The stone dome room was filled with the soothing sound of dripping water, courtesy of a recent rain shower that had cleared the open roof of the cave. The room grew colder as the cooler temperatures seeped in. Sindri instructed the warriors Feginn and Mercury to place Asger's limp body on a smooth stone in front of the crystals. She remained there with Asger, waiting for nightfall when the bright, round moon cast its luminous glow. The moonlight cascaded down the sides of the gems, creating a liquid-like effect. The transparent crystals glowed in hues of fluorescent green, bright fuchsia, and vibrant orange.
Sindri stood between the crystals, and next to Asger's body, anticipating the magic. Once the crystals were fully charged by the moon, Sindri placed one hand on them and her other hand on Asger. A glow entered her body, causing her to sparkle and radiate as the power spread throughout her. Through her connection with Asger, she could see the power flowing over him. Feginn, Mercury, Harper, and Hamish watched in amazement from a distance. This part of Hellir was unfamiliar to them, and they were captivated by the sight. Feginn and Mercury had a frightening experience underground in the past, making them wary of venturing towards the left side of Hellir where more dangerous creatures resided. However, despite their reservations, witnessing this magical event made the journey worthwhile.
The vibrant fuchsia color flowed over their bodies, intertwining with the green and orange hues before settling specifically over the gunshot wound. Sindri observed with a glimmer of hope that her King would awaken, though she felt her strength waning once more. Despite this, she was able to endure longer by touching the stones. Looking up at the galaxy above, she felt compelled to call out to Nova repeatedly. Slowly, a translucent being in the shape of a lady descended from the sky - it was Nova, who immediately grasped the situation. With care, Nova approached Sindri and lifted her into her arms, while the onlookers watched in fear. Nova then gently laid Sindri beside Asger, as the glowing magic began to fade from their bodies. Unfortunately, Sindri had not been strong enough to let the magic fully heal Asger, leaving him lifeless beside her.
Meanwhile, Nova possessed the strength to harness the magical power. Following Sindri's lead, she placed her hands on both the crystals and Asger. Colors swirled around her, filling her already shimmering body. Her once dark eyes turned a brilliant white, shining with light as she allowed the magic to merge with her. Spectators watched in astonishment as she stood between the crystals and Asger for hours, facilitating healing. Even as the moon's light began to fade with the impending dawn, Nova remained focused on Asger, whose body was still not fully healed. Despite feeling nervous and on the verge of tears, she maintained a positive and calm demeanor throughout the entire process.
Sindri was stirring, feeling drained after the power zapped her energy. Despite her exhaustion, she had gained new powers within her. They would not fully manifest until her body was completely restored. As she opened her eyes, she saw Asger's body glowing, then turned to gaze at Nova.
"You are here, Nova. Thank you, my friend. We must hurry and heal Asger, the moon is disappearing." Sindri said hesitantly.
Nova gazed at her with bright, glowing eyes and a smile on her face. She started to speak in a mysterious, fairy-like language that was barely audible. Finally, she uttered the word "Sindri," the only word she had learned from her. Sindri started to believe that Nova had been raised by fairies, as she seemed to have a fluent grasp of their language. However, she also noticed that Nova was intelligent enough to learn other languages as well.
"Nova listen to me, this is Asger, Asger. Say it back to me, say Asger" Sindri repeated over and over.
Nova giggled like a child and said the name Asger to Sindri. She kept repeating Sindri and Asger multiple times before Sindri interrupted her.
"Very good Nova, listen to me say heal Asger, heal Asger. I...want...you...to...heal....Asger" said Sindri slowly.
Nova did not echo Sindri's words but instead responded, 'hoolish, hoolish Asger'.
Sindri understood that Nova was saying "heal" in her own tongue. They were both learning each other's languages in order to facilitate communication. Sindri was happy with their progress and repeated the word that Nova had taught her.
"Hoolish, heal, hoolish, heal. Nova hoolish Asger" she replied.
Nova's smile widened as she giggled in happiness, delighted that Sindri was speaking her native tongue. As they continued to watch Asger slowly heal under the moonlight and crystals, they began exchanging words in each other's languages. They started in English before switching to fae speech, with Sindri and Nova quickly picking up on simple words. Before long, they were carrying on what seemed like normal conversations effortlessly.
Sindri shifted her attention back to Asger as she heard a sudden gurgle emanate from her King. The fuchsia color had retreated from the spot where the gunshot wound used to be. Asger appeared to be moving uncomfortably, his eyes shut as he laid on the cold stone. His once grayish-pale skin was regaining its vibrant, bold patterns.
His blue eyes snapped open and he bolted upright, gasping for breath. Sindri, summoning all her remaining energy, struggled to sit beside him. Nova withdrew her hands from the king and the crystals, gazing into his eyes as she softly called out his name. The magical hues drained from her body and returned to the crystals, which faded as the moon disappeared entirely. With dawn breaking, sunbeams streamed into the room through the open hole.
"How do you feel my Lord" asked Sindri.
