The Protectors left the tent, their glowing forms fading into the shadows of the evening. The soft hum of their presence lingered briefly before dissipating entirely, leaving Elysara and Aureth in the stillness of the moment.
Elysara adjusted the blanket draped over her grandmother, ensuring she was warm despite the chill in the air. Aureth's breathing was steady, but each inhale seemed to cost her a great deal of effort. Her frailty was a stark reminder of how close they had come to losing one another.
"I was so afraid," Elysara whispered, her voice trembling. "When I struck you… when I thought you were an illusion…" Her voice broke, and she buried her face in her hands, guilt washing over her in waves.
Aureth reached out weakly, her hand brushing against Elysara's arm. "You didn't know," she said softly, her voice strained but laced with understanding. "The trial wasn't meant to test our strength. It was meant to test our hearts."
Elysara looked up, her tear-filled eyes meeting Aureth's. "I nearly lost you. I don't think I could survive that."
The tent was quiet for a moment, the only sound the faint rustle of the wind outside. Elysara stared at her grandmother's fragile form, a new resolve hardening in her chest.
The quiet was interrupted by the soft rustle of the tent flap. Elysara instinctively straightened, her hand gripping Aureth's weakly. A tall woman entered, her presence commanding yet calm. Her robes shimmered faintly in the firelight, adorned with intricate sigils that spoke of her high rank. Her sharp, gray eyes swept over Elysara and Aureth with quiet intensity before she spoke.
"I am Matilda, head of the Council," she began, her voice firm yet compassionate. "It is rare for anyone to survive the final trial, much less do so with such selflessness. Your actions have proven your hearts to be pure. You have earned not only our respect but our aid—if you are willing to trust us."
Elysara's gaze narrowed suspiciously. "Trust you? After everything? You imprisoned us, poisoned us, and made us fight for our lives. Why should we trust you now?"
Aureth gently squeezed Elysara's hand, her voice soft but insistent. "Peace, child. Let her speak."
Matilda nodded in acknowledgment of Elysara's skepticism. "You have every right to doubt us. Our trials were harsh, but they were necessary to determine your true character. Now, I offer you not harm but help—provisions, guidance, and protection—for the remainder of your journey. All I ask is that you tell me why you came to our lands and what it is you seek."
Elysara opened her mouth to protest, but Aureth spoke first, her voice weary but resolute. "We've strayed too far from our path already, Elysara. She deserves to know, especially if it means we can finally move forward."
Elysara hesitated, the weight of their journey pressing heavily on her. She looked at her grandmother, who met her gaze with quiet determination, and finally, she nodded. "Fine. Tell her."
Aureth turned back to Matilda, her expression solemn. "The magic in Eldoria is fading, and the Hunger is ravishing the land. You must have seen it yourselves—the sickness, the decay. We've watched it spread across the villages and forests, consuming everything in its path."
Matilda's expression darkened, and she gave a grave nod. "We have. It grows worse by the day."
Aureth continued, her voice growing steadier. "We are on a mission to find the Veil Bearer, the one who holds the power to restore the balance and save Eldoria. We had hoped to find answers in the northern lands, but instead, we were captured and brought here."
Matilda's eyes narrowed slightly. "The Veil Bearer? Are you certain he or she still lives? Rumors speak of their death years ago."
Elysara stiffened, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "We don't know! That's what we were searching for when you took us away from our mission. But what we do know is that if the Veil isn't restored, there won't be anything left of Eldoria to save."
A heavy silence fell over the tent. Matilda studied them both, her sharp gaze seeming to pierce through their very souls. Finally, she nodded.
"Your mission is a noble one," she said. "And though I cannot say I share your certainty about the Veil Bearer, I see the truth in your purpose. You are driven not by greed or ambition, but by a desire to save your land. That is something we can support."
Elysara blinked in surprise, her suspicion momentarily giving way to disbelief. "You'll help us?"
