The group found themselves entangled with the grand plan of the heavens, a complex dilemma that would draw out either the best of them, or the worst. Everess, Sevidon, Ravaen and Kaira had unequivocally made their decisions. Glaivel and Aderon had also chosen their paths, with Graveloth being the outlier. He did say that he would assist them, but still, he had not made his position very clear. However, the revelation of the Gods and Animos plans changed everything.

Her eyes turned to Glaivel, frozen in disbelief as he gazed, wordless at Lyo, the celestial messenger of the Gods and Animos. Aderon, however, clearly opposed whatever the Gods and Animos just told them.

“What? But that is the instructions of the Arch Chancellor! You’ve even shown us the extent of what he has done! How can they cross if the killer is still walking alive?” his protests echoed in the vastness of the mirror realm.

Sevidon and Graveloth attempted to restrain him, but a sudden pallor overcame him, and a profound silence ensued, leaving everyone bewildered. Even her. She looked at Lyo and only noticed that she had already turned her eyeless gaze upon him.

“I understand the High Prince’s emotional turmoil on behalf of the Eagles. Once a mission is bestowed, they adhere to it unwaveringly,” she said as she walked towards them. “I cannot simply tell you the logic behind the decision of the Gods and Animos, as their wisdom is even beyond me. However, heed this — they demand your allegiance, and you all show it so by following their heavenly command.”

“But what about Aderon’s concerns? Surely, the Gods and Animos know the urgency of stopping the Trasidar Prince.,” Graveloth asked.

“In time, descendant of the living wind, all shall be revealed,” she said. “For now, I am but relaying a message to you from the Gods and Animos. Even in times of desecration, when malevolence dares to mock them, consider this — the Gods and Animos compose a grander symphony.” Lyo said as he gazed at all of them.

“To sustain this harmony, Tamiron’s survival must endure. Disrupting this delicate orchestration will unleash melodies of chaos and destruction, that even the Gods and Animos cannot fix. Heed this call.” Lyo warned them.

A collective hush fell upon the assembly, a tapestry woven with threads of astonishment, reverence, and bewilderment.

“Now that I have delivered to you the words of the Gods and Animos, I shall now give you what they have given, to prepare you for your upcoming fight to subdue the Trasidar Prince,” Lyo said.

“You have been summoned here for you stand unprepared to confront the might of the Trasidar Prince,” she explained, fixing her gaze upon her. She suddenly felt a shiver, as she felt her cold — yet warm eyeless stare.

“Tamiron has become a Criesmenster. An entity granted by the powers both of Arumar, and Shardon — the Goddess of Life and Light, and the God of Death and Rebirth. Against such a being blessed — unexpectedly by both Gods, victory eludes; only death awaits,” she declared, stepping forward. A ripple of disquiet cascaded through them.

“Wait, what do you mean unexpectedly?” she asked, curious about the use of the word and what it could mean.

“The Goddess Arumar blessed all the children with their gifts. Trasidars, their unwavering strength, loyalty and longevity through her son, the Animos Freigurd. The Falconkind, their gift of the winds and their connection to the spirits and the anis, the creations of the seven Animos. Specifically, Aerodesmus, as he is the closest one to this plane.” She explained further.

“The Tigris, blessed with their speed in the land to navigate and adapt to it to the earth, by Usaltagar,” Kaira suddenly said.

“The gift of Longevity as well as our connection to the Forest, through the Twin Animos, Derulesund, and Uarea,” Glaivel added as well.

“Nuragod, his gift of craftsmanship and love for sculpting things to the Kra’ens,” Lyo explained further, then looked to Aderon, “And finally, despite your people’s sin. Aerodesmus took your people as his, and gifted you powerful wings and strength in the air, to withstand the harsh and cold winds of the North,” she explained.

Then she turned to her once more.

“Only your people are left.” She said as her voice echoed. “There once was a people blessed with Shardon’s insight and knowledge, their existence, coincided with yours. Their understanding of the cycle of Life and Death. The race of men, their numbers dwindle due to being persecuted and hunted down in the past by Derulesund and Uarea’s children. It’s a shame really, but their spirit lives on with Karinhawis, though now they have lost their connection because of eons of being hunted down.” She stood silent as Lyo only walked slowly towards her.

“Your people are what’s left in the world that still have Shardon’s gift. And now, though magic is non-existent in him, he has also been given this gift by someone. A consequence of the God Shardon leaving these stones. He gave these stones as a sign of trust to you all. But was misused. Only two are left. The Arvales Stone, and the Tamiron Stone.” She explained further.

“This being came in possession of a knowledge long lost that pushed Tamiron to his state now. But in doing so, unlocked a power that he should not possess.”

