Chapter 9
Congratulations You're a Daddy
As the trio traveled to the whispering woods, detouring from their quest given to them by the King for a clandestine meeting with the Beast King. Preacher wanted to get behind the reason for this war between the Humans and Demi-Humans as soon as possible. And with Princess Seraphina not only his second wife but supporting his cause to end the war with both sides on equal footing, his position only grew stronger.
As the trio rode through the mist-swathed hills, the soft sound of hooves whispered against the dew-kissed grass, mingling with the morning birdsong that echoed from the trees. Preacher led the way, his sturdy build a figure of strength and determination. He could sense the weight of the journey ahead; the path's sacred grounds were fraught with uncertainties and peril.
Behind him, Seraphina sat tall in her saddle, her hair cascading like golden sunlight over her shoulders. Her presence radiated a serene authority, a reminder that she was not just a princess, but now a warrior in her own right. The bright armor she wore glinted in the rising sun, adorned with symbols of the kingdom. They were on the brink of something monumental.
Iris, brimming with youthful exuberance, rode alongside Seraphina. The wildness of her personality mirrored that of her fiery steed, Ginger, who seemed as restless as she was. With each beat of Ginger's hooves, Iris's mind raced with thoughts of the Beast King. Would he listen to their shared vision? Would he agree to end the bloodshed, or would they have to fight their way to his heart?
After a day of steady travel, battling monsters as they traveled, Preacher would use his earth magic to create stone shelters for them to sleep in at night while Seraphina practiced the magic Preacher taught her and what he figured out about the Ethereal Blue Flame and what it's nature might be. Also, Iris would hunt for food but one evening she laid a bombshell on Preacher, telling him she was pregnant with his first child, and that they were going to have a daughter.
As the fires dimmed and darkness wrapped around them like a thick cloak, Preacher knelt upon the rocky ground, his palms pressed against the earth. He breathed in the scent of damp soil and worn stone, feeling the life pulse beneath. With the rhythmic cadence of an ancient incantation, the earth began to shift and mold, rising up around them in a sturdy, protective chamber fortified by his earth magic and encasing them in a fortress against the night's dangers.
"Thank you, Preacher," Seraphina said, her voice a soft melody resonant of hope. She brushed her hands along the cool surface of the shelter. The stone felt alive, emanating warmth at the heart of its structure. "I still struggle with the intricate designs of the Ethereal Blue Flame. It's so unpredictable, unlike the grounded magic you wield."
"Don't get discouraged," Preacher replied, a gentle smile lifting the corners of his mouth. "The Flame is like a tempest; it can't be tamed, but it can be harmonized with. Keep practicing." He gestured to the space in front of her. "Let it flow through you."
Seraphina nodded, her brow furrowing in concentration. She positioned her hands elegantly, drawing the shimmering essence of the Ethereal Blue Flame that danced around her fingertips. With a deep breath, she released her will, embers cascading like a waterfall, illuminating the darkness. The spark spiraled and twirled, reacting to her thoughts. But despite its beauty, the flame leapt unpredictably, almost as if it were mocking her efforts.
As the fire crackled and the stars twinkled overhead, Iris sat apart from the group, staring into the flames. She had been growing more contemplative with each passing day, and Preacher sensed a disturbance in her spirit. When she finally approached him, her expression was grave.
"Preacher," she began, her voice trembling, "there's something I need to tell you."
"What is it, Iris?" he asked expectantly.
"I'm pregnant," she confessed, her golden eyes shimmering like twinkling stars illuminated by the fire's glow. "We're going to have a daughter."
Preacher's heart skipped a beat, torn between elation and anxiety. The weight of their journey suddenly felt heavier, the stakes higher. How could he protect her and the upcoming child when they were on the brink of confrontation with the Beast King?
"Iris…" He took a breath, searching for the right words. "That is incredible news. But we are bound to face great danger ahead. The conflict may demand sacrifices. Have you thought about—"
"I've thought about everything," she interrupted, her voice firm despite the tremor beneath it. "I've never been afraid of danger, not before this. I know what we're fighting for now, and it includes our child."
