Everess could hear the whisper of the wind. Gentle light seeped through her closed eyelids, not too glaring, not too subdued — just enough to rouse her. Blinking open her eyes, she found herself beneath the clearest sky she had ever seen, clouds resembling the purest silk. It dawned on her, that they were no longer in their familiar world.

Lying still, staring at the unfamiliar sky, confusion set in. She rolled over, and to her astonishment, discovered more clouds below her. In a moment of panic, she shot upright, encasing herself in a protective orb, only to realize that the sky was not confined to its usual place.

Moments later, one by one, the others finally awoke, groaning and nursing sore heads and backs. She took a quick headcount — Ravaen, Sevidon, Glaivel, Kaira, Graveloth, and their unexpected addition, Aderon. Despite the disorientation, they were all present. Much to her delight. She remained cocooned in her protective orb, observing the others.

She remembered little as to how they got there, all she remembered. After seeing the visions of a light maiden, everything was enveloped by light, and then a sudden weightlessness enveloped them, followed by an abrupt jolt that left them unconscious.

Graveloth inspected his back for injuries upon awakening, stretching every part of his body slowly and carefully. Kaira rolled to her stomach. Sevidon stood up as he checked his arms and legs. Glaivel only stayed lying on his back as he stared up at the sky, appearing to be trying to make sense of the situation like she did. Ravaen kneeled, cradling the back of his head, and Aderon groaned in pain before audibly cracking his neck.

Sevidon approached Glaivel, giving him a gentle kick to prompt him up. She then hovered towards Kaira, still in her protective bubble, and noticed Kaira’s lingering pain.

“Are you alright, Kaira?” she asked from her pink bubble.

“What happened?” Kaira groaned in response.

She surveyed her surroundings, and it was evident that Aderon and the others were equally perplexed. “I don’t know.” She admitted.

With a gentle motion, Kaira sat up, her astonishment mirrored in her gaze as she observed the sky beneath her. Reacting impulsively, she leaped toward her protective bubble, finding stability as she caught her. Both of them stared at each other, then proceeded to hover down as they left the safety of the protective orb.

Eager to discover more, they wandered, hopeful for a sight beyond the endless sea of clouds. However, after a while of seeing nothing but the endless sky, disappointment settled in as they encountered nothing but the vast, empty space that they found themselves in. Without a clear sense of direction — north, south, east, or west — they simply walked into the unknown.

Ravaen and Aderon assumed leadership, navigating the featureless landscape of the sky’s reflection. Both Ravaen and Aderon ignored each other as they headed onward in two different directions, both focused, as if guiding and herding their group in one direction.

There was no wind, yet it wasn’t really noticeable because they didn’t feel hot or tired. The smell of lilac, for some reason, was prevalent in this realm. She didn’t mind though, as it was her favorite flower.

“I love the smell. Reminds me of our gardens.” She said as she tried to break the tension of their situation.

The others then quickly got a whiff of the smell, and some did enjoy it.

“The fresh smell of winter rose does come in handy. It only grows in the North. How I miss home so because of it.” Graveloth said.

She was confused. “Winter Rose? That’s what you are smelling?”

“Yes. I’ve been smelling it since we woke up. The fresh smell of sweetness dances upon my nose, plus it has a chilling feeling to it that does invigorate my nose and my blood.” Graveloth confirmed his answer.

“Wait, I’ve been smelling tigris daisies. It always has a spring scent to it, a mixture of the spring wind and grass.” Kaira added.

She was confused as to what this signifies to them. They smelled different scents as if it was intentional to calm them.

She paid it no mind further to avoid any further confusion, she sighed as time seemed to stretch as they traversed the unfamiliar terrain. Ravaen finally returned after what felt like hours and reported that he found nothing but the unending sky. After a few moments, Aderon returned and by his face alone, it only meant that he encountered the same.

She tried to make sense of everything when suddenly, Aderon glared at her, drew his sword, and pointed his sword at her.

“What trickery is this, Orderian?” Aderon’s sudden outburst echoed through the ethereal expanse, oblivious to Sevidon’s sword already poised at his throat.

