The faint scent of incense drifted through the hallowed halls of the sacred temple of Archen Land, mingling with the rhythmic chime of a meditation bell. The light from dozens of flickering candles bathed the room in a warm glow, illuminating the serene faces of several seated rabbit Tracients. Clad in simple robes, their faces were veiled, save for the figure at the center, who sat slightly elevated on an ornate cushion.
This was Priestess Hompher, High Priestess of the temple. Her face was unveiled, her eyes closed in deep meditation, her breathing steady and controlled. Her presence radiated authority and calm, a beacon of spiritual guidance for those around her.
The tranquility was shattered when an unnatural wind swept through the room, extinguishing the candles and overturning the incense burners. The air grew icy, and a sudden oppressive force filled the space. Priestess Hompher gasped and clutched her chest, her sightless eyes flying open as blood began to trickle down her cheeks like crimson tears. Her body trembled, her breaths ragged, and her entire frame wavered as if she were about to collapse.
"High Priestess!" one of the attendants cried, rushing forward to steady her. "Are you alright?"
The others quickly surrounded her, their hands gentle but firm as they held her upright. Hompher's trembling continued, her lips moving soundlessly as if struggling to find the right words.
"What is it, High Priestess? What did you see?" another attendant asked, her voice heavy with worry.
Hompher finally managed to whisper, her voice weak and unsteady, "I must… I must meet with the King. Immediately."
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Daruis sat back in his grand throne, the golden light streaming through the tall windows of his throne room glinting off his milky brown fur. His green eyes, studied the figure before him. Beside him stood Kopa, his loyal right hand, who shared his King's alert demeanor.
"High Priestess!" Daruis greeted, his voice deep and steady. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit? Surely, if you needed an audience, you could have summoned me."
Priestess Hompher bowed slightly before lifting her head to meet his gaze. The bloodstains on her cheeks had dried, but their presence added a grim weight to her expression. "Your Majesty, I am aware. But this matter is too crucial. I could not wait."
Daruis leaned forward, his interest piqued but his tone measured. "Very well. Speak, my lady. What troubles you?"
Hompher clasped her hands tightly before her, steadying her voice. "Your Majesty, I have been praying to the heavens and seeking Asalan's blessings for the war. But the signs I have seen in the stars… they are unlike anything I have ever encountered."
Daruis straightened, and Kopa stiffened slightly beside him, exchanging a wary glance with his King.
"Go on," Daruis urged.
"The constellations," Hompher continued, her voice trembling, "are shifting unnaturally. In my visions, I saw the Order of Fostus, led by Lord Romandu, assaulting Lady Alambil's court without the Lady's and Lords permission. It is a sin, an abomination, and the heavens are punishing Lord Romandu for it. The balance of the stars is in chaos."
Daruis frowned deeply, his fingers steepled before his face. Kopa broke the silence, his voice cautious. "And what does this mean for us, Priestess?"
"It means," Hompher replied gravely, "that disaster, upheaval, and chaos are imminent for Archen Land. The winds of fate are shifting against us."
The room fell silent as Daruis digested her words. The heavy atmosphere pressed against them, the implications of her prophecy impossible to ignore.
"Is there anything that can be done, Priestess Hompher?" Daruis finally asked.
The High Priestess hesitated before speaking. "This war… it must not happen."
Daruis' expression darkened, and Kopa frowned deeply. The King had suspected bad news when Hompher had requested an audience just days after their army was dispatched, but hearing her say those words struck him like a physical blow.
"My lady," Daruis began carefully, "you know that the army has already been dispatched. Just days ago, you gave them your blessings. How can I call them back now?"
Kopa added, his voice low, "The main army must have arrived at the battlefield by now. If we order a retreat, Razik will see it as a sign of weakness and attack while we're unprepared. And if the Children of Shadow are present, the consequences could be catastrophic."
Hompher's lips pressed into a thin line as she nodded reluctantly. "I understand, my King. But I must warn you…" She turned her head slightly, gazing toward the open ceiling of the throne room, where the stars were beginning to peek through the darkening sky. A cold wind swept through the room, sending a chill down Daruis and Kopa's spines.
"The winds of fate cannot be deterred once they start to blow."
---
Talonir's eyes snapped open, his chest heaving as he bolted upright in his tent. His body was drenched in sweat despite the icy air outside, and his breathing was ragged as though he had been running for miles.
Another nightmare.
He sat on the edge of his cot, rubbing his temples as he tried to piece together the fragments of his dream. But as before, the details slipped through his grasp like sand through his fingers. The only thing he was certain of was the sense of impending doom.
After a moment, he stood and pulled his feathered cloak around him, the soft plumage glowing faintly in the moonlight. He stepped outside, his claws crunching against the snow as he walked toward the edge of the camp.
The camp was quiet, save for the occasional murmur of guards and the distant rustle of the enemy encampment. Talonir's sharp eyes scanned the horizon, lingering on the enemy's campfires in the distance. His unease grew heavier with each passing moment.
The sound of approaching footsteps pulled him from his thoughts. He turned to see Kon making his way toward him, his expression calm but watchful.
"Can't sleep?" Kon asked.
Talonir grunted in response, his eyes returning to the horizon.
Kon stopped beside him, following his gaze. For a moment, they stood in silence, the tension in the air almost palpable.
"Get some rest, Master," Kon said softly. "You'll need it the most for tomorrow."
As Kon turned to leave, Talonir called out, his voice low. "Kon."
Kon stopped, glancing back. "Yes?"
"Do you think we can do this? Can we win Narn back?"
Kon's expression hardened, and after a brief pause, he nodded firmly. "We can. And we will."
Talonir watched him walk away, his words echoing in his mind. I want to believe you, Kon. I really do. But as he stared out into the darkness, his unease refused to fade.
Why is it, he thought, that when I think of this war, all I see is Archen Land in ruins?
With a determined frown, Talonir closed his eyes and focused his mind, forming a telepathic link with someone.
"Hey, you can hear me, right? I need you to do something for me."