The tremor subsided, leaving the sea's surface glimmering under the moonlight. The Mythical Egg's glow softened, its pulsating rhythm slowing to a gentle flow. Akkainu, though not physically transformed, felt a profound shift within him-a sense of purpose and responsibility that came with possessing such a powerful artifact. He carefully hoisted himself back onto the boat, the egg cradled in his arms like a precious treasure.
Kiko and Kino rushed to his side, their faces etched with concern. "Emir", Kino began, his voice hesitant, "Are you alright?"
Akkainu nodded, his gaze fixed on the egg. A shadow crossed his face as he thought of Karrim, the sacrifice that had been made. But a twinge of shame invaded his heart as he realized it was not his sacrifice; rather, it was his son who had done nothing wrong but was now doomed by an irrevocable curse.
"If only I had been more prudent," he blamed himself. From that moment on, Akkainu's mightiness may have been supreme, but he could not conquer the guilt of the tragic repercussions of his decision.
Yael, still overwhelmed from the events he had witnessed, could only manage to show a weak smile. He had played a part in a tale that would be told for generations to come.
Meanwhile, in a quiet room, Karrim slept soundly, oblivious to the tumultuous events unfolding outside. Suddenly, a soft, ethereal glow emanated from within him, illuminating his slumbering form. The light cast dancing shadows on the walls, as if an arcane force were awakening within his very being.
Karrim stirred in his sleep, feeling a warm sensation spreading through his veins and filling his core. Unbeknownst to him, his father, Akkainu, had just uttered his name for a sacrifice. The ancient pact had been sealed, the curse and the gift entwined, forever changing the course of Karrim's destiny.
As the glow receded, Karrim drifted back to sleep, the warmth lingering beneath his skin. He remained blissfully unaware of the transformation that had taken place-the dormant power now nestled within his soul, waiting to be unleashed. The world outside his window may have turned upside down, but Karrim slept on, entering the kaleidoscopic dimension of dreams.
As they set sail back to the harbor, the egg's glow lit up the path across the water, the darkness gone. Akkainu, with his face traced with worry, carefully stepped onto the dock, the egg concealed in a cloth of ebony black. Kiko and Kino followed, along with Yael, their minds still in a state of bewilderment.
"The realm..." Yael whispered.
"It must have frightened everyone," Akkainu added.
The news of strange phenomena at sea and the subsequent earthquake had spread like wildfire, fueling rumors of sea monsters and apocalyptic prophecies. Folks from the seven realms are perturbed, especially the people of Sinagthala, who, closest to the genesis of the otherworldly incident, are mimicking winnowed grains on a tray.
Akkainu, holding the Mythical Egg close, knew he had to act quickly to restore peace and reassure his people.
With the sound of the horn capturing everyone's attention, he addressed the gathered crowd. "People of Sinagthala," he proclaimed, "Fear not. The disturbance has been contained. Our realm is safe." His words, though few, carried a weight of authority that pacified his people.
As they traversed the pavement, with shards of elemental stones scattered everywhere, they reached Akkainu's abode. Once a welcoming home, now marred by cracks and debris. His decision had not only affected his family but also the entire realm.
Kino, who is perceptive, noticed Akkainu's distress. "Emir," he began. "We must keep the egg's location a secret. Its power could attract unwanted attention, those who seek to exploit it for their own gain."
Akkainu nodded. "You're right. We must safeguard the egg."
Kiko stepped forward, his eyes filled with determination. "We will find a secure location, Emir-an alcove where the egg can be hidden, its power kept in check until we understand its true nature."
The temblor and flash of light had not gone unnoticed in Luwalhat'ti either. The Gat's castle, though built on a strong foundation, still shuddered under the force of the cataclysmic earthquake.
The spy raced through the night, his heart pounding and his chest hammering with each beat. He reached the Gat Lakkan's castle, breathless, and rushed to the throne room to request an audience with Lakkan. His knees falling before Gat, his voice urgent.
"Your Majesty," he started. " I have seen it! A streak of light in the sea, followed by a tremor that shook the earth. Something powerful has awakened in Sinagthala!"
Gat, his heart thrilled with the prospect of unimaginable power, dismissed the spy with a wave of his hand. The tremor, the light-it all pointed to one undeniable truth. Something unnatural, something potentially world-changing, had occurred in Sinagthala. His thoughts were packed with malicious plans.
But the Gat is no fool. He knew that harnessing such power required more than mere brute force. He needed to be strategic; equip himself with both knowledge and profound understanding. He needs someone to decipher the meaning behind these events, someone who could guide him toward seizing this power for his own.
He summoned his advisor, an elderly scholar named Neferr, known for his knowledge of ancient lore. Neferr entered the throne room with a respectful bow. His dark robe, which hung on the floor, had a disheveled texture.
"Neferr," the Gat began, his voice with excitement, "I need your wisdom. My spy has delivered a report of strange occurrences in the realm of Sinagthala-a light emerging from the sea, followed by a tremor that shook the earth. What can you deduce from it?"
