Publisher's Synopsis
ChronoCore: The Shattered Realms,
Chapter 1: The Call of the Chrono Blade The first rays of dawn painted the kingdom of Elaris in hues of pink and gold, casting long shadows over the sprawling emerald fields and winding rivers. Kaelan, a young apprentice blacksmith, stood at the edge of Windcrest Cliff, his favorite spot to watch the sunrise. With his unruly dark hair and piercing green eyes, he had an air of quiet strength that belied his humble occupation. Today, however, Kaelan felt an unshakable restlessness-a whisper of something waiting just beyond his reach. As he gazed across the horizon, the distant mountains seemed to pulse with an unnatural glow. A sudden gust of wind swept through the trees, carrying with it the faint sound of a melody-a haunting tune that spoke of forgotten realms and ancient battles. Kaelan's heart skipped a beat, as though recognizing a memory from a past life. The melody grew louder, calling him down a path that had remained hidden until this moment. "What are you doing up here, Kaelan?" A voice called out, breaking his trance. It was Aiden, his mentor and the village blacksmith, his voice gruff but full of concern. Kaelan turned to see Aiden's familiar figure, his broad shoulders and strong arms scarred from years of working the forge. He carried a heavy leather satchel, its contents clinking with metal as he approached. "Just...thinking," Kaelan replied, his voice distant. Aiden's gaze softened. "Thinking about what?" Before he could answer, a brilliant flash lit up the eastern sky, turning dawn into a blinding blaze. Kaelan shielded his eyes, his heart pounding as he felt a surge of power sweep through him. The light faded as quickly as it had come, leaving behind an echo of the melody and a faint outline in the sky-a symbol that glowed for only an instant. The outline of a sword. Aiden frowned, looking in the direction of the vanished symbol. "Did you see that?" Kaelan nodded, still trying to make sense of the feeling thrumming in his veins. "Yes. And I...I feel like I've seen it before." Aiden's expression turned serious. "Kaelan, there's something I've never told you." He reached into his satchel, pulling out a scroll wrapped in crimson silk and sealed with an intricate crest. "This was left in my care years ago, meant for you when the time was right." Kaelan accepted the scroll with trembling hands. The silk felt warm, almost alive, as he unfurled it. His eyes scanned the ancient script, his breath catching at the words: To the Keeper of the Chrono Blade, destined to protect the balance of the Shattered Realms. He looked up, his voice barely a whisper. "What is this?" Aiden placed a steadying hand on his shoulder. "It's a prophecy, Kaelan. One that speaks of a hero who will wield a blade forged by time itself. It's said the Chrono Blade only appears to those chosen to guard the realms." He paused, his gaze distant. "I never believed in prophecies. But now..." A flicker of doubt crossed Kaelan's mind, but the strange melody still hummed in his heart, resonating with a force that felt beyond his control. "And you think...I'm that hero?" Aiden's eyes softened with a mixture of pride and sadness. "I do. And if you are, the journey ahead will be unlike anything you've ever imagined." Kaelan clenched his fists, feeling the weight of destiny settle onto his shoulders. "Then I have to find it-the Chrono Blade. If there's a chance I can stop whatever is coming..." Aiden nodded, his voice solemn. "Follow the melody. The blade lies hidden in the Temple of Echoes, guarded by trials only the chosen one can survive." Kaelan nodded, determination hardening in his gaze. His fingers tightened around the scroll, the words blazing into his memory as he turned toward the path that led out of the village.