"A future we will protect," Preacher promised, a newfound determination coursing through him. "We will succeed. We must. For you…and for our child." He placed a hand on her shoulder, as reassurance washed over them like a warm tide.
The next day, after they broke camp, the trio ventured deeper within Whispering Woods, a place veiled in mystery and ancient secrets. The air shimmered with the energy of countless beings that had once inhabited this land, and Preacher could feel the pull toward something greater.
"Keep alert," Seraphina urged, her voice low and steady. the magic of the forest intertwining with the flora and fauna."
As they pressed on, the woods around them shifted and shadows deepened, and whispers echoed amongst the branches. Seraphina felt a connection with nature, an innate understanding that flourished with each step.
As night began to blanket the world, they reached a clearing illuminated by the glow of moonlight. At its heart lay a magnificent tree, its gnarled roots and towering canopy pulsating with power. Preacher felt instinctively—this was the place.
"Well, I don't see anyone here yet, are we early, or late?" Preacher asked.
"We're early," Iris remarked, a trace of excitement dancing in her eyes. "We got here just before the appointed time, which will be the third hour after sunrise tomorrow."
"Then we wait," Seraphina said, her voice warm and soothing. "This tree beckons to us for a reason, and while we wait, we should listen."
Preacher settled onto the cool earth, leaning against the broad base of the ancient tree, while Iris twirled a dagger between her fingers, her gaze darting to the rustling bushes at the edge of the clearing. As night deepened, the sounds of the forest transformed; the whispers turned into melodic hums, and twinkling lights flickered among the branches, like fireflies dancing to an age-old tune.
Hours slipped by like shadows, and with each passing moment, they shared stories that bridged the vast expanse of their lives. Preacher began first, his voice rich with the timbre of a man who had weathered storms and emerged softer yet stronger. He recounted tales from the world he had once roamed—of vibrant cultures and colorful kitchens filled with spices from distant lands. As he spoke, magic tinged the air; wisps of Ethereal Blue Flame flickered to life around him, painting silent stories in the night sky—a world filled with towering mountains where the sun rose in bursts of orange and gold, and bustling cities where the streets danced with laughter and music.
He spoke candidly of his past: the biker community that had drawn him into a life of chaos, the chains of prison that had bound him, and the spark of redemption that had ignited his heart. With every tale, the flames morphed visually, depicting his home and travels, the splendor of the Great Plains whipping across the skies like wild stallions. Seraphina and Iris listened, rapt with the vivid images conjured by Preacher's memories, their hearts swelling with the sense of shared humanity.
"Tell us more about your home," Iris urged, her curiosity piqued by the stories. "Did the food really taste like joy?"
Preacher chuckled softly, the twinkle in his eye brightening. "Joy and sorrow are woven together like the finest fabric. There are recipes that even invoke memories...a comforting stew that my grandmother made, warm bread that lifts your spirit, and sweets that are simply too good to eat in moderation."
As the tales flowed, Iris shared her own. She spoke of her childhood as a slave, of being taken by the healing mages from her human father and the death of her fox beast kin mother when she was born, to the infirmary where she first discovered her gift for healing and about the sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of Elias the royal mage. The vines and flowers of the clearing shivered in fear at the things she had suffered at the hands of the humans until Preacher rescued her, as if nature acknowledged her story with its own form of respect.
As dawn's first light approached, the air grew thick with anticipation. Seraphina felt a charge in the atmosphere, as if the trees leaned in to listen to her every breath. "Look!" she exclaimed, pointing to the horizon where the first rays of sun kissed the treetops.
As the Elven Princess, Elowen ventured further into the ancient whispering woods, the air thickened with the scent of damp earth and creeping vines. Each step she took was a reminder of the gravity of her mission. The rustling leaves overhead seemed to murmur secrets only the forest could understand, secrets about the hero she desired to meet—Preacher, summoned from a world unlike any she had ever known.