Neferr's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Such phenomena are indeed unusual, Your Majesty," he replied, his tone low and calm. "They suggest a disturbance of great power beyond our own."
Neferr's face grew serious as he rolled up his right sleeve. "Such power often comes with a heavy price, Your Majesty," he cautioned. "We must tread carefully, lest we unleash forces we cannot control."
The King waved his hand dismissively. "I am not afraid of the cost, Neferr. I desire this power-the power to reshape this world in my image. And you, my wise advisor, will help me achieve it, whatever it takes."
Neferr hesitated, doubt painted his face. But he also knew the consequences of defying the great Gat of Luwalhat'ti.
With his concern forcefully concealed, he replied, "As you wish, Your Majesty. I will consult the ancient texts. Perhaps together, we can unravel the mystery behind these events, and you will possess this power at your own pace."
"Excellent," the Gat Lakkan grinned, sending shivers down Neferr's spine.
The Gat Lakkan strode to his grand hall, his footsteps resounding on the cold stone floor. The news had ignited a fire of ambition within him, a hunger for power and dominion.
"A light in the sea, followed by a tremor that shook the very earth," his voice brimming with anticipation, a sly smile lingering.
He turned to his generals. "Prepare the army," he commanded, his orders ricocheting off every corner of the hall. "We march at dawn. Whatever this power is, it will be mine!" A chorus of cheers erupted from the assembled knights, their weapons raised in salute, adding volume to his bursting greed.
Gat Lakkan's daughter, Klarra, stood in the shadows, her heart heavy with unease. She had always been wary of her father's ambition and his relentless pursuit of power. The news of this mysterious phenomenon and the quest to acquire its supernatural power only confirmed her worst fears. She knew that this mission would lead to bloodshed, and yet she was powerless to stop it. She retreated to her room, her quiet sobs reflecting her despair.
As the night wore on, the rising adrenaline in the atmosphere could be felt in the quarters of the knights. They sharpened their swords, polished their armor, and prepared their mounts for the coming battle.
In the library, Neferr, the Gat's advisor, poured over ancient texts, his brow wrinkled in concentration. The Gat's description of the events in Sinagthala had stirred a memory-of a long-forgotten legend about a mythical egg said to appear only once every thousand years, possessing unimaginable power.
"Could it be..." He paused for a second.
He then immediately headed back to the throne room, his aged legs moving with surprising speed. "Your Majesty," he addressed, his voice trembling with excitement. "I believe I know the source of the power you seek. It is the Mythical Egg, an artifact of immense power spoken of in ancient prophecies-a legend resurfacing in the present, I presume."
"The Gat's eyes widened. "The Mythical Egg?" he echoed.
Neferr nodded solemnly. "Indeed, Your Majesty. But be warned, the egg entails a considerable expense. Those who seek to wield it must make a grave sacrifice."
"Nonsense! Such trifles do not concern me. I desire the power, Neferr. I am the rightful bearer."
Dawn broke over the realm of Sinagthala, painting the sky with fiery red and gold. The people, still reeling from the previous night's unexpected, widespread quake, awoke to a new and terrifying reality. The Gat's army of realm Luwalhat'ti, a formidable force of steel and elemental magic, was marching on the borders. The alarm horns blared, their valorous battle cries echoing through the streets and rousing the townspeople from their beds.
In a small chamber within Akkainu's house, Karrim bolted upright, his heart racing with every tick of the clock. The urgent call of the horns pierced through his peaceful slumber, leaving him disoriented and afraid. The lingering warmth beneath his skin now felt like a chilling premonition. He stumbled out of bed, his bare feet padding across the floor.
In the main hall, Akkainu stood with the Mythical Egg clutched tightly in his hands. He had not had enough time to secure it, as the Gat's attack was approaching too swiftly. The egg pulsed with a soft glow, reminding him of the power he now bore and the sacrifice he had made.
His knights stood beside him. "They've come for the egg, Emir," Kino said, his low tone signifying dismay. "We must be prepared."
Akkainu nodded in affirmation. "We will not let them take what's ours. We paid the price that night, so we have earned it," he declared.
The clamor of the threatening siege resonated through the streets, the clash of steel and the roar of mythical beasts making their skin crawl. Akkainu looked at his companions, his eyes filled with resolve.
As they prepared to leave, Karrim appeared in the doorway, his face pale and eyes wide with fear. "F-father," Karrim stammered, "What's happening?"
Akkainu stared down, placing a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder. "Someone has come to claim the egg," he explained gently. "But we will not let them. We will fight with dignified unity."
Karrim looked up at his father, a spark of determination kindling in his eyes. "I want to help," he said, his voice gentle yet firm. "Not yet, my son," Akkainu replied. "You are not ready for battle. Your task is to stay hidden and keep yourself safe. That is how you can help us."
Though he was still in his youth, he had honed his maturity, deeply revering his father and aiming to follow in his footsteps.
Akkainu embraced his son, a silent prayer escaping his lips. Then, with a look of love and determination, he turned and joined Kiko and Kino, leaving Karrim behind to face the inevitable war.