“Everyone, climb on," Captain Oriole instructed, gesturing towards his Cloud Dragon. "We're heading to the Celestial Aerie."

The group climbed atop the dragon's back and settled themselves on its silky, shimmering hide, feeling both excited and nervous. Anya held on to her mother's back, still a little scared from the previous ordeal.

“Mommy… where are we going?” she asked.

“To a safe place, sweetheart,” Elara replied, though her own heart was pounding with uncertainty.

The Cloud Dragon leaped into the twilight sky with a forceful beat of its wings. Beneath them, a magnificent panorama of mountains, woods, and tumbling waterfalls revealed the Floating Leaf's scenery.

As they gained altitude, Brokk, Plutak, and Elara noticed a dark scar on the landscape, a blackened swathe of land that stretched out for miles. It was the remnants of the invasion, the aftermath of the battle that had raged between the Aerithran defenders and the forces of the Terravolt and Ignis Kingdoms.

"What happened there?" Elara asked, pointing towards the blackened land.

Captain Oriole followed her gaze. "That, my dear, is the work of Marshal Commander Dravenik's Red Sand Devil Titan Avatar. It was a creature of immense power, capable of manipulating the earth element and unleashing devastating sandstorms."

He added, "Thankfully, Master Sorah managed to... distract it, allowing us to evacuate most of the villagers before the devil could inflict further damage."

Elara shuddered, recalling the stories she'd heard about the invasion, the tales of destruction and despair. She couldn't imagine the horror of facing such a creature, such a force of nature.

“That dune over there… it wasn’t there before, was it?” Plutak gestured towards a vast, mile-long pile of sand, the surface of which rippled and changed like ocean waves.

"That is also the work of the Red Sand Devil," Captain Oriole explained. "It was one of its signature attacks, a way to trap and bury its enemies beneath tons of sand."

He shook his head and added, "It will take weeks, perhaps even months, to fully restore the land to its former glory."

As they continued their journey, the group witnessed the aftermath of the invasion firsthand. They saw burned-out villages, shattered homes, and the remnants of battles that had been fought and lost. They also saw the Aerithran people working together to rebuild their lives, their spirits unbroken despite the hardships they had endured.

“They’re so… hardy.”

“Yes, they are indeed.”

They passed by a group of Windweavers who were using their Aeromancy skills to lift heavy stones and timbers, helping to reconstruct a collapsed building. They saw a group of children playing amidst the ruins. And they saw the Sky Patrol units, patrolling the skies on their Cloud Dragons, vigilant and ever watchful for any sign of danger.

"The Aerithra Kingdom may be small," Captain Oriole remarked, "But we are strong. We are united. And our spirit aren’t broken easily.."

As they neared their destination, the Celestial Aerie came into view, a magnificent fortress that floated amidst the clouds, its spires reaching towards the heavens. Two towering, silvery figures stood guard at the main entrance, their forms sculpted from condensed wind and Aether Steam, radiated an aura of power and authority.

These were the Aerie Guardians, elite protectors of the Zephyr Council. Their presence were a formidable deterrent to any who would dare to threaten the Aerithra Kingdom's leadership.

Captain Oriole, upon approaching the fortress, brandished his badge, and the Aerie Guardians stepped aside, allowing them entry.

Whoosh!

The Cloud Dragon descended gracefully until it landed in a courtyard that was surrounded by lush gardens and cascading waterfalls. A small squadron of Sky Patrol guards, clad in silver armour, stood at attention as Captain Oriole and his companions dismounted.

"Welcome to the Celestial Aerie, everyone," a guard said, bowing his head respectfully. "We have received your Wind Speech message, Captain. The members of the Zephyr Council are waiting for you in the Kinko Hall."

With a nod of acknowledgement, Captain Oriole turned to the group and said, "Follow me."

He led them through a series of over-elaborate corridors and grand halls. The walls were adorned with tapestries that depicted scenes of Aerithran history and mythology. The Aerithrans in the group marvelled at the grandeur of their surroundings.

"This place... it's incredible," Lukio was amazed. "I've never seen anything like it."

Bishane explained, "It is the heart of our kingdom. The seat of power, the place where the Sky Wardens make decisions that affect the lives of all Aerithrans."

Brokk and Plutak, however, felt a sense of unease as they walked through the halls of the Celestial Aerie. They were outsiders, citizens of the nation that had attacked the Aerithra Kingdom, and they felt that they were being judged, that their presence was unwelcome.

"Relax, you two," Elara whispered, sensing their discomfort. "They're not going to hurt us. We're here as guests, as allies."

But even as she spoke, Elara couldn't help but share their apprehension. She knew that tensions between the Aerithra and Terravolt Kingdoms were high, and the recent branding regime had only served to exacerbate those tensions. She couldn't help but wonder how they would be received by the Zephyr Council, by the Sky Wardens who held the fate of the Aerithra Kingdom in their hands.

