With Charles proclamation, Ralina felt the energy in the room shift. To her, the humans, with their complex emotions and layered meanings, were no less readable than the wilderness she called home. Every slight pause in their conversation, every guarded look or emotional breath was to her a rustling in the underbrush or the snap of a twig—signs that something was coming.
She ran through the earlier discussions in her mind. It was clear that the book was powerful, and the sanctuary it potentially offered was a beacon of hope. But like any oasis, the path to it was fraught with danger. Karn's inability to immediately access the book's inner world meant that the younglings, in Alec's care, were in danger, and that vulnerability was a scent that drew predators.
The University was a place of knowledge, and Ralina instinctively knew the value in learning to understand the book. When Ralina was nearly at deaths door, someone or something bridged the gap, just enough to save her. The magic coursed through her, igniting a fiery curiosity that consumed every fibre of her being. She felt an undeniable pull, drawing her closer to the unknown.
"Why are you going there?" she had asked Karn.
He turned to face her, eyes alight with resolve. "Inside the book, I witnessed battles, not just of swords and magic, but of wills and ambition. There are those who would do anything for power. My family stands on the brink, precariously balanced against those hungering for power."
She caught her breath, noting the weight of his revelation. "And you think you can make a difference?"
He nodded with conviction. "Yes, I have to try. I believe I can tip the scales in our favour."
“And you hope to find a way to help you at the university?”
He nodded.
With the allure of the unknown driving her, she nodded, determined to delve into the heart of the all-too-human establishment with Karn by her side. She had her reason, as did they all. Yet it was Karn’s calling that seemed by far the most pressing.
When pressed, Maze's dropped a revelation that his own understanding about the event books was limited and most of his knowledge was self-taught. He was like a deer revealing its wounded leg—a vulnerability she noted.
Unable to delve into the book for the time being, they resolved to infiltrate the Palace that very night, hoping to buy some time for the younglings. After a brief discussion, Karn, Maze, and Ralina, transformed into her human guise, volunteered.
"Are we all in agreement then?" Ralina asked, her eyes darting between the two men.
Karn nodded, clutching his book close to his chest. "We deliver this to the King's chamber."
Maze smirked, "A little late-night adventure, then."
“Sure, you will be up for its old man?” Karn asked with a smirk.
Maze raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes. "Age has only made me more cunning, boy. I've been sneaking around palaces while you were still in swaddling clothes." He winked with a grin.
As the trio ventured towards the King's quarters, the palace's vast walls and jutting architecture struck Ralina as a stone forest. The deceptive interplay of shadow and torchlight created a maze of obscurity, a realm where danger could lurk in any corner.
As they slipped through the castle's shadows, Ralina led the way, her acute senses picking up the softest of footsteps or the faintest breath. Every twitch of a curtain or rustle of armour was clear to her keen Felren senses, allowing them to manoeuvre around guards and servants with ease.
They soon found Alec, and Karn reluctantly handed over the book. The weight of its absence hung heavy on him, but he had no other choice but to leave it with the tiny stone sentinel. With the transaction complete, they began their journey out.
Although their exit from the castle was swift, the real challenge began when they entered the bustling merchant district. The canopy of shops, stalls, and the hum of haggling traders had its own rhythm, but amid this cacophony, a distinct sound caught Ralina's ear.
There, perched above on a ledge, a pair of gleaming yellow eyes pierced the darkness, watching their every move. Ralina's heart raced, her instincts recognizing a fellow predator. Before she could warn the others, a sleek raven dove from the shadows, wings cutting through the night air.
With a swift elegance, the raven transformed mid-flight, revealing Kraid, his feet touching the cobblestone streets. Even as a man, he retained the alertness and grace of his raptor form, every movement calculated and precise. “Careful where you tread,” he warned.
“Well hello to you too Kraid,” said Karn. “Nearly scared me half to death.”
A hint of unease flashed in Kraid's eyes as he observed Karn's reaction, or rather, lack of it. Ralina and Maze had sensed his arrival even before he touched down, while Karn seemed oblivious.
Ralina tilted her head thoughtfully, Has Karn become too reliant on the book? She noticed that since parting with the tome, Karn's bearing had shifted. His once assertive posture now seemed hesitant. Ralina’s eyes studied him, studying each detail. The subtle curve of his jaw, the cool blue colour of his eyes, and the gentle intensity of his gaze captured her. For a moment, she forgot herself, her eyes lingering a bit too long on his features.
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Realizing her prolonged stare, a warm blush spread across her cheeks.
Kraid, extending a hand to gesture them closer, said, "I've shadowed you throughout the night." He swiftly guided them into a dim alcove, away from the revealing glow of torches and prying eyes of locals making their way to the nearby tavern.
Ralina's gaze sharpened, her voice firm. "This isn't the right place for this conversation."
Kraid locked eyes with her, reading her wariness. The streets pulsed with magic, making it hard to discern where potential threats might be eavesdropping. He paused, weighing their options.
Quickly deciding, he beckoned them. "Follow me. We need a more discreet location."
Ralina, trusting his judgment, followed closely with Maze and Karn in tow. Her brow furrowed in surprise as Kraid led them into the bustling tavern. As they neared the building she read the stained sign, ‘The Joker’s Folley’.
