Queen Xaren hesitated, unsure how to broach the subject of Gaius. "What if the prophecy has been fulfilled?" she ventured, her voice laced with curiosity.
King Erian's eyes narrowed, his interest piqued. "How will we know?" He sealed the last report and set it aside, his focus now solely on Xaren.
"The prophecy speaks of a child born under the crescent moon," he reminded her. "We've had the Kaleekis monitoring the skies, but no such birth has been reported."
Xaren's hands fluttered in her lap. "I met someone... who claims to hear the gods," she said, choosing her words carefully.
King Erian's eyebrows shot up. "And you think Eridoria has met the destined child?" His tone was skeptical.
Xaren nodded. "What if this man is sent by the gods?" She leaned forward, her eyes locked onto the king's.
The king's expression turned thoughtful. "The Kaleekis would know first if such a thing occurred. They're the guardians of our ancient lore."
He leaned back, his gaze piercing. "But who is this man you met?" The king's voice held a hint of warning.
Xaren's pulse quickened. She had anticipated this question. "A... mystic," she replied, hesitant. "He possesses an otherworldly aura."
King Erian's eyes narrowed. "Describe him."
Xaren's words spilled out in a rush. "Tall, with piercing eyes. His presence commands attention. He speaks with an authority that's hard to ignore."
The king's expression remained inscrutable. "I'll summon the Kaleekis. They'll investigate this mystic and determine if he's genuine."
Xaren's heart skipped a beat. She had set the wheels in motion.
King Erian's strides echoed through the palace corridors, his entourage keeping a respectful distance. Beside him walked Elder Kaelin Darkhaven and Ryker Maya, their faces etched with curiosity.
"The queen mentioned a seer or mystic," King Erian began, his voice low. "I want your expertise in assessing his legitimacy."
Elder Kaelin's eyes narrowed. "Who is this man, my lord?"
Ryker Maya's gaze flicked to the king. "The queen must have known him well, don't you think?"
King Erian halted, turning to face the Kaleekis. His nod was almost imperceptible. "I'm not sure... but how would she?" His thoughts trailed off, lost in contemplation.
Elder Kaelin's voice broke the silence. "How about summoning him, My Lord? Let him predict what will befall this land."
Ryker Maya nodded in agreement. "Wisdom dictates caution."
King Erian's jaw clenched. "Summon him, that I shall do."
The next day, the throne room filled with ministers and advisors. Queen Xaren sat graciously beside King Erian, her beauty radiant in the morning light. The elders of the Kaleekis clans occupied the seats to the side, their faces stern.
A bodyguard entered, bowing deeply. "He's here, my lord."
King Erian's gaze locked onto the door. "Send him in."
The doors swung open, and Gaius stepped into the room. His piercing eyes swept the assembly, settling on the king.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," Gaius said, his voice low and commanding.
King Erian's eyes narrowed. "So, you're the mystic my queen spoke of."
Gaius's smile was enigmatic. "I am."
Elder Kaelin leaned forward, his eyes blazing with intensity. "We shall determine your legitimacy."
Gaius's gaze met the elder's, a spark of challenge flashing between them.
Queen Xaren's hands clasped together, her eyes fixed on Gaius. Her thoughts remained hidden, but her face betrayed a flicker of emotion.
The air was heavy with anticipation, the throne room awaiting the unfolding drama.
King Erian's eyes locked onto Gaius, his curiosity piqued. "Where do you come from?" he asked, his voice firm but intrigued.
Gaius bowed deeply, his head lowered in respect. "I am just a wanderer, Your Majesty," he replied, his voice humble.
"But?" King Erian's gaze encouraged him to continue.
Gaius's eyes flashed with conviction. "I have heard a strange god's voice ordering me to come to this land. I shall be of great help to you, my king."
Minister Ravenswood, snorted in disdain. "Predict what shall happen tomorrow, if you really hear the gods," he challenged, his tone dripping with skepticism.
King Erian's expression turned stern. "If you have come to lie and make a fool of us, you shall be beheaded instantly."
Gaius's smile was enigmatic. "I shall show you," he whispered.
Closing his eyes, Gaius began to chant in ancient Greek, his voice weaving a hypnotic spell:
"Τί ἐστιν τὸ μέλλον; Τί ἐστιν ὁ πόλεμος;
Ἵπποι καὶ ἅρματα, πεζοί καὶ ὅπλα...
Ἐρχονται εἰς τὴν γῆν τῆς Εριδορίας."
The room fell silent, all eyes fixed on Gaius as he spoke the ancient words.
Elder Kaelin's brow furrowed. "What does it mean?" Queen Xaren asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Gaius's eyes snapped open, his gaze burning with intensity.
"Five more days," he translated, his voice low and urgent. "A sudden fight, a sudden invasion... Chariots and horses, footmen with weapons, rushing into the land of Eridoria."
The assembly exchanged worried glances, the weight of Gaius's words sinking in.
Ravenswood's expression darkened. "Must we prepare for battle then?" King Erian decreed, his voice resolute.
As the room erupted into a flurry of activity, Gaius's eyes met Queen Xaren's, a spark of understanding flashing between them.
Lady Nightshade's skepticism echoed through the throne room. "Why must we believe this man's words?" she asked, her voice laced with doubt.
Minister Ravenswood nodded in agreement. "I suggest he leave us instantly, so we can deliberate on this matter."
Minister Xander Burroughs's expression turned stern. "Why don't we throw this man in prison and see what happens in five days? My king, if he has lied to us, his life shall be the cost of his lies."
The assembly murmured in consent, swayed by Burroughs's suggested.
King Erian's face hardened. "Guards!" he called out.
Two bodyguards entered, bowing upon arrival. Their swords hung at their sides, a reminder of their duty.
"Seize him at once!" King Erian ordered, his finger pointing at Gaius.
The guards approached Gaius, their hands grasping for his arms.
Gaius's eyes locked onto the king, a hint of amusement dancing in their depths. "You would imprison a messenger of the gods?"
Queen Xaren shifted uncomfortably, her gaze darting between Gaius and the king.
"Take him away," King Erian commanded.
As the guards dragged Gaius out, he called out, "Five days, Your Majesty. The fate of Eridoria hangs in the balance."
The throne room fell silent, the weight of Gaius's words lingering.