"We're here," Captain Oriole announced, stopping before a pair of massive, lavishly carved doors. "The Kinko Hall."

He pushed open the doors, and they stepped inside.

Creak—

The Kinko Hall was a grand and imposing chamber, its high ceiling adorned with intricate carvings and its walls lined with portraits of past Sky Wardens. A long, polished table, surrounded by chairs upholstered in rich velvet, dominated the centre of the room. Seated around the table were members of the Zephyr Council - elder statesmen and women, military officials, and representatives from various guilds and organizations.

Elder Liu and Elder Yanluo, both wearing a face of concern, were seated near the head of the table. They had come as soon as they received Captain Oriole's Wind Speech message, hoping to find Sorah among the group of returnees. But he was nowhere to be seen.

The atmosphere in the hall was tense. The council members whispered amongst themselves as their gazes flitted between the newcomers and the three majestic thrones at the far end of the room.

The thrones, each carved from a single piece of windstone and adorned with swirling patterns of clouds and lightning, were occupied by the Sky Wardens - the three individuals who governed the Aerithra Kingdom.

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Sky Warden Gale, a woman with a stern yet compassionate face and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see through to the very soul, sat upon the central throne. Her long, flowing hair that was the colour of a stormy sky, cascaded down her back like a waterfall.

Sky Warden Cloud, a woman with a serene expression and gentle eyes that reflected the wisdom of ages, occupied the throne to the left. Her hair, as white as the clouds that shrouded the mountain peaks, was pulled back into a simple bun.

Sky Warden Raiden, a man with a powerful build and a commanding presence, sat upon the throne to the right. His eyes, as dark as a thundercloud, were filled with both strength and wisdom.

Seated alongside the Sky Wardens, with her regal bearing and a calm smile, was the Avalanche Oracle, Kaiya. Her presence which was a symbol of the alliance between the Aerithra and Aquaflux Kingdoms, added to the gravitas of the occasion.

With a respectful bow, Captain Oriole addressed the council. "Honoured Sky Wardens, esteemed members of the Zephyr Council, I present to you a group of survivors from Cloud Hamlet who have just returned from the Terravolt Kingdom." He then stepped aside, allowing Bishane to speak.

“Greetings everyone…”

The elder Windweaver recounted their tale once more, describing the horrors they had witnessed and the dangers they had faced. He spoke of the invasion, the branding, the imprisonment, and the escape.

With progressively sombre looks as Bishane talked, the council members paid close attention. They were shocked by the brutality of the Terravolt and Ignis Kingdoms, and they were disturbed by the branding regime that had been implemented.

"This is an outrage!" one council member exclaimed, slamming his fist on the table. "We cannot allow this to continue!"

"We must retaliate!" another added. "We must show the Terravolt and Ignis bastards that we will not tolerate their aggression!"

A murmur of agreement rippled through the hall as the council members discussed their options. Some advocated for a full-scale invasion, a show of force that would demonstrate the Aerithra Kingdom's strength and resolve. Others suggested a more diplomatic approach, seeking alliances with other kingdoms and pressuring the Terravolt and Ignis to cease their oppressive practices.

Sky Warden Gale, who had been listening silently to the discussion, finally spoke. "The Terravolt Kingdom sent a minister of state to propose an alliance a few weeks ago," she revealed. "They suggested a joint effort to... identify and categorize the elemental affinities of our citizens."

"They wanted us to... brand our people?" a council member asked incredulously.

Gale nodded. "Indeed. They claimed it was a necessary measure to ensure the security of our realms, to prevent infiltration by enemy agents."

"And what was your response, Sky Warden Gale?"

"I refused," Gale said firmly. "I told the minister that the Aerithra Kingdom would not participate in such a barbaric practice. I explained that branding our people would only serve to divide us, to create fear and distrust."

She paused and added, "I also warned him that any attempt to enforce such a regime upon our citizens would be considered an act of aggression, an act that would not go unanswered."

A murmur of approval rippled through the hall. The council members were proud of Sky Warden Gale's stance, her unwavering defence of their kingdom's values.

"But the Terravolt and Ignis ignored your warning," a council member remarked. "They went ahead and implemented their branding regime, even at the risk of war."

"Indeed," Gale replied. "They are blinded by their arrogance, by their thirst for power and control. They do not understand the true nature of the elements, the delicate balance that must be maintained."

She added, "They are playing a dangerous game, a game that could have dire consequences for all the realms."

Elder Liu, who had been listening intently to the discussion, stepped forward and addressed the council. "Honoured Sky Wardens, esteemed members of the council. I must bring to your attention another matter, a matter of grave importance."

He paused and added, "My friend, Sorah Kyoshin... he is missing. He left Cloud Hamlet several days ago, seeking to rescue his students and other abductees who were captured during the invasion."

A hush fell over the hall as Elder Liu recounted Sorah's tale.

Liu continued, "We have sent out scouts to search for the abductees. But so far, we have not heard word from them."

