Elora wasn't sure if she wanted to see, it felt like everything had led up to this somehow. She looked at her children. Little Trisphyra and Kaylin clinging to her for protection, while Ameria and Rhangyl stood beside her. Navarre had marched out together with his father and the rest. 'Give me strength, my goddess.' She prayed to herself before leading outside to the courtyard. Her eldest son and the soldiers had taken a defensive stance right at the gate. Lixiss and Tasar shouted commands and tried to keep everyone together. It was hard to hear them through the harsh wind and loud crackling sounds that filled their ears.
Elora searched for her brothers. Idril and Zaos stood at the side of the yard, gazing upwards. She did the same and what she saw stunned her to the core. An enormous dark, flashing cloud grew larger and larger across the sky. It formed what could be seen as a face with a wide open mouth that let out those heinous roars. Lightning sparked around the eyes and went down its body, forming the shape of a hand and an arm that reached forward across the blue sky until the dark and thick clouds had completely blocked out the sun, casting a dark blanket across all of Arthuria. It was as if they had been trapped inside of a bowl.
"Mother, what is that?" Kaylin asked and pulled Elora in her arm.
"It's a storm elemental." Zaos answered, "A big one at that."
"What?" Ameria gasped, "What is it doing in our realm?"
He shook his head, "I don't know. Someone must've summoned it here."
Idril glanced over at Elora upon hearing those words and then at the baby in her arms. Elementals like these weren't common and not many people would be mad enough to call one. They would've needed a certain reason to do so, and seeing what had happened up until this moment, Elora started to realize what that reason was. She looked at her husband who was still giving orders to his soldiers, urging some of them to ride down into town and make sure everyone was safe.
"Tasar!" She shouted. He ran up to her, looking at Trisphyra, "Rhangyl, get your mother and sisters to the basement. Don't leave their side." "Ameria, you need to come with me."
"Of course!" Their son started to carefully urge his mother and Kaylin back to the hall.
"Ameria, you need to come with me."
"Yes, father." Their eldest daughter immediately ran up to her aunt and took her position next to Navarre.
Elora froze in place, "I am not going to leave you here." Seeing so many of her family stand ready to fight she couldn't face being tucked away like some damsel in distress, and she certainly wasn't going to let her husband face an unknown threat on his own.
Tasar smiled and caressed her cheek, "You are the mother of my children. My love, you have just given me another and you are in no state to fight. I will not risk your life. Not ever."
"But-"
"Please, my love." He begged, "You are glorious and strong and I yearn to have you at my side but… Today I need you to be safe, nothing more."
Her mouth hung open as she searched for a way to respond to him. He simply smiled and kissed her forehead. Before turning back to his men nodded towards both his children.
"I won't disappoint you, father." Rhangyl sputtered.
"I know you won't." Tasar answered and ran back to his soldiers. A rider had returned from the streets on his horse and was telling their father something with heavy breath.
"Come on, mother." Her son pulled her gently.
Elora hesitantly did as he asked, still looking at her husband. Eventually she dropped her gaze and focused on getting back inside. She grabbed Kaylin's hand and headed towards the now closed entrance. As they got closer, something dark grew larger and larger on the wooden surface. They stopped. The shadow stood still for a moment, then it lowered itself again down to the cobbled stone. Elora had never seen such a thing. Its dark form slowly crawled closer and paused right at her feet. She pushed her children behind her.
"My lady!" A guard ran up and threw his spear at the shadow on the ground. As soon as the spear hit the creature let out a high pitch scream and rose up. It draped its body around the guard. They all watched in horror as the man tried to fight the shadow off of him, screaming. It didn't take long before he fell down to the ground and the creature let go of him like running water. What was left looked like a skeleton with skin, no muscles left.
The shadow turned to them once more. Rhangyl unsheathed his sword and took a step forward. "No!" Elora pulled him back, "Keep your distance." She looked around and saw more emerge from the dark corners of the yard. Was this why the elemental blocked out the sun? It raised its black draped arms and hissed at them, getting ready to attack.
Suddenly a bright light flung at it and burnt off a piece of its body where it hit. It was Zaos. He marched towards the creature, six glowing lights circling the orbit of his head. One of the lights left his head and threw itself at the creature, completely destroying it.
"Get Kaylin and Trisphyra out of here!" He ordered, "These shadows are drawn to innocent beings. Almost nothing can harm them."
Another six shadows appeared in front of him, others swirled all around. Soldiers were falling left and right. He cursed to himself. There were too many of them.
