...
The echoes of joy permeated the atmosphere, accompanied by the melodious hum of piano music. The grand hall of the Elvarin Kingdom was abuzz with activity, crowded with individuals of high stature, known as the nobility.
The four leaders of the Elvarin Kingdom were in attendance, including Chief Brakor, who was engaged in pleasant conversation with his fellow chiefs. General Thalric could be observed in a state of ease, seated alongside Yuri and the other distinguished members. Various other nobles were also present, indulging in wine and an array of delectable dishes.
Undoubtedly, this was not a mere gathering; it was a lavish celebration orchestrated by King Jade to commemorate his daughter's return and honor those responsible for making it possible.
"We should be conducting your final ceremony, Brakor," Chief Jun quipped, eliciting laughter from all the chiefs.
"I have nine lives," Brakor retorted, leisurely savoring his wine, eliciting another round of laughter.
"No, you have twenty. Honestly, Brakor, I never imagined seeing you again. The news of the destruction in the south saddened me deeply," Chief Damien remarked.
"Who is this Arctic?" Chief Mowen inquired, to which Brakor sighed and responded, "He is an Elf."
"An Elf? Why is he waging war against his own kind? What are his intentions?" Chief Mowen pressed further.
"Revenge, I presume. Or perhaps a thirst for power. It could be either," Brakor surmised.
"Perhaps both. He seeks vengeance and covets King Jade's throne," Chief Damien concluded.
"That is inconceivable. We cannot allow him to achieve that," Chief Jun exclaimed.
"He has already decimated the south, and his next target is the East. His aim is to conquer all the settlements before advancing towards the capital, the Palace of King Jade," Chief Damien explained.
"Ugarth, you have been silent all this while," all eyes turned to Chief Ugarth, who was calmly sipping his wine.
"I fear the worst. If Arctic seeks revenge, then we must have wronged him in some way. I also suspect a connection between him and the deceased Ellcrys," Chief Ugarth murmured, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
"That is true, and the princess shows no signs of awakening."
"The tree displays no vitality. I doubt the princess can revive it this time," Chief Jun added to Chief Damien's statement.
"Hmm..." Brakor set his cup down on the table. "I yearn for the days of yore, but mind you, Arctic dabbles in Dark magic." He added, causing the other chiefs to widen their eyes. Dark magic had been eradicated for centuries, and the fact that someone was practicing it was unfathomable to them.
"Dark magic has been eradicated for centuries. He must be a formidable adversary, and we must be prepared," Chief Jun declared.
"Brakor, you faced him in battle, correct?"
"Yes, Damien. It was arduous, but thanks to the purple flower, I was healed and my magical abilities were temporarily enhanced. However, it was not enough. I was defeated so thoroughly that I contemplated ending my own life, taking us both down in one fell swoop," he recounted with a grin as memories of the previous day flooded back.
"How did you manage to escape?" Chief Damien inquired as Brakor picked up his cup of wine from the table and drained its contents.
His mind revisited the harrowing encounter with Lord Arctic...
"Since your loyalty lies solely with King Jade, you are of no use to me," Lord Arctic stated as he tightened his grip around Brakor's neck, making it difficult for him to breathe. They hovered in the air in front of the crumbling palace, Brakor depleted of flower magic and his physical strength waning.
"This is the end," he thought, clenching his fists and channeling his energy into his hands. Wrapping his arms around Arctic, he met his gaze. "If I am going down, we are going down together," he declared, locking Arctic in a death grip as he looked up at the sky.
"Elf Sorcery: Glacial Eruption,"he intoned as the sky reverberated loudly, unleashing a massive blue explosion from the clouds that descended swiftly upon both Brakor and Arctic. Realizing the impending danger, Arctic attempted to flee but found himself ensnared in a lethal grip.
"This is the end,"Brakor chuckled grimly, shutting his eyes, only to be startled by a voice. He sensed the searing heat of the blast before it abruptly dissipated, as if it had never been. The impact propelled both him and Arctic in opposite directions, crashing heavily onto the ground with a resounding thud.
As Brakor gazed upwards, he beheld a figure with fiery red hair. Instantly recognizing him as Kael, the young man who had once rescued him from the clutches of death, Brakor felt the magic emanating from Kael, though its nature eluded him. Slowly rising to his feet, he observed the Reapers rapidly closing in, while Kael gestured with his hands. To Brakor's astonishment, the ground rose up against the Reapers, creating a barrier between them.
"Chief Brakor, we must depart,"the boy urged as they hastily made their way towards the exit of the Loctrum clan, while Lord Arctic and his formidable forces struggled to breach the protective crust of Aetheria that had emerged against them.
"His Majesty, King Jade, has arrived,"announced the Royal Guard, prompting Chief Brakor to snap out of his thought. Lost in contemplation of the previous day's events, he had momentarily forgotten his current surroundings. Rising to their feet, they welcomed King Jade as he approached his throne, accompanied by Princess Rose.
"Brakor, Jun, Damien, Ugarth, Mowen, it is a pleasure to see all of you, especially you, Brakor,"King Jade remarked upon settling into his seat.
"I cannot fathom the fact that I will have the pleasure of seeing you again, Your Majesty."Brakor bowed slightly and the King clenched his teeth
."Then you should not have returned with your eyes intact,"King Jade quipped, eliciting laughter from the crowd. One of the maidens poured red wine into his cup and offered it to him.
