The journey back to Kragnir was fraught with tension, each beat of their wings echoing the weight of mixed emotions that hung over them as they traversed the vast expanse between Oephidia and Kragnir. Ethel, still weakened from the venom's assault, flew slightly ahead of Zym and Zola, his crimson feathers ruffled with suspicion and anger.
He growled, his voice raw with frustration, barely audible over the whistling wind. "The Nagas... their treachery runs deeper by the day."
Zym glanced back at Ethel, concern etched into his features. "We must tread carefully, Ethel. If we let our emotions lead us, we could ignite the very conflict we seek to prevent."
Ethel's feathers bristled in frustration. His eyes, flashing with anger. "Conflict? They accused my people of stealing their Eye of Naga. They tried to kill me! They should have thought about that before crossing the line."
Zola interjected, her voice calm but resolute. "We need to consider all perspectives. Veridian's hesitation suggests factions within the Naga society may be working to ignite a war between the nagas and the garudas."
Ethel replied, his expression indifferent. "Regardless, the Nagas have crossed the line twice. Whatever comes of this will be the consequences of their actions. They are to be held accountable for their own wrongs."
As dusk painted the sky in hues of crimson and gold, the majestic city of Kragnir rose on the horizon, its spires piercing the twilight like obsidian claws reaching for the heavens. Descending into the bustling palace courtyard, they were met by a flurry of anxious guards, their faces etched with concern.
"Ethel!" A booming voice echoed through the air. King Eothis, his regal form cloaked in an aura of authority, strode towards them, his eyes narrowing at the sight of Ethel's weakened state. "Tell me. What transpired within the Naga territory?"
Ethel straightened, pushing through the residual pain to meet the King's gaze. "I was poisoned, Your Majesty," he spat, his voice hoarse. "By a Naga assassin, within the very halls of Oephidia."
Eothis's feathers ruffled in a surge of anger that mirrored the darkening sky. "A Naga assassin? Do they truly believe they can assault a Garuda envoy with impunity?"
Zym stepped forward, his voice a measured counterpoint to the rising tide of fury. "Your Majesty, caution is paramount. This attack... it may be a carefully crafted ploy to ignite the flames of war. We need to understand who orchestrated the Eye's theft, and who sought to kill Ethel."
A flicker of steely resolve entered Eothis's eyes. "Their transgression demands a response. If war is what they want, then it's war they shall have."
The grand council chamber buzzed with whispers as Ethel, still bearing the physical mark of the attack, stood beside Zym and Zola. King Eothis, perched upon his golden throne, addressed the assembled advisors.
"The Nagas have crossed every line by attacking one of our own within their sacred halls," Eothis boomed, his voice resonating throughout the chamber. "The evidence, the venom itself, points towards Naga involvement. This blatant display of aggression and disrespect will not be tolerated."
Councilor Tyrian, a war-hardened veteran with crimson feathers streaked with the wisdom of ages, rose from his seat. "Your Majesty, it's clear the Nagas seek to obfuscate the truth. They undoubtedly hold the Eye of Naga and seek to use it as a catalyst for war."
Zym, however, countered with a measured plea. "We must not be blinded by our righteous anger, esteemed councilor. Veridian himself alluded to a potential power struggle within the Naga society. Perhaps rogue elements seek to disrupt their kingdom for their own benefit ."
Eothis's gaze turned to Zym, his expression a mask of steely resolve. "They should have considered the repercussion before they transgressed!" His voice echoed with a finality that left no room for debate. "Prepare for war, my generals. We will not be cowed by Naga treachery!"
Silence descended upon the chamber, thick with the weight of the impending conflict. The whispers turned to murmurs, the murmurs to pronouncements, as everyone braced themselves for the storm that was about to break.
Ethel's crimson feathers seemed to dull under the harsh lamplight, his expression a mask of grim resolve. War was declared.
Zola, her brow furrowed with worry, turned to Ethel. "Is there anything we can do to stop this war?" she asked, her voice a whisper. "Can we reason with King Eothis, appeal to his sense of caution?"
Ethel shook his head, a bitter taste in his mouth. "No. The king's mind is set. He sees this as a matter of honor, a blatant attack that demands a forceful response."
Zym, his usually calm demeanor shadowed by concern, paced the room. The weight of the impending conflict pressed heavily upon him. He knows war would leave an indelible scar on the realm, a wound that might take generations to heal.
Suddenly, Zym stopped, a glimmer of hope flickering in his eyes. "There might be another way," he declared, his voice firm despite the trepidation gnawing at him. "Zola, I think I know someone who can help us put an end to this."
Ethel and Zola exchanged surprised glances. "Who do you have in mind?" Zola asked, a spark of curiosity igniting in her blue eyes.
Zym took a deep breath. "Do you remember Kael from the realm of Vasperia?. He's a formidable ally, I think we're going to need his help if we are to stop the war."
Zola's eyes widened. Kael, Master Leor and Shania's son? I think that's a great suggestion.
"But Kael wouldn't get involved in a conflict between Garudas and Nagas," she said, voicing her skepticism.
Zym nodded. "Kael is committed to protecting the realms. He might be able to shed light on the events at Oephidia, even on the Naja signature and Veridian's behavior. If we can understand what truly transpired, we might be able to expose the true culprit and stop the war before it starts."
A flicker of hope ignited in Zola's chest. Zym's idea was risky, unorthodox even, but it was a chance. A chance to avert a war built on a foundation of lies. "You may go to Vasperia" she admitted, "it's a long shot. But I'll stay here and delay the war."
Zym, a newfound resolve in his eyes, stepped forward. "I'll go to Vasperia. I'll find Kael and convince him to help us."
Ethel met their gaze, a silent understanding between them. He understood that Zym and Zola had to take a desperate gamble to prevent a war that would shatter the realm they were protectors of. The journey ahead would be fraught with danger, but the fate of their world hung in a balance.