Chapter 116: A New Home for the Exiled
Scene: The air around the Holy Island is heavy with silence, only the faint hum of Divine Mana lingering in the atmosphere. King Thalanor, King Ragnar, Zarek, and Commander Elara stand at the island's edge, having just arrived via Zarek's teleportation. The landscape is serene yet unsettling, with an ancient energy permeating the air. The group exchanges glances, wary of what lies ahead.
Narrator: The Holy Island, once home to a secluded group of priests, nuns, and those exiled from other lands, is quiet and still. The air crackles with Divine Mana, the energy of a people who have lived in isolation for centuries. The kings of the South and North Nations, alongside Zarek, step cautiously onto the island, their mission clear—to find a new home for Zarek's people, to offer them the East Nation as a place to rebuild.
King Thalanor surveys the area, his sharp eyes scanning for any signs of life. The island feels abandoned, the wind rustling through the trees the only sound.
King Thalanor: (seriously) Zarek, where is everyone? The island feels... deserted.
Zarek, standing beside the kings with his hands still bound, shakes his head slowly.
Zarek: (calmly) They're likely in the center of the island. That's where most of the homes are—where the heart of our people resides. It's been like that for years.
King Ragnar grunts in acknowledgment as they move toward the center of the island, the ancient pathways lined with overgrown foliage and the remnants of once-grand structures. As they walk, the Divine Mana in the air grows stronger, more palpable, and tension begins to rise.
Suddenly, without warning, two figures emerge from the shadows of the trees, their hands glowing with Divine Mana. Without hesitation, they launch two powerful attacks toward the group, light streaking through the air with deadly precision.
Commander Elara: (shouting) Watch out!
With quick reflexes, Commander Elara steps forward, her arm flaring with Flame Mana. She raises her hand and creates a fiery shield, blocking the incoming blasts with ease. The mana dissipates, leaving the area tense and silent.
The two attackers—both priests with glowing eyes—freeze in their tracks as they recognize Zarek standing among the group. One of them, a young woman with flowing robes, lowers her hands in shock.
Priestess: (surprised) Zarek? You're… alive?
Zarek steps forward, his expression calm despite the situation.
Zarek: (softly) I am. But I'm not here to fight. These are the kings of the South and North Nations. We need to speak to the High Priest—immediately.
The two priests exchange wary glances but nod, clearly unsure of what to make of the situation. They turn and begin to lead the group toward the heart of the island.
Narrator: With the confrontation diffused, the group proceeds to the center of the Holy Island. The once-hidden homes and structures come into view, a community built in isolation. At the heart of the island lies a grand cathedral, where the High Priest Helio resides—the leader of the Holy Island.
The large cathedral looms before them, its towering spires casting long shadows over the courtyard. The group is led inside, where the High Priest Helio waits, standing before a grand altar, surrounded by priests and nuns who bow in reverence.
Helio is a tall, dignified man with a serene expression and robes that shimmer with Divine Mana. His calm demeanor falters slightly as he sees Zarek, bound and flanked by the kings. Helio steps forward, his gaze shifting between Zarek and the kings.
High Priest Helio: (gently) Zarek… and you, Your Majesties. I welcome you to the Holy Island. What brings such esteemed guests to our sanctuary?
King Thalanor steps forward, his voice firm but respectful.
King Thalanor: (seriously) High Priest Helio, we come in peace. We are here to discuss a matter of great importance—one that concerns the future of your people. But first, there is a matter we must address.
King Thalanor explains the events of two months prior—Zarek's attack on the South Nation, the battle that followed, and his capture. The High Priest listens intently, his expression growing heavier with every word.
King Thalanor: (calmly) Zarek sought to find a home for the people of the Holy Island. His intentions were misguided, and for that, we have him in chains. He caused great harm, and lives were lost. But we understand his desire to protect his people.
Helio's face darkens with sorrow, and he bows his head deeply, the weight of Zarek's actions weighing on him.
High Priest Helio: (softly) On behalf of the Holy Island, I offer my deepest apologies for Zarek's actions. He acted without our knowledge or consent. Please, forgive us.
King Ragnar steps forward, his voice gruff but understanding.
King Ragnar: (firmly) We didn't come here to demand apologies, Helio. We came with a proposal.
The kings explain their plan—the East Nation, empty and abandoned, is in need of leadership. They offer the land to the people of the Holy Island, under the leadership of High Priest Helio, as a place where they can rebuild and live in peace.
The priests and nuns gathered in the cathedral exchange looks of disbelief and gratitude. Helio, still processing the offer, looks at the kings with wide eyes.
High Priest Helio: (shocked) The East Nation? You would offer us such a gift… after what Zarek has done?
King Thalanor: (nodding) We believe that peace is more important than holding onto the past. Your people need a home, and the East Nation is empty. All we ask is that you lead them wisely and offer your loyalty to the South and North Nations.
Helio lowers his head, overwhelmed by the gesture. He kneels before the kings, his voice filled with gratitude.
High Priest Helio: (humbly) You have our loyalty. The people of the Holy Island will serve you, and we will honor this gift. Thank you.
The priests and nuns bow as well, their hearts filled with relief. For the first time in generations, the people of the Holy Island will have a place to call home.
Narrator: The Kings have extended an olive branch to the Holy Island, offering them a home in the East Nation. But as the moment of gratitude passes, a question lingers in Zarek's mind, one he has carried for years.
Zarek, who has remained silent throughout the conversation, suddenly speaks up, his voice unsteady.
Zarek: (softly) High Priest Helio… I have to ask. Do you know where my mother is?
The room falls silent, and all eyes turn to Helio. The High Priest's face grows somber, and he looks at Zarek with an unreadable expression. For a moment, he says nothing.
Zarek's heart pounds in his chest, but before Helio can answer, King Thalanor steps forward, breaking the tension.
King Thalanor: (calmly) Helio, we'll leave that matter for another time. For now, we must discuss the transition. The East Nation still needs repairs, and in two weeks, we will escort your people there.
Helio nods, grateful for the time.
High Priest Helio: (nodding) Of course, Your Majesty. We will be ready.
With the agreement reached, the kings take their leave. Zarek, still processing the High Priest's silence, is led back to the South Nation's prison, where he will remain imprisoned for his crimes.
Narrator: As the kings and Commander Elara return to the South Nation, workers from both the South and North Nations are already hard at work, rebuilding the East Nation in preparation for the arrival of the people from the Holy Island. A new chapter is beginning for both the Holy Island and the nations of the continent.
The final scene shows the workers rebuilding the East Nation—laying the foundation for a new city, one that will soon be filled with the people of the Holy Island. The future, while still uncertain, holds the promise of peace and unity.
Narrator: The chapter ends with the workers from the South and North Nations laboring together, their combined efforts symbolizing the new alliances that will shape the future. Soon, the East Nation will be reborn, and the Holy Island will find its place in the world once again.