Her escort, a small band of Demi-Humans, walked in quiet contemplation, eyes scanning the surroundings, attuned to the forest's whispers. Their presence brought her comfort, yet the weight of her responsibility pressed heavily on her shoulders. She was not just a princess; she was a beacon of hope for the Demi-Humans, sent by the Beast King to broker peace, or perhaps to stave off disaster, depending on the hero's true nature.
"Remember your purpose," her companion, a wizened wolf-man named Roran, advised gently. "This Preacher may have the Ethereal Blue Flame, but we must ensure he wields it to unite, not to destroy."
Elowen's thoughts darted back to the rumors surrounding Preacher. Legends spoke of the Ethereal Blue Flame that resided within him—a flame said to hold the essence of both creation and destruction. Its flickering tendrils could nourish life or scorch it to ashes. Could this stranger truly hold such power? And what of his connection to Iris, the Beast King's granddaughter? Would love anchor him to this world, or would it cause him to spiral into chaos, tearing apart the very fabric of reality?
"I understand," Elowen said, clutching the pendant around her neck that bore the sigil of her father's kingdom. "If he is as great a warrior as they say, he may be our last hope to avert a catastrophe."
Suddenly, the air shifted. It was an almost imperceptible change—a hush settling over the wood, as if the forest itself drew in its breath. The Demi-Humans halted, exchanging looks filled with both reverence and caution. Elowen felt her heart quicken; they were close.
"We should tread carefully, Your Highness," murmured Aelric, one of the elders of her escorts. His sharp eyes, always keen, scanned the surroundings like a hawk.
Elowen nodded, stealing a glance at the winding path ahead where shadows danced, forming shapes that twisted and turned. The legends spoke of guardians who protected the heart of the woods, spirits woven into the very essence of the trees. They do not take kindly to intruders.
A flicker ahead caught her eye—a glimmer of blue light threading through the tightly woven boughs. An inkling of hope sparked in her chest. Was it the Blue Flame calling to her? Or perhaps it was just a figment of her imagination, conjured by her longing?
"Hold," Elowen commanded, drawing on her elven authority. The delegates behind her hushed, their breaths baited with curiosity. She took a tentative step forward, her unicorn shifting beside her, sensing the tension.
The figure turned, and Elowen's breath caught in her throat. Before her stood a man of striking features, his long black coat rustled in the wind, his hair the color of a starless sky in the deepest night and his eyes gray and hard as steel. Beside him was a strikingly beautiful Beast fox girl, whose hair so long it went below her waist and was the color of autumn leaves. her golden eyes showing a fierceness. Was this Iris the Beast King's granddaughter she was said to travel with Preacher? To the other side of him was a human woman with long silky blond hair wearing armor and a longsword in her hand. Her eyes were as blue as the sky. The moment their eyes met, an electric current flickered between them, mingling fear with a profound sense of recognition
Elowen's heart raced, caught in the whirlwind of emotions as she stared at the striking figures before her. Each facet of their presence was intriguing, and she felt as if she were gazing into a mirror reflecting her own fears and hopes.
The human hero moved with the quiet confidence of someone accustomed to battle but tempered by a sense of restraint. His dark coat whispered of mystery. The fox girl beside him exuded a fierce loyalty that felt both comforting and intimidating all at once. The human woman, clad in shining armor, radiated an almost regal aura, her sapphire eyes piercing through the gauze of uncertainty that enveloped Elowen.
"State your purpose, elf," came Princess Seraphina's voice, sharp and commanding.
Forcing herself to remain steady, Elowen declared, "I am Princess Elowen of the Elven kingdom representing the Demi-Human Council. I come seeking the hero known as Preacher, as my realm and yours stand on the brink of war."
A deep frown darkened Preacher's handsome features. "We were told to meet the Beast King here. Where is he?"
"He has sent us to bring you and Princess Iris to him," Elowen replied, sensing the tension crackling between them like lightning in a storm.
"What?" Preacher exclaimed, disbelief lacing his tone. "You care to explain that? We were told to meet the Beast King here and he sent others to fetch us?"
Elowen was taken aback. "I assure you, it's the truth!"
