well as heart-pumping moments of bravery and sacrifice.

Through it all, Aria grows stronger and more determined, discovering that her true power lies within. She learns the value of friendship, courage, and perseverance, and inspires those around her to stand up for what is right.

Join Aria on her epic adventure as she battles to save her kingdom and all she holds dear. Will she be able to overcome the odds and emerge victorious against Zoltar and his armies? The fate of Eldrida rests in her hands.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Publishdrive
• Release date: Sep 6, 2023

Book preview

Eldrida’s Call to Arms

Aria's Journey from Loss to Legacy

By J. B. Corgard

Copyright© 2023 by J. B. Corgard

All Rights Reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means stored, in any information and retrieval system, or transmitted by means - electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or otherwise without prior written permission of the publisher Except for brief quotations in critical reviews and articles or occasional page copying for personal use or group study.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 1

You are about to embark on a journey through a world of imagination and enchantment, where the impossible becomes possible and mythical beings roam free. This fantastical realm is known as Aurorielle, a name that truly embodies its unique and bold spirit. Here, you will encounter a diverse array of races, each with their own rich history and culture. From the soaring peaks of the mountains to the rolling hills of the countryside, and the bustling cities of the urban centers, this world is teeming with life and adventure.

As you explore the sprawling landscapes and delve into the mysteries of this magical world, you will encounter powerful sorcerers, cunning thieves, noble knights, and ancient dragons, to name just a few. You will experience the thrill of combat as you battle fierce monsters and the thrill of discovery as you uncover long lost secrets. This world is a place where anything can happen and anything is possible. So come, enter this world of fantasy and magic, and see for yourself the wonders that await you.

Now it is time for some background. Let us begin.

The kingdom of Eldrida was founded by a group of settlers who were searching for a new land to call their own. They had grown tired of the constant wars and political turmoil in their homeland, and longed for a place where they could live in peace and prosperity.

Garret, a wise and powerful sorcerer, was chosen to lead the settlers on their journey. He had a vision of a land where magic and wonder still existed, and where the people lived in harmony with the land. He promised the settlers that he would use his magic to protect them and guide them to this land of their dreams.

The journey was long and treacherous, but the settlers were determined. They faced many challenges along the way, from harsh weather and treacherous terrain, to attacks from bandits and monsters. But Garret used his magic to protect them, and they finally arrived at a beautiful land that matched the vision he had promised them.

The settlers named this land Eldrida, and they set to work building a new home for themselves. Garret became the first king of Eldrida, and he used his magic to protect the kingdom and its people. He created a powerful magical barrier around the kingdom, which kept out invaders and monsters.

He also created a group of powerful magical artifacts, known as the Relics of Eldrida, which were passed down from king to king and were said to have the power to protect the kingdom and its people in times of need.

The kingdom prospered under Garret's rule, and after he passed away, a council of wizards was formed to select the next king. The counsel was made up of the most powerful and wise sorcerers in the kingdom. They used their magic to determine who was the most suitable to be the next king, ensuring that the kingdom would always be ruled by a just and fair ruler.

For many years, the kingdom of Eldrida was a place of peace and prosperity. The people lived in harmony with the land, and magic and wonder still existed in the world. Zoltar, an evil wizard, was sealed away centuries ago by a powerful group of sorcerers, who feared his immense power and his ambition to conquer the land. The location of the seal was lost over time and the story of Zoltar became nothing more than a myth, passed down through generations. However, as the kingdom of Eldrida was at peace and prospering, the threat of Zoltar was all but forgotten.

But one day, a rogue sorcerer named Xander uncovered an ancient document that contained the rough location of the seal. Excited by the possibility of gaining immense power, he set out to find the seal. But as he entered the cave where the seal was located, he was not prepared for the consequences of his actions. As he performed the ritual to break the seal, he didn't know that he had to sacrifice himself to bring Zoltar back. His skin peeled from his body, his blood oozed out of his body as he turned to stone from his feet slowly to his head. He is screaming bloody murder well it happened. But it was too late, Zoltar was freed from his prison and ready to exact his revenge on the kingdom of Eldrida.

With his powers restored, Zoltar set out to exact his revenge on those who had sealed him away and those who now ruled the kingdom. His goal is to conquer Eldrida and rule it with an iron fist. He seeks to gather an army of undead and other creatures of darkness to aid him in his quest for power. King Harold, the current ruler of Eldrida, is determined to protect his kingdom and its people from these threats.