Matilda nodded. "Yes. We will provide you with supplies, maps, and anything else you may need for your journey. However, the road ahead will not be easy. The northern lands are treacherous, and the dangers you face will only grow."
Aureth smiled faintly, relief washing over her. "Thank you. Your help means more than you know."
Matilda inclined her head. "Rest now. We will discuss the details of your departure tomorrow. For tonight, you are under our protection."
With that, she turned and left the tent, leaving Elysara and Aureth alone once more.
Elysara let out a long breath, her body sagging with exhaustion. "I still don't trust her," she muttered.
Aureth chuckled weakly. "You don't have to trust her completely. But sometimes, even a hesitant ally is better than no ally at all."
The night passed slowly, the air inside the tent heavy with the scent of herbs and quiet anticipation. Elysara couldn't sleep. Her mind replayed Matilda's words, her suspicions gnawing at her. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw visions of Aureth lying lifeless or the burns consuming them both. She turned over on her cot, glancing at her grandmother, whose chest rose and fell steadily now, though her face remained pale and drawn.
Elysara sat up, her body aching from the trials but her resolve burning brighter than ever. The thought of the Veil Bearer being gone—or worse, their journey leading to nothing—made her heart race. She whispered under her breath, as if speaking directly to the air, "If the Veil is gone, what then? What will we do?"
The flap of the tent rustled softly, startling her. Matilda stood at the entrance, her presence as calm yet commanding as before. She stepped inside quietly, carrying a small tray with two bowls of steaming broth. "I thought you might need this," she said, setting the tray down on a low table between the cots.
Elysara eyed her warily, her hand instinctively moving closer to the dagger she'd tucked under her blanket. "I thought we were supposed to rest."
Matilda smiled faintly, her sharp gaze flicking to Elysara's hand. "You're alert. That's good. It's a quality you'll need in the days to come."
Elysara didn't respond, and Matilda sighed, pulling up a stool and sitting beside the tray. "I know you don't trust me, Elysara. And I don't blame you. Our methods are harsh, but they are necessary. The trials weed out the unworthy, those who would abuse the knowledge and power we safeguard here."
Elysara's eyes narrowed. "And you think you're the ones who get to decide who's worthy?"
Matilda's expression turned grave. "We don't decide. The Forest does. The trials are merely a reflection of its will."
Elysara bit back a retort, unsure how to argue with such a claim. She glanced at Aureth, who still lay motionless, and then back at Matilda. "Why are you here?"
Matilda met her gaze, her voice softening. "Because I see the fire in you, the same fire that drives your grandmother. You are stronger than you think, Elysara. And while I cannot undo the pain we've caused you, I can ensure you have the tools to succeed in your mission."
Elysara frowned, her suspicion warring with the faintest flicker of hope. "Why? Why help us now, after everything?"
Matilda leaned forward, her expression earnest. "Because I believe you. I believe in what you're trying to do. Magic is fading. The Hunger is spreading faster than we've seen before. If you truly believe the Veil Bearer is the key to stopping it, then I will do everything in my power to aid you. But I need you to trust me enough to let me help."
Elysara hesitated, her mind racing. Could she trust Matilda? Could they afford not to? After a long pause, she nodded slowly. "Fine. But if you're lying to us—"
Matilda raised a hand, her expression calm. "You'll have every right to act against me. But I promise you, Elysara, I'm not your enemy."
With that, she stood, leaving the broth behind and walking toward the tent flap. As she reached the entrance, she paused and looked back. "Rest now. Tomorrow, we'll prepare you for the journey ahead. As you probably already know, the journey to the northern lands are unforgiving, but with the right guidance, you might stand a chance."
Elysara watched her leave, her heart heavy with uncertainty. She glanced at the steaming bowls of broth, then at Aureth, who stirred faintly in her sleep. For now, all she could do was wait—and hope that Matilda's aid was as genuine as she promised.