“Lay down your sword. Calm yourself, Prince. I am sure that Everess doesn’t have the slightest knowledge of what has happened as well,” Sevidon intervened, fixing his gaze on Aderon. Aderon stared at him fiercely before sheathing his sword and distancing himself.

“If I find out that this is one of your tricks, I assure you that the Orderians will wake up to a morning sky filled with legions of the High Eagle army,” Aderon threatened as he looked at her with daggers.

She remained silent as another stepped between her and Aderon. “Calm down. As the general has already said, the Princess did not do this,” Glaivel calmly clarified.

“And attempt if you dare, High Prince, I assure you with my authority, that your Legion will be annihilated swiftly by my army,” Ravaen declared, locking eyes with Aderon. Kaira intervened, breaking up the confrontation.

“You two! Stop acting like children! We are here on a mission, not to settle petty disputes!” Kaira yelled, directing her frustration at the feuding pair. Ravaen threw his arm but Graveloth and Glaivel held him off while Sevidon grabbed Aderon.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

“He just arrived here and already he acts like a typical High Eagle! No wonder you don’t get along with the rest!” Ravaen shouted.

“I will have your head, Wingling!” Aderon retorted.

“Bring it and my sword will answer, you northerner punk!”

Bitter exchanges of words hung in the air until they were once again enveloped in a blinding radiance. The brilliance drew nearer, as it spun through the air, revealing the silhouette of a woman with cascading hair, still veiled in light. The luminosity gradually dimmed, making the ethereal figure bearable to their eyes, only leaving them in awe.

She was dumbfounded as she stared at the light maiden. She wasn’t sure if it was the same light maiden in her dreams, the one in her dreams was brighter, but she wasn’t sure if it just dimmed its brilliance for their sake.

“I bid thee, welcome, warriors of Unibeltrasia. Eldemensters, guardians of everything that is pure and just,” the enigmatic figure declared in a resonant, chilling voice, bowing gracefully before them.

“No need for anger, Prince of the Eagles, Prince Aderon Azure. She is not the one responsible for what brought you here,” she assured the now composed, yet irked, Aderon. “And King of the Falcons, Protector of the Great Tree, there’s no need for violence in such a blissful and pristine realm,” she added, directing her words to Ravaen.

“Well, his attitude will have to change then — um — mysterious being. Tell him that.” Ravaen retorted as he cleared his throat.

Aderon shot him a silent growl but was restrained by Sevidon, who stood closest, ready to intervene if a brawl erupted.

Drawing closer to them, the glowing maiden spoke, “I assure you, King, I believe he will. But in time, it will take its place.” Despite the incandescent glow, they strained to gaze upon her.

“I am Lyo, Messenger of the Gods and Animos,” she revealed.

“Why bring us here, Lyo?” Kaira immediately asked, beating the others to the question.

Lyo turned her attention to Kaira. Her body seemingly trembled, as if she felt the stare of the eyeless light maiden. “I must clarify that I did not summon you to this realm, but the Animos did,” Lyo responded, her voice still echoing in space.

“Where in the realms are we? Nothing in our world could boast such unimaginable wonders,” Graveloth inquired, his curiosity echoing in the other’s expression.

Lyo maintained her silence as she felt as though she were looking at her. Then she realized where they were. “This is the Mirror Realm,” she declared, capturing the attention of all. “The realm of in-between, between our world and Vir Melos.”

“I’m surprised you have knowledge of this place,” Glaivel said, but she paid him no heed.

“It’s in our books, and I needed to learn this, as my Father insisted. The Mirror Realm is a mythical place where the souls of the departed pass through before journeying to paradise. Those unprepared to make the crossing are cursed to roam the plains for eternity,” she explained, her words reaching everyone, even the immortal being who distances itself slightly.

“The Mirror Realm serves as the successful in-between, said to reflect on everything happening in our world.” She said as she looked everywhere once more. She was confused however as it seemed that it wasn’t reflecting the current turmoil happening in their world.

