The tension from the council meeting still lingered in the air as Kael, Mieza, Zola, and Zym stood together, their faces marked with resolve. Their minds raced with the implications of Veridian's confession, each of them trying to piece together the tangled web of events.
Zola whispered, her voice barely audible. "Veridian's claim about Kazu might be a diversion. We need to verify his story. If we're wrong, we risk losing everything."
Kael nodded, his eyes shifting colors to a calming blue, sharp with determination. "I know. There is no evidence linking Kazu to the attacks other than Veridian's words. But we must tread carefully. If Veridian is indeed the mastermind, then he is a master manipulator."
Mieza, her arms crossed, added, "The traces of dark magic we found indicate that a teleportation spell was used. If Veridian's claim about Kazu is true and he has proof of this, then he may turn the tables."
Zym's amber eyes gleamed with thought. "The secret team of warriors he sent to capture Kazu will arrive soon, and then we'll know if he's telling the truth."
Kael's gaze hardened. "I do not trust Veridian. His reaction to our accusations showed a hint of guilt. We must be cautious."
With a shared sense of purpose, the guardians and the council waited patiently. The tension in the room was palpable.
A Naga warrior stepped forward, his voice steady. "Your Majesty, we have apprehended the Najas outside the palace, and the team of warriors you sent out to capture Kazu has returned."
Veridian's expression softened, his eyes flashing with calmness. "Bring them in."
Shortly afterward, the secret team of warriors brought Kazu into the grand hall with his followers, all in chains. Kazu stood tall, his slender yet powerful physique undulating like a wave as he moved. His scales shimmered in the light of the council chamber, a mesmerizing dance of blues and silvers that seemed to draw eyes inexorably to his piercing golden gaze. His raven-black hair flowed like seaweed down his back, and his full lips curled into a subtle, enigmatic smile.
Veridian, his voice cold and commanding, addressed Kazu. "Kazu, you stand accused of treason and the murder of Queen Melinoe. What say you in your defense?"
Kazu's golden eyes scanned the room, his smile never wavering. "It is true that the Eye of Naga was stolen, but it was not I or the Najas who stole it. It was Zym and Zola, the so-called guardians of Vaul. They gave it to Ethel the Garuda, and on Ethel's way, his feather dropped, which was later found by the guards. This led the Queen to discover it was the Garudas. When Ethel returned during the investigation, he brought the eye with him with hopes of putting it back to resolve the situation, but one of my warriors grabbed the eye and poisoned him because we saw the situation as an opportunity to take back our rights as Nagas and Najas."
A shocked silence fell over the room as Kazu continued. "The guardians of Vaul—Zym and Zola—have been partial from the beginning. They wanted the Garudas to forever dominate the Nagas, which is why they have been supporting the Garudas. The Garudas have wronged us in many ways, even in the past. The Queen's death was orchestrated by Garuda assassins who took advantage of our attack on the palace to recover the eye, to harm the Queen in retaliation for what happened to Ethel."
The council members murmured among themselves, the weight of Kazu's accusations sinking in. Veridian, seizing the moment, spoke with calculated calm. "I never trusted the Guardians or the Garudas. Under their watch, the Garudas have always intimidated the Nagas, and the guardians have done nothing about it. They are in league with the Garudas and because of them, our dear beloved Queen is now dead."
Zym and Zola tried to defend themselves, but the council members were already swayed by Kazu's words and Veridian's support. Zym's voice trembled with frustration. "Veridian is a liar! He is manipulating you all!"
Kael, undeterred, spoke. "If that was the case, then why use violence and why attack the Palace if your aim wasn't to kill the queen, Kazu?"
Kazu remained silent, lost in thought.
The council members looked at each other, their concern growing. Veridian's facade of calm began to crack under the pressure.
The room erupted in murmurs, and Veridian's face turned a shade darker. Veridian seized the moment and quickly turned the tables. "Zym and Zola arrived shortly after the eye was missing and they did not stand up to the Garudas. They supported them and even brought them to investigate the eye's disappearance to cause further problems."
Zola spoke up, her voice laced with frustration. "You liar! You're evil."
Kael placed a calming hand on Zola's shoulder. "Enough, Zola. We will find another way to prove the truth."
Veridian, his voice final and dismissive, declared, "As King, it is my duty to protect my people, and as such, I hereby decree that the guardians are no longer welcome in Oephidia. You are all to leave, and do not return."
In silence, the guardians exited the grand hall, knowing that their battle for justice was far from over. The path ahead was fraught with lies and deceit, but they were determined to reveal the truth anyway they could.
********************
Meanwhile, in Kragnir, Melinoe had begun to regain her strength. Her room was now filled with the soft glow of the Palace light, the palace's tranquil ambiance a stark contrast to the chaos in the Palace in Oephidia.
Eothis, having visited her frequently, found Melinoe more alert and determined. He entered her room, his expression a mixture of concern and resolve. "How are you feeling now, Melinoe?"
Melinoe looked up, her eyes clear and focused. "Much better. The healers have done wonders, but I need to act quickly. Veridian's schemes are far from over. I fear he could do something terrible if I don't return."
Eothis sat beside her bed, his voice steady. "We need to be strategic. Your strength is vital, but so is our approach. We must ensure that any actions we take are calculated."
Melinoe nodded, her gaze unwavering. "I agree. But the longer we wait, the more time he has to execute his evil plan."
Eothis's expression was thoughtful. "We'll need to be careful. Veridian is cunning, and his control over the palace is significant. But with your insights and the support of my army, we can turn the tide."
Melinoe smiled, her resolve firm. "I trust in our alliance. I'm indeed very grateful for your support. Together, we can bring the truth to light and put an end to Veridian's treachery."