He looked at the Sky Wardens with pleading eyes. "I beg of you, send out a rescue party. We cannot abandon Master Sorah and the abductees. They are Aerithrans, and they deserve our protection."

Sky Warden Cloud, who had been observing Elder Liu with a detached expression, finally spoke softly, "Sorah Kyoshin is but one man," she said dismissively. "And a rather... insignificant one at that. He possesses no elemental affinity, no Titan Avatar. He is of no consequence to the greater issues at hand."

Elder Liu's eyes widened in shock and anger. "Insignificant?" he retorted. "He is a master of martial arts, a skilled warrior, and a man of honour! He risked his own life to protect our people, to rescue his students! He even took on the burden of that damn Sage Curse, and you dare call him insignificant?"

Cloud remained unfazed. "His actions were reckless and foolish," she said coldly. "He endangered himself and others by venturing into the Terravolt Kingdom without the council's authorization. And now, he has paid the price for his arrogance."

"What do you mean?" Liu asked, sensing that Cloud knew something he didn’t.

Cloud's gaze turned towards the massive window that overlooked the swirling cloudscape below. "I have seen it. I have seen his demise."

"You... you have seen it?" Liu stammered.

"Yes," Cloud replied. "I have the ability to see... through the clouds, to witness events that occur far beyond the walls of this fortress."

She paused and added, "I saw him face a powerful Terravolt warrior, a Vice-Marshal Commander, just as the returnees have described. I saw him fight bravely, but he was outmatched. And in the end... he was defeated."

A wave of sorrow and anger washed over Elder Liu as he processed Cloud's words. He couldn't believe that Sorah was dead, that his old friend was gone. Even Bishane and the others trembled when they heard the news – Sorah is dead?

"No..." he whispered, shaking his head in denial. "It... it cannot be true."

"I'm afraid it is, Elder Liu," Cloud said gently, though her tone lacked any remorse. "Sorah Kyoshin is dead. Do you doubt my abilities?"

“Ah… no, Sky Warden.” Elder Liu answered reluctantly.

As the council members whispered amongst themselves, expressing their shock and condolences, a voice boomed through the hall, cutting through the sombre atmosphere.

"Enough of this talk of death and despair! We have more pressing matters to attend to!"

The voice belonged to a portly man with a receding hairline and a pompous demeanour. He was a minister of trade, a representative of the merchants and traders who relied on the Aerithra Kingdom's open borders and its access to the other realms.

"The Wind Barrier... it is stifling our trade," he continued as his words expressed frustration. "We cannot conduct business with the Terravolt or Aquaflux Kingdoms while this blasted dome of wind surrounds our islands."

He turned to the Sky Wardens and demanded, "When will you lower the barrier? When will we be able to resume trade with our neighbours?"

The council members murmured in agreement. They understood the importance of trade to the Aerithra Kingdom's economy. They relied on the import of goods and resources from the other realms, and they needed to export their own products to maintain their prosperity.

Sky Warden Gale, however, remained silent, her gaze fixed on the minister of trade. She understood his concerns, but she also knew the dangers of lowering the Wind Barrier too soon. The Terravolt and Ignis Kingdoms were still a threat, and their branding regime was a clear indication of their desire for power and control.

"The Wind Barrier will remain in place for now," Gale finally spoke resolutely. "Until we are certain that the threat has passed, until we are sure that our people are safe, the barrier will not be lowered."

The minister of trade sputtered in indignation. "But... but our businesses... they are suffering! We need to resume trade with the Terravolt and Aquaflux Kingdoms! How long do the Sky Wardens wish to keep the Avalanche Oracle from returning to her kingdom?"

Kaiya, the Avalanche Oracle, who had been observing the exchange with a calm smile, finally spoke softly, "Do not concern yourselves on my behalf, esteemed ministers. My kingdom has not yet come under direct assault, and I maintain regular communication with my officials through the… bonds of water."

She paused and added with a twinkle in her eye, "Besides, my business here in the Aerithra Kingdom is not yet concluded."

The council members exchanged curious glances. They wondered what business the Avalanche Oracle could possibly have in their kingdom, especially during such a tumultuous time.

But before they could inquire further, Sky Warden Gale rose from her throne and addressed the assembly. "This meeting is adjourned," she declared. "We shall reconvene tomorrow morning to further discuss our course of action."

She turned to Captain Oriole and said, "Please escort our guests to their quarters. Ensure they are provided with food, rest, and any medical attention they may require."

"As you command, Sky Warden Gale," Captain Oriole replied, bowing his head respectfully.

He then turned to Bishane's group and said, "Come, everyone. Let me show you to your rooms."

As they followed Captain Oriole out of the Kinko Hall, the Aerithrans and Terravoltians alike couldn't shake the feeling that they had just stepped into a much larger game, a game of politics and power, of alliances and betrayals, a game that could determine the fate of the entire world.

And as they walked through the halls of the Celestial Aerie, they couldn't help but wonder what role they would play in this unfolding drama.