A low growl erupted from Iris, her golden eyes narrowing. "We've come quite a distance and risked much to be here. We deserve an explanation," she retorted, her loyalty fierce as she stood protectively by Preacher's side.
Suddenly, the realization of what Princess Elowen just said hit Iris. "Wait… Princess Iris? No that's not possible."
Iris's defiance faltered, anger battling with the weight of her past. "I'm not a princess! I'm just a—" She hesitated, her heart aching with memories unspoken.
"A princess fits this narrative," Elowen pressed gently, her voice filled with a quiet strength. "You are the Beast King's granddaughter, Iris."
The words landed heavily, igniting a storm of turbulent emotions within Iris. Confusion and rage battled for supremacy in her heart, her gaze darting between Preacher and Seraphina. How could she encompass such grandeur when she had lived only in the shadows of servitude and anonymity?
"Why didn't I know?" Iris's voice trembled, the crack in her facade revealing the scars she'd carried. "My mother was a slave. She died giving birth to me. The Beast King must have—couldn't have looked at me without seeing what he lost."
"Yet, he has sent for you now," Elowen replied, her tone gentle, knowing she was treading on sacred and fragile ground.
"NOW?" Iris roared, the unbearable weight of her trauma erupting forth. The anguish that had been smoldering within her flared up in a conflagration. The Ethereal Blue Flames ignited around her, illuminating the forest in an otherworldly glow. The earth trembled as her pain manifested, the wind howling in recognition of her rage.
Seeing this, Preacher stepped forward, a calming presence amidst the turmoil. He met Iris's fierce gaze. "You are safe now," he murmured, reaching out to embrace her despite the flames. "You're no longer a slave. You have a family now—with me and Seraphina, and you carry our daughter. You are loved."
As his words washed over her, the flames flickered and dimmed. The blues shifted to soft hues, the roaring wind giving way to a gentle breeze. Iris faltered, her defenses crumbling, and she fell into Preacher's arms, weeping bitterly for the years she had suffered alone.
Princess Seraphina stepped closer, her expression softening. "You're not defined by your past, Iris," she said, the fierce warmth of companionship enveloping them all. "You can forge your own path."
Between ragged breaths, Iris gazed at her family. They stood beside her as a force of love and resilience. Slowly, the remnants of her despair washed away, and she found solace in their presence.
"I— I've waited so long for this," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
"You will never be alone again," Preacher assured her, gripping her tightly, "we stand as one." "We are one." Iris repeated, looking back into Preacher's eyes.
The clearing fell silent, the whispers of the wind through the ancient trees dying down.
Preacher turned to Princess Elowen. "Very well," he declared. "Lead the way. But know this: if you cross us, I will not hesitate to end you." His words were punctuated by the sound of a branch snapping underfoot, the sharp whisper of danger lingering on the edge of his tone.
Elowen nodded slowly, the tension in the air palpable as she absorbed Preacher's menacing promise. It was a warning as much as it was an invitation to trust; she understood the weight of the stakes at hand. "Understand, I have no wish to bring harm to any of you," she said quietly, her gaze earnest and penetrating. "Our realms are intertwined, and the consequences of war reverberate through both our territories."
Preacher's stormy gaze lingered on her, weighing her sincerity. He felt the intensity of the moment, a pinprick of tension holding all four lives in a delicate balance. Finally, he turned to Iris, her tear-streaked face illuminated by the fading glow of her once-raging flames. "Are you ready, my love?" His voice was low and steady, grounding them both.
Iris took a deep breath, still shaken yet emboldened by the walls that had begun to fracture within her. "As ready as I'll ever be." She grasped Preacher's hand tightly, squeezing out her resolve like a flickering flame. Seraphina mirrored her strength, a reassuring hand on Iris's shoulder, the promise of family evident in their bond.
Preacher turned back to Princess Elowen "However I'm afraid I'm going to have to throw a monkey wrench in your plans my lady, because we are on a mission from the King to clear monsters out of three ancient ruin cities here within the kingdom. We only have three weeks to do this and it was a week ago when we started. We made this detour to meet with the Beast King here." Iris and Seraphina nodded.