Elora stepped forward, her eyes were glowing and stared at the dark beings in her way. Their heads tilted slightly. She stretched out her hand and the six shadows began to claw at their head, screaming, until only moments later they burst into nothingness. Zaos looked at his sister, she was furious.
Still holding her baby in her arms, she shouted, "Stay behind me, children."
Rhangyl took out his bow whilst placing himself in front of Kaylin. Another shadow appeared. He knocked an arrow and fired. It went straight through the dark figure, like it was made out of water. He cursed to himself. A hand placed itself on his shoulder, it was Lixiss, "Normal weapons won't work against these things." She touched his quiver of bows, they began to glow, "Now they will."
The shadow came forward with three others in tow. Lixiss raised her sword and cut through them with ease. Rhangyl watched in awe, but he was soon broken free from his trance as more enemies circled around them. He shot another arrow and indeed, this time the shadow got hit. Rhangyl smiled, his aim had improved.
The family battled for what felt like an eternity. There seemed to be no end to the shadow creatures. Tasar kept hearing the screams from the townsfolk and began to fear the worst. He looked up at the storm elemental. If they could just get it to stop blocking the sun, the shadows would be weakened.
Kaylin squeaked as a shadow got hold of her leg. She tried to pull free but the dark creature slowly started to merge with the rest of her. She screamed, "Mom!"
Elora turned to her daughter. Her heart fell as she saw the dark part on her leg. Navarre jumped out from his formation and struck his sword at the shadow. It burst into dust but the dark hand still lingered on Kaylin's leg. He lifted her up into his arms, their mother came rushing. She looked at her son with concern.
"There's too many of them." He growled, "You need to leave."
Suddenly, a bright light appeared from the middle of the town. It glowed so strong that even the elves had to look away. A loud, strong and commanding voice echoed in the wind, shouting in a language unfamiliar to them. A beam shot out from the bright light, straight up into the elemental. The giant creature let out a roar of pain. The collision caused another explosion of bright light. It was so large that the people on the ground could feel the heat it radiated. Once they were able to look up, the elemental had disappeared completely and the sun's rays stretched out across the sky. All the shadow creature's hissed and started to back away. Tasar and his soldiers were quick to act. They rushed down the street to help the people in the city but were interrupted by three dark hooded figures emerging from the ground, almost as featureless as the shadows. However, they were dressed in dark leather armor and carried swords on their backs. One of them raised their hand and a handful of soldiers fell to their knees, shouting in fear. Tasar grabbed a hold of one of them, "Get yourself together."
"I can't see, sir." He shouted and gazed up. The soldier's eyes were covered in some sort of dark liquid. Tasar jerked back in shock and turned to the three figures.
"What are you doing in our city?" He asked. No answer. One of the hooded men pulled out his sword and as fast as the blink of an eye, struck towards the commander. Tasar wasn't unskilled, he saw the attack coming and blocked it. He was able to get a good look at the man's face. His eyes were white and lifeless, skin as dark as the night with even darker veins spread across his face. Who were these people?
The dark man pushed him backwards and prepared to strike again, but they got interrupted. A bolt of fire hit the hooded man. They all looked up at the sky from where it came. A tall man descended, wearing white and gold robes. His eyes and hands glowed like the sun. Around his neck hung a crystal gem, clothed in golden chains and armor plates. He was smiling cockily, taking in the moment of everyone's eyes on him. Another of the hooded figures suddenly got struck down by an oncoming rider dressed in similar clothing as the flying man but wearing significantly more armor, however, Tasar recognized this one. His long golden hair and facial marking was easy to spot, this was Ilpherean. Tasar had gotten to know him briefly during the founding of Arthuria, he'd just shown up out of nowhere and lended his aid without question, but then he'd just vanished. Tasar hadn't seen him in months. Ilpherean smiled and nodded towards the elf. More shadow creatures flowed out from the darker corners of the streets. The flying spellcaster laughed and landed with a heavy thud on the ground. From the impact flowed some sort of magical dust, dispersing all of the shadows and the black magic that covered his soldiers. The remaining two hooded men prepared to attack but paused. The quiet sound of a staff tapping the cobbled street grew closer. They looked towards the sound and staggered backwards as an old man appeared. Just like the other two, he wore pure white and golden robes. A grand, white staff rested in his hand. His face was hardened by age and experience but his eyes glowed strong and powerful.
"Tell whatever dark masters you serve, that you are not conquering this city today nor ever."
The dark men merged into shadow dust and scattered, fleeing across the street.
"Shall I destroy them, Master?" The spellcaster asked.
