"With respect your graces we need him," Prince Nevari said to the other people in the room. " Your grace, I'm afraid I must contradict my son." A tall imposing man with a darker skin tone and long, beatifully curled hair entered. He held a slender, sky blue wand crafted from polished crystal that shitmmered with an inner light, and wore a blue robe. The golden hue in his eyes matched the magnificent golden crown upon his head.
Everyone in the room stood up and performed a bow or a curtsey towards him, except for the man in the middle of the room. He resembled the imposing man who had entered, but his hair was slightly shorter. Formidable layers of muscle were concealed by his loose royal robes. He wore a jungle-green robe that matched the his small crown and the delicate silver chains woven into his dark hair each chain adorned with a tiny, irridiscent bead that caught the light. His eye colour however, was peculiar; it shifted with irridiscent from golden to watery-red, then to blueish-purple, and back to golden.
The two clearly powerful men exchanged stares for a few seconds before the man in the middle chose to mimic the others surrounding him. " Imagine my surprise when I heard from others that my son, whom I haven't seen in a long time, was back and present at the Council."
" Forgive me father; I had to handle a few matters," prince Nevari continued , his head still bowed. " And what matters are so important that you came directly to the Council without an appointment?" " Father I beg to disagree. I had already booked an appointment before you sent me on your mission. You were not made aware of it because I requested the Council to withhold the information." The king's aura suddenly flared, a corona of dark, violent energy crackling with unseen lightning and a sharp,acrid scent of bloodlust, begun to condense around the prince like a tightening cage of shadows and arcane energy. But one of the men decided to intervene.
" Forgive me, your majesty," his voice, imbued with a peculiar power, dispersed the violent energy that had nearly engulfed the prince. The king's face snapped from the prince to the man. " What is it?" " His highness speaks the truth, your majesty." " It is my understanding that all Academy appointments must be filled through the king's office, or the Judge's, is it not so, your Grace?"
"Indeed your majesty," the man replied, his voice steady and unwavering." His highness filed the appointment upon the complection of his princely training, and event as we all know, that occurred two decades after his graduation from the Academy." He wore a black robe, it's dark silks cascading in intricate, seemingly random patterns. Though slightly shorter than the prince and king, his vibrant green eyes and the wand held within his grasp radiated undeniable power. He possessed short dark hair, and light skin, his appearance suggesting an age between that of the king and prince.
"And what of your duty to report to the palace after such a long absence?" " Unless, your majesty, there's a matter of extreme importance, one likely to affect the entire nation." " Well? Is there?" The king demanded. " It appears the Burn- " " I was not addressing you Dimitri. I wish to hear it from my son." Dimitri and the prince exchanged a brief glance before turning to the king. Dimitri then subtly nodded to prince Nevari. " Permission to rise, father," the prince requested. The king surveyed the prince, Dimitri and the others present. " Everyone, rise," he conceded with a sigh.
In unison, everyone in the secret chamber rose. Dimitri made a swift, intricate gesture, and a grand throne materialised behind the king, who immediately seated himself. All others, save the prince, took their seats. The prince remained standing in the Circle Chamber, where large thrones were arranged in a ring, Dimitri's towering above the rest. Behind the thrones, ancient powerful artifacts rested on stands, surrounded by a thick fog. The occupants of the thrones sat upon slightly raised marble platform, which appeared to respond to their presence.
" Several months ago, as I begun my return from the magical beast's domain," prince Nevari begun. With a wave of his hand, the chamber plunged into darkness. A map materialised in the centre of the room, it's surface marked with points of red, green, Orange and Purple.
" Villagers from the west have reported the disappearance of young children without a trace. Consequently, young men from the village searched for them in their usual playgrounds. They failed to find the children, and only one returned, severely injured. Upon his recovery, he claimed they were attacked by Burned Ones. Therefore, the village elders decided to investigate." The prince indicated the Western most point of the map.
" Despite their experience, the elders were also attacked, but they managed to hold their ground and capture a Burned One. One elder, bitten during the encounter, permanently lost her ability to use magic. They delivered the Burned One to the local Baraza, unfortunately while in detention, it became violent, forcing the Baraza to incinerate it. Informed by my shadow guards while still in the beasts' domain, I inquired , but they claimed to know nothing." Prince Nevari continued explaining how he too, was attacked by Burned Ones on his return journey. Fortunately, his battalion comprised mostly of Pyromancers, was able to repel them.
