" Are you okay, my love"? Asked Asger.
Sindri awoke to find Asger kneeling beside her. She nodded and placed her hand on his face, transferring the remaining power within her to him. It felt like an electric shock, causing Asger to pull back in surprise. Once he realized how amazing it felt, he eagerly pressed his face back into her hands, allowing the surge to rejuvenate him. He felt ten years younger.
Sindri gazed at the moon again, feeling Nova's presence above even though she was no longer visible. A sense of calm enveloped her as she looked up. Suddenly, her attention was diverted by a familiar voice - Visindi had come closer, curious about their encounter with the magic crystals. His curiosity was getting the best of him.
The cheerful raven inquired, "Your majesties, how do you feel? Can you now see the immense power that I was referring to when speaking of the crystals?"
Both monarchs looked at Visindi in astonishment. Sindri's experience didn't match her expectations, but Asger's far exceeded his.
"It was exhilarating," Sindri exclaimed.
"Yet, I felt myself being drained of all life. However, something inside my womb feels different - like I have been healed. I feel life, yet I am drained of energy. It is quite a queer feeling."
Visindi found it intriguing. while Lord Asger appeared somewhat shocke as he looked over at Sindri.
"That's interesting. It's like I've turned back time and regained my youthful energy. In fact, I still feel that way," he commented.
Sindri glanced back at Asger, feeling both anxious and fascinated by how their experiences had diverged so starkly.
"It's strange how our paths have led us in such different directions. While yours seems to have invigorated you, I now feel incredibly weak and drained. My dear, could you please walk me home? I desperately need to rest," Sindri said.
He nodded approvingly and gently kissed her forehead. Asger did not hesitate to fulfill her request, showing his love for her by obeying without question. The small group made their way back up the stairs from the dark cavern. Asger held his queen close, feeling her weight and weakness in his arms. They safely reached their sleeping chambers, where Asger ordered their servants to prepare their bed for the night. Sindri appeared pale and cold to the touch as the king carefully seated her on a chair made of faux fox fur. They waited for the servants to finish their task before Asger undressed her and tucked her into the warm bed.
Osborn looked over when he heard a familiar voice and saw Zarda and his group approaching. They seemed tired, hot, and in need of sustenance. The bear greeted them warmly, and Zarda, careful not to draw attention to his staff, bowed before his friends and new acquaintances. Erling, initially thrown off by the unexpected encounter, maintained his composed demeanor and went over to greet Zarda.
"Greetings, unusual creature. I am Erling, Monarch of Hellir. It is a pleasure to meet you," said the puma.
Zarda, with a guarded yet friendly smile, responded, "The pleasure is mine, my lord. I am King Zarda, lion of the African Savannah, and these are my friends and companions "
"Welcome to our humble abode, Hellir under the Mountain. These are my esteemed board members, who rule in place of the Lord and Lady of Havardr. Haldor the Grand Duke of Hellir, and Brynjar the Marquise of our kingdom, assist me in maintaining order within our society. We have been entrusted by the majesties to care for their loyal subjects. I couldn't help but notice, are you really an African lion from the Savannah? How did you manage to make such a journey all the way to the Americas?" inquired Erling with curiosity.
After carefully analyzing the puma's intentions, he trusted his instincts, sensing an underlying uneasiness.
"Perhaps that adventure can be saved for another time," he mentioned.
"Right now, my main concern is for the high majesties. We must ensure their well-being before discussing my sudden appearance. Have you seen them?" Zarda inquired.
Once again, the cunning puma, feeling somewhat slighted by the lack of answers, glanced at his two companions before responding.
"No, as I mentioned to your bear companion, we have not seen them and will not until the solstice celebration. It is rare for them to visit unless it is necessary. Rest assured, they are capable of handling themselves beneath the mountains. So, how about a refreshing drink before you continue on your journey?" Erling proposed.
Zarda's gut instincts were still strong, telling him that something was amiss. The hairs on the back of his neck began to stand on end as he quickly moved towards Osborn and whispered in his ear.
"We need to leave now, I have a bad feeling about these three," he said.
Before he could politely decline the offer, Haldor grabbed Zarda and put him in an arm lock hold. Zarda's staff fell to the floor and rolled towards Osborn's feet. As Osborn picked it up, with a tight grip on it, keeping it safe. The group of companions growled in anger as they watched their leader being taken captive. Osborn realized Zarda had been right. Brynjar hissed and whipped his tail like a lasso, warning anyone who tried to rescue their friend. Erling arrogantly stood in front of Zarda, as the puma menacingly warned them.
No one better try to attack us, or the Marquise will leave you writhing on the ground from his venomous bite. Not to forget, The Grand Duke could easily crush your friend's ribs and arms with a mere squeeze. Now, since I have your attention, how about that drink King?" said the puma viciously.
Zarda spat at the puma's feet and glared down at him in frustration. Erling, unamused by his vulgar behavior, winked at the gray bear. Haldor began to tightly squeeze and crush Zarda's arms, causing him to suppress his pain. Thanks to his training at Nexus Labs, Zarda knew how to escape mentally during times of torture. However, he needed to be cautious not to let the bear break his body. Despite his efforts, Zarda eventually let out a scream of agony. The puma, satisfied with his pain, signaled for the torment to stop.
"Take him to the jail cells, along with the others. I'm feeling like a merciful ruler today," Erling declared.
Haldor forcefully pulled Zarda to his feet and dragged him along the golden stone paved street of Hellir. As they walked, onlookers stared in shock and horror at the group of strangers. Despite the situation, Zarda held his head high, determined not to appear weak in front of the locals. Behind them Brynjur successfully persuaded the others with an intimidating whip of his tail. They followed after Haldor without any need for chains. Erling stood back and observed quietly, as the group vanished inside the castle, before quickly leaving to search for the well of foresight.