The old man shook his head, "No. Let Wrismov figure this one out."
He snorted in disappointment but obeyed. Ilpherean dismounted his horse and walked up to Tasar and bowed, "I hope we were not too late, Lord Lathalas."
"Ilpherean…" He panted, "What is happening? Who are these people?"
"My apologies." The man gestured to the spellcaster, who now made his giant height known as he stood on the ground, towering over them all, "This is Lord Lumtor, sentinel of Rook." All of the soldiers stared at him with their mouths wide open. He didn't bow towards Tasar, he just kept looking displeased at the loss of his prey.
"And this is my master, Ishan Ibarin, warden of light and eternal watcher of Emteria."
Tasar immediately sensed a strong magical essence from the old man as he stepped forward. Ishan bowed as Ilpherean continued, "He is also the sole living member of the ancient Sapphire Hands."
At first, Tasar just stared in disbelief. He merely read about it, The Sapphire Hands was a group of mages and warriors that helped defeat the Unchained Eclipse, a demon that almost destroyed the planet, but that was nearly 2000 years ago. Legends have told about their powerful magic. It would've explained the powerful voice and light they saw that got rid of the elemental. Tasar kneeled, "You have my deepest gratitude, Ancient One."
"Please stand, Lord Lathalas." Ishan answered with a calm voice, "No need for such formalities."
"Forgive me, I am just-" He stuttered.
"Always the chivalrous one." A voice appeared behind him. He turned around and met Viessa, his wife's eldest sister. They smiled at one another.
"Elora will be happy to see you."
"I'm afraid I'm not so sure about that, dear." Viessa looked away. He gave her a puzzled look and then turned to Ilpherean. The slender, blonde man sighed.
"Did you all know about the attack?" Tasar asked.
"I'm afraid, news of the attack was not what started our journey, my lord." Ishan took a step forward, thinking about what to say.
"Then… Why are you here?" He pondered for a moment. Seeing the sadness in Viessa's eyes made him realize what it was.
"No… You cannot mean…"
"I'm sorry, Tasar." She professed, "I wished it weren't so, but your daughter has awakened something in this world and Lord Ibarin must know what it is."
"Why?!" He snarled and glared at Ishan, "Who are you people?"
"I represent a school that focuses on teaching gifted fighters and sorcerers all over the world. I founded it over a thousand years ago together with the Sapphire Hands."
"How come I have never heard of this place?" He asked.
"It has remained hidden since the beginning of its time to protect its students and resources from those who wish to use it for ill intent."
"It's true, Tasar. I studied there myself, for a time."
"As did I." Ilpherean added, "Lumtor as well. Arathorn is a real place. A wonderful place."
Lord Lathalas stared at all of them, "You want to take away my daughter, who is only a day old?"
"Despite her age, your daughter has attracted a lot of dark forces." Lumtor towered over him. His voice was deep and commanding, "Why do you think all of the shadow creatures suddenly appeared? To get to her."
Tasar looked away, trying to keep his emotions at bay, "She's only a babe."
"You saw what happened last night." Viessa placed a hand on his shoulder, "I'm sure there have been other signs as well."
He hesitated to answer. Lumtor spoke again, "She's already visited, hasn't she?"
Tasar kept quiet.
"Then we must act quickly." Ishan implored, "A goddess walking in our realm is bound to raise questions and people are going to look for answers."
"At least let Master Ibarin meet her, Tasar. We need to understand what powers she holds."
Tasar sheathed his sword and turned to his soldiers, "Bring any wounded citizen to our castle. Make sure everyone is safe. Report to Lord Thurian that we have guests, tell him to come as quickly as possible."
"Yes, my lord!" They answered in unison and dispersed. Once they were gone he ordered the others, "Follow me."
Elora sat by a bench outside the entrance, surrounded by all her children. Trisphyra was still sobbing in her arms. She was doing her best to keep it together, but the truth was she was now more scared than ever before. Poor Kaylin was sitting in her aunt Lixiss lap as she used her Paladin powers to try and heal the wound on her leg. Zaos and Idril aided the guards who had taken damage.
"Where is father? He should have been back by now." Navarre mumbled.
"Do not worry, brother." Ameria grunted, "He probably has his hands full."
"You saw that bright light. What was that?"
"Whatever it was, I am happy it came. It got rid of all those things."
"Look!" Rhangyl interrupted and pointed at the entrance gate. Their father's head peeked up over the hill. Elora stood up and smiled in relief, but that smile soon faded as she saw the serious look on his face, along with the four figures accompanying him.
