Killian sat at his desk, the room dimly lit by a single lantern. He was surrounded by stacks of papers, each one a reminder of the chaos he was trying to manage.
The nobles had been growing suspicious about the unusual quiet in the royal palace, and their constant probing was making things even harder.
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> Your Grace,
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> I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I wish to express my deepest gratitude for the timely support of the soldiers you dispatched. Their bravery and skill were instrumental in safeguarding my priests and followers from what could have been a devastating outcome. Without their intervention, we would have faced serious casualties.
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> By the grace of Elorath, the situation here has become more manageable. The light of her wisdom and protection has guided us through these turbulent times. We are now in a position to return to the temple, where we will continue our sacred duties and pray for the well-being of our people.
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> I also wish to inform you of a matter of concern. I have heard rumors of various species gathering at a place referred to as "The Arena." Despite my efforts, I have been unable to obtain any substantial information about this gathering. It may be worth investigating further to ensure the stability and security of our land.
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> We plan to depart in a few days' time, once all preparations are complete. I will ensure that the temple's doors remain open to all who seek solace and guidance in these trying times.
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> May the blessings of Elorath be upon you, Your Grace. Your leadership and support are deeply appreciated and will not be forgotten.
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> With utmost respect and gratitude,
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> High Priest Morgan
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He sighed, rubbing his forehead as he tried to focus. Thankfully, the high priest had managed to resolve the situation in the east. That was one less problem to worry about.
He picked up his quill and began to write a letter, his hand steady despite the exhaustion that weighed heavily on him. "If this letter has managed to reach you, I need you to travel to the port city and help Prince Tristan there, Your Holiness." he wrote. "The situation in the palace is less than ideal. Bring anyone you can."
He carefully folded the letter and sealed it in an envelope, hoping it would reach its destination quickly and safely.
There was so much left to do. With the emperor unresponsive and Prince Tristan away, the burden of maintaining the empire fell heavily on Killian's shoulders.
He prayed for Tristan's success, knowing that the young prince was their best hope. It had been days since Killian had last slept.
"Cecile, I need a cup of tea," Killian called out, his voice echoing slightly in the quiet room. He waited, but there was no response.
"Cecile?" he called again, standing up from his desk. Cecile was always prompt, and it wasn't like her to ignore him.
The hallway was quiet and dark, the only light coming from the faint glow of the lanterns spaced along the walls.
Killian knew that most of the maids were probably asleep by now, but the silence felt too oppressive, especially with Cecile nowhere to be found.
He thought of the two guards, Lothar and Davian. It was their duty to patrol this wing tonight, but there was no sign of them either. A sense of unease settled in his gut.
Killian moved to a nearby statue and grabbed the sword resting at its base. The cold metal felt reassuring in his hand, but it did little to quell his growing anxiety. Something was definitely amiss.
His first priority was to check on the emperor. The safety of the realm's ruler was paramount. He moved swiftly but cautiously down the corridor, his eyes and ears alert for any signs of danger. The shadows seemed to shift and flicker as he passed, adding to the sense of foreboding that hung in the air.
As he approached the emperor's chambers, Killian's grip on the sword tightened. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. The door to the emperor's room was slightly ajar, an unusual sight given the strict security protocols that were always in place.
Killian opened the door to a horrifying sight. The guards, Lothar and Davian, along with his maid Cecile, lay lifeless on the floor, their eyes vacant and glassy. His heart pounded in his chest as he took in the gruesome scene, his breath catching in his throat.
Standing beside the bed was Archmage Marius—no, Argoth. He was speaking to the bedridden emperor, his hand casually resting around the emperor's neck. "Your Majesty!" Killian screamed, rushing forward with his sword raised.
Argoth sighed, barely glancing at Killian. He muttered something about a rat and, in the blink of an eye, was right in front of Killian. Killian's momentum was abruptly halted as Argoth's hand pierced through his chest. Killian gasped, blood spurting from his mouth. Argoth's hand withdrew, clutching Killian's heart.
Killian's legs gave out, and he collapsed to the floor, blood pooling around him. Argoth turned back to the emperor, casually crushing the heart in his hand. "Where were we again?" he mused, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "Ah yes, Tristan. Like I said, my dear brother," he continued, "Tristan is already gone, and you can do nothing about it."