Nova listened intently as the king attempted to speak, only managing to produce incomprehensible noises at first. After clearing his throat and trying again, Nova reached down and touched his lips, surprising the king. When she removed her hand, he suddenly found himself able to speak clearly. She disappeared into the sky before saying goodbye in both languages. 'Benew, goodbye '
"I am fine, thanks to Nova and you. I must admit where I was, I'd rather be there. Sindri, my love, it's time I share that I will be leaving you and Havardr. As my body laid dead and my soul was absent from it and present with the maker, he proved himself real, and I now know I can no longer serve your false gods. I will be moving to Africa to be with Zarda and his kind, who believe in the mighty one and serve him humbly. Your magic, this that Nova did, even though he allows these things, just like bad things such as my death to happen, it's all in his control and plans. Without it, he wouldn't receive all honor, and we wouldn't grow stronger. I feel strong in his power that allowed Nova to heal me. Elohim made the crystals that brought me back; he simply used you and Nova as vessels for his miraculous blessing. I hate to return to you and leave with this sad news. I love you and always will, but our ties as one have been set free. We are no longer bound to each other. I wish you the best, Sindri. You will rule these kingdoms beautifully." Said Asger solemnly.
Sindri was surprised by how he could share such dreadful news, with everything she and Nova had done. What if she had just let his death be and buried his body, he wouldn't be here now with her.
"Zarda abandoned us in battle first, even though we emerged victorious. But losing you and then bringing you back, only to find out you now pledge allegiance to Elohim and Zarda! This feels like a nightmare. You could have been dead if I hadn't intervened. What then?" she said angrily.
Asger replied with a laugh," I would still be safe with Elohim right now, that's what. It was peaceful with him, besides he and I were just talking, if he hadn't allowed you two to bring me back he said he would place me into state of rest, a very peaceful slumber. Where I would remain until his next bidding. I had hoped to have taken the first option, but he said he wasn't finished with me, so he had you two bring my soul back, now I must leave. I'm sorry, but it must be done. Don't forget too, that Zarda didn't leave us empty handed, he was generous to share the gift from Elohim with our warriors which aided us to victory."
Sindri remained silent, unable to find any more words as her heart ached and her mind was clouded with confusion. Although she was clearly hurt, she loved Asger and wanted to respect him and his wishes. She always tried her best to prioritize his requests, even if she didn't necessarily agree. His thoughts and decisions held more weight to her than anyone else's. She nodded her head in agreement with her own thoughts and responded to Asger calmly.
"Understood, my Lord. There are no hard feelings. I will love you for eternity as the widowed ruler of Havardr's throne. Only the six of us need to know about this. Feginn, Mercury, Harper, Hamish, not a word to anyone else, do you understand? When questioned, just say the crystals didn't work and Lord Asger remains deceased. Asger, you must leave and find Zarda. I will send your four warriors to assist you, but they too must vanish and never return. Best of luck, my Lord, may you find your own path to success," she responded.
She turned to her two guards and the warrior Harper, instructing them to retrieve Ayaan, Luca, and Gille, while Hamish stayed by her side. He was the fourth warrior of Asger to be bestowed with the gifts from Elohim.
"Behold your master, Lord Hamish. Attend to him diligently, ensuring his safety and protection. Although he may be departing from me permanently, I do not wish any harm or further misfortune upon him," declared Sindri.
As they waited the return of the others, they walked away from the room of crystals and back upstairs into the caves of Hellir. Sindri had to think of a way to hide Asger. Looking over at Hamish ahe noticed he wore a dark hooded cape. She requested that he give it to his lord for protection. Lord Asger quickly covered himself up with it and proceeded past Hellir the underground city. The gates were guarded with snake warriors at the defense. Without blinking an eye the three of them simply walked past the city and out of the cold caves to wait upon the warriors. Minutes passed and Feginn, Mercury, and Harper had returned with Ayaan, Luca, and Gille. Sindri looked over to all the warriors with a stern face.
"Head to the rivers of Fljot, where you can find a boat merchant to take you to Africa. Here, take what gold coins I have in my pouch, to pay for the trip. Hurry and keep your master's face concealed. If they do see him, word will spread and the subjects of Havardr, will never trust me again, understood!" She explained.
Hastily, they ventured into the woods towards Fljot. As predicted, there were numerous boat merchants to choose from. One stood out from the rest - a grand ship with dark brown stained sides, bright red sails adorned with gold trim, and a golden Chinese dragon sewn into the fabric. The sails appeared worn and weathered, with tattered edges from years at sea. A magnificent Chinese dragon was carved on the bow, facing down towards the water. Exotic creatures such as panda bears, golden tigers, monkeys, and other unfamiliar animals roamed the deck. It was decided that seeking their assistance would be the least suspicious course of action. Approaching the mysterious ship, they requested to speak with the captain.
Ayaan inquired, "Is the captain of this ship available?"
The nearby crewmates stopped rolling their cargo onto the ramp briefly to respond. They informed Ayaan, that the captain was in his cabin. If he wanted to speak to him, he would have to make his way up there. Lord Asger followed their instructions and found himself at the captain's quarters. With a slow, deliberate motion, he opened the captain's door, causing it to creak loudly. Inside, he saw a very large snow leopard standing over a map that was spread out before him. The captain, with his piercing ice blue eyes, looked up at the new arrival who had cast a dark shadow over his desk. Lord Asger locked eyes with the Snow leopard captain, and a tense standoff ensued.