Solomon and Henry sat in stunned silence, their minds reeling from Ezra's revelation.
"A stepbrother?" Solomon repeated, incredulous. "How can this be?"
Ezra's expression was somber. "Lady Elara's child, born of the king's secret vow, is the true heir to Emberhaven's throne."
Henry's eyes narrowed. "Why didn't our father tell us? Why keep this secret?"
Ezra hesitated. "The king's affair with Lady Elara was scandalous. To protect the kingdom and your family's reputation, he chose to keep the child hidden."
Solomon's face darkened. "And what of our claim to the throne? Are we mere pretenders?"
Ezra's voice was gentle. "You are still princes of Emberhaven, but the prophecy suggests the hidden heir is the rightful king."
Henry's frustration boiled over. "This can't be! We've dedicated our lives to protecting this kingdom."
Solomon's gaze turned inward. "I remember Father's words: 'A king's duty is not just to rule, but to protect.' Did he know about the hidden heir all along?"
Ezra's eyes clouded. "I fear we may never know the full truth. The king's secrets died with him."
As the brothers struggled to comprehend their new reality, Ariel's visions continued to unfold.
"I see the hidden heir," she whispered, her eyes closed. "He's in danger, pursued by dark forces."
Solomon's jaw clenched. "We must find him, protect him. He's our brother, our family."
Henry's expression turned resolute. "Together, we'll uncover the truth and ensure our brother's safety."
The brothers' bond remained unbroken, but their understanding of their legacy had been forever shattered.
Solomon, Henry, Ariel, and Ezra gathered around a worn map of Emberhaven's surrounding lands.
"We must move swiftly," Ezra urged. "The hidden heir's location is unknown, but Ariel's visions suggest he's in the eastern provinces."
Solomon's eyes scanned the map. "We'll divide our search. Henry, take a contingent to the north. Ariel, your visions will guide us. Ezra, remain in Emberhaven, gather information."
Henry nodded. "I'll leave immediately."
Ariel's hand brushed Henry's. "I'll stay with you. My visions will be clearer with you by my side."
Ezra handed Solomon a small parchment. "A cryptic message. It may aid your search."
Solomon's brow furrowed as he read the message:
"Where shadows dance, seek the moon's reflection.
In silence, listen for the heartbeat of the land."
Henry's expression turned skeptical. "Riddles? We need concrete leads."
Solomon's gaze locked onto Henry's. "We'll follow every thread. Our brother's life depends on it."
As they parted ways, Henry, Ariel, and their escort ventured into the unknown.
On the Road to the Eastern Provinces
Days passed, and the landscape shifted from lush forests to rugged hills. Ariel's visions grew stronger, guiding Solomon and Henry's decisions.
One evening, as campfires crackled, Ariel's eyes snapped open. "Solomon, I see it – a reflection, like moonlight on water."
Solomon's heart quickened. "Where?"
Ariel pointed eastward. "A hidden lake, nestled within the Dragon's Spine mountains."
Solomon's determination hardened. "We ride at dawn."
Henry nodded.
The quest continued, with the hidden heir's fate hanging precariously in the balance.