As the girls rode through Willow Wisp Forest, The forest had towering trees, with bare grounds. Occasionally they saw a glimpse of a glowing wisp. They would appear on the trail towards Deir.
"The spirits must be blessing us. This is the most I've seen of the wisps." Luna said watching another wisp disappear out of sight.
Soon their surroundings turned from tall leafy trees and fresh grass to dried lands with scattered stiff plants and dried dirt... Both had decided to stop for a small rest before heading to the Deir capital. As Violet finished drinking her water she saw a figure heading towards their direction in the sun's haze...
"Ummm, Luna?" Violet asked "Yes?" Luna replied unaware of what was happening. Violet started to get more nervous. "W-whats tha-that?" Violet stammered. Luna's ears perked as she started to hear the rapid steps. She whipped her head to see blotchy figures approaching. As they got closer she could see it was a pride of savage Saber-toothed Lions.
"Run!" Luna shouted as they jumped on their horses and began to speed off. The Lion's growls and snarls were getting closer.
Just as Luna turned with her bow to shoot one of the Lions, a spear was seen out the corner of her eye. She leaned back as the spear flew by her head and hit one of the lionesses. Cries were heard as a group of hunters appeared and began to run after the pride.
Halting their horses, Violet and Luna stared at the few hunters that had stayed behind. They were riding towering beasts. Their large pointed heads had long ears that stretched to the hunter's grasp. The beasts also had jagged mouths and large beady eyes. They stood 25 hands tall with big powerful legs and sharp claws. Their tails were long and had sharp spikes at the end.
The man in the front of the group pointed his elongated spear at Luna. "Who are you?" He asked in a deep raspy voice
"I'm Princess Luna Rose of the Ceol Tribe, we have come to meet with your king," Luna announced as his eyes widened. Quickly jumping off the beast he kneeled. The others followed suit. "My Princess, we did not know of your arrival in our lands." He said in a nervous tone. Considering he was just pointing his weapon at one of the most powerful tribes in Zyfindia. "It's ok no harm done. You may stand" She said "Who is your companion?" a woman in the group asked.
"This is Princess Violet Juro of the Juro tribe." Luna stated, "Please come with us, we will guide you to our Tribe." Said the same man from before.
Getting back onto their beasts they began to ride. "What is your name?" Luna asked riding up to the man. "My name is Mosi, I'm the head of the hunting guard." He explained as Luna nodded
"If I may ask, what are the beasts you riding?" Luna asked. Puzzled about the large creatures.
"These are Hali. They are beasts of Jata, we have tamed over many generations. They used to pillage our lands before we learned how to become allies." Mosi explained while he pets the neck of his Hali, it began to purr lowly.
"This is Loto, one of the biggest in the Tribe. He guides me, and protects me and our herd." He gestured to the rest of the hunting party.
Pretty soon they arrived at the gate of the city. Surrounding the land was a giant moat. You could see the monstrous creatures lurking in its depths peek out.
A loud horn rang out. They watched the wooden gates began to descend to reveal colorful buildings and people bustling around. When they walked in many people began to stop and stare at the newcomers. Whispers were heard, but Luna and Violet were too distracted by their surroundings to even notice.
Some buildings were covered in patterns they have not known, others sold mouth-watering foods they could smell as they walked in.
They were lead to a courtyard over a vine-covered stone archway. After tacking their horses the guards led the princesses to the garden. There King Naiser and his family were seen playing in their garden. Everything ceased when Luna's eyes fell upon the king's gaze...
The King whispered to his wife as she nodded. Luna faintly could hear her speak. "Children let's head inside," she said. The children began to scurry inside. Luna and Violet approached and knelt to the king. "Who might these people be Mosi?" The King questioned looking over to his head hunter
"My King, These are the Princesses of our northern allies, Luna Grimaldi of the Ceol Tribe, and Violet Juro of the Juro Tribe," Mosi announced getting down on one knee. Most of the guards in the courtyard stood taller as they heard the names.
The King's face morphed into one of surprise. Looking at the girls that had also knelt, he smiled, amused. "Please, no need to kneel" He quickly said. Standing up Luna put her hands behind her back as Violet put hers in front of her. "What brings you to Deir?" He asks
"Your excellency, may we meet in private?" Luna requested, "You may, Let's bring this inside." He suggested as everyone was lead to a room full of ancient weapons, books, and tapestry.
"Sir, Kahnum has risen," Luna said when the doors closed. His eyes widened "What? How! He was banished!" The king responded in disbelief. "We know it's difficult to believe. But we were there when he attacked during Luna's coronation," Violet added. Taking in the information, Naiser took in a deep breath.
Naiser started to pace around the room. It started to make Violet and Luna nervous. "So, Arlen has sent you to bring the word?" He asked putting his hands behind his back.
He stopped pacing and faced the girls. "Well, not exactly. We have been brought here to see if your vision can help us." Luna began, she saw King Naiser's head start to process what she said.
"Wait, the warriors, they have risen?" The king asked "yes, bu-" Violet started to say but was cut off by Naiser. "Are we being summoned?" Naiser interrupted.
Violet shook her head. "No, we are the warriors from Arlen's vision, we need to know your sir." Violet said "My vision? Well let me think" Naiser said
"So you have come seeking the other hearts, and my vision?" Naiser asked "Yes, our fathers' have told us in each vision they may reveal where we might find the next heart. I will admit on our way here I was feeling a pull towards your tribe." Luna admitted, Naiser took his chin in his hand and thought for a moment.
"It was dark and cold. All I could see were feathers flying, and many bones. One figure is larger than the other. I believe one was a male and one female. The man had grabbed her and gotten close to her face. But before I could get any closer I heard a shout. I turned to see a masked figure aim an arrow at me and before he could shoot I woke up." Naiser told.
Luna thought long, but suddenly she had an idea. "The bones you saw, were they large?" Luna asked quickly "I believe so, the vision gave me an odd perspective, I'm sure it was." Naiser responded "You must have been to the Valley of Bones. They hold the bones of fallen dragons and other large beasts lost to your history" Luna explained, "So after we find the heart here, we need to go to the Valley of Bones?" Violet asked. "Yes, that's the next step," Luna said "Well, since Deir is only made up of 3 cities, I think you won't have to look far. After all, if you can feel the hearts. Only you can find them." The King stated, "You may stay tonight I'll send word about Kahnum to the other tribes." Naiser said
After more discussion on the matter, the girls were shown to their rooms. Later that night, they had dinner with Naiser and his family, His wife Ashanti, and his twin sons, Kal and Ishti. Luna thanked King Naiser and his family before heading to bed. Luna stepped out to the balcony as she watched the stars. Suddenly her chest started to feel tight. Feeling a pull towards the mountains before her.
It was far away but there was no doubt, her soul knew that's where they would find the next heart.