Hope woke up, startled by the unfamiliar sights and scents that assailed her senses. Above her, vast branches extended covering the sky, their thick leaves blocking out the sunlight beyond. The forest resounded with the melodic cacophony of thousands of birds, each singing their own unique melody.
As she peered over the side of her bed, she reeled back. She was so high up, perched in a treehouse made of vines. The floor beneath her was composed of ropes intricately knotted together, providing a secure foundation that didn't shift with her weight. Far below, a herd of massive, two-legged bird monsters with black feathers and long, menacing claws roamed in a pack. A small group of people stood among them, offering the creatures baskets of fruit and interacting with them as one would with a beloved pet cat.
Initially overwhelmed by vertigo, Hope took a few moments to steady herself. With renewed composure, she ventured off the bed as her feet met the stiff surface of the ropes below her. Shifting her weight forward, she tested the stability of the floor once more and she began to explore the contents of the room. Shelves had been fasted to tree trunks and pots with various succulent plants hung from stray branches. The treetop hide away was decorated with a definite feminine touch with vibrant pink pillows and throws.
With her determination growing, she left the room and moved down a series of long planks that were nestled along the trunk of the tree. It connected to more rooms in the distance, forming a network of pathways connecting hundreds of tree houses in a breathtaking display.
Kravenell, the hidden sanctuary she had heard about countless times during her childhood, now lay before her. The realisation of actually seeing it with her own eyes filled her with awe and disbelief. The place had always been strictly off-limits to outsiders, heavily guarded to maintain its secrecy.
As she made her way through the intricate system of wooden boardwalks, suspension bridges, and tunnels, she overheard a familiar voice carrying through the air.
"So, what's the plan? We can't simply wait for something to happen," Alec's voice echoed ahead of her.
"No, we cannot. Our spies have reported that the humans have gathered around Branside to welcome their King. This may be the only opportunity we have to end the madness," responded Valon, his voice brimming with anger.
Hope stepped into an expansive wooden-floored room that had been transformed into a meeting space. Her gaze locked with Valon, the Kraven who had found her in Husno. He stood tall and commanding at the head of a table, surrounded by a few unfamiliar faces. Near him were the two Elementlets, Alec on the table and the water creature who she had to thank for curing her, standing silently behind.
When the Water Elementlet had first touched her, Hope had briefly awakened from her slumber but had promptly passed out again. The fever from the sleeping agent had nearly taken her life, leaving her with little energy to spare. Throughout her sleep, she had been tormented by recurring nightmares, reliving the horrors of the night at the Husno encampment.
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It seemed as though every traumatic experience she had faced had been within that town's cursed borders.
A redhead girl turned her face towards Hope, offering a kind smile and silently mouthing "good morning." Beside her stood a tall young man, his arm draped casually around her. It wasn't a gesture of comfort or control but rather a natural stance, as if they naturally leaned on each other for support.
Returning the redhead girl's nod, Hope noticed that as her hair brushed past her eyes, it had transformed into a deep brown colour. She clutched the locks in her hands, examining the tangled strands. The transformation was complete.
"Are they coming up here?" Alec's voice broke the silence.
Valon nodded, his expression indicating his displeasure with the Elementlet's request. However, he refrained from arguing, not wanting to offend the creature. Hope couldn't help but wonder about the authority the Elementlets held over these people. The reverence with which they were treated spoke volumes about their influence. A sentiment her people shared.
"So, the book has been lost. Can we recover it in time?" Valon inquired.
Alec shrugged. "We might be able to find it if we had another book."
Valon sighed. "Our people refuse to touch the cursed ark artifacts.”
An elderly man, who seemed to be intentionally unassuming, stepped forward with a cautious yet courteous demeanour.
"I may be of assistance," the man said, revealing a green tome and placing it on the table.
"Nice, you brought it, Maze," the man beside the redhead girl remarked.
The Kraven surrounding the table instinctively recoiled from both the book and the old man. Valon looked up, as if just registering the man's presence. The old man slowly removed his hood, revealing a smile behind a healthy grey beard.
"You!" Valon's eyes turned dangerous, and a weapon materialised in his hand before Hope could even blink.
Maze held out his arms in surrender as the young man positioned himself between them with fists raised.
"Calm down, Charles," Maze urged.
A flicker of memory passed through Hope's mind. She recalled that name. "Charles and Ellie?" she asked, her voice breaking the tension in the room. “You’re Karn’s friends are you not?”
Valon's blade lowered slightly. “The one you spoke of?” he asked Alec.
Alec nodded.
Maze locked eyes with the Kraven. "Please, let history pass on," he said, sounding defeated.
The tall Kraven stared dangerously at the man before sheathing his blade. Distrust lingered in his expression. “You try anything, and your head rolls.”
Maze nodded.
"Why did we have to climb all the way up here?" a woman's annoyed voice sounded from behind.
Hope turned around and spotted Ralina, her face displaying clear irritation. Several Feldreken women, still clad in their customary golden armour, followed closely behind her.
"Oh wow," Charles commented, earning a jab from Ellie. He silently apologised to her, a smirk playing on his lips as he watched his lover appreciate the sight just as much as he did.
The Feldreken women entered the room, visibly displeased, trailed by equally discontented Kraven guards.
"Okay, now that we're all gathered," Alec began.
Ralina's eyes widened as she caught sight of the tiny stone creature, a smile spreading across her lips.
“Oh, little rock,” she said. “Where’s Karn?”
He shook his head, warning her of what was about to come.
The room grew tense as Alec began, "We have lost contact with Karn's party. The book has been stolen, and the King is about to arrive in Branside any day now." He nodded to Valon before pressing on, "According to our spies, the King will engage in a battle against a creature known as the White Dragon. Whether it's for his own self-aggrandisement or for propaganda, it doesn’t matter. We know the time and place for the match. If we don't reach him first, the book will inevitably come into his possession."
Determination etched on their faces, everyone listened intently to Alec's words.
"I propose that we set aside our differences and unite for a common cause."