" Similar incidents have been reported across the kingdom, all targeting high-ranking officials. The governor of Caralex was attacked during his training, as were the daughter of the Chief of the Nobles and the first cousin's son of the Judge. They strategically targeted not only current high-ranking officials but those of future importance ." Prince Nevari concluded.
" Were they all attacked at the same time and in the same circumstance?" King Elbas asked. " No, your majesty. They were all attacked while alone but at different times. " " Which implies we have traitors within the kingdom. If I understand your proposal to the Council correctly, we require his presence to perform the same ritual as a Century ago, is that accurate?" " Yes, your majesty. While not strictly necessary, the spell he used is archived within the Council's records. The Council intended to persuade the king of Kilimanjaro and the Empire to lend us the witches we require to perform it. However, as it is a bloodspell, we require his blood."
" Therefore, we must either summon him back or find a way to acquire his blood. However, I suspect the summoning failed due to his protection, leaving us with the latter option." King Elbas concluded.
" If I may your majesty, " one of the women in the room spoke . " Speak Rebecker, " Rebecker spoke from her seat at the Council, her posture erect, her gaze unwavering. Though her dark, silver threaded robes spoke of practicality, there was an undeniable warmth radiating from her presence. Her face etched with the wisdom of centuries, held a composed expression, yet her amethyst eyes shimmered with an inner light, belying her apparent youth. Her long, dark hair, threaded with subtle constellations that faintly glowed in the chamber's dim light, seemed to move independently of any breeze, even as she remained still. Her voice soft and authoritative, filled the room.
" I understand he was an acquaintance of yours , prince Nevari, during your time in the Academy. Why not take a small detachment from the Damane and search for him? Since your message arrived, we have attempted every locator spell imaginable, but we have not succeeded. Given the urgency, we cannot afford the time required to contact the trackers," she proposed. The air around her thickened subtly as she spoke a testament to the potent magic she wielded.
"Of course, we could navigate the proper channels, if time permits, and wait until the threat extends to the smaller kingdoms, that pay is tribute." She touched the intricately carved, obsidian amulet that rested on her neck, a simple of her long- held position on the Council. The Council members all turned towards Dimitri, but he remained focused on the king . The king sighed for the second time , aware that they awaited his approval to proceed with the plan. Faint frown lines etched his face, though imperceptible to those present. He then glanced at the young prince, and then at one of the four men in the room.
" The Council can vote to expedite this process using my seal, provided Castiel swears there will be no conflict upon his arrival."
" I fully understand your concerns, your majesty. I assure you, our past will not interfere." A deep voice echoed through the Circle as Castiel spoke, his tone masking a latent storm. He appeared middle-aged, with long white hair, a neatly trimmed beard, black robes, sharp red eyes, and a black wand in his hand. The wand similar in size to those held by Dimitri and the other male Council members but smaller than the king's, was crafted from a dark, polished wood, it's tip faintly shimmering with an inner, red light.
" Alright, all those in favour, raise your right hands," Dimitri commanded, his voice imbued with subtle magic. Every black-robed figure, together with the king, raised their hands, a flicker of arcane energy briefly illuminating their fingertips. " The ayes have it. Unless his majesty has further business, the meeting is adjourned." King Elbas rose from his throne, the ancient runes etched into it's surface glowing faintly as he defended the platform. The throne vanished behind him in a swirl of shimmering motes. The others, each radiating an aura of potent magic, stood, awaiting his command, but he merely glanced at them nodding, and turned to leave. As he departed, his gaze lingered on the prince, a silent acknowledgement of the task ahead. Prince Nevari's expression hardened, a mask of resolve settling over his features. Prince Nevari turned to the remaining eight individuals in the Chamber; four men and four women, the most powerful witches Vesuvias could offer, their presence a testament of their arcane arts. Prince Nevari bowed respectfully to the Council members, acknowledging their authority.
" Thank you for the meeting your Graces. I will take my leave now," prince Nevari said, awaiting their response. Rebecker and Castiel exchanged glances, then turned to Dimitri. A silent, telepathic conversation ensued, then Dimitri turned to the prince and dismissed him with a wave of his hand." Thank you your Graces."
Prince Nevari left the Chamber, allowing sufficient distance before his thoughts surfaced. ' what are those vultures plotting now? I hope they don't subbotage this mission.' " They'll endeavour not to your highness. This mission requires all hands, and they understand that ," a strikingly thin man materialised, shadowing the Prince as he traversed the ornate hallways of the House of Commons. The corridors were lined with doors adorned with strange, shimmering crystals, and others that shifted hues with each passing figure.
