The mercenaries fled swiftly from the disaster, but their leader, Kael, remained frozen in fear. He hadn't uttered a single word since that moment. His companions knew they had to report everything to the Elder Council.

Kael was taken to a quiet room in the council's fortress. Healers tried to snap him out of it, but nothing worked. He stared blankly at the ceiling, his body rigid, haunted by the horrors he'd witnessed.

Meanwhile, in the council chamber, a stunning piece of ancient architecture, the high ceilings were covered with frescoes showing historical events and legends. Shelves upon shelves of books filled the walls, containing all sorts of information, from mystical texts to historical records.

As the mercenaries stepped in, the air was thick with tension and anticipation. The council members, dressed in their ceremonial robes, gathered around a long wooden table in the center. The table was loaded with maps, scrolls, and magical artifacts, showing just how resourceful the council was.

Elder Miriam, the head of the council, with her long silver hair and sharp gray eyes, gave a slight bow.

"Speak, mercenaries. Leave no detail untold," she ordered, her voice steady yet urgent.

Mara, an expert in magical artifacts and runes, stepped forward. Though her voice was shaky, it held a note of determination.

"You sent us to investigate strange happenings; we found an old mansion in the forest. The air was unnervingly still, as if the forest itself held its breath," Mara began.

Elder Maris, looking serious, leaned forward.

"What did you uncover in that mansion?" she asked, her tone probing.

Riven, skilled in combat and espionage, exchanged uneasy glances with his companions.

"The mansion... it was unsettling, every corner teeming with an ominous presence," he said, his voice tinged with unease.

Mara nodded, adding, "The runes were ancient, predating even our oldest records. They were protective, but beneath them lay a magic... darker, more powerful, beyond our understanding."

Lyra, another combat and espionage expert, spoke next. "A low hum, like an eerie melody, beckoned us. It seemed to breathe life into the very stones of that cursed place," she said, her eyes reflecting the eeriness of the experience.

In the healer's chamber, a gentle breeze from an open window played with the curtains. A healer, with a soft, reassuring voice, whispered incantations over Kael, but his condition remained unchanged. His once-commanding presence was now a hollow shell, lost in the labyrinth of his own mind.

Elder Arwen, with a soft voice that commanded attention, asked, "The child—did you lay eyes upon him? What did you witness?"

Mara shivered, her voice trembling as she recalled the encounter. "We didn't get his name. His eyes were red but empty, like black holes," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

She swallowed hard before continuing, "His sudden appearance, paired with a disturbingly innocent demeanor, left us unnerved."

Riven continued, his voice quivering with frustration. "I struck, but an invisible force shattered my weapon. We were powerless—our skills meant nothing against him," he said, his fists clenching in frustration.

He took a deep breath, then added, "Even Kael, our leader, was powerless; the child was impervious to both physical and magical attacks."

Lyra's voice, almost a whisper, added, "He laughed as if nothing had happened—a chilling, innocent sound that was anything but. We were terrified and confused. How could a child possess such power?" Her eyes welled up as she spoke, her voice cracking with emotion.

"Kael lost control due to fear. We had no choice but to flee, unable to face and match his inexplicable strength," she finished, her voice breaking.

Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

The council members shared tense, uneasy looks. Elder Miriam's brows furrowed deeply. "This is grave news. A child with such power... we must tread carefully, every step deliberate," she said, her tone grave.

Elder Maris leaned forward, her eyes intense. "And the mansion? Did you find anything else significant?" she asked, her voice insistent.

Mara's voice, slightly calmer, responded, "That mansion... it defies everything we know, as if forged in another world."

Elder Miriam stood, her presence commanding the room. "This child and the mansion are threats beyond our reckoning. We must act swiftly. Your courage and report are appreciated," she said, her voice firm.

Mara's voice, full of emotion, responded, "Elders, what will we do about Kael? He remains in a state of shock, unable to speak or move," she said, her eyes pleading.

Elder Arwen approached Mara, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We will do everything we can to help him heal. For now, rest. You have done enough," he said, his voice soothing.