"Is that sis?" Lixiss asked and narrowed her eyes. Elora nodded but could not speak. She slowly walked forward to greet her husband. His eyes were stuck to the ground, unable to face her as she approached. All the others looked at her with a serious expression.
"Oh no…" Idril whispered to himself.
"My love, who are these people?" Elora asked, looking to Viessa, "Sister, I-"
"The child." The tall man interrupted, "Is she hurt?"
Viessa gave him a light punch to his side. The elderly man walked up to Elora and gently grasped her free hand, "My apologies for the intrusion, my lady. My name is Ishan Ibarin. I'm sure you have a lot of questions but first I'd like to take a look at this child." He referred to the baby in her arms. She backed away, looking to her husband but he had nothing to say.
"It's alright, sister. Master Ibarin means well." Viessa reassured, "They're from Arathorn."
Elora inspected all of them and with a soft voice she spoke, "I see. Let us go inside, my lords."
Tasar looked up, confused. Did his wife know about these people? The rest of his family watched as Elora walked inside with the three strangers. Viessa stayed put and awaited her other siblings. Idril was suspicious, "Is this really necessary?"
"You've seen the signs. I'm sure you sense the child's magic too."
"What do they want with our sister?" Rhangyl asked his aunt. Viessa could see that none of them were pleased about the situation and part of her knew there wasn't much she could do to comfort them, alas this was the best option. She saw little Kaylin in Lixiss' arms and approached, placing her hand on the child's wounded leg, "Athae."
A faint glow appeared beneath her palm and as it settled, the wound had been completely healed.
"Thank you." Kaylin smiled and reached out to Viessa, who happily took her in her arms.
"Show-off." Lixiss smirked.
"I'm sorry we all have to meet again in such circumstances but I'm afraid it's necessary. We should follow them. Come along."
"Father?" Navarre remained nervous.
"Do as she says, son."
They went inside. Elora, Ilpherean and Lumtor had sat down on their own chairs. Ishan Ibarin stood in the middle with baby Trisphyra in his hands. She'd stopped crying and was looking curiously at the old man. Tasar took a deep breath and placed himself next to his wife, laying a hand on her shoulder. She immediately grabbed hold of it.
Ibarin was humming some old melody to keep the child distracted as he inspected her. He let his magic flow through her and searched for any kind of response. It didn't take long for him to find what he was looking for. The child began to laugh, almost as if she was relieved somehow. A smile spread across his face, he always enjoyed watching children laugh and play. It was part of the reason he started the school. To watch young souls develop and find their inner passion always filled him with pride. However, this child was possibly something different. He gave the baby back to her mother. Elora looked at him expectantly. He glanced across the room and sighed.
"As strong as my magic is, a mother's intuition is stronger. You already know what your daughter is, my lady."
"My lord." Elora could barely speak, "Is she in danger?"
"She carries the essence of Luna'Celesia, but her magic is blocked. I suspect it is because she was not brought into this world by the goddess herself."
"So… it is my fault?" She whimpered.
"Do not fret. The child will be able to access her magic, it will just take more work. However, despite the fact that her powers have not fully awakened, the essence is still clear as day. That is why you were attacked today."
"That fast?" Ameria asked.
"I'm sure the starfall didn't help." Lixiss snorted.
Tasar leaned down and caressed his baby's cheek, "Are you saying there will be more?"
"It's difficult to say." Ilpherean answered, "But I'm afraid there will always be a risk."
Navarre stepped forward, "What were those things that attacked us?"
"Shadows are no rarity, but for them to do a coordinated attack alongside a storm elemental…" Lumtor paused, "That concerns me. It's too dangerous to keep the child here."
"Wait, what?" Rhangyl exclaimed, "What are you saying? You cannot just walk in here and take our sister!"
Lumtor stood up, "You care for your sister, boy? Every second in this place is a risk to her life."
"She is not alone. We are her family!" Ameria backed up her brother.
"Ha!" Lumtor laughed, "And how well did you protect her from what just happened?"
It was Navarre's turn to step up, "How dare you disrespect the Lathalas?!"
"You were barely holding it together before we showed up."
The arguments got louder and louder, but to Elora it was like muffled voices. She was looking down at her daughter. Trisphyra looked so innocent and frail, yet deep inside she held a tremendous power, probably more powerful than her sister's. How was she going to access it? Could she teach her? Would she be able to rest easy knowing that her baby would be at risk every moment from now on? She felt her husband's hand tense on top of her shoulder. She saw her children arguing with one of the most powerful wizards in the world. Is this what her daughter would grow up with? Her eyes went to Ishan, who was looking at her with kind eyes. He understood her. He knew this wasn't easy, but this was probably the best she could ever offer her daughter. A safe place where she'd have access to all kinds of knowledge and taught by some of the world's greatest teachers.
