King Aldric and the wise Separius were deep in discussion as they sat within the dazzling walls of Elden Wood Castle, which was located in the center of the capital city of Eldoria. The topic of their discussion was something that would have a significant impact on the future of the kingdom.
"Separius," Aldric began, the gravity of his tone clearly audible in his words, "Are your claims true about Solunovaris?"
Separius, the sage prophet, shook his head with an air of gravity that belied his years. "Indeed, Your Majesty. Solunovaris has opened his eyes for the very first time since... well, you remember the stories."
Aldric let out a muffled laugh and said, "Ah, the tales of it! The puzzling cipher, which has not been deciphered to this day. But to think, perhaps its mysteries will finally be revealed."
"Shall we?" Separius motioned for him to follow him into the underground chamber, which housed the most closely guarded secret in the realm. "My room... it still exists, I hope?"
With a smirk on his face, Aldric said, "Very much intact, dear prophet." In point of fact, I have personally been responsible for its maintenance. He continued with a joking remark, saying, "You know, for old times' sake."
Both of them made their way to the old chamber that belonged to Separius, which was full with many memories and mysteries. The old inscriptions that covered the walls gave the impression that they were alive and reciting long-forgotten stories.
Separius made the following observation: "This place... the beginning of all my endeavors." Oh, how I've been longing for that!"
In order to read the Solunovaris scroll, Separius first retrieved it from his magical storage and then carefully placed it on the table. The scroll unfurled, exposing images that moved and shifted as they told a story that had been passed down from generation to generation.
Aldric stared at the pictures closely and commented, "These depictions... two divine beings. If my memory serves me well, Solon and Lunos were involved."
Separius gave a satisfied nod and replied, "Indeed, My King." The sun and the moon, embodied in the form of two brothers. Legends also tell of their two sons, Saphiel, the deity of wisdom, and Xariel, the god of justice. Both of these gods are said to have inherited their parents' wisdom and justice. This scroll gives the impression that these holy creatures may have offered themselves as a sacrifice in the distant past in order to save our realm.
Aldric said while he was seated, reclining back in his chair, "I always thought of them as just tales, passed down through the generations." However, it seems that you are implying the contrary."
While Separius traced the figures with his fingertips, he remarked, "I believe they're real, and their previous actions tie deeply with our present." Perhaps they have reappeared on earth in human form.
Aldric snorted derisively and asked, "Return as mortals? From having the power of gods? Even I wouldn't give up my throne in exchange for a life of abject poverty."
In response, Separius said, "We will never understand the plans of the divine, My King." The scroll is shrouded in mystery. But what exactly is this new picture that's taking shape?"
While he was leaning forward, Aldric screamed, "A village? And... are those... musical notes surrounding it?
While Separius was pondering something deeply, he murmured, "This could possibly indicate where they are right now." A community where musical expression is given substantial weight. We have to locate them."
Aldric gave a curious brow lift and asked, "Before who does?"
Separius's words were almost inaudible as he tried to say, "Before he does."
"Before he does?" The tone of Aldric's voice resounded with a mixture of concern and curiosity. "Who is this 'he' you speak of, Separius?"
Separius took a few pause to gather his composure before finally speaking the word "Agraba, My Lord."
The expression of disgust on Aldric's face was priceless. "Oh, that sly rat, that nerdy magician, that f*cking nerd. He is constantly interfering with the running of my kingdom. It would appear that we are thinking of the same man.
Separius laughed and said, "Do remember, he was once your trusted advisor." "Do remember,"
"Who Can You Trust?" Pah!" "don't know that his planning something that will drag my kingdom into downfall and it's because of him, Gilbert ughhh!! I don't want to remember that's done. Aldric laughed at himself as he began screaming. "Had I known at the time what he was really up to, I would have taken care of him myself. The next time that we run into each other, I will deal with him personally.
Separius, in an effort to redirect the discourse back onto a more appropriate subject, stated, "The illustrations on Solunovaris suggest the Gods are in a village, quite distant from Eldenwood's capital."
Aldric had a sudden realization. Let me speak with Cedric about this. Given the fact that he is so addicted of traveling, it is possible that the scumbag knight has heard of this location.
A crumbling tower could be seen perched on the summit of a desolate hill, far from the activity of Eldenwood's bustling metropolis. This was the stronghold of Agraba, a prophet known for his evil deeds.
Agraba made his way over to his henchman, a hefty individual by the name of Garbanor. Garbanor, you are to report. What have you brought with you?"
Garbanor prostrated himself, "My Liege, while I was searching for the 'red-shelled oyster' as you instructed, I noticed a peculiar light emanating from a humble dwelling in a southern village."
The question "Which village?" attracted Agraba's curiosity.
In response, Garbanor said, "I'm not familiar with its name, but it struck me as a poor place." Strange as it may seem, the people were singing and dancing as if they were completely out of their minds.
The look of recognition that crossed Agraba's face was priceless. It's Melodin. There's no way it could be Melodin. He issued a directive to Garbanor, saying, "Muster the undead." The source of that light must be recovered, so make your way to Melodin.
Nodding his head, Garbanor said, "At once, My Liege."
Agraba had a horrifying epiphany as he was walking away from the scene. He muttered to himself, "Melodin...," as he thought about it. So, it's just the two of you. The light that I perceived, the force that I felt... Solon and Lunos. This time I won't let you get away from me."
His laughter, which was icy and eerie, reverberated throughout the hollow chambers of the tower.