The glow of the Waystone lingered as Kael and his companions made camp nearby. Its power thrummed softly in the background, a constant reminder of the path they had chosen. None of them could sleep, not when the weight of what lay ahead pressed so heavily on their shoulders.
Kael sat by the fire, his gaze fixed on the glowing stone in the distance. He could feel the Heartstone within him resonating with the Waystone, their energies intertwined.
"What happens now?" Eryndra asked, breaking the silence. She was cleaning her bow, her movements methodical but tense.
Kaela's voice spoke in Kael's mind. Now, we gather the allies of the Wilds. If the gods want a war, they will face the fury of every beast and spirit they have wronged.
Kael relayed the message aloud, and Thane let out a low chuckle. "A council of beasts? Sounds like my kind of crowd."
Seris, however, frowned. "The Wilds are not unified. Many of its creatures have no love for humanity, even if they share our enemy."
Kael nodded, his expression grim. "Then we'll convince them. We don't have another choice."
---
The Gathering Begins
The first summons came at dawn. Kael knelt before the Waystone, his hands pressed against its surface. He closed his eyes, letting its power flow through him.
Hear me, he called out, his voice carried on the currents of magic. I am Kael of the Wilds. The gods seek to destroy us all, but together, we can stand against them. Come to the Waystone. Join us, and we will fight as one.
The response was immediate. The ground trembled as distant roars, howls, and screeches echoed through the forest. The Wilds were answering his call.
By midday, they began to arrive.
The first was a massive stag with antlers that seemed to be made of silver and starlight. It stepped into the clearing with an air of quiet majesty, its luminous eyes fixed on Kael.
Behind it came a pack of azure wolves, their fur shimmering like moonlight on water. They moved as one, their sharp gazes wary but curious.
From above, a phoenix descended in a cascade of fire and light. Its wings spread wide as it landed, its cry piercing and powerful.
Thane whistled, his eyes wide. "I take it back. This crowd might be too much even for me."
Kaela's growl rumbled in Kael's mind. This is only the beginning.
---
A Divided Front
As more creatures gathered, the tension in the clearing grew palpable. The beasts eyed one another warily, their centuries-old rivalries surfacing even in the face of a common threat.
Kael stepped forward, his voice firm. "Enough. We didn't come here to fight each other."
The silver stag regarded him silently, its gaze unreadable. The phoenix let out a sharp cry, its flames flaring briefly.
An ancient tree spirit, its gnarled form covered in moss and glowing runes, spoke in a voice like creaking wood. "Why should we listen to you, human? Your kind has brought nothing but destruction to the Wilds."
Kael met its gaze without flinching. "I don't deny that. But this isn't about humanity or the Wilds. This is about survival. The gods will destroy everything—us, you, this world—if we don't stand together."
The tree spirit loomed closer, its eyes glowing. "And what will you do if we agree? Will you lead us to victory, or to slaughter?"
Kaela's presence surged in Kael's mind. Speak with conviction. They will follow strength, not doubt.
Kael straightened, his voice ringing out. "I'll lead you to freedom. Together, we'll show the gods that this world isn't theirs to control. We'll remind them of the power of the Wilds."
---
An Uneasy Alliance
The creatures stirred, their gazes shifting between one another. Slowly, the silver stag stepped forward, lowering its head in a gesture of acknowledgment.
One by one, the others followed. The phoenix let out a cry that echoed like a war song. The azure wolves howled, their voices blending into a haunting chorus. Even the tree spirit bowed its head, its branches creaking.
Kael felt a surge of relief, tempered by the weight of responsibility. This was only the first step.
Seris approached him, her expression grave. "You've won their allegiance, but it won't last if they don't see results. We need a plan."
Kael nodded, his mind racing. "We'll start by striking at the gods' strongholds. Show them that the Wilds aren't just hiding anymore."
Kaela's voice was softer now, almost approving. The gods will fear us, Kael. But fear alone won't win this war. Be ready for what comes next.
As night fell, the clearing was filled with the sounds of beasts preparing for battle. The Wilds had answered Kael's call, but the true test was yet to come.
Kael stood at the center of it all, his gaze fixed on the stars. Somewhere out there, the gods were watching—and waiting.
"Let them wait," he murmured. "We're coming for them."