He has called upon the bravest and most skilled warriors from across the land to come to Eldrida and join the fight against the forces that would see the kingdom fall. Will you answer the call and help defend the kingdom of Eldrida?

Our story begins not in the grand kingdom of Eldrida, but in a small, remote village nestled high in the mountains of Athara. The village of Dunshire is a peaceful place, where the people live simple lives and tend to their farms and livestock.

But something stirs in the quiet village, as a letter nail to the wall of the local tavern catches the eye of one of the villagers. Aria MacGregor, once a fierce and skilled warrior, now sat alone in her small, remote village of Dunshire high up in the mountains of the kingdom of Athara. Her appearance had changed a lot since her days as a warrior. Her once sharp jawline was now rounded and her once piercing blue eyes were now sunken, sadness now a constant companion.

Her once short blonde hair was now graying, styled in a messy and unkempt way. The scars on her face, that once added to her fierce appearance, now seemed like a constant reminder of the battles she had lost. She had lost her parents at a young age and was raised by her uncle, Gordan. He was a fierce warrior and taught her everything she knew about combat and survival.

She was determined to make him proud and followed in his footsteps to become a warrior herself. However, it was also under his roof that she learned the weight of loss and grief. She had long ago given up her life as a mighty warrior, haunted by the memories of her fallen friend and companion, Cedric.

Cedric was her closest friend and companion, who died well adventuring. It had been years since she had ventured out into the world, preferring instead to live out her days in quiet isolation in the secluded mountain village of Dunshire in the kingdom of Athara.

Aria had a loyal companion in her large, black and tan dog with piercing brown eyes named Thor. He was a fierce protector and companion to Aria, always by her side and providing her with comfort and companionship. Thor was well trained and obedient, always ready to follow Aria's commands. He was her only friend beside a tankard of ale.

As she sat in her small cottage, staring out at the rolling hills that surrounded her, she couldn't shake the feeling that her time of peace was coming to an end. Thor sat by her side, his head rested on her lap, sensing her unease. Together, with Thor by her side, Aria knew she could face whatever was to come.

Aria woke up to the warm light of late morning filtering into her room. She felt heavy and listless, like she had been feeling for the past couple of weeks. She had lost her zest for life, and found herself spending most of her time lying in bed, staring at the ceiling.

But today, she knew she had to shake herself out of this funk. She got out of bed, got dressed, and ate a simple breakfast of bread and cheese. As she was finishing her meal, she thought of an idea to keep herself occupied - she could spend some time in the forge. Building a blacksmith forge from scratch is no small feat, but Aria was determined to make her dreams a reality.

It took her nine long months of hard work and patience to complete the forge, as she had to wait for the necessary supplies to become available. However, she was blessed to have the support of two great cities in the kingdom she lived in - the small capital city of Sideria, and Ironhold, the renowned dwarven city.

Aria sourced most of her building materials from Ironhold, renowned for its skilled blacksmiths and abundance of resources. The dwarves of Ironhold were more than happy to help a fellow blacksmith in need, and Aria was grateful for their generosity. She also made frequent trips to Sideria, a city that stood at the foot of the south side of the mountain, built right into the side of the mountain itself.

Sideria was a city unlike any other, with its unique architecture and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The city was home to many different races and cultures, each contributing their own unique flair to the bustling metropolis. Despite its small size, Sideria was a hub of activity and commerce, and Aria was always amazed by the hustle and bustle of the city whenever she visited.

As she built her forge, Aria couldn't help but feel a sense of pride knowing that she was contributing to the rich history and cultural heritage of both Sideria and Ironhold. When she finally completed her forge, Aria was overjoyed, and she knew that her hard work and determination had paid off. She couldn't wait to start creating her masterpieces, and she was eager to see what the future held for her as a blacksmith in the kingdom.

Aria lived in a small cottage on the outskirts of town, and the forge was situated on the right side of the house. She opened the door and stepped into the warm, smoky atmosphere of the forge. She grabbed a handful of coals and placed them in the center of the forge, igniting them until the fire was blazing hot.

With metal tongs, she picked up a small piece of iron and placed it in the middle of the fire. 20 minutes later, the iron was ready to be forged. Aria took the glowing red piece of metal and brought it over to the anvil. She grabbed a hammer and began to shape the metal, beating it into a small blade.