Servants performed polite bows as the prince passed, remaining in their posture until he was out of sight. Three more men materialised behind him as he proceeded. " Luke, I've told you, it's an intrusion to enter someone's mind without permission. You could be arrested for that, you know," " Only if they detect me, your highness," Luke replied with a mischievous smirk playing on his lips.
He appeared more youthful than the prince, with striking grey eyes that mirrored the hue of his robe. His long grey hair was bound in a pony tail with a band of shimmering grey silk. The movement of his robe was peculiar, it's folds seemed to decelerate with each step he took. His hair mirrored this effect, and even the cool breeze drifting through the windows slackened as it neared him. Light, too, gathered around him, creating a radiant grey aura that drew the eye. A delicate grey fan flattered in his left hand, providing a constant, gentle breeze as they walked.
" How shall we proceed, your highness?" One of the other men inquired. " I must report to the palace first, and then I'll brief you all once we arrive." Prince Nevari stated firmly. Luke then tapped the prince and the other three men with his folded fan. 'Good lords, your highness,there are too many prying eyes here, ' another man telepathically warned Nevari. ' Yes, I can feel them attempting to breach the link I've established,' Luke added telepathically.
' Well that's why we have you Max . Take us away from this shit hole,' prince Nevari said to the red-haired man amongst them. Max possessed strikingly, long red hair and build more muscular than the Prince's. He wore a muted yellow robe, similar to the other two men, and a golden rope around his hip. A bow and a quiver rested on his back, and a golden bracelet adorned his wrist. He waited until they rounded a corner, almost at the exit of the House of Commons, then he and Luke exchanged a glance, and they vanished into thin air.
They reappeared within a dense forest, the trees towering with unusually thick trunks, a thin fog draped over the area, lending it a mysterious and unsettling aura. ' We're just south of Arthelgard, your highness, in the Forest Of Doom.' Max telepathically informed them, pointing towards a distant tower to the north. ' Your carriage awaits in the clearing that we agreed upon. My brother is calling,' Max added, before shouting," Now your highness."
The four of them sprinted towards Max. ' Would you care to enlighten us on the reason of this haste, Max?' prince Nevari asked telepathically. ' They're under attack, your highness,' he responded. 'But your brother's there! I can't imagine them loosing,' one of the guards chimmed in. ' I said they're under attack, not losing, Samson!' Max retorted. ' Then what's the hurry?' The last guard, Samuel, asked, a confused expression marring his features. ' He wants us to help capture whatever's bothering them for a report since this is one one of the Academy's training grounds,' Samson explained, hurrying towards the distant commotion they all sensed. 'But who'd be foolish enough to attack people in in this forest?' Samuel persisted. " If I had to guess I'd say Burned Ones," Nevari said out loud.
Multicoloured lights flickered from a nearby clearing. A group of people clashed with hedious creatures, their screeching cries echoing through the forest. The creatures possessed a humanoid form, with claws instead of fingers. Their eye sockets appeared empty, but a closer inspection revealed dark smoke oozing from within. Some were physically stronger than others, yet one creature stood out, launching dark spells from it's hands without uttering a single word.
From the edge of the clearing, prince Nevari and his four companions observed the chaotic scene. Thirteen Burned Ones, their humanoid forms concocted and their clawed limbs slashing, pressed a relentless assault. Four palace guards, their expressions grim but controlled, held their ground with practiced precision. One welding a heavy two headed axe, it's edge shimmering with arcane runes. Another brandished a pair of carved daggers, their movements swift and steady. A third held a long, enchanted spear, it's tip crackling with energy. The fourth, a woman, fought with a whip woven from shimmering, silver, threads, it's lash snapping through the air. Eight students, their faces etched with terror and determination, wielded makeshift weapons and cast frantic spells, their efforts barely stemming the tide.
The Burned One, larger and more powerful than the rest, moved with unnerving grace, it's empty sockets smouldering with dark smoke. It launched jets of black energy spells that warped the air and sent students flying. The student captain, a young woman with fiery red hair, fought valiantly, her staff crackling with arcane energy. But the Burned One was too swift. It lunged, it's clawed hand clasping her throat and lifted her into the air. She gasped her staff falling to the ground, her magic flickering and dying.