He leaned closer to the emperor, his voice dripping with malice. "You will watch as the empire you worked so hard to protect crumbles before your very eyes. I can't wait to see the expression on your face when that happens."
Killian, lying in his own blood, could barely whisper his final words. "You and those who follow your path will fall," he rasped. "The longer you continue, the harder you will fall."
Argoth laughed, a chilling sound that echoed in the room. He stomped on Killian's head, silencing him forever. "Is there anyone who can stand against me?" he taunted. "Tristan is gone, and Darius, my dear brother, is no different from a lifeless corpse."
As the moonlight shone into the room, Argoth vanished, leaving behind the lifeless bodies and a room drenched in blood. Killian lay on the floor, his eyes staring blankly at the emperor's bed, his final stand ending in tragedy.
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"Mew." Cedric felt something wet touch his face.
"Mew?" The wet touch came again as he slowly regained consciousness. He opened his eyes to find a small creature climbing onto him, its tongue flicking against his skin. Instinctively, he tensed, expecting danger. He groaned from the sharp pain in his arm, startling the creature, which stumbled back.
The little being resembled a baby fox, but its fur was a faintly glowing blue. It was incredibly small, fitting comfortably in the palm of his hand. Its head tilted to the side, and its wide eyes were filled with curiosity as it observed Cedric’s movements.
"Mew?" The fox-like creature made a soft noise, and to Cedric’s surprise, he could somehow understand it.
"What happened to me?" Cedric asked, trying to sit up. The fox mewed again, seemingly in response. "I was in a fight with someone named Argoth. That man... he broke my arm."
"Mew?" The little fox tilted its head further, its eyes reflecting a mixture of concern and confusion.
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"You don't know who that is?" Cedric winced as he adjusted himself, clutching his injured arm. The creature let out another soft mew, shaking its head slightly.
"Have you never seen anyone else before?" Cedric asked. The fox responded with a mournful "mew."
"So, you're alone too, huh?" Cedric said softly. The small fox moved closer, its glowing fur casting a gentle light on Cedric’s face. Their strange, silent communication continued as Cedric tried to piece together his situation.
"Mew?"
"What am I doing here?" Cedric repeated, mostly to himself. "It's hard to explain, but I got separated from my friends." He sighed, the weight of his injuries and exhaustion pressing down on him.
"Mew?"
"A friend? It's someone you spend time with, someone who stands by you," Cedric explained, his voice tinged with sadness.
"Mew?"
"Are you asking if we can be friends too?" Cedric asked with a small smile. The fox nodded slightly before resting its tiny head on Cedric's lap. Cedric gently reached out with his good hand, patting its head. The creature closed its eyes, seemingly enjoying the affection.
"Sure, we can be friends," Cedric said, a genuine smile spreading across his face. The fox nuzzled closer, finding comfort in Cedric’s presence. "My name’s Cedric, but what should I call you? Foxy?"
The little fox lifted its head, looking at Cedric with a puzzled expression. "Mew."
"You don't like that? How about Bluey? Mew Mew?" Cedric suggested, trying to find a name that suited the glowing creature.
"Mew..." The fox shook its head again.
Cedric thought for a moment, his mind drifting to the creature's ethereal glow. "Since you have a glowing light like a fairy, how about Faylinn?"
The fox’s eyes lit up, and it let out an excited "mew" before starting to hover above Cedric's shoulder, its tiny wings fluttering.
"You can fly, huh?" Cedric remarked, watching Faylinn land gently on his shoulder. The little creature seemed to brighten at the name, its glow casting a soft, calming light around them.
Faylinn settled on Cedric's shoulder, its tiny body warm against his skin. Despite his injuries and the harrowing experiences, Cedric felt a sense of calm wash over him. He had found an unexpected friend in this strange place, and for the first time in a while, he allowed himself to feel a glimmer of hope.
“Ugh,” Cedric groaned as the pain from his broken arm surged through his body.
“Mew?” Faylinn tilted her head, her tiny eyes filled with concern.
“Why am I making this noise? Like I said, I got into a fight and got injured,” Cedric explained, his voice strained with pain.
“Mew?” Faylinn’s eyes widened, showing a mix of curiosity and determination.
“No, I’ll manage, Fay. I just need to find some sticks and some rope to make a splint for my arm,” Cedric said, attempting to sit up despite the pain.