The inviting light and scent of fresh pastries and stews greeted them. Just as the locals began to stare, Kraid whispered a spell and touched a green gem on his finger. Suddenly, their group blended in, unnoticed amid the ongoing chatter and noise.
They navigated through the tangle of tables towards the back, finding a secluded spot surrounded by plush cushions. As Kraid settled down, the way he positioned himself—crouched and alert—mirrored the stance of a raven. Ralina and Karn took their seats while Maze, ever the enthusiast, flagged down a server who stared blankly at him, yet even in her confusion she complied with his request.
Soon, a hearty loaf of fresh bread and a large jug of mead landed on their table. Maze, wasting no time, poured generous amounts of the drink into mugs for each of them.
Kraid, with a glance around, whispered another incantation. The speed of which even impressed Maze, who relied on passages within his book to replicate events. Kraid however could replicate the same effect simply by turning his emerald ring on his finger. The surrounding noise from the tavern reduced to a gentle hum, creating a private bubble for their discussion.
Satisfied with their privacy, Kraid leaned in, "Now, we can speak openly."
Kraid took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "The Royal sector has always positioned itself high above the rest, like a predator watching over its prey. My time observing the council meetings, combined with whispers from those close to the Royal family, has given me quite the insight. Their perspective is akin to an owl's, taking in everything from a lofty perch, waiting for the right time to strike."
Maze chimed in, having had a few gulps of his drink. The warmth of the mead coursed through him, colouring his cheeks. "I've always felt that the Royals were the real puppeteers in this city. Their wealth and influence can make or break anyone."
Karn twirled the rim of his cup, deep in thought. "Do you really believe that Lady Amber and the General are being made scapegoats in some sort of grand ploy?"
Kraid met his gaze firmly. "Certainly. The King's unpredictable choices have thrown the city into turmoil. Yet, for reasons beyond understanding, Lady Amber and the General are shouldering the blame for his impulses even though they were only servants of the crown. This twisted narrative is gaining momentum, and soon, the city will cry out for justice."
Karn's eyebrows drew together. "So, the Amber sector takes the fall? Despite their unwavering loyalty to the people?"
Kraid leaned closer, dropping his voice to a near whisper, "With the King no longer in the picture, someone has to bear the guilt for the city's poisoning…"
"You're saying the blame's shifted to the Amber sector?" Karn asked in disbelief.
Kraid simply nodded in response.
Maze leaned in. "And who exactly is orchestrating this blame game?"
Kraid's eyes clouded over with anger. "I caught wind of a name — Margerie Norks, or something akin to that. But I can't place her exact rank, but the wench is foul."
Maze's face contorted with disgust. "Margarete Norcas. That's the name. A conniving power-hungry duchess."
Karn sat up straighter. "Wait, Norcas? I've heard Lady Amber mention that name! Cody, the young one the adopted, was a slave at his manor. Are you suggesting the Duke and Duchess Norcas are plotting against the Ambers?"
Ralina's grip on her mug tightened, her knuckles turning white. "The age-old tale of the innocent bearing the sins of the guilty," she muttered bitterly.
Kraid nodded then continued, “Even with all the accusations, the General's been assigned to stabilize Sorina's food supply. And while it’s imperative he takes his troops out of the city; it also presents a power vacuum within these walls. With his absence, any rival faction could pounce and claim control of the entire city at any moment."
Karn slumped, letting out an exasperated sigh. "Well shit, this just sucks."
Eyebrows rose and several glances were exchanged among the group, each mirroring a blend of surprise and confusion at the young man’s choice of words.
Rubbing the back of his neck, Karn quickly added, "Sorry. But do the Ambers know any of this?"
A smirk tugged at Kraid's lips. "Who do you think tasked me with snooping around the Royal quarter's snake pit?"
Maze's eyes widened in surprise. Given Kraid's recent elusive behaviour, they hadn't expected him to be on such an assignment. Ralina, on the other hand, was less taken aback. To her, Kraid had always been the master of hidden operations.
"Is Drell behind these commands?" Ralina inquired, a note of hope in her voice when she mentioned her father.
Kraid shook his head. "With the recent surge of magic throughout the lands, the Matriarch has called me to help restore balance across the river. Valon is due to join us soon."
Ralina nodded, aware that Kraid's elder brother, Valon, led a squadron of Kraven’s. Their expertise would be invaluable in reigning in power-hungry humans. Yet, Ralina couldn't shake off her apprehension about the latent animosity this could stoke between the city's humans and the Kraven’s across the river.
Her mind drifted to Cody. She had believed herself to be the sole Felren in the city. However, her instincts hinted at the possibility of Cody sharing her lineage. But she wondered if he even realized his non-human origins.
She shot a mock-warning glance at Kraid. "Just don't go starting any riots," she teased.
Kraid chuckled, but the shared look between them spoke of unspoken risks.
"So, you're saying tread lightly?" Karn asked.
Kraid nodded seriously. "Any misstep now, especially when representing the Amber sector, could spell disaster. I’m duty bound to inform Lady Amber about tonight, though I'll ensure she knows the circumstances."
Karn sat lower in his seat, guilt evident in his eyes.
Kraid reached out, patting Karn reassuringly on the shoulder. "Don't beat yourself up. Tonight, was a necessity." He paused, his tone becoming stern. "However, remain vigilant and learn what you can swiftly. A storm is on the horizon.”