They were all silent. Learning things that they didn’t know. Things that were explained differently in their books. She looked at the others and saw disbelief on their faces. All of them, especially her, now knowing that their people were the only children of Shardon, left.

She came forward and said, “If what you are saying is true. Then how can we stand against him? How can I stand against him? I’m a mess!” she exclaimed as she referred to her uncontrolled powers. Even then, she felt her power escaping her control.

“Do not be afraid, I will unlock and bestow upon you the powers of the Eldemensters. This in turn will help you in your upcoming battle, especially yours, Grand Sage,” Lyo said.

Stunned as to what she just called her. She tried to recall if she had any knowledge of it. Her eyes widened as she recalled the name, but did not know why she was called as such.

“Upon leaving this realm, all of your gifts will be enhanced to the point that you can withstand the Prince’s power,” she continued as she walked towards the curious Graveloth.

“Graveloth Demio, the last Descendant of the Living Wind, is important to this world. You are the last of the ancient race of the Kra’en’Ur. The last of the Guardians of the Wind.” She declared with resonance.

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“Your unique gift lies in your race’s command of the wind. Cloaking your form in an armor woven from the very breath of the world. Beyond this Mirror Realm, the strength of your people will be given to you a hundredfold, thus giving you absolute control,” she announced with a voice that echoed through the sacred space.

A subtle smile graced Graveloth, mirroring the joy that flickered among the others. Lyo shifted her eyeless gaze to Sevidon and Glaivel, both of whom instinctively withdrew as she approached.

“Brothers of the Hawis. Your skills will be enhanced, Sulin Prince,” Lyo said and Glaivel listened closely, “among the other Sulinhawis, you are the only one who is capable of unsurpassable true sight that even can beat those of the Falcons. You are a rare gem; only two share this capability, yet your distinctiveness is unparalleled. It will be improved further as a gift from the Gods and Animos.” She stops in front of him.

Glaivel stood mesmerized as Lyo’s glowing fingers graced his head, leaving an ethereal glow that slowly faded. His body bathed in a green luminescence, and a gentle wind enveloped him before dissipating. Glaivel inspected his hands as the light flowed slowly through his veins before disappearing completely.

“To you, Karin General, or should I say Sulin Prince of the Karinhawis.” Lyo turned her attention to Sevidon. “Endowed with knowledge and mastery over all known weapons, unparalleled speed, strength, intellect, and agility. A unique trait of the Karinhawis now resides within you. The Animos Uarea now gives you the ability to summon and conjure weapons at will. Wield it with wisdom.” She said and repeated the process. Sevidon’s body glowed in a vivid red before the radiance dispersed.

Lyo then approached Ravaen, who had been awaiting his gift with helpful anticipation.

“My King, I will only be amplifying what you already have. Aerodesmus thought it was unwise to give you more. He felt it would be unfair to the rest of his children,” Lyo announced, a playful chuckle escaping her. Ravaen sighed in mild disappointment, though a glimmer of anticipation lingered.

Lyo now approached Kaira who was beside her. They moved away a little as Kaira held her ground and waited for the words from the illuminating maiden.

“Young Tigress, descendant of the Great Tigris, your race was blessed with an unchallenged speed that surpassed even those of the Hawis. Your movements are a dance of swiftness and grace, rendering you a lethal force against any adversary. Like the Mystic King, your abilities will be amplified,” Lyo said, her touch guiding Kaira’s hand. A radiant yellow circle materialized beneath her, slowly revolving around her until it reached her head. Her entire form shimmered in a resplendent golden glow, emanating from her feet to her head.

Lyo then turned her attention to Aderon. Her eyeless gaze, as cold and piercing as winter in the mountains, met his.

Attempting to touch his face, Lyo was met with an unexpected slap, eliciting gasps from those present. Aderon’s harsh words followed, “Do not even dare lay your finger on me, immortal one.” Lyo, undeterred, maintained her composure.

“High Prince, nurtured in the embrace of your father’s strength, your heart molded as stubbornly as your will,” Lyo observed, her tone unwavering. Aderon, maintaining his stoic demeanor, fixed her with a deadly stare. “Yet, your will has succumbed to the same corruption that plagues your father’s. The truth of it unsettles you.” Aderon’s brows furrowed, and in an instant, he erupted in a display of suppressed emotions.

“How dare you talk about my Father like that? You do not have the right to talk to him like—”

“The death of your mother,” Lyo suddenly said, abruptly silencing Aderon, leaving him robbed of words. “The tragedy unfolded during your birth, Young Prince. The event claimed your father’s most cherished treasure, his heart, and cast the weight of blame upon you. His icy stares, like daggers, pierce your very soul. The yearning for his affection, the desperate hope that fulfilling this mission will restore his love—such is the ache within you,” Lyo continued, her words penetrating the still air.