"Max now!" Prince Nevari commanded, his voice cutting through the din. Max,his bow already drawn, nodded grimly. He and Nevari both moved swiftly towards the clearing. "Luke, Samuel, Samson, assist the others and the students." Nevari ordered, his voice laced with power. " Capture don't kill." Nevari's eyes narrowed as he focused on the Burned One holding the captain aloft like a grotesque trophy." That's enough! " He commanded, his own wand ignited with a brilliant, white light.
Nevari's wand pulsed with white light, a beacon against the encroaching darkness of the Burned One's spells. He surged forward, a blur of motion, his wand aimed directly at the Burned One holding the captain aloft. " Release her!" He commanded, his voice echoed with distortions due to the pressure he exuded towards the Burned One's direction. The Burned One hissed, the dark smoke in it's eyes swirling in their empty sockets. It tightened it's grip on the captain's throat, a low guttural growl vibrating through the air. It then positioned the captain between itself and the prince. The light pulsating from Nevari's wand started corroding the captain's face.
Max, his bow drawn and arrow nocked, moved to Nevari's side. " Careful your Highness," he warned, his voice low. " It's not afraid to use her as shield." He aimed his arrow, searching for an opening. The creature, sensing the shift in the battle, made a sudden, decisive move. Instead of engaging, it unleashed a bust of dark energy, not as an attack but as a propulsion. With guttural screeches, it launched itself in the dense forest, carrying the captain with it.
" After it ," Nevari shouted, his voice laced with urgency, " Max, with me!"
With swift, coordinated moves, Nevari and Max followed the Burned One into the forest's depths, the white light on Nevari's wand cutting through the encroaching shadows. The remaining Burned Ones, their attention now fully on the guards and students, pressed their attacks with renewed ferocity, their dark energy filling the clearing with chaos.
The Forest Of Doom, a labyrinth of ancient trees and perpetual twilight, closed around them. Nevari, though, knew it's treacherous paths well, having navigated it's depths during his Academy training. " It won't escape," he growled his white light cutting through the oppressive darkness. " This is it's grave."
Max scanned the dense undergrowth. " He took her, your Highness," he said his voice tight.
" What are you saying Max? Speak freely." Nevari said dodging a dark energy projectile that streaked past his head as they continued the chase.
" The other students were clearly weaker than the captain, but it didn't take them. It specifically targeted her, and I don't think its because it wants leverage, but because of her identity. She's one of mine, a Child of the Void..." He trailed off, his voice expressing the grim he was feeling.
The Burned One, it's dark silluete a fleeting shadow among the gnarled trees, moved with unnatural speed, it's guttural cries echoing through the forest. It used the dense foliage and the encroaching shadows to it's advantage, disappearing and reappearing like a phantom. The captain, held aloft, was little more than a pale, fading form, her red hair stark contrast against the creatures dark energy.
" No more games," Nevari declared, his white light shifting to a raging inferno. The forest around them ignited, the flames licking at the trees, forcing the Burned One to reveal itself. The creature screeched, it's dark energy flaring, attempting to shield itself and it's captive from the intense heat.
" The Wardens are engaged; I can sense a release of huge amount of power at the forest edge," Nevari said, his voice laced with urgency." We can't rely on them, we end this now," he unleashed a torrent of fire, a wave of searing heat that engulfed the Burned One, forcing it to drop the captain, who immediately teleported to Nevari's side. Max his arrow nocked, aimed for the creatures exposed flank, ready to strike the moment it faltered.
Nevari focused his spell, channeling all it's power onto the Burned One. He then made a pulling gesture with his hand, forcing the creature to it's knees. He seized the opportunity, creating an opening in the raging inferno that engulfed the Burned One. Max, released his arrow, uttering a few words. The arrow multiplied mid-air, and five arrows pierced the Burned One from various angles. As they pierced, the arrows transformed into binding trees, thier branches entangling the creature. The fire subsided, slowing the bindings to take effect. " Max, your hand," Nevari said. Max appeared at his side and they joined hands, chanting the same three phases repeatedly. The earth rose at their command, encasing the creature and the bindings in a massive boulder. They released each other's hand and sighed in relief.
" That took a whole lot more out of me than usual; it's just a normal binding spell," Max said walking towards the shaken captain.
" It's the forest's doing; don't worry, it'll pass," Nevari said following Max.
"I wish my aunt had the resources to send me to the Academy," Max said sentimentally. " Everyone seems more mature, focused, and powerful after going there. "
" Yeah, right." Nevari said after they begun tending to the young woman.
Max's face snapped from the girl to the prince, his expression intense." What?" Nevari asked.