Aria was new to blacksmithing and was teaching herself as she went along. She had only made a few blades before, mostly focusing on nails and horseshoes. But she was determined to keep practicing until she became skilled enough to make more complex pieces. Several hours passed as she worked, her mind completely occupied with the task at hand. Finally, she held up her latest creation - a crude, but sturdy blade. It was the third blade she had made, and she was proud of her progress.

She smiled, feeling a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that she had not felt in weeks. Later that day, Aria headed to the local tavern. She was there most nights. It was a dark and dreary evening at the local tavern, The Rusty Tankard, as Aria sat at the bar, staring into her mug of ale. The atmosphere in the tavern was somber, with only a few patrons scattered throughout the dimly lit room.

The walls were adorned with various weapons and armor, trophies of past battles and adventures. A fireplace crackled in the corner, providing warmth and a sense of home. Finn, the kind-faced old bartender, was wiping down the counter as he asked her, Aria, when are you going to let go of the past and start living again? You've been coming here for years, talking about the same thing. It's not healthy for you.

Aria replied, her voice heavy with emotion, I can't let go of it, Finn. Lyra was more than just a companion; she was my best friend. I can't just forget about her and move on. Not like my parents and Uncle Gordan.

Finn nodded understandingly and replied, I understand that, Aria. But you can't let the past consume you. You have to find a way to honor their memory and move forward with your own life. It's not easy, but it's necessary. Maybe you should take some time to rest and recuperate. And who knows, maybe you could even train the new generation of adventurers here in town. Pass on your knowledge and experience to those who will be facing similar challenges in the future."

Aria took a sip of her ale, contemplating Finn's words. She knew he was right, but the guilt and grief of losing her loved ones was too much for her to bear. She couldn't shake the feeling that her time of peace was coming to an end.

Maybe you should go hunting, or go to Ironhold again. You like it there. said Finn trying to keep her mind off things.

Ya, it is about that time that I head back there

Well there you go, that might help you out.

As Aria sat at the bar, staring into her mug of ale, her eyes caught sight of a letter nailed to the wall. It was written in bold letters, calling for brave warriors and skilled fighters to come to the aid of the kingdom of Eldrida.

Aria felt a spark of excitement and purpose as she read the letter, but she knew deep down that she was not ready to face the world yet.

Aria nodded slowly, knowing that Finn was right. She had been struggling with her grief for so long and it was clear that she needed help.

Maybe you should talk to the local priest, Father James. He's a wise man, and he could help you with your problem, Finn suggested.

Aria shook her head, I'm not very religious Finn, I don't think that would work for me.

Finn smiled understandingly. I understand that. But he's a good listener and a wise man. He may be able to help you find some peace and closure.

As Aria sat at the bar, staring into her mug of ale, her eyes caught sight of a letter nailed to the wall. It was written in bold letters, calling for brave warriors and skilled fighters to come to the aid of the kingdom of Eldrida.

Aria's eyes widened as she read the letter, her mind racing with possibilities. Finn, what is this letter about? She asked

Finn looked up from his task and followed her gaze. "Oh that, some guy came in the other day and put it up.

Not really sure for what. It's a call for help from the kingdom of Eldrida. They are in dire need of warriors to defend them from an impending war"

War? Aria said, her voice filled with concern. What kind of war?

It's not clear Finn replied, But it's said that the kingdom is under threat from a powerful enemy. They are looking for anyone willing to fight and defend their people.

Aria felt a spark of excitement and purpose as she read the letter, but she knew deep down that she was not ready to face the world yet.

Finn could see the turmoil in her eyes and placed a comforting hand on hers. Aria, you know that you are still struggling with your past, and you shouldn't go on an adventure in your current state. You need to take care of yourself first.

Aria nodded slowly, knowing that Finn was right. She had been struggling with her grief for so long and it was clear that she needed help.

Maybe you should talk to the local priest, Father James. He's a wise man, and he could help you with your problem, Finn suggested. Aria shook her head, I'm not very religious Finn, I don't think that would work for me.

Finn smiled understandingly. I understand that. But he's a good listener and a wise man. He may be able to help you find some peace and closure.

Aria considered Finn's suggestion, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him. He had been her only friend beside a tankard of ale, for the past few years, always there to listen and support her.