Leaning down toward the sorrowed Prince, Lyo gently lifted his chin. Aderon’s gaze remained vacant, lost in the horrid memory of his past. Lyo tenderly wiped away the tears that streamed from his glittering blue eyes.

“Time heals all wounds, My Prince. Some may endure longer than one can bear, but healing will come,” Lyo assured as Aderon slowly rose.

“To be frank, My Prince, there isn’t much to offer you, but I do promise this: everything shall be enhanced. Strength, not only in the land but also in the air. Speed that will complement your newfound strength, a gift from the Animos Aerodesmus,” she declared, distancing herself from them with those final words, leaving the group in anticipation.

As the others awaited Lyo’s guidance, anxiety gripped her, eager for her turn. However, Lyo never approached her.

“There’s something more I must convey to you, Eldemensters. The fate of everything now rests upon your decisions. I understand my words may not deter you from your original intentions, but heed this: every action bears a burden, whether bearable or regrettable. Be wise.”

She, frustrated by Lyo’s cryptic words, felt suspicion gnawing at her. As Lyo’s hand rested on her chest, she sensed the being’s gaze penetrating her. Time seemed to warp as everything around her slowed, fixated on Lyo’s eyeless stare. The world blurred into darkness, and she felt herself being drawn into an abyss.

“Grand Sage, your presence has not escaped my notice. I now speak to you in private, away from prying ears,” Lyo intimated, sending a shiver down her spine. “I will unlock half of your latent power, the power that should have been inherent. Unfortunately, your training came a little too late. You must unlock the other half alone. Your race’s return to this world bears a purpose, and the time has come to fulfill that purpose.”

“What do you mean?” she stammered, unsettled by the gravity in Lyo’s tone. “And why this sudden concern from the Gods and Animos? They didn’t even bother lending a helping hand during the Great and Old Wars, why is it different now?”

“As I’ve mentioned to all of you, the power Tamiron now wields surpasses your capacity,” Lyo began.

“That’s not enough,” she protested. “Something is amiss. But there’s something you are not telling us — telling me,”

Lyo maintained a stoic silence, meeting her gaze squarely. “Your thirst for knowledge is truly remarkable, Grand Sage.”

“Why do you persist in calling me that? I am not the Gran—”

“All will be explained in due time. Regarding your previous inquiry, I believe you deserve to know more. The current events should never have unfolded. The Gods and Animos themselves harbor concerns, and this is their way of restoring the balance to its rightful place,” Lyo explained.

She felt an overwhelming surge of emotion. Why had she been brought here, especially now that the Gods and Animos had spoken? The weight of the responsibility, especially from a deity, left her paralyzed with fear.

“Grand Sage, I’ll be brief. Everything I mentioned earlier was directed at you,” Lyo conveyed, her words hanging heavily in the air. A sudden sense of weight bore down on her, making each breath deeper. “From this point onward, you will orchestrate every move, ensuring they remain oblivious to your intentions. You will have a link that will connect us both.”

“Upon leaving the Mirror Realm, you’ll undergo changes to aid you in the task bestowed upon you by the Gods and Animos. Grand Sage, the unfolding events, regardless of their outcome, rest solely on your shoulders.”

“Grand Sage, everything now hinges on you. While my words to the others hold true, the most significant part depends on you alone. You have the capability to bring it all to fruition,” Lyo concluded, her eyes glowing a vibrant maroon before they returned to the mirror realm.

Beside Kaira, Everess suddenly collapsed. Kaira gently cradled Everess’ head on her lap, and Ravaen hurried to her side. Lyo remained unmoved.

“What happened to her?” Graveloth inquired, scrutinizing Lyo.

“She is the Grand Sage. Her gift comes at a cost, one you all must bear on your journey to the ruined city,” Lyo explained.

Graveloth approached Lyo with intensity, questioning her, “Ruined city? Are we confronting Tamiron there?”

Ignoring him, Lyo turned away, distancing herself from the warriors.

“When you leave this realm, your gifts will manifest. There are others that I choose not to disclose at this moment; discover them in your own time,” Lyo stated.

“Why withhold information? We deserve to know,” Aderon demanded, standing before the unconscious Orderian. Lyo extended her right hand, enveloping the group in a pulsing white circle.

“Best of luck on your quest, and remember, we shall always be with you,” Lyo’s voice echoed as the brilliance of another blinding light swallowed them whole. And with that, they were plunged into the unknown, a realm beyond the mirrored confines where destiny’s tapestry continued to weave its intricate design.

End of Chapter XXVI