In the council hall in Alnuum, the situation was grim. The imperial capital, still under the ruins of the devastation caused by Morfrey, now faced a resource crisis that threatened the survival of its people. "We are running out of supplies, soon the people housed in the capital will starve!" said Shun. "We don't even have the possibility of planting or fishing, since within a radius of 63 miles around the capital, the land and rivers are contaminated by Morfrey's foul rotting plague!" added Alister.
King Relon, feeling the weight of his crown more than ever, considered the options. With a worried face, he just puts his hand on his face and asks "Is there no other way? Perhaps importing food." But he was quickly countered by Suzannah "People are not working for themselves, they are focused on rebuilding the city, there is no market, no gold circulating, and by my studies, we don't know if these lands will become fertile again as before." Her analysis highlighted the economic paralysis that without a functioning market and money circulating, importing food was a hardly viable solution. Her words painted an even more complicated picture, questioning the future recovery of soil fertility.
When Arthan suggested "What if we moved the capital temporarily to a more fertile and productive location, perhaps to the Morgil fortress, it's close to Peora, the great city of the Kijin.", for a moment, it seemed like a promising solution. The proximity to Peora, a large city known for its large market, was tempting. However, Shun's intervention highlighted a significant logistical problem: the arrival of winter before they could settle in Morgil would prevent any immediate planting attempt, postponing the famine crisis solution by "90 moon cycles."
With each suggestion and counterargument, Relon's demeanor became more weighed down with concern. The king, known at that point for his commitment to the well-being of his people, felt cornered by the circumstances, desperately seeking an outlet that could alleviate imminent suffering.
The suggestions continued to emerge amid growing tension. Alister, seeking to divert the plan from such a drastic northward change, proposed Merenhou as an alternative. "What about Merenhou, the city is further south, besides it has several hot springs, it's a great place!" The suggestion seemed reasonable, taking into account the milder climate and natural resources that could help rapidly recover the population.
Relon's response, however, showed his internal conflict and the pressure he felt. Standing up with a sudden energy, he expressed his reluctance to abandon the historical capital. "You speak as if I have already decided to move, this place has been my family's home for over 10 generations, and besides, Nannu's heart is here and I can't just move like that, give me more time to think!" His voice echoed with the weight of tradition and responsibility to uphold the legacy of his predecessors.
Always pragmatic and direct, Suzannah stood up and, before leaving, left her parting words, a reminder of the urgency of the situation: "Think, but don't take too long, soon we will be out of food!" The severity of her tone underscored the seriousness of the crisis.
As the counselors left the tent, one by one, King Relon was left alone with his thoughts. The solitude of the throne was palpable, and he felt the weight of the decisions only he could make. "This throne was not meant for me!" thought Relon, an echo of doubt about his ability and right to lead in such challenging times. Looking up, seeking some divine or spiritual guidance, he murmured in an almost inaudible whisper: "What should I do, father?"
The tension between the desire to honor history and the need to protect his people put Relon in a deep dilemma. The decision to move or not move the capital was not just a logistical matter; it was a test of his vision for the kingdom's future and his ability to balance tradition with the emerging reality of an unprecedented crisis. Relon's internal struggle reflected the greater battle for Nannu's survival and prosperity, a battle he needed to win both within and without himself.
After leaving the tense meeting with King Relon, Suzannah headed to the tent where Inala was supposedly training. She expected to find the young woman immersed in her studies, as recommended. However, upon arriving there, the scene was quite different than expected.
"Hey, chickpea, did you read the book I told you to read?" called Suzannah, without receiving an answer. "Hey!" Still no answer, she insisted, "Heyyyy!". Approaching, Suzannah realized Inala had fallen asleep during training, a book covering her face.
Determined to wake the girl in a rather dramatic way, Suzannah used a bit of her magic: "1st circle water magic: Water jet." Conjuring a small water jet directed at Inala's head caused the young woman to wake up startled and completely drenched.
