As the hall emptied, Begenday and Mag went their separate ways, the weight of recent events pressing heavily on their minds. Mag, seething with anger, cornered her brother as they walked through the dimly lit corridors of the palace.
"Begenday," she hissed, her eyes flashing with fury, "Nik Owl is a two-faced bitch. She wants to portray herself as our savior, but she's a disaster waiting to happen. Can't you see it?"
Begenday sighed, trying to keep his voice calm. "Mag, you need to calm down. You're letting your emotions overwhelm you. We need to think rationally about this."
"Rationally?" Mag scoffed, crossing her arms. "I'm the only one thinking clearly here. You're the one who's been duped by her lies."
"Mag," Begenday said softly, placing a hand on her shoulder, "we've seen this kind of manipulation before. This isn't just about Nik Owl. Elder Luthar is using her to create chaos and discredit us. He's the real enemy here, not her."
Mag shook off his hand, her eyes narrowing. "You're wrong. She's dangerous. If we don't stop her now, it'll be too late."
"We don't know that," Begenday countered. "What if she's telling the truth? What if she really is here to help us? We can't let Luthar's schemes blind us to the possibility of an ally."
Mag glared at him, her anger unabated. "You're too trusting, brother. It's going to get us all killed."
Begenday watched her storm away, frustration and worry gnawing at him. He knew Mag's concerns were valid, but he couldn't shake the feeling that Nik Owl's arrival was more than just a coincidence. He had to find a way to prove her intentions, one way or another.
Meanwhile, Nik Owl was led to a room more accommodating than the prison cell she had been confined to. The room was modest but comfortable, with a bed, a small table, and a chair. As the door closed behind her, she sank onto the bed, her mind racing with thoughts and plans.
She had come to Biringan seeking answers about her father, but now she found herself entangled in a web of political intrigue and prophecy. The third trial loomed ahead, and she had to be prepared for whatever it entailed.
"I need to find out more about this place, about these people," she muttered to herself. "If I'm going to survive here and find my father, I need allies. I need to prove myself."
Nik Owl's thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door. She opened it to find a young servant with a tray of food.
"Thank you," she said, accepting the tray and closing the door. She ate in silence, her mind still working through her plans. She needed to gain the trust of the people, and more importantly, she needed to stay one step ahead of Elder Luthar and his schemes.
In another part of the palace, Elder Luthar and his cronies gathered in a secret meeting. The room was dimly lit, the shadows casting an ominous atmosphere over the proceedings. Luthar's face was a mask of controlled anger as he addressed the group.
"We failed again," he said, his voice low and dangerous. The elders and other cronies fidgeted, their expressions a mix of frustration and fear.
"We underestimated her," one of the cronies admitted. "But the people are still unsure. There's a chance we can turn this to our advantage."
Luthar nodded, his mind already working on their next move. "We need to discredit Begenday and Nik Owl completely. We need to show the people that they are a threat to our way of life."
Another elder leaned forward, his voice a conspiratorial whisper. "What if we fabricate evidence? Make it look like Begenday is conspiring with Nik Owl to overthrow the throne."
Luthar considered this, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Yes, that could work. If we can plant the idea that Begenday is colluding with her, the people will turn against him. And with him out of the way, the throne will be ours for the taking."
The cronies nodded in agreement, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. They knew that removing Begenday from power would not be easy, but with Luthar's cunning and their combined efforts, they believed it could be done.
"We need to move quickly," Luthar continued. "Every moment we delay, Nik Owl gains more support. We need to act before she completes the third trial."
One of the cronies spoke up, his voice filled with trepidation. "What about Mag? She's fiercely loyal to her brother. She won't stand by and let this happen."
Luthar's smile faded, replaced by a look of determination. "Mag will be dealt with. Her loyalty to Begenday is a liability, but it can be turned against her. If we can show that she is also involved in this supposed conspiracy, the people will demand their removal."
The cronies exchanged uneasy glances but nodded in agreement. They knew that their plan was risky, but the promise of power was too great to ignore.
As the meeting concluded, Luthar stood, his voice cold and commanding. "Prepare everything. We will present our evidence at the public trial. By the time we're done, Begenday and Nik Owl will be nothing but distant memories."
The cronies dispersed, their minds filled with the details of their plan. Luthar remained behind, his thoughts consumed by the impending coup. He knew that victory was within his grasp, and he would stop at nothing to achieve it.
Back in her room, Nik Owl finished her meal, her resolve strengthened. She knew that the trials were not just tests of her abilities but also battles for the hearts and minds of the people. She had to succeed, not just for her sake but for Begenday and the future of Biringan.
As she lay down to rest, her thoughts drifted to her father. "I'll find you," she whispered into the darkness. "No matter what it takes."
With the trials looming and the threat of Elder Luthar's schemes hanging over her, Nik Owl knew that the days ahead would be the most challenging of her life. But she was ready. She had to be.