Footsteps echoed through the marble halls of the Elder Council's fortress as the mercenaries were led out of the grand chamber. The air was thick with tension felt by all.

The council members, each skilled in the knowledge and history of their world, remained seated, their expressions full of concern and contemplation. The chamber, usually alive with debate, now lay heavy under an unprecedented mystery.

The head of the council, Elder Miriam, leaned back in her high-backed chair, the soft light of enchanted candles above reflecting off her silver hair. Her sharp gray eyes, once clear and decisive, are now brimming with concern.

She sighed deeply, an unusual display of emotion that revealed the weight of the moment.

"We are in a delicate situation," she murmured, breaking the silence. "A child with such power... it is beyond our understanding."

Elder Maris, a woman with a sharp mind and blue eyes, nodded in agreement. Her fingers tapped rhythmically on the table, a habit she developed when she was deep in thought.

"We must consider the implications." Her voice was firm but tinged with anxiety. "This mysterious child possesses abilities that defy our comprehension. If he is as powerful as they say, he could be a beacon of hope or a harbinger of chaos."

Elder Arwen, known for his wisdom and calming presence, placed his hands together on the table. His soft voice carried a weight that demanded attention.

"Our immediate concern is the safety of our realms," he sighed and continued. "We cannot ignore this potential threat, but we must also not rush to judgment. We must gather more information, understand the nature of this child's power, and discover his intentions—if any."

Elder Miriam, a woman with a calm demeanor but firm resolve, spoke, "The mansion itself may contain more clues. We must send a more skilled team to investigate, one capable of decoding ancient runes and artifacts. We cannot overlook any detail."

She added, "We also need to capture the child."

The chamber fell silent again as the council members pondered their next steps. The fire crackled, its dancing shadows mirroring the council's turbulent thoughts. Each member knew that the decisions made in this chamber would change the course of all Agartha, affecting countless lives and potentially altering the course of history.

Once again, Elder Miriam broke the silence, her voice firm and resolute.

"We cannot face this alone," she declared. "We must inform the Archbishop of Santia Gratia. His divine wisdom and resources in the Holy Land are crucial to understanding this anomaly."

Elder Maris interjected, her tone urgent. "We must also consider the political ramifications. Revealing such power could provoke unexpected reactions from the kingdoms and their rulers, which could incite fear or a desire to control this power."

Elder Arwen nodded, his eyes reflecting the weight of their responsibilities. "Correct. We must proceed with caution and wisdom. Our message to the Archbishop must be carefully crafted, revealing the facts without inciting panic or undue suspicion."

As the council reached a consensus, the chamber seemed to lighten, the tension giving way to a sense of purpose. The decision was made: they would send an envoy to Santia Gratia, bearing the mercenaries' detailed report and the council's concerns.

They would request a private audience with Archbishop Chesterton Garcera, hoping to gain his wisdom and guidance on the matter.

Elder Miriam stood, signaling the end of the meeting. Her presence commanded respect, and as she addressed her fellow council members, her voice carried a blend of authority and dignity.

"We must act swiftly but cautiously. Let us not forget our duty to protect our world and maintain the delicate balance of power. Let wisdom guide our actions, and knowledge illuminate the darkness of uncertainty."

The council members rose, their expressions resolute. As they exited the chamber, a sense of urgency and responsibility weighed heavily on their shoulders.

They knew that their actions in the coming days would be crucial in navigating the emerging phenomenon of the mysterious child and the mansion in the forest. The path ahead was fraught with danger and uncertainty, but they were determined to face it with courage and wisdom.

With their plan set in motion, the Elder Council prepared for the challenges ahead. They knew this was just the beginning of a complex and potentially perilous journey.

The mysterious child with untapped power, the enigmatic mansion, and the implications for the future of Agartha were all pieces of a puzzle they had yet to solve. But one thing was certain: the world was about to change, and they needed to be ready for whatever might come.

After the long meeting, Elder Miriam immediately gathered the Mystic Rogues. She assigned them a new mission.