As Preacher's declaration hung in the air like a storm cloud, Elowen felt the weight of their mutual responsibilities settle heavily upon her. The urgency of the moment solidified her resolve. "We have no time to waste, then. The Beast King's counsel is not just vital; it may be our only hope to avert an even greater catastrophe."
Seraphina crossed her arms, her armor glinting in the dwindling sunlight. "If there are monsters to be cleared, then surely that concerns us all."
Iris nodded, her keen golden eyes still brimming with an intensity that sent a shiver down Elowen's spine. "Let's not waste our breath on talking. We should combine our forces. If there are monsters afoot, I've no qualms in tearing them apart."
Elowen glanced back at the delegates behind her, their expressions a mix of fear and apprehension. They were not warriors; they were diplomats and scholars, unaccustomed to the idea of entering battle. A sudden task forced them into this situation, they are not ready for combat. "Then we shall have to split our forces. My attendees shall return to the Beast King, and I will journey with you to help you complete your quests." she stated. But her mind was racing, the prospect of going on a grand adventure with Preacher the summoned hero, it was like the stories of old, it was everything she dreamed of since she was a child.
As the party began to move, the forest transformed around them. The trees grew taller, their trunks darkening with age, and a thick fog curled at their roots. It wrapped around Preacher's long coat, and he turned to Elowen. "What do we need to know about the Beast King?" he asked, a glimmer of curiosity lighting his gray eyes.
"He is wise, but cautious," Elowen replied. "He holds both ally and enemy at bay, often weighing every point before he speaks. He trusts few—this is important for you to remember. His greatest loyalty lies with his kin."
As they forged onward through the trees, a sudden rustle disturbed the silence, and the party froze. From the underbrush, a creature bolted—a monstrous form, half shadow, half twisted flesh. Its eyes shone with malice, glowing against the gloom. Elowen's heart raced. "Weapons ready!" she shouted.
Preacher was the first to draw his weapon, the strange metal device now clear in his hands. It unfurled with a satisfying click, transforming into a sleek, dual-edged sword that gleamed with an otherworldly light. Seraphina unsheathed her longsword, its edge catching glimmers of fading sunlight, while Iris, too quick to be caught by indecision, shifted into her beast-like form, fur bristling with waves of fury.
The creature lunged at them, claws outstretched. Elowen commanded the energy of the air, summoning a gust that sent the creature staggering back. "Now, attack!"
Preacher and Seraphina moved in unison, swords slicing through the air with practiced precision. Iris, an eruption of speed and light, darted forward, latching onto its throat, golden eyes blazing with anger.
With the combined strength of their forces, the creature was soon felled. They stood panting, surrounded by the remnants of dark energy wisps swirling into nothingness.
Elowen knelt beside the creature's fallen form, a shiver running down her spine as she reached out to touch its shadowy remnants. The air crackled around them, remnants of the dark energy still swirling, hinting at the creature's origin. Seraphina's blades glimmered as she swept a lock of hair from her face, her brow furrowed in concern.
"We've fought many horrors, but this... this is different," Seraphina stated, her voice strained. "These shadows are a sickness spreading across our land."
"Indeed," replied Preacher, tightening his grip on his sword, now retracting into the form of a metallic bracelet around his wrist. "But whatever summoned this beast is only the tip of the iceberg. We need to understand what is happening, and quickly. The shadows will not rest once they find a way to invade."
Iris shifted back to her human form, fur receding into slender limbs, her skin still glowing with faint traces of her beastly state. "We should collect samples," she suggested, pointing at the fading darkness encompassing the creature. "If we can study it, perhaps we can discover the nature of the rifts."
As they continued their travels to the Ancient Ruins of Marrak. Elowen questioned the trio of their intentions for these quests the King sent them on.
As their journey progressed, an uneasy energy crackled in the air, blending with the sweet scent of the forest that surrounded them. The sun began its descent, painting the sky with hues of gold and crimson, casting long shadows among the gnarly roots and foliage. Elowen urged her horse closer to the others, her mind racing with swirling questions about the trio's true intentions for their quest. What lay at the foundation of their journey? And how would the ancient ruins play a role in the fates entwined at that moment?