" Are you kidding me? All of you who went there seem different, and I envy the respect that comes with it."
" You want my honest opinion?" Nevari asked. Max nodded.
It's a bitter , over-privilledged place, filled with even more stupid over- privilldged rich kids who were thrown there by their parents because they were tired of dealing with them at home." Nevari concluded, leaving Max utterly dumbfounded, his mouth agape. " Not a word about this to my father or the others understood?" Max nodded frantically. " And Max, close your mouth,"
They concluded healing the girl and begun interrogating her. After the interrogation, they instructed her to go to the Warden's watch tower, located at the centre of Doom. " Sarah," Nevari called and she turned. " Your highness."
" You immediately forget whatever you heard here, understood?"
" What are you talking about, your highness?" I haven't heard anything. You just asked me some questions , I answered, and that was all,sire." Her reply made Nevari chuckle in approval, he nodded, waving his hand to dissmiss her she vanished.
Nevari and Max walked towards the boulder. Max looked at Nevari, and honest smile etching across his face. " What?" Nevari asked.
"Thank you, your Highness, for everything. I would never know how to repay you. I-"
" Okay, stop it. Just take us back to the clearing," Nevari ordered, and Max crouched, touching the boulder and Nevari. They disappeared.
The clearing was eerily still when they reappeared. The air cracked with residual energy, and the stench of burned foliage lingered. The remaining Burned Ones, their forms battered and their dark magic flickering, were contained within a circle of shimmering golden shields, erected by Luke's fan and Samuel's earth magic. The guards and students, though weary, stood their ground, weapons drawn, eyes fixed on the contained creatures.
Luke, his brow furrowed, knelt besides a student, his hands glowing with a soft, healing light. The student's face was pale, and a deep gash marred his arm but his breathing steady. Samuel, his earth magic still active, scanned the perimeter, his eyes narrowed, searching for any lingering threats, or signs of another attack. Samson, his expression grim, stood guard near the contained Burned Ones. Matt, Max's brother, held the captain's staff, it's arcane pulsing faintly, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. In the background, a student sobbed softly, the sound a stark contrast to the tense silence.
"They're contained for now, your Highness." Luke spoke, his voice strained but steady, " But these shields won't hold indefinitely."
Nevari's eye surveyed the trapped creatures, his expression grim. " We can't wait for the Wardens. By the time they arrive, these things could break free, or more could come." He glanced at the exhausted students and the determined but weary Palace guards. " We need to deal with them ourselves."
" The same method as the first one?" Max asked, glancing at the massive boulder that they had brought with them." That took a significant amount of energy, even with our combined power. Doing that twelve more times..." He trailed off.
Before Nevari could address the issue, a figure in green robes and golden engravings strode into the clearing, accompanied by several others. Their clothes were torn and burnt in some places and even others were smeared with blood, indicating that they had just come from a long battle. The lead Warden, his face stern and his gaze sweeping over the scene, approached Nevari, the air around him thrumming with controlled magical power.
" Prince Nevari," the Warden said, his tone formal but with underlying edge of authority. " We sensed a significant amount of chaotic magic amnating from this location. What in the blazes happened here?" His eyes narrowed as he took in the contained Burned Ones.
Before Nevari could answer, Milton, , one of the Palace guards wielding the two headed axe stepped forward, his voice tight with barely suppressed fury." A surge of chaotic magic?" He scoffed, his grip white-knuckled on his weapon." Where were you when these things attacked the students? They sent a distress signal hours ago! Were you too busy playing with your glowing trinkets at the forest's edge to actually protect those under your supposed care?"
Another Warden, younger and with a more haughty air, stepped forward, his hand resting on the hilt of a magically imbued staff. " Watch your tone, guard," he sneered, his gaze dismissive of Milton's yellow robes. " We were dealing with a more significant incursion at the forest's perimeter. Something you wouldn't understand."
" Significant incursion," another Palace guard , Martha, retorted, her hand tightening on the hilt of her silver whip. " More significant than the lives of the Crown's students and the safety of the Prince's escort? Don't try to belittle our duty, Warden."
The tension in the clearing thickened, the air crackling not just with residual dark magic but with the barely contained animosity between the two groups. The Wardens exchanged disdainful glances with the stiff- baked Palace guards, each side radiating an air of superiority and a desire for Nevari's approval.
" Enough!" Nevari's voice cut through the escalating tension, sharp and authoritative. Both the Wardens, and Martha fell silent, their attention snapping to the prince.
