Kraid's talons gripped the barnacles on the dark rocks as the waves crashed against them, sending foamy sprays dancing into the air. His keen eyes scanned the horizon, awaiting Valon's arrival from the west. The two of them under the mutual understanding they had with Farlen were going to investigate the emerging power from the ruins of Branside together.
Good, he thought, relieved when he spotted his brother's dark form, that it didn't take as long as expected. The hidden town of Branside lay to the south, barely visible in the distance. The absence of ships within the cove hid any evidence that the town even existence.
As Valon's massive black wings flapped overhead, Kraid adjusted his position to make room for his brother's landing. They both transformed swiftly, their human forms emerging among the ruffled black feathers.
"It's spreading fast," Valon stated.
"The forest?" Kraid inquired.
Valon shook his head. "No, the regrowth has stopped moving beyond the town, but the aura is growing."
Kraid's yellow eyes scanned the watery depths around them. "I can't feel it out here."
Valon confirmed, "It seems that the currents from the white gem only extend over the surface. We may need to dive near the shoreline to check if it extends below the water's surface."
The idea of wading through the waves made Kraid feel nauseous, and Valon noticed his discomfort. "If we have time, we may get the villagers to help us with that one," he suggested, trying to ease his brother's concerns.
Kraid smiled at the thought.
"How's Drell?" Valon asked, surprising Kraid with the concern in his eyes. It was a stark contrast to his previous indifference towards outsiders.
Kraid nodded weakly. "The injury he suffered stays with him, I'm afraid."
Valon's expression tightened with concern. "Has he gained favour with the rest of the Felren?"
Kraid's yellow eyes met Valon's, and he nodded. "For now."
"And his clan?" Valon pressed.
"They remain outside Farlen's village. I think they are planning to move east," Kraid replied.
"So, they are breaking away from the other clans?"
Kraid nodded again, confirming Valon's suspicion. "Yes, it seems that way. But I hear the Earthen clan and some from the Snow clan are interested as well."
Valon mulled over the implications of this development. "Will that cause unrest with the rest of the Felren?"
Kraid shifted his gaze, contemplating the question. He shrugged, trying to convey that it was hard to predict the future. "The council of Elders seem amicable towards each other.”
“And us?”
“Yes. At least for now."
Valon chuckled. "Well, that's a first."
Kraid sighed. "I told you they are not all bad."
Their eyes met, and in that moment, a memory of an argument long ago resurfaced. Kraid had said something similar the night he was banished. The memory tugged at Kraid’s heart, and his brother's eyes wandered to the golden band around Kraid's finger, adorned with a striking green gem.
Feeling the weight of his brother's suspicious gaze, nervously fiddled with the band, knowing that the true reason for his banishment was his involvement with the forbidden power in the gem.
Valon let out a sigh, breaking the tense silence. "That was a different time. So much has changed since then, and now we face a new emerging order." He gestured towards the town where the aura of power emanated.
Standing together side by side, the brothers faced an uncertain future full of possibilities. The aura's presence signalled the reawakening of magic within the world, an event that could reshape their people's fate.
"How far is it reaching?" Kraid asked, concerned.
"It's growing fast and will hit the Heart building within the week."
Kraid's eyes widened. "Are you sure it won't be able to cross the river?"
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Valon considered for a moment. "From what we understand, the aura needs something to ground it, so the water may dampen its reach somewhat."
Gritting his teeth, Kraid knew he wouldn't like what he was about to say. "I think we don't have time to ask the villagers for help."
Valon nodded in agreement. "To the shore, then?"
Kraid sighed, mentally preparing himself.
Perched on the darkened rock surrounded by the vast ocean, Kraid and Valon exchanged one last glance before transforming into their Kraven forms to spread their wings.
With a powerful flurry, they soared through the salty air, sharp beaks cutting through the wind. As they approached Branside, the magical aura grew denser, seeping into their skin and filling their lungs. They could sense the magic emanating from a giant clear crystal within the town, its energy pulsating like a beacon.
Drawing closer to the shoreline, Kraid and Valon descended gracefully, their keen eyes scanning the shimmering waves below.
Before testing the waters, they perched on the edge of a large rock, each taking a moment to focus on the terrain. They could feel the currents of power flowing through the air, intertwining with the ocean's gentle caress. The land around them felt warm and welcoming, a natural power unlike that of Kraid’s Dread Ink infused ring.
Quickly turning human once more Kraid spoke up. "The magic is strong," Kraid observed, his head tilting as he listened to the almost minute magical hum.