"Now you'll have to read two more giant books!" Suzannah reprimanded the girl, half serious, half amused by the situation. The importance of study and preparation was something Suzannah constantly emphasized, especially in such turbulent times.
Meanwhile, Sin, Inala and Kal's brother, showed exemplary commitment to his own development. Constantly seen with a book or map in hand, he dedicated himself intensely to the study of topography, flora and fauna. This dedication was something Suzannah admired and wished to see in Inala as well.
"She needs the same diligence as her brother," Suzannah would often comment, hoping Inala could find inspiration in Sin's diligence and understand the importance of being well prepared, not just physically but intellectually, for the challenges the future might bring.
These moments of learning and development were crucial for both young people, preparing them not only to face the adversities of the surrounding world but also to take on leadership and responsibility roles in the future, following in the footsteps of their predecessors.
In the heart of Nannu, a hidden place where pure mana flowed with a tranquility that seemed to touch the soul, Suzannah and Inala found refuge from the tensions of the outside world. For Inala, this part of training was more than a lesson; it was a moment of deep connection to something greater than herself.
Inala, despite her facade of strength and maturity, was still a 12-year-old girl missing her mother, Ella. The presence of pure mana in Nannu's heart brought her a peace that made her feel closer to her mother, as if the place had the power to lessen the distance between them, even if only in spirit. These moments were a balm for her young soul, providing her comfort and serenity.
Suzannah, observing the young woman, deeply understood the importance of these sessions. She herself had lived a transformative experience in that same place, when she had a vision of Yarveloth, the mother nature. This experience had left an indelible mark on her life and spiritual path. Recognizing the similar effect on Inala's well-being, Suzannah made sure to bring the girl there whenever possible.
The two remained in the place for hours, meditating together. The quietude of the environment and the rich presence of mana created a perfect space for reflection and inner connection. For Inala, each breath seemed to bring more peace, every moment spent in that sacred place helped her feel more whole, more connected to her own history and the natural forces that shaped the world around her.
This meditation time not only strengthened the bond between master and apprentice, but also provided Inala with a sense of continuity and hope, essential elements to face future challenges. For Suzannah, it was an opportunity to pass on the wisdom and peace she herself had found, helping the next generation find their own way amid the turbulences of Nannu's destiny.
Very close by, Lilla roamed the streets of Alnuum, uncertainty and fear consumed her thoughts. The connection she had always felt with Kal seemed to fade with each day that passed without news of him, fueling fears that something terrible might have happened. The growing anxiety drove her to seek answers, and lacking clear clues, her instinct led her to Suzannah, hoping the wise one could offer some information about Kal's whereabouts.
However, upon arriving at the training grounds, Lilla discovered Suzannah was busy with Inala, inaccessible and distant from the worries that afflicted her. The absence of an immediate answer only increased her distress, and in this moment of vulnerability, she found Katara.
"What's happening, princess?" Katara asked, her soft voice contrasting with Lilla's palpable agitation. Facing the possibility of spreading her own despair to others, Lilla tried to downplay her concerns with an evasive answer: "It's nothing important!". She tried to maintain a facade of calm, but Katara's sincerity soon penetrated her defenses.
"As much as I might wish it, I don't have the same bond with Kal that you have, you must consider yourself a lucky person!" Katara observed, her eyes reflecting a deep understanding of the emotions Lilla was trying to conceal. This comment made Lilla stop in her tracks, the reality of her words weighing on her. Turning to face the fox-girl, Lilla's face was marked by the anxiety she could no longer hide.
Lilla's worried expression revealed her true restlessness. Katara, perceiving the seriousness of the situation, approached with empathy. "Lilla, if something is wrong, perhaps I can help. Or at least I can be by your side as we look for answers."
At this moment, Lilla felt the need to open up, realizing she couldn't handle this burden alone. "I'm very worried about Kal... It's been days since I felt the connection we had. I'm afraid something terrible may have happened to him," she confessed, her voice trembling slightly.
