Nathen jolted awake, drenched in sweat. The nightmare of Sister Marry's death replayed in his mind, her final moments etched into his memory. He sat up, disoriented, finding himself in the middle of a dense forest, the sounds of nocturnal creatures whispering around him. Gobo lay nearby, rousing from his sleep.
"You okay, Nathen?" Gobo asked, his voice gruff with sleep but laced with genuine concern.
Nathen shook his head, still trying to make sense of everything. "I don't understand what's happening, Gobo. Why did they attack the village? Who were those men? And what is the Red Rising?"
Gobo sighed, understanding the turmoil Nathen was experiencing. "I wish I had all the answers for you, kid. The Red Rising is something I've heard only in myths. Some say it's a prophesied savior, others a bringer of destruction. But what I do know is that you have a power that makes you a target."
Nathen looked down, feeling a mix of fear and confusion. "Sister Marry... she died because of me."
Gobo placed a hand on Nathen's shoulder. "No, Nathen. She died protecting you. She knew you were special, and she wanted to keep you safe. We need to figure out what you are and why they're after you."
Nathen nodded, though the weight of guilt still pressed heavily on him. "So, what do we do now?"
Gobo stroked his chin thoughtfully. "There is someone who might have answers. An old Grey Owl, said to be over 500 years old, who knows everyone and everything. He lives in the Village of Hoots, in the Kingdom of the Silver Moon. If anyone can help us understand what's going on, it's him."
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With their next destination set, Nathen and Gobo began their journey eastward. The Village of Hoots was renowned for its drinks and vines, a place of wisdom and revelry. Nathen tried to push his grief aside, focusing on the hope that the Grey Owl could provide the answers they desperately needed.
*****
In the grand halls of Ilyria, the seven rulers of Taeloria convened once more, the atmosphere tense and charged. King Borius of Blue Rose stood at the center, facing the sharp gazes of his peers.
"How could you be unaware of the Red Rising's existence within your own kingdom?" Queen Selene demanded, her voice cold and accusing.
King Borius clenched his fists, struggling to maintain his composure. "I had no knowledge of such a being within my realm. The village of Nika was remote, insignificant... or so I thought."
Sultan Khalid of Sable Sands narrowed his eyes. "Insignificant, perhaps, but it is now clear that the Red Rising was there. And now, the village is destroyed, and the boy is on the run. This complicates everything."
Chief Aella of the Frostlands added, "We cannot afford to let this prophecy unfold unchecked. We need to expedite Project Morning Star."
King Rodric nodded in agreement. "Indeed. The clone is responding well to our commands. If we cannot control the real Red Rising, we must ensure our creation is ready to take its place."
As the rulers discussed their plans, one of the soldiers standing guard outside listened intently. He was a spy for the Underdogs, and his mission was to gather intelligence on the progress of Project Morning Star. His heart pounded as he absorbed every detail, knowing that Abigale would want to know everything.
Back in the forest, Nathen and Gobo continued their journey, unaware of the dangerous games of power and prophecy playing out in the halls of the seven kingdoms. Nathen's thoughts were focused on the Grey Owl and the hope that he could finally find answers to the mysteries that surrounded him.
As they traveled, Gobo tried to lift Nathen's spirits, recounting tales of their past heists and adventures. But Nathen's mind kept drifting back to Sister Marry and the weight of his newfound destiny. He resolved to honor her memory by uncovering the truth and finding a way to control the power within him.
The path ahead was uncertain and fraught with danger, but Nathen knew he couldn't turn back. With Gobo by his side and the promise of answers from the Grey Owl, he felt a glimmer of hope amid the darkness.