You're right Finn, maybe I should talk to Father James. I don't know if it will help, but I'll give it a try, Aria said, with a small smile.

Finn smiled back at her, I'm glad you're considering it. You deserve to find peace and happiness, Aria. And I'll always be here for you, as your friend.

Aria felt a warmth in her heart as she looked at Finn, knowing that she could always count on him. She knew the road ahead would be difficult, but with Finn's support and the guidance of Father James, she felt a glimmer of hope that she could finally find the closure she needed to move on with her life.

The next day, Aria woke up late, feeling disoriented and uncertain of what to do with her day. She had no responsibilities or obligations, and it was a feeling that she was not used to.

She made herself a simple breakfast of eggs and toast, her mind still racing with the possibilities of what the future might hold. As she ate, she looked out the window and saw Thor, her loyal dog companion, waiting for her outside. She finished her breakfast and decided to take a walk with Thor to clear her head. They walked through the quiet streets of Dunshire, and Aria felt a sense of peace and contentment as she watched Thor chase after birds and squirrels.

As they walked, Aria's thoughts turned to Finn's suggestion of talking to Father James. She had never been particularly religious, but she knew that Finn had only her best interests at heart. And so, she decided to head to the local church to seek guidance and advice from Father James.

As she entered the church, Aria felt a sense of awe and reverence. The interior of the church was beautifully crafted, with intricate carvings and stained-glass windows that depicted scenes from the Bible. Thor followed her, his tail wagging excitedly as he explored the new surroundings.

Father James was waiting for her at the altar, a kind smile on his face. Aria felt a sense of comfort and security as she talked to him about her struggles and her past. Thor lay by her feet, listening to the conversation, providing her with a sense of support and companionship.

After talking to Father James, Aria felt a sense of hope and clarity that she hadn't felt in a long time. She knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but with the guidance and support of Father James and Finn, she felt a glimmer of hope that she could finally find the closure she needed to move on with her life.

As Aria sat down in front of Father James, she felt a sense of uncertainty and nervousness. She had never been particularly religious and wasn't sure if she was ready for this. She was unsure if she could open up to a stranger about her personal struggles, and if he would even understand her. Father James noticed her unease and smiled kindly at her. "Aria, there is no need to be nervous.

I am here to listen and to help you in any way I can. You can speak openly and honestly with me, and I will not judge you."

Aria felt a sense of comfort in his words, and it made her feel more at ease. She took a deep breath and began to talk, opening up to him about her struggles and her past. She told him about the loss of her loved ones, her uncle Gordan, her parents and her dear friend Lyra. She spoke about how the guilt and grief had consumed her for so many years, how it had affected her daily life, how it had made her distant from her friends and how she had resorted to drowning her sorrows in ale at the local tavern.

Father James listened attentively, nodding and offering words of wisdom and encouragement. Aria, it is natural to grieve the loss of loved ones. But it is important to remember that they would want you to be happy and to move forward with your life. Grief can be a heavy burden to bear, but it is important to find ways to cope and heal

But how can I move forward when I feel so much guilt and pain? Aria asked, her voice filled with emotion. I keep thinking if I had done something differently, they would still be alive

"It's not uncommon to feel guilty, Aria. But you have to understand that their deaths were not your fault. They were a part of life's journey. You have to find a way to honor their memory and make a difference in the world. You are a skilled warrior, and you have the ability to make a positive impact on the world. You can use your skills and abilities to help others and make a positive difference in the world.

And by doing so, you honor your loved ones' memory." Father James replied. Aria thought about his words, and for the first time in a long time, felt a sense of hope and purpose. She realized that she had been living in the past for too long, and it was time for her to move forward and make a difference in the world.

I understand what you're saying, Father James. I think I've been stuck in the past for too long. I've been afraid to move on and make a difference in the world because I was afraid of losing someone else Aria said

I understand that, Aria. Grief can be overwhelming and it can be difficult to let go. But it's important to remember that life is precious and it's important to make the most of it. You have a gift, your skills as a warrior, and you should use it to make a positive impact in the world Father James replied with a gentle smile.

Thank you, Father James, I don't know what I would do without your help Aria said gratefully. Father James smiled at her, You are always welcome here, Aria. Remember, I am here for you whenever you need me. And I will always be here to listen and guide you in your journey

Aria nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude and peace as she left the church with Thor by her side. She knew that the journey ahead would be difficult, but she was ready to face it with renewed hope and determination. She realized that she had a choice to make, to continue to live in the past or to move forward and make a difference in the world. And she knew which path she wanted to choose.