Valon nodded, his sharp eyes narrowing in concentration. "But does it extend beyond the ocean?"
Intrigued, they exchanged silent agreement, ignoring their discomfort and dove into the cold depths, seeking the limits of the magic's reach. As they descended, the magical energy grew weaker, the warmth dissipating with each passing fathom.
The brothers pushed deeper, exploring the mysterious undercurrents. It was a strange sensation, like swimming through an invisible web. Yet, the deeper they delved, the less potent the magic became until it was merely a faint echo.
Resurfacing, Kraid and Valon exchanged knowing glances. They had discovered that the magic from Branside had the ability to cross water, but its strength waned with depth.
"The crystal's power weakens as it travels deeper," Valon mused. “But at its growth.”
Kraid nodded in agreement. "It appears that whatever force maintains the aura prefers to stay close to the surface."
“So, it’s only a matter of time before it reaches the city.”
Once back on the shoreline, Kraid and Valon shook off the water droplets from their humanoid forms. Their clothes clung to their skin, damp from the salty waters, but they paid it no mind, their focus fixed on the fallen town.
"We need to find the coliseum," Valon said, water dripping from his hair.
Kraid nodded, scanning the ruined town and the magical forest that had taken it over. The once bustling streets were now overgrown with vibrant green leaf foliage, creating an eerie but beautiful sight. The air was thick with the enchanting aroma of flora as they flitted through the air.
With a surge of energy, the brothers took flight once again, their wings beating in perfect synchrony. They soared over the ruins of Branside, their sharp eyes searching for any sign of the coliseum. From above, the town looked like a tapestry woven with magic, nature, and its dark history.
"Look! There it is!" Kraid pointed downwards, spotting the massive coliseum emerging from the forest.
Valon's heart quickened, and they descended, landing near the imposing structure. The coliseum's once grand facade now bore the marks of time and the invasion of nature, but its significance was undeniable. It was here that the mad king had met his end, and where the heart of the emerging magical forest now lay.
Approaching cautiously, they entered the coliseum, stepping over crumbling stones and fallen pillars. The air felt charged with magic as they ventured further in. In the centre, a colossal tree stood, its branches stretching towards the sky like fingers seeking to touch the clouds themselves. Within the tree's main stem, a massive clear crystal glimmered with an otherworldly radiance.
"The heart of the forest," Kraid said, his voice filled with wonder.
Valon nodded; his eyes fixed on the crystal. "And possibly the key to restoring magic back into the world."
As they drew nearer, they could feel the magic pulsing with energy. It seemed to sing to them, calling out for someone to unleash its dormant power. But caution kept them at bay.
"It feels familiar," Valon said solemnly.
Kraid nodded in agreement. "It feels like the same energy that gives our kind its wings.”
His eyes searched the depths of the crystal, trying to find its secrets through its surface. He sensed a remarkable connection between the massive tree and the crystal itself. It was as if they were bound together, their essences intertwining like a harmonious dance of nature and magic. The aura of magic that emanated from them both felt like seeds of hope, promising a brighter future for the world they had known without magic for far too long.
Valon noticed Kraid's contemplative expression and floated closer. "What do you sense, brother?"
Kraid turned to Valon, his eyes reflecting both wonder and amazement. "It's incredible," he replied, "the tree and the crystal they seem to share a connection. The magic flowing from them feels alive, like a spirit of nature and a reservoir of ancient power combined."
Valon's eyes widened with realisation. "So, the tree isn't just a vessel for the crystal's energy, but they are bound together."
Kraid nodded. "Yes, and I can't help but feel that this connection holds the key to restoring the order to the world. If we can understand it better, harness its power, we might be able to bring magic, real magic, back to our world."
“Is that really a good thing?” asked Valon.
Kraid paused, knowing full well the stance his brother and the rest of his kind had on magic. But this was different. This was no mere event casting or stolen power through the dark ripples of Ink. This was pure, natural. A spiritual connection with the land itself.
“The power coming from this crystal is real. The true order of the world. This will change everything.”
Valon nodded, yet Kraid could feel a tinge of fear within his brother.
He softened his voice as he spoke. “We need to warn the others. Why don’t you inform mother while I tell Farlen?”
Valon shook his head. “I will tell them both, you must take flight to the city. Karn must know.”
“Karn?” he asked puzzled. Why did his brother have so much faith in the man?
A look of seriousness fell over his brother's features, overshadowing any fear he made of had. “This power came from his book. He may be the only one who could understand this emerging power.”