“I’m surprised it’s still light and sunny here, considering the current events in Arumar. According to my studies in religious, ancient and ceremonial texts, what’s unfolding in the Empire should cast a few storm clouds here and there.” She added because she thought that they might have interpreted the texts wrong.

“How is that so?” Graveloth interjected.

“As you can see, there are no storm clouds in sight. It implies that peace and goodness still prevail in the world. Dark clouds here mean trouble in our world. I could be missing something, I recall getting scolded by the overseer-librarian because I’m not supposed to read that book yet.” She explained, briefly, reminiscing. Graveloth, however, remained puzzled, mirroring the collective desire to unveil the contents of that elusive last paragraph.

“The Mirror Realm. I had a hunch that’s where we are all earlier, but I wasn’t certain back then,” Sevidon said as he continued surveying the surroundings.

“Interesting, it’s your people who gave us access to the gaps in our knowledge. Your ancestors provided insights into this realm, bridging the missing details in our books,” she chimed in.

“Even within our own vast troves of knowledge, there are unexplained gaps that you helped shed light on. I share your curiosity about this anomaly. Still, it is surprising that I will find myself in a place so close to Vir Melos,” said Sevidon as he tried to avoid eye contact with her and the others.

“Your curiosity and skepticism are welcomed and respected, Prince Sevidon,” Lyo answered Sevidon. Sevidon was shocked.

She noticed this, and was confused as well, as to why Lyo addressed Sevidon as a prince. She saw Sevidon, visibly shaken though. Unsettled about how he was addressed. It made her curious, but was uncertain if she should ask him about it later.

“If we are truly close to Vir Melos, take us there,” Aderon demanded the ethereal being.

“I apologize, Prince of the Eagles, but only those prepared to cross from your world to ours can bask in the glory and wonders of the Sacred Lands,” Lyo replied.

With a graceful wave of her hand, spectral figures materialized, each aimlessly wandering in various directions. “And these souls, like you, are not ready. They will linger her, unsure of their purpose or destination.”

“Are they, who I think they are?” Ravaen stuttered as he inquired softly, attempting to catch the attention of one of the spectral beings.

“Yes, Mystic King. They are the departed. Those who were taken from your world too early. Those who were killed by the rampage of the Trasidar Prince,” Lyo confirmed. She waved her hand once more, causing them to vanish from their sight.

“Why show us this, Lyo, and why bring us here?” Sevidon wondered.

“My dear Prince, the Animos have summoned you for a distinct purpose,” Lyo responded, then looked at her once more.

“Why do you keep on calling him Prince? I know who the Karin Prince is, and he is not it.” Aderon questioned, leaving some bewildered. Sevidon, however, remained stoic, undisturbed by the Lyo’s words.

“Those questions will be answered in time, for everything has its time to be revealed. One must be patient to be able to find and know the answer. But now is not that time. You are here for a different purpose,” Lyo explained, diverting the attention away from the lingering question.

“What is this purpose then, Great Entity?” she inquired, sensing that this was the unspoken question echoing in everyone’s minds. They waited patiently for an answer from the mystical being. Lyo momentarily stepped away and then turned to face them again.

“It concerns your mission to kill the Trasidar Prince,” Lyo revealed.

“Yes, kill the Prince, for he is a threat not only to the Trasidar Empire but to the peace of the Arumar continent. Am I right, mystic being?” Aderon answered with a confident grin.

“I am certain that your Father will be pleased if that happens. But I am instructed by the Gods and Animos that you shall do no such thing,” she declared.

Lyo’s words hung in the air. A profound silence settled among them. She was shocked that the Gods and the Animos would intervene like this.

There is more to this, as she felt it. Something was moving in the shadows that may have prompted the heavenly beings to intervene. Whatever that may be, it seems that Tamiron was a key part of their plan.

However, lines have clearly been drawn as two of their group, Glaivel and Aderon, clearly want to end Tamiron. Graveloth was still undecided about what to do. Leaving only her, Sevidon, Ravaen, and Kaira.

She can’t help but feel, however, that Tamiron was not the only key part of the God’s and Animos’ plans.

End of Chapter XXIV