Seraphina's fierce proclamation, born from the ashes of their recent battles, resonated within Elowen's heart. "My father is opposed to my marriage to Preacher," she continued, her voice laced with frustration. The noise of the forest seemed to hush in reverence to her resolve. "After our victory over the ogres at Elvenwood—thanks to Preacher's brilliant planning and valor—I knew he was the one for me. I witnessed the depth of his character during that fight. With Iris's consent, we spoke vows binding us together. And then… something extraordinary happened."
A fire of curiosity ignited in Elowen's gaze as her companions turned to Seraphina, their expressions blending hope and disbelief. "The Ethereal Blue Flame came forth from Preacher, enveloping us, merging our souls," Seraphina explained, her eyes shimmering with the memory. "I cannot articulate its nature, but in that moment, we became one. Now, with every beat of my heart, I feel his power coursing through me."
"Wait… Iris's consent?" The realization struck Elowen with vivid clarity, causing her voice to rise in startled disbelief. The gazes of her companions shifted to Iris, who wore a playful smile that belied the intensity of the moment.
"Indeed!" Iris affirmed, the mischievous glint in her golden eyes sparkling like starlight. "Preacher saved me from a fate worse than death—the Infirmary, where I was tortured by the royal mage, Elias. He released me, breaking my curse as if it were dust to be swept away. That night, I, too, bound myself in the Mating Ritual, and the Blue Ethereal Flame embraced us. I am with child—his first daughter!"
Elowen absorbed the weight of Iris's words, the gravity of their bond sprawled before her like an intricate tapestry woven of fate and magic. Preacher, a figure of mystery, observed their reaction with a serene calmness.
"It was not simple," he interjected, his voice a soothing balm amidst the rising tension. "Though I freed her, the magic entwined in that collar was insidious. I had to delve deeply into the curse's structure, to grapple with ancient energies. The battle against slavery is relentless, even in my world. Darkness seemingly exists everywhere, masquerading as righteousness."
As they rode through the woodlands, Seraphina's expression turned somber, her gaze lost within shadows of her thoughts. She was keenly aware of her father's nefarious dealings and the empire's torment rooted in greed and suffering. "We are bound together now—not just by love, but by shared struggles. I will not allow my heart to be a pawn in his game any longer," she asserted, her voice steady despite the pangs of knowing.
"Do you think we are truly strong enough to confront the darkness that looms before us?" Elowen voiced her trepidation as the shadows of doubt flicked against her heart.
"The Flame binds our fates," Seraphina replied with newfound determination. "Together, we wield the strength to fight. Love is our weapon, loyalty is our shield. We are more than mere individuals; we are a united front forged in the fires of the Flame."
Preacher nodded gravely, sensing the weight of the night's secrets stirring in the air around them. "It is through our bonds that we will brave what lies in Marrak. The ruins hold knowledge and power—some may lead us toward salvation, others toward our doom. We must trust and defend one another, for the trials ahead shall test us beyond what we can foresee."
As dusk settled, the verdant trees—tall and ancient—cast elongated shadows on the forest floor, their whispers merging with the gentle rustle of leaves. It was within this enchanted grove that Princess Elowen found herself enthralled by a cause greater than her royal duties. The ethereal glow of twilight heightened the magic in the air, revealing the weight of the mission they undertook.
Beside her stood Princess Seraphina, whose steely resolve had defied the very throne of her father, King Reginald. Elowen admired her deeply; Seraphina was not merely a princess bound by crowns and expectations, but a new beacon of hope committed to the unification of humans and demi-humans. She was a warrior of love, poised to resist the forces that sought to perpetuate ancient divides.
Iris, with a smile that seemed to light the darkest corners of their journey, she often calmed Elowen's frayed nerves, instilling courage within her heart. And then there was Preacher, the enigmatic figure who commanded their respect in quiet dignity. His compelling presence brought the echo of countless stories together, threading their fates in ways yet to be revealed.
