“What is the meaning of this?”

Vincent asked in a stern voice. Nobody answered as the anger and disgust they had was written on their face. He knew he would not be received by the townspeople after the Shadow unit and neighboring provinces were restricted from assisting during the crisis.

“Since you are here, you can bear witness to the selection of a new chief”.

Mizin said in passing, as she led the others toward the library. Vincent did not buy the idea, this was defiance against what the Queen had sent him to do. For some reason he felt scared not getting any form of answer from those who were locals to the village.

At the center of the town stood a towering tree around three hundred meters tall. This was the symbol of the Elven dynasty, the World Tree sapling. Every province had one, as it provided a barrier of protection for the province it occupied. All tree saplings had a connection to the world tree at the capital. Their purpose was to choose leaders that will lead each town and now, a new leader was to be chosen.

Valmor had been a leader, chosen after his wife died about forty-nine years ago. Now with the loss of his arm, he no longer saw himself fit to lead. Close to the tree was Seras, whose age and identity was not clear. A large root stuck out from the ground with glowing lights around it, as the entire clan approached the library the lights vanished living a faint drop of green mid air which flowed back into the tree.

The crowd went silent as Seras was about to speak. “Now all those who deem them self worthy of leading the town should proceed’. Her voice was raspy and old but the heaviness of the role and her intent were contained in those simple words and many who had plan to contest abandoned the idea.

Of the crowd, three stepped forward. The first was Pom, the leader of the towns guard. The second was Demean, Zanora’s elder brother who was sent to the demon continent with Ai-lyn to scout for Harzil’s whereabouts.

Seras placed her hand on the exposed root as warm glow of light flowed from her hand to the tree. The tree glowed slightly as the marking on Valmor's head shot towards the tree as in a streak of golden glow. There was a calm feeling as a smell of wood incense filled the air. A streak of light flowed from the tree and hover on the air as if looking for something. The light then shot to Ephini’s forehead without hesitation and leaving a golden symbol on her head before vanishing. The tree went back to normal and Seras walked quietly into the library she always resided in, her lips gently curling up.

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The towns people knelt to their new ruler and Valmor was happy. Ephini was much stronger than all who stepped forward. Although Zin had tried to step forward, the gaze from his master made him think twice. Now that the event had concluded, the frustration on Vincent’s face could be seen. “How could this happen?” He was shocked that a family will be chosen as rulers for three generations in a row.

“You may speak,” Ephini gestured, pointing to him and his guards. Now all attentions were on him. He smiled, opening the scroll he had on his hand.

“Her Majesty, the Queen has ordered tha-,” His voice trailed off as if he hurriedly let go of the scroll which was now on fire. The girl with golden hair which had no expression on her face gradually had her lips curve upwards with her eyes closed.

“Tell that Queen of yours that she has no say in our town, we will meet at the council in four days”.

Vincent did not take this lightly. Enraged, his face contorted in anger looking more like a raging bull without its horns. But his emotional outburst was short lived when a pair of orange eyes locked on him. The head guard had tapped his shoulder, shaking his head. Fighting against someone who had slain dragons was like having a death wish.

He hurried into the carriage, frustration evident in his eyes. He gave a final glance, spat on the ground before being on his way. The crowd had dispersed earlier with the town construction still on the way.

“I guess its high time I shake the hornet nest”.

Valmor knew who she was calling a hornet; the thought alone made him sigh heavily.

…

The room was dark, as the curtains had not been shifted in a while. The windows slightly open reflected the figure who sat on the bed. Her eyes had bags under it and her face was pale eyes looking void of life.

Mizin had walked in without knocking looking at Gilly, who paid her no mind. She turned to Ephini who could not help but smile at her sweats dripping down her face. She stretched her hand forward, sending a gust of mana, forcefully opening the curtains and the windows.

Dragging a chair, she sat down never taking her eye off her. Ephini had briefed her on Gilly’s condition so she had a clue.

“You know you are annoying like your mom”.

Mizin as blunt as a knife never hid what she thought.

“Do you know your mom?”

This question puzzled Gilly, here was somebody who was acting familiar with her and she had no clue of who she was.

“I think it is best to introduce yourself……”

Valmor was the only person who spoke out to Mizin, not counting Abil.

“I am Mizin, and you are?”

She rolled her eyes knowing she could not refuse Valmor.

“Gilly,” though her voice was faint, the room was quiet so tone was no problem.

“Where do you come from?”

the question made Gilly repeat her question. She had always wondered where she came from. Seeing her demeanor, Mizin asked no personal questions as there were pressing matters at hand.

She took a more casual demeanor since Gilly who was sulking now focused on her.

“First, the power you used was of the royal family. I know that witch won’t leave you since she had never bested her sister”.

Gilly was confused, she had no idea who this crazy fox was talking about. She went on "blabbing" on and on and Gilly could not make sense of what she was saying. Valmor and Ephini shook their head as this conversation was getting nowhere.