We ran through the woods, branches slapping against us, as we sprinted away from the shadowbeast. My legs ached from exhaustion, but the memory of those razor-sharp talons drove me forward.
"How much. further?" I panted, struggling to keep up with Finn's nimbler pace.
He turned back, a hint of concern in his eyes. "Not far now. Just try not to trip over those new pants of yours." I glared at the reminder of my magical mishap. "Very funny. At least I'm not running around in my underwear anymore."
Finn chuckled. "True. Though I have to say, that was quite the distraction technique. We might have to add it to our training regimen." "Don't you dare," I growled, ducking under a low-hanging branch.
Suddenly Finn skidded to a stop. I almost ran into him, managing just in time to throw myself to a stop. "What?" I asked my head swiveling as I searched the surroundings for any sign of the shadowbeast. Finn held up a hand for silence. His eyes darted all around, locked on something I couldn't see or hear.
A tense moment later, he relaxed a fraction. "Coast is clear. We're here." I blinked around, confused. "Here? Where's here? I just see more trees."
A sly grin spread across Finn's face. "Watch and learn, newbie."
He strode toward a towering oak tree, his hand running along the gnarled bark. In an instant, a section of the trunk shimmered out of focus and disappeared, revealing a hidden entrance.
"No way," I breathed, stepping closer to ogle the magical doorway.
"Way," Finn said, waving his arm to usher me inside. "Welcome to the Order of the Veil, Sam. Try not to lose your pants on the way in."
I gave him a glare, but stepped through the doorway. Immediately, the world around me changed. Gone were the heavy trees and undergrowth of the forest floor. Instead, I stood in a large, torch-lit cavern.
Stone pillars reached up toward a ceiling so high I could barely see it. Intricate carvings continued along the walls, depicting great battles and magical ceremonies. People of all kinds hurried to and fro-some dressed in flowing robes, others garbed in leather armor much like Finn's.
"This is incredible," I breathed, doing my best to take it all in.
Finn clapped me on the shoulder. "Impressive, isn't it? Just wait until you see the dining hall. The food here almost makes up for all the mortal peril."
As we continued farther into the cavern, I couldn't help but feel like I was being watched. Eyes seemed to follow our every move, interested and judging.
"So, what now?" I asked, keeping my voice low. "Do I meet your leader or something?"
Finn's face went sober. "Not just yet. First, we need to get you cleaned up and properly fitted out. Can't have you in front of the Council looking like you just wrestled a shadowbeast in your underclothes."
I winced at the memory. "Fair point. Lead on.
As we walked, I couldn't help but marvel at the intricate architecture surrounding us: arched doorways leading off to mysterious chambers, glowing crystals providing soft illumination along the corridors.
"How long has this place been here?" I asked, running my hand along a smooth stone wall.
Finn shrugged. "Centuries, at least. The Order predates most of the kingdoms in this realm. But don't ask me for a history lesson – I slept through most of those classes."
We turned a corner and entered a large, circular room. Racks of clothing and armor lined the walls, and a group of people were bustling about, measuring and fitting others who looked as lost as I felt.
"Ah, perfect timing," a sweet voice called. A plump woman with gray-streaked hair bustled up to us, her arms full of fabrics. "You must be the new arrival. I'm Matron Elara and I'll be sorting you into something proper to wear."
I had no chance to protest before I was carted away into a corner of the room, Elara's assistants swooping around me like birds, measuring and holding up items of clothing.
"Um, is all this really necessary?" I asked as a young man measured the length of my arm for the third time.
Elara tsked. "Of course it is, dear. Can't have you running around in those strange clothes from your world. You'll stick out like a sore thumb."
I looked down at my jeans and t-shirt, suddenly feeling very out of place. "I guess you have a point."
What felt like hours of poking and prodding and trying on more outfits than I'd worn in the last year finally came to an end, and I was proclaimed presentable. I stood in front of a full-length mirror, barely recognizing myself.
I wore a deep blue tunic over a white shirt, dark leather pants, and heavy boots. A belt was cinched at my waist, complete with a small pouch and an empty sheath for a weapon I didn't yet possess.
"Not bad," Finn said, appearing beside me. "You almost look like you belong here now."
I turned to him, still feeling a little awkward in the new clothes. "So, what's next? More running through the forest? Magic lessons? Please tell me there's food involved soon."
Finn grinned. "Actually, there is. Come on, I'll show you to the dining hall. Just try not to accidentally magic away anyone else's pants while we're there."
As we exited the outfitting room, I couldn't help but be filled with both excitement and apprehension. All my new clothes weighed heavy on my body and were a sensory reminder of just how far from home I was.
"So," I started, trying to keep my voice casual, "this Council you mentioned. What should I expect?"
Finn chuckled. "Expect the unexpected, mate. They're a colorful bunch, to say the least."
We stepped into a huge hall with long tables and the smell of freshly cooked food. My tummy growled loudly, reminding me of how long I'd gone without anything substantial inside.
"Food first. Then Council," Finn said, guiding me toward a table loaded with dishes I'd never seen. "Can't face the dark forces on an empty stomach."
As we filled our plates with strange, but delicious-smelling fare, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Glancing around, I noticed several people eyeing me curiously.
"Don't mind them," Finn said through a mouthful of what looked like purple potatoes. "New arrivals are always a source of gossip."
I nodded, bending my gaze to my plate to avoid the gaze of anyone. The meal was weird, but delicious; flavors I couldn't quite place mingled on my tongue.
Just as I was starting to relax, a hush fell over the hall. I looked up to see a tall, imposing figure striding towards us. Her silver hair was pulled back in a severe bun, and her piercing blue eyes seemed to look right through me.
Finn quickly swallowed his food and stood. "Ah, Magister Lyra. We weren't expecting you until—
"Plans change, Finnegan," she cut in, her voice firm and commanding. Her eyes flicked finally to me. "And so this would be our newcomer."
I sprang to my feet, almost upsetting my plate. "Uh, y-yes ma'am. I'm Sam. Sam Turner."
Lyra's eyes closed slightly as she regarded me. "Indeed. Well, Sam Turner, it would appear that your arrival has. expedited certain. occurrences. The Council will admit you now."
Surprise was written across Finn's face. "Now? But he's barely had time to—"
"Now, Finnegan," Lyra said decisively, "take him to the Chamber of Echoes immediately."
And with that, she wheeled on her heel and strode away, leaving behind a trail of whispers.
I turned to Finn; my appetite was suddenly gone. "Chamber of Echoes? That doesn't sound ominous at all."
Finn's usual grin had faltered, replaced with a look of concern. "It's where the Council meets to discuss matters of great import. Or great peril."
"Which one am I?" I asked, not really wanting the answer.
Finn clapped me on the shoulder, his smile returning, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.