Faylinn let out a determined mew on his shoulder. Cedric watched in amazement as sticks and vines from nearby trees began to float towards him, wrapping around his arm to form a makeshift splint.
“You did that?” Cedric asked, astonished. Faylinn let out a cheerful mew and licked his face.
“Okay, okay, thank you, Fay” Cedric said with a smile, feeling a glimmer of hope. Faylinn danced around on his shoulder, her excitement palpable.
Cedric winced as the splint tightened around his arm. “Hold on, Fay. It’s not quite right,” he said, adjusting the vines. “Can you loosen it a bit?”
Faylinn responded with a questioning mew, clearly unsure of what to do.
“It needs to be tight enough to hold my arm still but not so tight that it cuts off circulation,” Cedric explained. Faylinn concentrated, her tiny brow furrowing in determination. The vines loosened slightly, and Cedric sighed in relief.
“Good, but now it’s a bit too loose. Let’s try tightening it just a little,” Cedric said, guiding Faylinn through the process.
Faylinn let out another mew and adjusted the splint again, her tiny paws moving with surprising precision. Cedric felt a slight improvement and nodded approvingly.
“Much better, Fay. You’re getting the hang of it,” Cedric praised. Faylinn let out an excited mew, fluttering around his head.
After a few more adjustments, Cedric finally felt the splint was secure and comfortable enough to keep his arm stable. “There, that should do it. Thank you” he said, patting the little fox’s head.
Faylinn nuzzled against his cheek, her tiny form radiating warmth. Cedric felt a surge of gratitude for his new companion.
Cedric began to gather sticks and leaves to make a makeshift camp for the night. His broken arm made the task difficult, but thanks to Faylinn, the process went much more quickly. The little fox darted around, using her mysterious abilities to bring sticks and leaves to Cedric, arranging them in a neat pile.
With the materials gathered, Cedric started to form a bed and simple shelter. Faylinn, intrigued by her new surroundings, flitted around the campsite, her blue glow casting a gentle light on the forest floor. She seemed to enjoy the task, her playful movements making Cedric smile despite his exhaustion.
As Cedric prepared the camp, Faylinn suddenly felt the air vibrate with a soft, melodic hum. Light seemed to dance between the leaves, creating patterns that were not just beautiful but seemed communicative. Faylinn's excitement was palpable as she flitted around Cedric, urging him to follow her and check out the source of this mysterious phenomenon.
"Hey, where are you going?" Cedric called after her, wincing as he stood up and felt the pain in his arm. "Wait for me!"
Faylinn's movements became more frantic and excited as they approached an area where the light and sound intensified. She flew ahead, then circled back to Cedric, signaling him to follow closely. They came upon a clearing where beings of light were gathered. Their forms shimmered with an ethereal glow, and their movements created a harmonious symphony of sounds that resonated through the forest.
The beings noticed Cedric and Faylinn, and their music quieted, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and curiosity. Faylinn hovered between Cedric and the beings, her light harmonizing with theirs, easing the initial tension. Cedric watched in awe as the environment around them seemed to respond to the beings' presence, the trees and plants subtly glowing and swaying in harmony with their movements.
The beings moved with a fluid grace that seemed to resonate with a rhythm from another realm, their actions feeling both present and distant, as if they existed partially in another space and time. Their movements were mesmerizing, each gesture creating ripples of light that intertwined with the forest, making it seem alive and aware.
Intrigued by Cedric's connection with Faylinn and his respectful curiosity, the beings began to interact with him. They communicated through a complex combination of light and sound, teaching Cedric the basics of their language. Faylinn acted as an intermediary, her light patterns guiding Cedric in understanding the intricate messages conveyed by the beings.
Cedric, in turn, shared his own experiences and knowledge with the beings. He spoke of his travels, his encounters with magic, and the various cultures he had come across. The beings were particularly fascinated by his stories of other lands and the diverse ways in which different beings lived and interacted with the world. They saw Cedric as a bridge to the wider world beyond the forest.
The beings invited Cedric to participate in a light-sound ritual designed to rejuvenate the forest's energy, which had been disturbed by recent events possibly linked to Argoth’s activities. With Faylinn's guidance, Cedric learned to use the rudimentary skills taught by the beings. He moved in harmony with them, his movements and light blending seamlessly with theirs.
