Zephyr couldn't believe where he was at this moment; he was at the top of a large tree, and not just any tree, it was the tree! This tree, like in many fantasy novels, was the one that gave life to the entire forest. The tree was called Adam.
In this world, there were two such trees: Adam, located in the elf territory, and Eva, located in the Dark Territory at the central fortress of the demons.
And now, Zephyr found himself at the top of Adam, where the Queen of the elf territory was waiting for him.
He wasn't going to lie, he was nervous, just a little bit. He didn't know what the Queen wanted from him.
Zephyr was standing in front of a large door, which opened slowly, revealing the interior of the room. There wasn't much in the room, just a few chairs and tables, but the most important thing was the throne in the center of it all, where a tall and extremely beautiful woman was looking at him as he entered. The door closed behind him, leaving Lirael, Syltharia, Zephyr, and the Queen in the room.
No one spoke for a few seconds that felt like minutes. Zephyr was more nervous and tense than before, because the Queen was staring at him intensely, and he didn't know what to do.
Does the Queen like staring contests? Zephyr thought.
No, I don't like staring contests. – The Queen spoke aloud without breaking her gaze from Zephyr.
Huh? Did the Queen just read my mind or something? Zephyr thought again.
No, I didn't. – The Queen replied.
Then why are you answering? – Zephyr thought, looking at the Queen, who merely shrugged slightly. Zephyr realized the Queen was toying with him.
But Zephyr noticed something: if the Queen had any ability to read minds, he would have to be careful with what he thought. He didn't want his head chopped off for an inappropriate thought, like...
Yes, if she really can read minds, she'll realize I think she's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. – He thought.
Don't worry, that happens very often. – The Queen spoke again, confirming that she could read his thoughts.
Mom, can you stop teasing Zephyr? – Syltharia asked her mother, the Queen. She thought her mother should act more seriously.
I'm just joking to make him relax. Didn't you see how tense he was when he entered? – The Queen said.
Lirael agreed with that; the guy was really nervous when he entered.
Anyway, mom, I assume you have something important to discuss with Zephyr, right? – Syltharia asked.
Yes, I wanted to see him in person, but that's not the most important thing. The crucial matter is that Zephyr can't stay in the elf territory. – The Queen replied.
And why is that, mom? You know Zephyr has Fenneris' blessing. If Fenneris chose him, it's because they saw something in him. Shouldn't we support him? – Syltharia seemed confused.
Under normal circumstances, yes, it would be like that, but we don't know how this boy got into our territory. And because of the peace treaty with the humans, every human or elf that enters foreign territory must be monitored. This boy's arrival goes against the agreement. Also, it wasn't a good idea showing him around since a lot of people saw him and are probably already talking about it. – The Queen explained with unyielding seriousness.
Can't we do something to fix this? I mean, I'm interested in knowing why Fenneris gave him their blessing. Also, I want to help him become stronger. – Syltharia insisted.
Although I'm curious too, unfortunately, to avoid problems and stop rumors from spreading throughout the territory, I'll have to send the boy back to the human world. – The Queen said, her gaze firm.
Does it have to be right now? – Syltharia asked, somewhat disappointed.
Yes, the sooner, the better. – The Queen replied without hesitation.
But he still doesn't know the full story of Fenneris or how to use the blessing? – Syltharia looked at her mother, worried about what was happening.
I know, dear. I understand that you wanted to guide him, but it will have to be another time. In the future, he'll be able to return to our territory, but he'll have to notify us in advance. – The Queen said, looking at Zephyr, who remained silent, watching the conversation from his spot.
Looks like my stay in elf territory was shorter than I thought. – Zephyr said, showing no signs of annoyance. Though he felt a bit disappointed at not being able to learn more about Fenneris and the blessing, he understood the Queen's words. As she had said, he'd have the chance to return in the future.
I hope you don't take it the wrong way, having to send you back so suddenly. – The Queen said with a compassionate look.
No, of course not. – Zephyr responded with a calm smile. – It seems my presence here might cause some problems, so to avoid complications, it's better for me to be sent back to the human territory.
He didn't complicate things too much, knowing that his visit to the elf territory was similar to what he'd experienced in his past life, like traveling to another country. If you don't have the proper documents, like a visa or passport, you can't enter, and if you do illegally, the consequences can be severe. Zephyr preferred to avoid those issues, so the most logical decision was to accept and leave without causing further complications.
Sorry, Zephyr, I gave you the illusion that I could support you, but it seems I won't be able to. – The Queen said, her voice tinged with sadness.
Zephyr looked at her, surprised by Syltharia's expression, but he didn't hesitate to respond calmly. – You don't have to apologize. You already saved my life. Plus, we'll see each other again in the future, right? – He added with a light smile, trying to ease the tension in the air.
Syltharia looked at him for a moment before offering a slight smile. – Yes, of course. But before you leave... how old are you, Zephyr?
Zephyr paused for a few seconds, thinking. – I'm 18 years old. – He finally replied.
– 18, huh? – Syltharia smiled, her expression completely changing. – Looks like we'll see each other sooner than I thought. But in the meantime, get stronger, Zephyr! When we meet again, I'll help you with Fenneris' blessing. – She said, with a warm smile, as if she was passing all her positive energy to him.
Zephyr wasn't sure why she asked his age, but he nodded at her comment. He knew that getting stronger was inevitable. Although he didn't have a concrete goal, something inside him told him that his growth was a necessity. He had a system that would help him, and that made him feel like he had an advantage.
Without leaving much space for more words, the Queen extended her hand toward him. A silver light enveloped him immediately, and Zephyr had no time to react. He looked at Syltharia one last time, who simply gave him a smile and said, – See you soon.
Then, the light intensified, and Zephyr had to close his eyes. Everything around him seemed to dissolve into a sea of light. When he finally opened his eyes, he found himself in a grand, radiant room. In front of him, a majestic golden throne gleamed, and sitting on it was a middle-aged man with a blonde beard and a penetrating gaze. He looked at him in disbelief, as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing.
A few seconds later, Zephyr found himself on the floor, immobilized by several guards who surrounded him.
– What are you doing in this room? How did you get in?! – The guards shouted, their voices filled with fury and surprise.
It seemed the Queen had teleported him directly to the king's castle, and now he was trapped in an unknown place, with the guards demanding answers. Not knowing how or why, Zephyr found himself in a much bigger problem than he had anticipated. If this were a video game, he would've shouted, "Game Over!" and restarted, but real life has no reset button. So, while the guards looked at him as if he had stolen all the desserts from the banquet, Zephyr could only wonder: When did I sign up for this chaos?