" We will have no squabbling amongst ourselves. Warden," Nevari addressed the lead figure in green. His gaze steady," Perhaps perhaps you will be so kind to explain the nature of this significant incursion that took precedence over a distress call from within your training grounds."
The Warden's face tightened, a flicker of grim understanding in his eyes.
" It was the Bloodfang syndicate who ambushed us at the forest edge," he explained, his voice laced with frustration." But this was no ordinary skirmish. They fought with a ferocity and unnatural coordination we have never encountered. We soon realised the horrifying truth: they were working alongside a group of unusually intelligent and potent Burned Ones. These creatures were using their magic to enhance the gang's abilities, providing them with a shadowy cover, bursts of unnatural strengths, and even rudimentary attacks. This unholy alliance created a formidable obstacle, forcing us into a protracted and difficult engagement at the forest edges." As his words hung in the air, the forest's alarm suddenly blared, it's shrill cry cutting through the tense silence of the clearing.
As the shrill cry of the forest's danger alarm echoed through the clearing, a palpable wave of unease rippled through the assembled Guards, students and Wardens. Luke his healing glow faltering, looked around with wide eyes. Samuel's scanning magic intensified, the very air around him shimmering with vibrations visibly, his gaze darting nervously towards the darkening treeline.
Palace Guards! Form ranks! Students stay close!" Nevari's voice, sharp and commanding cut through the rising panic. " Luke can you move the injured?"
Luke nodded grimly, carefully levitating the unconscious student." Samuel, keep watch. Max with me!"
Nevari and Max disappeared in the treeline to go and asses a safe way out of the forest. They reappeared a few minutes later. " Guards form a perimeter around the students and follow after Max I'll be behind you incase something decides to follow us out."
" What about...them?" A young student gestured towards the contained Burned Ones.
" Leave them!" Nevari declared, his decision swift and absolute." They'll be the forest's concern soon enough. We need to prioritize getting everyone to safety."
A disciplined retreat began. The Palace Guards formed a protective perimeter around the students, their movement precise and practiced. The Wardens, thought initially hesitant, followed suit, their green robes a stark contrast to the Guards yellow and the students' varied academic tunics. Max his rope and bow held defensively, lead the group carefully as they headed towards the forest's edge.
Outside the gates, the tension between the two factions remained thick. Warden Theron, tall and imposing with intricate golden embroidery on his deep green robes, and captain Ambrose, the stern faced leader of Nevari's Guard, whose yellow armour gleamed even in the dimming light of the evening, both raised their hands and began a low, resonant chant in unison.
As their voices intertwined, the very air seemed to shimmer, and from beyond the assembled groups, four figures materialised with a soft flush of displaced air.
First, Mishel, appeared her emarald robes flowing around her like liquid moonlight, her silver hair braided with glowing runes and pulsed with a gentle light. Her eyes, the colour of a twilight sky, scanned the agitated treeline with an air of serene focus.
Next, Kael solidified into existence a stocky figure whose earth- toned robes seemed to blend with very ground beneath his feet. His hands, colloused and strong, radiated a parable warmth and a faint scent of rich soil and ancient stone emanated from him.
Then came Seraphina, her vibrant red hair a fiery halo around her striking brown eyes. She moved with a fluid grace that hinted at teleportation, her green sleeves swirling with dark, intricate patterns that seemed to shift and writhe.
Finally, Ronan stepped forward, his gaze intense and unwavering, his deep green robes adorned with symbols of ancient trees that seemed to shift with unseen life. A staff of living wood he held thrummed with deep, resonant energy, it's branches subtly moving as if breathing.
These four captains moved with deliberate calm, their hands outstretched towards the agitated trees within the forests' perimeter. Soft, resonant chanting filled the air as visible waves of calming magic emanated from them, attempting to soothe the forest's fury.
As Mishel focused her efforts, her brows furrowed, her silver eyes narrowing as she gazed intently at a specific section of the forest. A flicker of confusion crossed her face .
Suddenly a piercing cry echoed from above. A magnificent falcon, it's plumage colour of fresh snow, circled once before descending gracefully. Landing on its back was a figure in pristine white robes, the sigil of the Luminary Concord - a radiant sunburst- emblazoned on his chest. The messenger dismounted with fluid movements, his gaze immediately fielding," Warden Theron, Prince Nevari," the messenger said, his voice clear and carrying despite the lingering alarm. " Your presence is required immediately in Veridia."