As they performed the ritual, Cedric felt a profound connection with the forest and the beings. The energy around them seemed to pulse with life, and the disturbances in the forest's energy began to fade. The ritual not only rejuvenated the forest but also deepened the bond between Cedric, Faylinn, and the beings.
As the ritual concluded, Cedric felt a sense of accomplishment and belonging. The beings expressed their gratitude, and Faylinn's joyful presence was a testament to the success of their efforts.
"Mew," Faylinn said softly.
"What did you say?" Cedric asked, looking at her.
"Mew," Faylinn repeated.
"Symphonis?" Cedric echoed. "Is that what these beings are called?"
Faylinn mewed again, confirming his understanding.
Cedric nodded, a new sense of respect and wonder filling him as he looked at the Symphonis.
For the first time, Cedric felt a deeper connection to his own power. The ritual had awakened something within him, a new understanding of his abilities and their potential. As he stood in the clearing, surrounded by the Symphonis and the rejuvenated forest.
Cedric sat down and tried to concentrate, the light and sound of the clearing enveloping him in a harmonious embrace. He closed his eyes, focusing on the sensations around him. The energy of the Symphonis, the melodic hum, and the shimmering light patterns began to merge with his own sense of self. He felt a transformation within, a deeper connection to his powers than ever before.
As he concentrated, he began to understand more about his abilities. He could feel the raw potential within him, a power that had always been there but was now more accessible. The memory of Argoth's attack lingered, but Cedric realized that his power had not been completely drained. It was fainter, but still present.
Opening his eyes, Cedric could feel the power coursing through him. He extended his arm, concentrating on the image of Eryndor. A surge of power flowed through his arm, but instead of a grand teleportation, he moved only a short distance away. It seemed that his current strength allowed for only limited teleportation.
Determined to explore further, Cedric experimented with his time manipulation abilities. He attempted to stop time, but the world around him continued its natural pace.
After several attempts, he discovered that he could slow down objects, though not completely freeze them. This new understanding gave him a sense of control. He could slow down individual objects just enough to maneuver through most situations, and more importantly, it seemed to consume only a fraction of his remaining time.
While Cedric continued to be amazed at his rediscovered abilities, he noticed the Symphonis beginning to fade away. Their forms, shimmering with light, gradually disappeared into the forest. Faylinn let out a polite mew as a farewell to them and landed gently on Cedric's shoulder. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, reflecting her enthusiasm for Cedric's powers.
Cedric smiled and patted Faylinn's head. "Thank you, Fay," he said softly. The little fox nuzzled against his cheek, her warmth comforting and reassuring.
With his new understanding of his power, Cedric felt a deep realization settle within him. Leander's words echoed in his mind, clear and resonant, as if spoken just moments ago.
"Use your sword to protect, not just to attack. Protect others with a clear goal and purpose."
These words had eluded Cedric then, but now, with his heightened perception, they made perfect sense. His journey had never been solely about fighting; it was about safeguarding the futures of those he was meant to protect, guiding their narratives towards better endings. The shrine had granted him god-like power for this very purpose.
As he lifted his sword, it felt different, even in his left hand. It was as light as a feather, an extension of his will. He could feel everything—the wind whispering through the leaves, the subtle shift of the earth beneath his feet, the distant rustle of animals stirring at dawn. His senses were heightened, his awareness expanded. It was as if he had been blindfolded all his life, and now, for the first time, he could truly see.
Cedric reflected on all those years he had spent protecting the 'protagonists.' Had he truly been protecting them, or merely reacting, fighting threats as they came? Understanding now that true protection meant guiding their paths, ensuring they could fulfill their destinies, Cedric felt a profound shift within himself. He realized that his role was not just to fight but to shape the future, to create a world where those he protected could thrive.
As he stood there, feeling the lightness of his sword and the clarity of his purpose, he felt a connection to the world around him. It was as if he could sense the very essence of life, the interconnectedness of all things. He understood that his power was not just about wielding the sword but about understanding the flow of time and space, and using that understanding to guide and protect.
He thought back to all the worlds he had visited, the countless lives he had touched. Each one had left an imprint on him, and he on them. He realized that his true strength came not from his abilities, but from the connections he had made, the lives he had changed. This was the essence of his power—the ability to shape the narrative, to create a better future.
But most importantly at this moment, Cedric could feel something else—something big and ominous watching him from inside the cave across the forest. The presence was unmistakable.
Whatever was in that cave, it didn’t like him being here.