We followed the older man into the temple, the coolness of its narrow walls a welcome respite from the heat outside. As we continued down the narrow tunnel deeper into the temple, I noticed the lack of sound around me. It felt strange to me…like this was a trap. Even our footsteps sounded strange here.

After taking a few turns down various hallways, we finally arrived at a grand chamber. The room was dimly lit, with a large circular table at its center. Maps, scrolls, and various artifacts were spread out, and seated around the table were several other hooded figures, each bearing the mark of the Desert Shadows.

"Please, take a seat," Malik gestured. "We have much to discuss about the Heart of the Forest and the Guild's intentions."

Master nodded slowly, his eyes darting around, constantly scanning the room.

I could hear hushed conversation in the room through the doorway as chairs moved into place. Neither of us spoke as I thought about what we were even doing in this place, surrounded by people I didn’t know, and without weapons.

"We're ready, friends," a new man said from the doorway as he gave us a wave.

"Come, student. All will be revealed here, I am sure."

We got off the seat and walked toward the stone archway, our boots now clomping loudly on the polished marble floor of the temple.

As we entered the room, I glanced around at the incredible sight.

The room we entered was vast, its walls adorned with intricate carvings and painted pottery, each with a different spiky plant jutting out of sandy soil. The ceiling soared high above, supported by pillars that seemed to mimic the trunks of the towering desert trees outside near the oasis. Sunlight streamed through openings high above, casting a warm, golden glow over everything. I could even feel a slight breeze.

At the far end of the room, a long table was set, around which various members of the desert guild were seated, their faces a tapestry of the many cultures and races that called the desert their home. Some were cloaked, their eyes glinting with interest at us, while others were adorned in vibrant fabrics mirroring the vivid hues of the desert at sunset.

There was a palpable sense of anticipation in the air, a feeling that important discussions were about to take place. I felt a surge of curiosity as nerves continued bubbling up in my gut. I was an outsider here, a young elf far from the valley.

Master Rogue led the way, his stride confident yet respectful. The conversation dwindled as we approached the table, and all eyes turned to us. I could feel the weight of their gazes, appraising, calculating. There was power and intrigue in this room, and I was about to be swept into the heart of it.

He sat on the seat toward the middle of the table, and I sat next to him, nervously looking around. I still couldn't get over the fact that I was, as of the previous human week, in a prison cell going about my business. Now, I was in some kind of cultist temple in a meeting between high-level forces. I shuttered, feeling like I was in way, way over my head.

I hoped Lord Timekeeper knew what he was doing.

With a graceful movement of his hand, Malik unrolled a large map across the table, weighted down on each corner by a smooth, dark stone. The map was intricate and detailed, showing various kingdoms, forests, and cities. He pointed at the left side of the map, to a large green area marked as Y'Sathyr.

"Let's get straight to the point," Malik began, leaning forward and interlocking his fingers. "The Heart of the Forest. Lord Timekeeper has informed us that it has been destroyed from the prison. The death of its finder and guardian has saddened us all."

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Around him, heads nodded, some staring at Master angrily. Master did not respond, not bothering to add any additional information about the bomb, Drakthir’s death, or the destruction of the Heart.

"Which brings us to you, young Erevan," Malik's gaze settled on me. I shifted uncomfortably. "You are at the center of this storm. Your presence in the prison, escape, and now your association with Master Rogue and the Guild, which your roommate knew of, I am sure. He contacted us to assist in your training, but these are secrets that we do not easily part with."

I frowned, looking at Master. Secrets?

"Yes," Master Rogue said, speaking for the first time. "I confirmed his roommate's identity as that of Councilor Nayaliss. He was a King's council member before an...incident that sent him to prison."

I could feel the eyes boring into me, thinking about what a silly, naive kid I was. I looked down at the table, ashamed, but the meeting continued.

"The head of your guild called us together to discuss the next steps. As I'm sure you both know, war is upon us. And as the nomads and Free People know, we can be convinced to join either side," Malik said with that gleam in his eye. The words 'war is upon us' echoed ominously in the vast chamber, hanging heavy in the air like a foreboding storm cloud.

Master Rogue nodded gravely, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. "Indeed, the winds of war are stirring, and they blow across all our lands. The Free People and the nomads hold a unique position. Your choices in the coming conflict could sway the balance."

Malik leaned forward, the room holding its breath. "Our people value freedom above all," he stated, his voice resonant with the authority of the desert itself. "We do not take sides lightly. But these are not ordinary times. The explosion of the Heart of the Forest has shifted the tides. We need to know where we stand and what role the Free People will play before we allign ourselves against the elves, weakened as they may be."

Weakened? I had no idea about any of this. Now that I thought about it, after the Heart exploded, I did feel different.

Master Rogue looked at me briefly, reminding me why I was here. This was more than a lesson in diplomacy; it was a lesson in the complexities of power and the delicate balance of alliances. "We seek to preserve the balance, to protect our people and our lands," Master Rogue continued. "Lord Timekeeper has blessed a trade. It is why we are here today. We wish for you to give the next elven guild blacksmith the secrets of the Starfire Weaving technique. In exchange for this knowledge, the Free People will offer support to the human side in the upcoming conflict."

Murmurs broke out in the room about the forging technique being offered, but I couldn't understand why we were going against our people. Agreeing to align with the humans against the elves.

I was a mere pawn in this game, but even a pawn, I realized, had a role to play. My journey, my learning, was just beginning. I didn't know what the Starfire Weaving technique was but it sounded exciting.

The desert guild leader stood from his seat. "I will have to think on this. While your Guild's involvement in the war is to our benefit, such a technique would be invaluable. The weapons and armor it could produce would be beyond compare. We understand why the Free People, and our potential allies, would greatly desire this knowledge. Especially after the death of your previous blacksmith. Will the boy learn the ways of the Heart as well?"

"That is not for you to know, Malik!" Master Rogue said, anger creeping into his voice. I looked at him wide-eyed, never having seen him lose his temper like this before. The sudden sharpness in Master Rogue's voice cut through the air sharper than one of his blades, leaving a tense silence in its wake. Clearly, the mention of the dead guild blacksmith had opened a deep wound. I hadn't even been aware that I was chosen to replace someone.

Malik recoiled slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his features like a cloud over the moon. He had crossed an unspoken line, delving into matters that were deeply private or sensitive.

The rest of the room seemed to hold its breath, the atmosphere charged with vigilance. Master Rogue's usually calm demeanor was a cornerstone of his leadership, and his rare display of anger was a testament to the seriousness of the topic.

"I apologize, Master Rogue," Malik said after a moment, his voice measured but his eyes still holding a spark of curiosity. "I meant no disrespect. The skills and knowledge of the Free People are legendary, and we hold them in high esteem. As I'm sure you are aware, even after our last altercation in Porter."

Master Rogue composed himself, the brief flash of anger subsiding as quickly as it had appeared. He turned to me, his gaze softening. "Erevan is here to learn many things, but his path is his own to discover. The ways of the Heart, the secrets of our people, and even if he can learn Starfire Weaving – all these are part of a larger journey, one that is not solely defined by war and alliances."

Malik nodded. "We will deliberate on this. For now, see yourselves out. You may find drinks to refresh yourselves before the long journey back into town. Lord Timekeeper will receive our response."

Master nodded, then turned with a flourish toward the door. I got up, nodded at everyone, and followed.