Chapter 2

Aria woke up early on the day of her monthly journey. She had been living in Dunshire for the past six years and had made this trip alone for the last four. She lived in a small cabin on the outskirts of town, surrounded by the dense forest. She made sure to pack enough supplies for the half-day hike, including food, water, and a first aid kit. As she set out, she couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement mixed with a hint of apprehension. She was heading to the old Dwarven city, known as Ironhold.

Ironhold was once a great and thriving city, but now it was a shell of its former self. The majority of the residents had moved away years ago after the mines dried up, leaving only around 14,000 people still living in the city. They were scattered throughout the great corridors and caverns that made up the city.

Aria had heard stories of the city's glory days and was always fascinated by it. She had made it her mission to learn as much as she could about Ironhold and its history. She had also made friends with some of the residents and looked forward to visiting them every month.

As she ventured through the thick forest, Aria couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and amazement as she gazed upon the towering peaks of the mountain. The melody of bird songs and the crunching of leaves underfoot were the only sounds that could be heard. The forest was dense and the path was narrow and winding, but Aria was no stranger to it.

She had trekked this route many times before and knew it like the back of her hand. After hours of hiking, Aria finally reached the city gates after a journey of about 7 hours.

As Aria approaches the old Dwarven city, she sees the grand entrance that welcomes her. Two towering pillars, each standing at least 30 feet tall, stand on either side of the entrance. The pillars are made of a dark, rough-hewn stone that has been worn smooth over time. Between the pillars, there are two massive stone doors, one of which is missing the top half. The doors are intricately carved with images of dwarves hard at work in the mines.

Two guards stand at the front of the entrance, their presence looming over Aria. They are typical dwarfs, each standing at around four feet tall, with broad shoulders and thick, muscular bodies. They are dressed in traditional dwarven armor, made of a mixture of leather and steel plates. Each guard holds a long spear at the ready, their expressions stoic and unyielding. They watch Aria with a wary eye as she approaches, their expressions unchanging as she greets them.

As Aria and Thor walked through the grand entrance of Ironhold, the guards nodded in recognition and opened the massive stone doors for them. Inside, the city was a stark contrast to the lush greenery of the forest outside. The air was thick with dust and the smell of decay. The buildings were in various states of disrepair, with crumbling stone walls and broken windows. The streets were empty and silent, save for the faint sounds of hammers and chisels echoing in the distance.

The only source of light came from dim torches that flickered on the walls, casting eerie shadows on the ground. Aria couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness as she looked around at the once-great city, now reduced to a shadow of its former self.

The once grand and thriving city was now nothing but a shell of its former self. The buildings were falling apart, the streets were empty, and the only sounds that could be heard were the faint echoes of hammers and chisels coming from the deeper parts of the city.

They walked down the main hallway, which was lined with gigantic square pillars that reached up to the ceiling, but the dim light made it impossible to see where the ceiling ended. Aria couldn't help but feel a sense of despair as she looked around. The city was so different from what it used to be. She could remember the days when the streets were bustling with activity and the sounds of laughter filled the air.

As they walked deeper into the city, they passed by dark, deserted hallways that led to unknown parts of the city. Aria couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as they walked by. She knew that some of these hallways led to abandoned mines and forgotten parts of the city that were now nothing but a maze of tunnels and caverns.

Despite the desolate state of the city, Aria couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and awe as she looked around. She knew that the dwarves of Ironhold were a proud and resilient people, and she couldn't wait to see what the future held for them.

As they reached the central square of the city, the main marketplace and business hub of Ironhold, it was bustling with activity. The merchants were selling their wares, from weapons to food, and people of all ages and races were busy haggling over prices. The central square was the only lively place in the city, giving a glimmer of hope for the future of Ironhold.

As Aria and Thor walked into the bustling market of Ironhold, the sights and smells immediately enveloped them. The market was crowded with vendors selling everything from swords and armor to raw ore and cooked meats. Aria quickly scanned the crowds, looking for her usual trader, a man named Gromm.

As she weaved through the throngs of people, Aria couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over her. She had been coming to Ironhold for the past six years,