Katara approached Lilla and placing her hand on her shoulder said "When we were preparing for war against your brother in my homeland, Kal chose you to create a deeper bond, and you know, I felt a lot of envy of you for that..." she said with a look of shame "I felt embarrassed for having that feeling and for many nights I tried to convince myself that it was a fair feeling, after all, I am the priestess of primordial light, if anyone in this world has the right to have a bond with him, that someone had to be me!" Katara continued now looking down. The priestess had admitted her envy and internal struggle, an acknowledgment that resonated with Lilla, making her reflect on her own situation and the ties that bound her and Kal.
Katara's words, filled with emotion and sincerity, served as a mirror for Lilla, reflecting not only the affection Katara felt for Kal, but also the responsibility that came with such a connection. Kal's choice to create a deeper bond with Lilla instead of with the primordial light priestess revealed the depth and complexity of the relationships forming around the young hero. And she continued "So I tried to believe that I deserved more than anyone, but in the end he chose you, and I almost let my feelings be lost. Then I understood that in the end, nothing mattered besides my faith in the primordial light, my faith in Kal!".
"Perhaps it's time for you to understand this too!" Katara's words resonated in Lilla's mind as she absorbed the counsel to find herself before seeking Kal. The idea that her own light should shine, regardless of Kal's presence, was a call for self-knowledge and inner strength that Lilla now needed more than ever.
As Katara moved away, leaving Lilla with her parting words, "During this time he is not here, I was content looking at his light through your eyes, and now all I see are the blue eyes of a lost princess, find yourself first before looking for him!", Lilla felt the weight of each word. She realized her search for Kal should also be a journey of self-discovery. The princess was lost, not just in Kal's absence, but in her own identity and purpose.
Alone, Lilla reflected on Katara's words. She knew that to truly help Kal and be ready for whatever the future held, she needed to find her own light. This meant accepting and believing in Kal. She remembered she had always wanted to take control of her own destiny and could not let herself be guided by Kal. "Kal is my light, but to reach that light, I will walk with my own feet!".
Determined to take the reins of her destiny, Lilla began planning how to reconnect with herself before seeking her light. She would seek ways to strengthen her resilience and leadership ability, so that when the time came, she would be ready not just to find Kal again, but to face any challenge ahead.
In the heart of the dense, shadowy forest, the group led by Arphaxad faced an unexpected and dangerous encounter with a giant wild boar. The situation was tense; the creature posed a real threat, and Eron's lack of combat skills, as well as the presence of children and Kal who was still in a catatonic state, severely limited the group's defense options.
Eron, though not a warrior, showed his ingenuity in an clever maneuver to protect everyone. Suggesting they dismount from the horses, he quickly improvised a distraction by tying pots and metal pieces to the animals' hooves and, with a blow, made the horses bolt, creating a deafening noise that drew the giant boar's attention.
Arphaxad's reaction was immediate and filled with concern. "You condemned those horses to death!" he exclaimed, fearing the animals' fate as they now ran for their own survival. However, Eron, with the calm of one who had already calculated all risks, explained the logic behind his action: "No, an average horse runs between 40-50 km/h freely, and I tied at least 7kg to each of them, this will make them run between 38-48 km/h, a forest wild boar runs at most 35 km/h, so rest assured, it will not be able to reach the horses even if it approaches them!".
Eron's explanation not only calmed Arphaxad, but also increased his respect for the young man's intelligence and quick thinking ability. Eron had managed to ensure everyone's safety without compromising the lives of the horses, a solution that skillfully balanced risks and available resources.
With danger temporarily averted, the group resumed their journey toward Hadon's house. Though still filled with sounds and movements suggesting other hidden perils, the forest environment now seemed a little less threatening, thanks to Eron's ingenuity and the relief provided by his strategic thinking. Marching in silence, each member of the group reflected on the incident, recognizing that despite the journey's challenges, there was strength and hope in unity and collective intelligence.