Just before the dawn, the queen and her maid returned back to the place, as promised, the horse was returned, and through the same means by which they left, they had returned.
Queen Lili and Susan crept into the queen's chamber, trying not to disturb the sleeping Emma. But to their surprise, Emma wasn't lying on the queen's bed; instead, she had made a makeshift bed on the floor with a blanket. The queen gently tapped Emma's shoulder, and she woke up with a start.
"Your Majesty," Emma whispered, quickly getting to her feet and bowing her head.
"Rise, Emma," Queen Lili said softly. "We have returned with the images of the moon goddess. But first, let us change out of these royal robes."
Emma quickly changed back into her maid's attire, returning the royal robe she had worn to the queen. Queen Lili retreated to the dressing room, where she changed into her nightwear and handed the servant's clothes to Susan.
"Here, take these back," the queen whispered. "We must not arouse suspicion."
Susan nodded, taking the clothes from the queen. As they made their way out of the chamber, Emma couldn't contain her curiosity.
"Susan, how did it go?" Emma whispered urgently. "Did you see the temple of the moon goddess? What was it like?"
Susan glanced around cautiously before leaning in close. "It was incredible, Emma," she whispered, "after praying, we were welcomed very well by the monk there, and encouraged to not give up."
Emma's eyes widened with excitement. "What did the monk say? Tell me more! Did the goddess reveal anything about the cause of the queen's barrenness?"
Susan nodded, her voice barely audible. "The queen will tell us everything in the morning. But for now, let us just say that our journey was worth it."
Queen Lili continued to secretly pray to the moon goddess, seeking guidance and protection. She knew that her actions would be considered an abomination in Eridoria, where the worship of only one god was tolerated. So, she kept her rituals hidden, sneaking away to the ancient ruins under the light of the full moon.
Meanwhile, the ministers persisted in their efforts to persuade King Erian to take a wife. "Your Majesty, it is time for you to produce an heir," they urged. "The future of Eridoria depends on it."
"It's according to the tradition, that you should take a second wife who will bear a child," came another minister's voice, while other other nodded in agreement.
But King Erian remained resolute in his refusal. "I will not be swayed by your persuation," he said. "I have more pressing concerns than securing a marriage."
Unbeknownst to the king and his ministers, a stranger had arrived in Eridoria. Gaius, the shadow weaver from Valtor Kingdom, had fled his homeland after the king of Valtor declared war on all magicians. Gaius had made his way to the border of Eridoria, using his magic to evade detection.
As he entered the land, Gaius felt a sense of unease. He knew nothing about Eridoria, its people, or its customs. He had heard rumors of a powerful god that once guided the Eridorians in the past and magic that flowed through the land, but he had yet to encounter it.
"Where can I stay?" Gaius wondered aloud. "I need a place to hide, to regroup and plan my next move."
As he walked through the forest, Gaius stumbled upon a small village. He watched from the shadows, observing the villagers as they went about their daily lives.
"Perhaps I can find refuge here," he thought. "But I must be cautious. I do not know who I can trust."
Just then, a villager approached him. "You look like a traveler," the villager said. "Come, rest at our inn. We have food and drink to sustain you."
Gaius hesitated, unsure if he should reveal himself. But something about the villager's kind eyes put him at ease. "Thank you," he said. "I accept your offer."
Xaren, a skilled female warrior from a noble family in Eridoria, stood tall with an athletic yet lithe build, her long silver hair tied in a ponytail, and piercing emerald eyes that seemed to gleam with an inner intensity. Her training in the mountains had honed her physique, allowing her to move with incredible agility and speed.
With her sword, she was a whirlwind of steel, striking with precision and deadliness. Her arrow shooting skills were equally impressive, able to hit multiple targets in quick succession with unerring accuracy. Xaren's jumping ability allowed her to cover great distances, and her karate skills made her a formidable opponent in hand-to-hand combat.
As she trained alone on the mountain, her sword flashed in the sunlight, moving in swift, precise arcs. Suddenly, it flew from her hand, hovering in mid-air as if defying gravity. Xaren's eyes widened in surprise, and she looked around, wondering what had happened.
That's when she saw him - a man perched in a tree, watching her with an enigmatic smile. His dark hair and piercing blue eyes seemed to blend with the shadows, making him almost invisible. He wore a black cloak, billowing gently in the breeze, and his presence seemed to radiate an aura of mystery and power.
"Who are you?" Xaren called out, her hand instinctively going to the dagger at her belt.
The man, Gaius, the shadow weaver, chuckled, his voice low and smooth. "Just a traveler," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I must say, your skills are impressive. But tell me, how did you think you could wield a sword with such speed and precision without anyone to guide you?"
Xaren's eyes narrowed, her grip on the dagger tightening. "What do you know of my training?" she asked, her voice cautious.
Gaius shrugged, his movements fluid as he descended from the tree. "Only that you have potential beyond your wildest dreams," he said, his eyes locked on hers. "Potential that I can help you unlock, if you're willing to trust me."
Xaren's eyes narrowed, her grip on the arrow tightening. "Where are you from?" she demanded. "Strangers aren't welcomed easily in Eridoria, unless presented before the king."
Gaius nodded, his expression unreadable. "I am aware of your customs," he said.
"Then come," Xaren said, her voice firm. "I will escort you to the palace, and you can present yourself to the king."
But to her surprise, Gaius refused. "I think not, but I can talk about the queen," he said, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief.
Xaren's arrow was instantly pointed at him, her sword falling to the ground with a clang. "Speak no more!" she commanded. "A commoner like you should never mention the queen in such a familiar manner. I forbid you!"
Gaius chuckled, his voice low and smooth. "Ah, but I am no commoner," he said. "And I have come to tell you a truth. Your queen will be removed, and you, Xaren, will become the next queen."
Xaren's eyes widened in shock. "How do you know my name?" she demanded, her arrow still trained on him.
Gaius shrugged, his movements fluid. "I know many things, Xaren," he said. "And I have come to Eridoria for a purpose. A purpose that involves you, and the fate of your kingdom."
Xaren's mind raced, trying to process the stranger's words. Who was this man, and how did he know her name? What did he mean by saying she would become the next queen? And what did he plan to do to Queen Lili?
"You are a sorcerer," Xaren accused, her voice firm. "What have you come to do in our land? And where have you come from?"
Gaius smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "All in good time, Xaren," he said. "But for now, let us just say that I have come to set things right in Eridoria. And you, my dear warrior, are a key part of that plan."