"The druids were once humans just like all of us, They were part of an ancient race of humans that is said to be extinct now. So maybe they aren't like us? Either way, the history books suggest that they split off from normal human lifestyle to avoid war. This whole race of humans left and everyone assumed they were extinct. Until they reappeared one day. They had an army so great and magic so powerful and unlike anything we'd ever seen. Now we call them the druid tribe. People believe they went to the forgotten continent to train and brought back tons of magical creatures as their own. The magic they use is unrivalled and no one has been able to use it. It's unique to them. Just like a vampire can only use vampire magic. Although there aren't many examples of this, druid magic and vampire magic are the main two that you only get by being born that way." Ziu explains to Fishy as Clara showed the king around.
"You can be born a vampire?" After listening to the story, that was all Fishy could ask. He had read bits about what Ziu just told him and assumed that he didn't need to care.
"Of course. If two vampires had a child, wouldn't the kid also be a vampire?"
"I guess…"
Fishy continued to follow behind the king and his royal guards. Everyone that was staying in Fintan village had returned to their daily lives, leaving the streets empty. In reality, they were all hiding inside from the royal guards. Especially from one man in particular, Elmaris.
Elmaris was the head of the royale guards. He was taller than everyone around him. Sticking out like a sore thumb as he was surrounded by buildings smaller than him. His body was built like a thick tree that would never fall down, with his skin as tanned as a dark oak. His face was like that of a fierce lion. Covered in a mane and looked as if he would never smile. His stare was latched onto the area around him. Clara could feel the stare he was latching onto her as he tried to hold composure whilst giving her premium tour.
Anyone would assume he was a gladiator just by looking at him. And they would be correct. The undefeated champion of the druids' famous yearly tournament, the High-king brawl.
"Shall we get down to business?" The druid king said as he stopped to turn around to face Fishy.
"Care to go somewhere private?"
"This is fine. This won't take long."
Fishy, although trying to accommodate his guests, was unable to serve any purpose at this current time. He was fiddling with his hands as he hoped to find a use for them but instead could only smile for no other emotion was currently available to help him.
"My name is King Erven the second. I am the king of the forest you almost burned down. I understand it was an order from our god but I believe it is only fair that you pay for the destruction of our land."
Fishy's rolling hands became more and more unsteady. As he calculated how much money he possessed, he noticed that no amount of money would ever satisfy the man in front of him.
"I do not want money." King Erven reassured Fishy. "But I have a favour. I won't tell you what it is till you accept. Although should you refuse... I fear the worst may happen to you."
Fishy stood alongside the executives of the village. The strongest group in the village faced the druid king and his royal guards. Staring each other down as the air grew thicker. No one knew what was going to happen next.
Ziu placed his hand on his sword whilst Clara hid a small simple magic spell behind her back.
"Relax… I'll accept." Fishy stepped forward.
"Very good… There is a man who was meant to meet with me, but he hasn't arrived at the appointed time. I wish for you to find him and escort him."
"Where is he?"
"He is in the empire of Tanba."
Clara was shocked and stared at Ziu who both slowly wanted to back away and hide in their houses after hearing such a feat that was about to be given to them.
"That doesn't seem so hard…" Fishy was about to say but was interrupted by the elder who appeared out of nowhere.
"Do you plan to get involved in the war, King Erven?"
"This man is important to us. Should his identity be uncovered, he will be killed."
"Who is he?"
Fishy should have learned not to ask questions to a king without being told. As Elmaris was standing above him, casting a shadow on Fishy with his large chest that looked as if it was made of steel.
"I'll explain…" Clara said as she pulled up a chair for Fishy to take part in her newly opened school.
"Tanba is the closest you'll get to the forgotten continent. It's trapped at the bottom of the world and is trapped in an eternal blizzard. The worst part is that it's been involved in a civil war for many years, longer than most remember."
"How has it been in a civil war for that long?" Fishy asked, raising his hand.
"They are in a ceasefire." King Erven answered, stealing Clara's spotlight.
"He's right… They are split into two but the main area of Tanba is roaming with police that will kill anyone who can't show Tanban identification on sight. Should we do this, we'll need to sneak in and won't know if we'll come out alive. We also need to know what this person looks like."
"Don't worry. I'll give you a magic imprint."
King Erven held his skinny fingers up against the heads of Fishy, Clara and Ziu. The three of them looked in the back of their minds and saw an image of a teenage human with long hair and several piercings over their body. As if they were in a rebellious phase.
"Got it. I'll go alone." Fishy said as he was already prepared to leave.
"NO!" Ziu shouted." I'm coming with you. I should redeem myself."
Fishy couldn't reject the clear pride that Ziu had. The pride that was crushed couldn't be regained but Ziu was going to do whatever he could to try.
"I'm coming as well," Clara stated with an iron fist. Something most wouldn't argue against. "I know the most about it so I'll serve as the tour guide."
"Absolutely not," said Fishy, gaining some strength to dare to go against her. "You stay here. If we both die, who looks after this place?"
Clara's face turned red with anger. As if she was being looked down on by someone who was much younger than her. Even if they were only months apart. Clara's opinion of Fishy made her disgusted that he would see her as below himself.
"I'M GOING! I speak some of the language…. They may not use it anymore… but I still know it."
"Fine…" Fishy didn't put up much of a fight as he could feel the Elder's cold stare from behind. Even the king was tired of the arguing. Something that should have been easy to decide ended up being a childish tantrum in front of a king.