All she had to do was give him a look. He took a deep breath and tapped his staff in the ground. The sound brought everyone's attention to him, "The decision can only be made by the parents and we have to respect it." Ishan ordered.
Elora stood up and looked at her husband. His face showed that he wasn't happy but he understood the situation. She caressed his cheek and he leaned into her hand, trying to hold back the tears. She forced a smile in an effort to comfort him.
"This place… Arathorn, is it safe?" She asked.
"Mother!" Navarre exclaimed.
"Its location has remained unknown for millenia. Only those who study and live there know how to find it. It's protected by ancient magic. I developed it myself." Ishan answered.
"Will-" Rhangyl hesitated, "We can come visit her, right?"
"I am afraid no visitors are allowed. Only students and teachers can know of the school's location. It is a safety measure we strictly have to follow."
Ameria swallowed, trying to hold back the lump she felt growing in her throat, "Then…"
"Letters and gifts can be sent." Ilpherean smiled, "We think it is important for students to have contact with their families. However, everything is thoroughly inspected before it enters our borders."
"Mother!" Navarre's voice roared through the hall.
Elora looked at her eldest son. It wasn't easy to face the disappointment in his eyes. As good of a soldier as he usually is, he was about to lose it, "You cannot be seriously considering…" The words disappeared from his mouth. She walked up to him and cupped his cheek. Her eyes glanced over the rest of her children and they all gathered around them, looking at their youngest sister. The baby smiled and cooed happily, her arms and legs fluttered.
"My beloved children." Elora sobbed, "Oh, the lengths I would go to keep you all safe. It is something only a parent can understand. I love you all so much and I would never risk your lives for anything. That is why we have to-" Her voice gave out and tears began falling down her cheeks. All her children embraced her. Navarre glanced angrily at Ishan. The old man stood fast. The children's frustration was understandable and they had every right to be mad with him.
Elora let go of her elder children and looked to Tasar. He walked up to her and they rested their forehead against one another. He could feel her shaking.
"We have to stay strong, my love. For her." He whispered.
She nodded silently, biting her lip.
"Is there anything you would like to bring with her?" Ishan asked.
The parents looked up. Elora let out a faint smile, "There is a chest in our chamber. It is filled with clothes and jewelry she would get as she grew up…"
"Ilpherean, see to it and bring the chest back to Arathorn."
"Yes, Master." The blonde knight bowed and proceeded to walk up the stairs, aiming towards the chambers.
Lumtor stood up from his seat and walked up to the Lathalas family. He reached out his hand. It was almost as big as the baby herself.
"It's time." He muttered.
Elora nodded and looked down at Trisphyra, "Goodbye, my sweet angel. The world does not deserve you." She kissed her forehead.
Her other children gathered around. Kaylin grabbed her little sister's tiny hand, "Promise to come back to us, okay?"
"We will not forget about you. Families never forget." Rhangyl smiled.
Ameria caressed the baby's foot, "As soon as you learn to write you must send us letters."
Navarre kept his distance but spoke, "Stay safe, little one."
Elora handed the baby over to her husband. Her siblings stood beside her, Viessa grabbing her hand tightly.
Tasar lifted his daughter to his face. She grabbed his nose. He let out a smile, "You are a blessing, my darling. I will see you sooner than you think. Father loves you."
He gave her one last hug before giving her to Lumtor. Her tiny head fitted perfectly in the palm of his hand as he held her with one arm. Tasar felt comforted at the sight. She looked safe there.
Ishan stepped forward, "I know this is not easy for any family, but know that Trisphyra will be safe and well looked after in our care. The people of Arathorn are always much closer than you think. This is not a goodbye, you will see each other again… when she is ready."
He tapped his staff on the hard floor and a magical portal appeared behind him.
"Are we ready?" He asked Lumtor.
"Ready, sir."
"Wait!" Elora exclaimed. She ran up to Lumtor and took something off from around her neck. She placed it around Trisphyra. It was a small crystal attached to a silver chain. If you looked close enough you could see tiny engravings on the crystal that glowed in a faint white light.
"Make sure she does not lose this." She urged Lumtor.
He simply nodded sternly, and so they proceeded to walk through the portal which then vanished into dust. The Lathalas would never quite be the same family again.