With the Eye of Naga safely recovered, Kael, Zym, and Mieza knew they had no time to lose. The situation with the Garuda army was rapidly escalating, and they needed to reach Kragnir before it was too late.
"We're going to fly," Zym said, his voice resolute. Kael extended his arms, and with a flash of light, majestic wings emerged from his back, their feathers a blend of celestial and demonic hues.
Zym and Mieza followed suit, their wings unfurling gracefully. Zym's wings shimmered with celestial light, while Mieza's were a stunning fusion of ethereal and demonic energies. Together, they took to the sky, soaring high above Oephidia.
The journey to Kragnir was swift and breathtaking. The aerie city, perched among snow-capped mountain peaks, came into view, its towering spires glistening in the morning sunlight. As they approached, the cold, crisp air filled their lungs, and the majestic sight of Kragnir nestled among the mountains inspired awe.
Kragnir was a city of splendor, its architecture a testament to the Garuda's mastery of both beauty and strength. The trio descended gracefully into the city, their wings folding back as they touched down on the main plaza. Garuda soldiers eyed them warily, their hands resting on their weapons, but they made no move to attack.
Zola—Zym's sister—stood at the forefront, her wings spread wide and her stance defiant. She had been holding off the Garuda army, delaying their departure with diplomatic skill and unwavering resolve.
"Zym!" she called out, relief washing over her face as she saw her brother. "You've arrived just in time...and with Kael and Mieza."
Mieza's expression brightened upon seeing Zola, her dear old friend and fellow guardian. "Zola! My old friend! I've missed you so much. It's been a long time."
Zola smiled warmly. "I've thought about you every day since... the Font Monastery. I'm so glad to see you."
Kael stepped forward, his presence commanding. "Glad to see you again, Zola. You've been holding off the Garuda army—impressive. We need to speak with King Eothis immediately. It's about the Naga attack and the Eye of Naga. We'll catch up later."
Zola nodded and led them through the grand halls of Kragnir to the royal chambers. As they entered, they were greeted by the imposing figure of King Eothis. His feathers, the color of a twilight sky, shimmered in the sunlight, catching the glint of the golden bands adorning his powerful wings. Beside him stood Ethel, the Garuda warrior who had been attacked by an unknown Naga.
King Eothis's gaze was stern as he looked upon the newcomers. "You have a lot to explain, Guardians," he said, his voice a deep, resonant echo in the chamber.
Zym bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty, we have uncovered a conspiracy orchestrated by the Najas. They stole the Eye of Naga and framed your people, hoping to incite a war between the Garudas and the Nagas. We have recovered the Eye and can prove the Najas' involvement."
Ethel stepped forward, his eyes narrowing. "If this is true, then we have been gravely misled. But why should we trust anything the Nagas say?"
Kael stepped up, his eyes glowing with determination. "Because we came all the way from our realm to uncover the truth, and we have found all there is to know. Our only goal is to prevent this war and bring peace to Vaul."
Zym nodded in agreement. "We have returned the Eye of Naga to Queen Melinoe. She is aware of the treachery of the Naja and offers her apologies. But we need to act quickly. The Naja leader spoke of a mastermind still out there who may try to sabotage our efforts."
King Eothis considered their words carefully. "I'm glad to know that you, Kael of Vasperia, vanquisher of the old gods and the chaos god Zarathos, personally came to uncover the truth, along with your fellow guardians. I've heard stories of your deeds, Kael. You're truly respectable." His gaze shifted to Zym, Zola, and finally rested on Mieza.
Mieza spoke, her tone respectful. "Your Majesty, it would be an honor if you could avoid going to war with the Nagas. We have gathered compelling evidence." She gestured to a collection of scrolls. "Someone wants the realm destroyed in a battle between your people and the Nagas to rise to power."
As King Eothis examined the evidence, his expression softened. "This evidence is compelling. It seems we have all been deceived. I will order my troops to stand down and prepare for negotiations with Queen Melinoe."
Kael bowed his head in gratitude. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Together, we can bring peace to Vaul and uncover the true mastermind behind this conspiracy."
Zym and Zola exchanged relieved glances, their faces etched with gratitude. Zym stepped forward, his voice filled with emotion. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Your wisdom and courage are beyond doubt. We apologize for any harm done by the Naja. They will be brought to justice. Your decision honors the truth and paves the way for a brighter future."
Zola nodded in agreement, her eyes shining. Together, they bowed deeply, their hearts filled with appreciation for the king's noble decision.
With their mission in Kragnir accomplished, Kael, Zym, Zola, and Mieza prepared to return to Oephidia. But as they left the royal chambers, a sense of unease lingered. The mastermind was still out there, and their journey was far from over.
As they took flight once more, soaring high above the aerie city, the words of the Naja leader echoed in their minds, a haunting reminder of the unseen enemy that lay in wait. But their hearts were steadfast, and they were committed to their mission. They would bring peace to the realm, no matter the cost.
And so, with the first light of the sun guiding their way, Kael, Zym, and Mieza set forth on their journey, their spirits undaunted and their determination unyielding. The hope of stopping the Garuda army from starting the war now seemed within their grasp, and they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.