The Soul Bearer: Alazar and the Prophecy of Zonlan🔊

Once upon a time, in the mystical plains of Zonlan, dwelt a peculiar tribe known as Thalorias. They were reputed for the most mind-boggling trait that brought the envious eyes of all other tribes upon them. Unlike the mortals, whose faces masked with tireless deceit and pretense, the Thalorias possessed the supernatural power to manifest their souls in their very countenances. A Thalorian, when true to his heart, radiated an ethereal glow, defeated only by the celestial bodies themselves.

Among them was Alazar, a young lad of fourteen winters. Alazar was befell an unfortunate boy cursed with a face shrouded in dim light, interpreting a conflicted soul. No matter how he tried, the radiance was constant, a pitiful blip against the luminous brightness of his peers. A mark of shame he bore, this endless torment of dark despair.

Life took a drastic turn when, one day, the Oracle of Zonlan prophesied an imminent darkness condensing over their lands. The prophecy suggested that the only chance of salvation lay in the hands of Soul Bearer, whoever had unique soul reflection and was strong enough to challenge and vanquish the darkness. The Thalorias began to see a glimmer of purpose in Alazar's dim soul-reflection—a potential Soul Bearer.

Summoning his courage, Alazar accepted his destiny. The elders, recognizing this newfound determination, trained him, pushing his physical and mental capabilities to limits he himself could barely comprehend. They taught him about sacrifices necessary, honesty of feelings, and the power of his own soul, which was more profound than its external radiance.

It was a frightful day when the predicted darkness first began to envelop Zonlan. Panic ensued, and survival instincts set in—destroying the unity within the tribe and casting away the luminous trait of the Thalorias. They turned against each other in fear, their once-glowing faces dimming, reflecting raw terror, mistrust, and despair. Only Alazar, the dim one, was still a constant gleam; not bright, but steady and resilient.

Alone, Alazar ventured towards the epicenter of the dark force, armed with his understanding of the soul, the dim but unwavering light on his face a metaphor to his constant belief. He looked into the heart of darkness, his timbre resonating with determination as he challenged it to a duel of souls.

The darkness snarled, sensing Alazar's ethereal light as a threat. But Alazar's determination never stirred. He stared back at the monstrous eyes, his heart beating to the rhythm of his unwavering courage. They fought for days, but every injury inflicted upon Alazar seemed to make him stronger, his confidence undying.

On the seventh day, with all his managed strength, Alazar beamed all his soul energy towards the darkness. His glow became so radiant that it rivaled that of suns. The darkness began to falter, scorched by the resplendent force it faced. With a harrowing cry, it dissipated, leaving behind a serene sky and a brighter day.

Alazar saved Zonlan and in the process, discovered his true power. His soul glow, though dim, was constant, unaffected by fear or malice - a true reflection of his inner strength. As he returned, his glow became the new norm among the Thalorias, a symbol of consistency over intensity, of resilience over fleeting brightness.

Indeed, his glow was dimmer, but it was always present. And for the Thalorias, this came to signify the true strength of the soul — not in its intensity, but in its constancy.