As they ventured deeper into the depths of the forest, fatigue began to seep into Elowen's bones. When they found a hollow, Elowen's voice broke the silence. "We will have to set a watch for the night," she declared, but Seraphina and Iris shared knowing smiles at the thought.
"My dear," Iris said sweetly, turning to Preacher, "Could you please?"
A hearty chuckle danced on Preacher's lips. "Of course," he replied softly. With the grace of an ancient spirit, he knelt and placed his hands upon the soil. A tremor rippled through the ground, and in mere moments, the earth began to shift and shape.
Out of the loamy depths, a ranch-style house emerged—modern yet entwined with magical elements. Elowen stood frozen in awe, her heart fluttering not only at the display of raw magic but also at the warmth it promised against the chilling air of the night. A door-sized section of the wall seemed to dissolve the moment Preacher approached.
"Earth Magic," Seraphina and Iris exclaimed in unison, their voices a sweet harmony of excitement.
Elowen squinted at the glowing outlines and the ethereal energy coiling around them. "I don't see any way in," she said, perplexed.
"That's the nice thing about Preacher's magic," Iris clarified, her smile wide as she danced toward the entrance. "It makes safety an art form."
As they entered the house, the interior was spacious, adorned with soft, flickering lights resembling stars captured in crystal. The atmosphere welcomed them, a sanctuary for the night. Once they were inside, Preacher stepped to the threshold once again. With a graceful sweep of his hands, earth rose to seal their refuge and protect them against the lurking shadows outside.
"Fortification magic," Preacher intoned, a serene firmness in his voice. "And shield magic." The air shimmered, thick with energy, forming an invisible cocoon around their haven.
Inside, as the chill of night settled outside, Elowen sat by the hearth, its warmth wrapping around her like a beloved blanket. Seraphina and Iris discussed their next steps in hushed, determined voices. Their words wove around her like spells of comfort, yet her thoughts lingered on Preacher—his steadfast loyalty, the magic he wielded with such ease, and the undeniable respect he commanded.
"Who are you, Preacher, truly?" Elowen finally asked, her curiosity piqued. "Where does this power come from?"
He regarded her with gentle wisdom, his eyes like twilight themselves—deep pools of knowledge and experience that spoke of worlds and whispers beyond comprehension. After a moment, he turned to Iris and Seraphina. "Iris, Seraphina, would you mind? I would rather you tell her my story lest she think I'm making these things up."
Iris nodded and took a seat across from Elowen. "Preacher was summoned here through a portal that bridged our worlds," she began, her voice rich with the timbre of tales long told. "In his previous life on Earth, he was a guardian of the people—a protector of the lost and forgotten. The magic he wielded now is intertwined with divinity. It was gifted to him, a channel of God's will."
Seraphina added, "He speaks the language of the Earth. His magic is a manifestation of that bond—a symbiotic relationship with nature. It flows through him, meant to shield and heal, rather than destroy."
Elowen listened intently, her mind racing to grasp the enormity of Preacher's existence. "As for this power," Preacher said, looking thoughtfully at his hand, which seemed to glimmer with latent energy, "the only thing I can say is that I received this power from God, and I'm only to use it for His purpose; that's the only explanation I can give you."
The weight of his words settled heavily in the room, reverberating with the solemnity of a vow. Elowen felt a deep respect for Preacher swell within her. It was not merely magic that coursed through him; it was a mission, a calling that transcended the boundaries of time and space.
As the night stretched on, enveloped in the soft glow of their magical sanctuary, Elowen pondered the paths ahead. Together, they would complete the King's quest, then seek out the Beast King, but a secondary purpose had arisen, one of unity—a mission that promised to test their hearts and would lead them to the truths of themselves and the magic woven through their world.
As sleep began to claim her, Elowen pondered their fates intertwined—the burden of royalty mixed with unyielding spirits.
The dawn would come soon, but until then, they were safe within Preacher's sanctuary, woven together by a tapestry of hope, love, and an unbreakable bond. It was there, nestled within the heart of the forest, that the seeds of something new were sown, destined to burst forth and transform their world.