"Here's to life,"he declared, raising his cup in a toast.
"Cheers."The guests responded in unison, raising their own cups and downing the wine simultaneously."Bring me more,"the King commanded as the feast continued.
The atmosphere was jovial, with the conversation transitioning to light-hearted topics. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, except for the Princess, who remained quiet. She scanned the room with a contemplative gaze, as if searching for someone.
"Your Majesty, the feast is prepared,"one of the maidens announced."So soon... Everyone, to the table,"the King announced with a wide smile, and the crowd cheered. Dining with the King was considered an honor, reserved for special occasions only.
King Jade's ornate chair, adorned with gold, was the first to be occupied, followed by his chiefs, General Thalric and his Elite soldiers, and then the nobles. The Princess, however, remained in her seat, absentmindedly playing with her hair and casting her eyes towards the door.
"Where is the guest from the Dwargon Kingdom? Summon him to join me for the meal."
It was no secret that King Jade was referring to Kael. Not only had Brakor expressed his gratitude for Kael's assistance in surviving, but Yuri and the other Elves had also sung his praises. Kael's reputation had spread throughout the capital, with rumors circulating about his exceptional strength. The King had extended an invitation for him to dine, yet Kael was nowhere to be found in the grand hall.
"I shall call him,"the Princess volunteered, swiftly darting off before her father could object.Kael had claimed to be a descendant of the Dwargon clan, as he bore a striking resemblance to them in physique, stature, and even his ears.
The Elves had wholeheartedly embraced him, believing him to possess the attributes of a Dwargon knight, if not more. However, Brakor harbored doubts. The Dwargon clan was renowned for their swordsmanship, a skill Kael notably lacked. Even Yuri had reservations, but Brakor's had his doubts confirmed. He had yet to encounter a Dwargon capable of wielding magic, not until Kael's arrival.
Meanwhile, Kael sat perched by a window at the edge of the Labyrinth, gazing at the radiant full moon. Its silver glow cast a luminous sheen on the surrounding buildings, while the cool breeze ruffled his hair. As he closed his eyes, enveloping himself in the tranquil ambiance, a familiar voice broke the silence.
ALEXA: ALERT. AN INDIVIDUAL NAMED ROSE IS APPROACHING. NO INDICATIONS OF HOSTILE INTENT
.A smile graced his features as he reopened his eyes, fixating on the moon. He knew Rose intended to surprise him, but Alexa's announcement had preempted the gesture, prompting him to compose himself.
"If we were in the Lycans Federation, you would be captivated by the echoing howls,"her soft voice drifted towards him as she joined him by the windows.
ALEXA: THE LYCANS FEDERATION . THEY ARE THE DOMAIN OF THE LYCANTHROPES , ALSO KNOWN AS WEREWOLVES.
."Ah, you mean the werewolves?"Kael inquired, to which she nodded, settling down beside him, her gaze fixed on the moon.
"Tonight, some may undergo transformation, while others may find their mates. The full moon heralds many events,"she continued.
"You seem well-versed in werewolf lore,"Kael remarked, his eyes widening in surprise.
"I have befriended several Lycans at the academy,"Rose replied, causing his eyes to widen further.
"There is an academy here?"he interjected, to which she shot him a quizzical look, reminiscent of the one she had given him during their carriage ride when he revealed his lack of magical abilities.
"I understand... I am merely jesting. I am aware of the academy,"he clarified, expecting Alexa to provide further details, but she remained silent."Fuck you Alexa,"he muttered inwardly, scrunching his face in frustration.
"What is it?"Rose inquired, taken aback by his expression."Your beauty is so captivating that I fear I may tumble from this window,"he teased, gesturing with his hands.
."Do you often jest with others?"she countered, arms folded, prompting him to shake his head. "If not, then why did you withhold your name and identity from me? And why deceive me with that black ugly form?"
"Oh my, she finds my true form ugly, "Kael's expression shifted as he locked eyes with her. "And why was I unable to compel you?"
"Ah, that. Miracles do happen,"he chuckled, albeit with a hint of tension.
"You are not being truthful, but your secret is safe with me,"she assured him, causing his eyes to widen."What secret? Does she suspect I am not of Dwargon descent?"he mused, recalling his account of awakening in the ocean, a story she had initially dismissed, yet now alluding to hidden truths
."Are you afraid?"she pressed, to which he shook his head. "If my father were to discover... he would have your head,"she concluded, leaving him bewildered
."Please, do not tell him. I am not prepared to meet an untimely demise,"he pleaded, grasping her hands, eliciting a chuckle from her.
"I never would have imagined a coward would claim my first kiss."
"I am not a coward. Wait... your first kiss?"his mind drifted to the encounter with the Trollocs, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.
"What has brought about that smile? I shall inform my father that you deflowered me, and he will seek your head,"she maintained a serious expression.
"So, that is the secret,"he surmised, edging closer to her
."What do you think you are doing?"she stammered, her cheeks flushing.
"Dying twice,"he declared before capturing her lips with his. After a brief hesitation, she reciprocated, and beneath the moonlit sky, they shared a tender moment amid the ongoing feast.
To be continued...