As the guardians left the grand hall, the weight of their banishment hung heavy over them. The sun was still shining, casting long shadows across the palace grounds. Kael, Mieza, Zola, and Zym walked in silence, their minds racing with the events that had just unfolded.
Zym finally broke the silence, his voice filled with frustration. "Veridian is such a cunning naga. He's been working with Kazu the whole time."
Kael nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "I know, Zym. This was a risk worth taking because at least now we know who the enemy is. Sometimes it's better to have your enemy under the impression that they're smarter than you so they can reveal all the tricks they have up their sleeve before you make your move. Have them under the impression that they're winning before defeating them. I expected Veridian to show me his true colors or lead me to the enemy, and he did, just as expected. Through this, we now know Kazu is in league with him."
Mieza, her eyes narrowing in thought, added, "Veridian is a master manipulator. He tricked everyone so well."
Zola's voice was resolute. "They both told many lies. They'll pay for this."
Kael placed a hand on Zola's shoulder. "Patience. We need to head to Kragnir. King Eothis must be prepared for the possibility of a war. Veridian's next move would be to attack Kragnir."
Zola and Zym nodded in agreement. "Yes, we must."
Mieza, her brows furrowing in concentration, spoke, "But why do the Nagas think the Garudas intimidate them? It's not like the Garudas have ever tried to oppress and control them."
Zola replied, her voice laced with concern. "The Nagas and Garudas have always been arch-enemies. They've always had their differences and struggled for dominance, but the Nagas are thirsty for power and hate the fact that the Garudas are stronger. The Garudas, on the other hand, actually are stronger, and if they really wanted to oppress the Nagas, the Nagas wouldn't stand a chance. But King Eothis is kind and just. He has never tried attacking the Nagas without a good reason, but the Nagas have always been the ones seeking war with the Garudas and reasons to start a fight. Zym and I—as guardians of the realm—have always been neutral. Supporting both sides and helping them coexist together in harmony."
Kael's eyes softened as he looked at his companions. "We must use that neutrality to our advantage. We have to be strategic in our next steps. Let's go to Kragnir and regroup with King Eothis. We'll need all the allies we can get to stop Veridian."
**********************
Back in Kragnir, Melinoe had fully recovered, but her thoughts were consumed by the events in Oephidia. She paced her room, her mind racing. King Eothis had been a constant presence, his support unwavering.
"Melinoe, you need to rest," Eothis urged gently as he entered her room.
Melinoe shook her head, her expression determined. "I can't rest, Eothis. Veridian is up to something, and I need to be there to stop him."
Eothis sighed, understanding her resolve. "I know. But you can't do it alone. Remember, we need to be smart about this."
Before Melinoe could respond, a palace guard interrupted, bowing respectfully. "Your Majesty, the guardians have arrived. They request your presence. They say it's urgent."
Melinoe's heart leaped. "The guardians are here?"
Moments later, Zola, Kael, Mieza, and Zym entered the palace, their expressions serious. King Eothis greeted them with a relieved smile. "Welcome, guardians. I'm glad you're here. What's happening in Oephidia?"
Kael stepped forward, his voice steady. "Veridian has manipulated the council against us. He claims that Zola and Zym were complicit in the theft of the Eye of Naga and the murder of the Queen. Kazu, the Naja sorcerer, told many lies and even said that Ethel stole the eye when actually, Ethel did not."
Eothis's eyes widened in shock. "What? That's absurd! It would appear that Veridian and Kazu are both working together."
Mieza nodded, her expression grim. "We know. But we need to gather enough proof to prove it."
Zym's mind raced. "We need to act fast. Veridian is likely to start a war with you, King Eothis."
Eothis placed a reassuring hand on Zym's shoulder. "Why worry? It's not like these Nagas would stand a chance."
Zym replied, his voice tinged with worry. "Veridian has dark magic and so does the Naja Sorcerer."
Eothis smiled. "We'll be ready for whatever comes, but in the meantime, there is someone I'd like you to see."
Eothis turned to the guard. "Bring her in."
The guardians watched in shock as Melinoe emerged. As she entered the room, her fiery red hair cascaded down her shoulders in loose waves, a stark contrast to her vibrant green eyes that shimmered with determination. She wore a flowing green dress that accentuated her human form, her legs replacing the emerald tail that usually marked her Naga identity.
Zym's amber eyes widened in disbelief, his usually stern face softening with relief. Zola's hand flew to her mouth, her amber eyes shimmering with unshed tears as she rushed forward, her voice trembling with emotion. "Melinoe, you're alive!" Mieza, standing slightly behind them, let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, her usually composed demeanor cracking as a smile spread across her face. "We thought we lost you," she said, her voice barely a whisper, the shock and joy of seeing queen Melinoe alive and well radiating from her every word.
Kael's eyes shifted colours to a deep blue as they widened in surprise and relief. "Melinoe, you're alive. This changes everything."
Melinoe smiled warmly. "Yes, Kael. I managed to escape, I'm glad to see you all again, thanks to King Eothis and his healers. But Veridian's plans are far from over."
Zola stepped forward, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "What happened, Melinoe?, We thought we had completed your last rites. We saw your body, what was that?Tell us everything."
Melinoe took a deep breath, her eyes darkening with the memories. "Veridian is a traitor. He manipulated everyone, using the Najas as his pawn. He wants to start a war with the Garudas to seize power. He lied to the council, claiming I was killed by Naja assassins, but it was his own men who attacked me and captured me. They planted the body of another Naga who was was under a powerful spell, making her look exactly like me."
Mieza was shocked, her mind racing. "So, Veridian is the true mastermind. What else did he say?"
"He claimed that once the throne and the Kingdom became his own, he would execute his plan."
Zym clenched his fists. "That cunning serpent. When I get my hands on him. He'll face the worst."
Melinoe nodded. "Patience Zym, and now he plans to attack Kragnir. We must be prepared."
Kael's expression hardened. "We'll stop him, Melinoe. Together, we will expose his lies and bring him to justice."
Melinoe's emerald eyes met his, filled with gratitude and determination. "Thank you, Kael. With all of us working together, we stand a chance. Let's end Veridian's treachery once and for all."