----Page 20----
The road to Thalorein stretched ahead, the forest on either side thick with mist and shadows.
The weight of our journey pressed down on me, but I kept my pace steady, trying not to show the fatigue.
Behind me, Arin's bow was slung over his shoulder, yet his eyes darted to every movement in the trees.
Nivara walked with a quiet grace, her crimson-feathered fan resting at her side, and Rynveil's presence was the calm in our small group, the air around him humming with subtle energy.
"Master," Arin's voice was low but tense.
"Did we pass this way when we went to the Khel mines?"
He squinted at the path ahead. Something felt… wrong to him, though he didn't know exactly why.
I paused, looking around.
"I don't think so. This forest… it's different."
Nivara's eyes narrowed, the fan brushing against her robes.
"No. We did not. It feels as though the forest itself is guiding us somewhere, deliberately. Like it wants to lead us."
Leading us? Where? And why? Every step deeper into this forest feels like we're delving deep to the unknown.
Her words unsettled me, but before I could respond, Tauren shot past overhead, leaving a streak of ember light as he hovered midair.
"Does your fire burn brighter than mine, kid?" he taunted, circling above us with that familiar grin.
Nivara flicked her fingers, and in an instant, the flames around Tauren dissipated. Even the faint glow lingering from Prince Raga's body vanished.
"Does anyone forget who I am?" she said, her voice calm but carrying authority that cut through the forest air.
Everyone froze for a moment. Above us, shapes began circling in the sky bird-like figures, their wings slicing through the mist. They moved with predatory precision, hovering as though we were prey.
The largest of them dove lower, landing with a powerful beat of wings, revealing a figure clad in ceremonial feathers, eyes sharp and calculating. Prince Raga's face tightened as he stepped forward.
"Insolent fools, who trespass in our skies?"
The tension in the clearing was palpable. Before any conflict could erupt, an elder stepped from the shadows, staff in hand, his robes flowing like leaves in a gentle wind.
Great now what? I hope nivara could smooth things over.
"Don't worry, Master! Let me handle this one."
Nivara said. As if she was clearly reading what's inside my mind.
His eyes met Nivara's immediately, and he spoke with authority that demanded attention.
"Insolent fools, stop this madness. You are accusing the wrong people."
The young prince beside him, Raga, bristled.
"Elder, they have trespassed on our lands. How can you"
The elder waved his hand, calm but firm.
"Forgive us, young one. These travelers… the holder of the Chronicles… the forest has already shown me."
The forest speaks through him? It was hard to argue with the power in his eyes."
His gaze shifted to Nivara, lingering as though remembering an old bond.
"It is Volka, the forest speaks."
Recognition flashed across Nivara's face. She bowed her head slightly, her fan brushing against the ground.
"My friends and I were exhausted through our travels. We fought bandits and monsters along the way…"
Raga's eyes softened slightly, the tension easing but not disappearing entirely.
"Yes, yes, you are very welcome. I am sure Lord Aven will be glad to see you… and the holder of the Chronicles."
As we advanced, Kinon took in the scene, observing the kingdom of the birdmen with careful eyes.
From his vantage point, he noted the vastness of the treetop city, structures carved from ancient trees, glimmering with gold and crystal accents, bridges woven from vines and rope connecting each spire.
He could feel the energy in the air an almost tangible pulse of life and magic flowing from the canopy, ancient and powerful, yet intertwined with the will of the tribe.
Raga stepped forward, wings folding behind him, his gaze scanning the group. Nivara's fan flicked once more, feathers rustling like soft fire, and the elder Volka nodded in approval.
Recognition of the fan's origin sparked murmurs among the birdmen warriors.
"It… it is," one whispered.
"Yes," Volka confirmed.
"Those feathers… they belonged to the first Empress, the first ruler of our kind. According to legend, this fan was given to a friend of the Empress, a Flame Seer. Nivara…"
He nodded again, acknowledging the deep connection.
Nivara smiled faintly, memories of long-lost bonds stirring in her chest.
"I am her friend, and I will protect what remains of her legacy."
We paused to rest briefly, catching our breath after the long trek. The forest remained quiet, but the feeling of being watched lingered.
Our respite was brief. A low, rumbling cry echoed in the distance, shaking the leaves from the trees.
High above, the shapes in the sky began to dive and swirl our prey had become predators, and the forest itself seemed alive with tension.
The elder spoke again, directing his words toward us.
"The forest has shown me what is to come. You will face trials ahead, and your path intersects with ours. Follow carefully, and trust the balance of the skies."
I glanced at Nivara, noticing her grip tighten on the crimson fan.
"We'll be ready," she said softly, more to herself than anyone else.
°°°
The path ahead opened into a clearing bathed in golden light.
As we entered the village, we were greeted by a large crowd of birdmen, their faces filled with a mixture of hope and anxiety. At the front of the crowd stood a regal figure, his wings adorned with shimmering gold feathers.
This was Lord Aven, the King of the Birdmen. He was a tall and imposing figure, with a stern but kind face, and his eyes reflected the weight of his responsibilities.
He stepped forward, his eyes filled with a mixture of hope and desperation.
"Welcome, travelers," he said, his voice strained with worry.
"I am Lord Aven, and I thank you for answering our call. My daughter, the Princess, is gravely ill. The healers have tried everything, but nothing seems to work. Volka says that only Merith, the Verdant Maiden, can save her. Please, you must help us."
Volka stepped forward, placing a hand on the King's shoulder.
"These travelers are the chosen ones, Aven. They have passed the trials of the forest and proven their worth. They are our only hope."
Nivara stepped forward.
"Your daughter suffers the same disease your fellow ancestors had before."
"You… you're… but it's impossible!"
King Aven stuttered, his eyes widened as he saw Nivara's crimson hair, her fierce gaze like fire, and the bursting radiance of her red fan made from the first Empress's feathers.
King Aven knelt down before Nivara, and all the other birdmen followed.
"M-Master, what's happening?" Arin leaned behind me, whispering.
"Let's just watch Nivara handle things."
I replied, my voice calm, filled with trust in Nivara's actions, as I clung to the Chronicle by my side.
"Please, Flame Seer Nivara, help us! Help us cure my daughter's illness!"
"Well, I knew it would happen the moment we first stepped on your territory. But unfortunately, the one who could cure your daughter was still inside that book"
"You mean Merith?" Lysera spoke out.
"Summoning Merith was a trial, and might take quite some time. I can't guarantee that the Princess will hold out that long."
Nivara said with a serious look.
"No way!" The King's voice trembled as Nivara's words cut like a knife.
But then, I stepped forward and guided King Aven to stand up.
"We will try our best to help."
I said, my voice filled with determination.
"Master! Are you sure about this? Just like I've said—"
I cut Nivara's words and said.
"We will never know unless we try."
Nivara's eyes glanced at me, with awe and surprise.
"Well, you're right, Master. It's better to try than do nothing," Nivara said, her expression softening.
The King nodded, his eyes filled with gratitude.
"Thank you, Kinon. Please, do not delay. Every moment is precious."
The fate of the Princess, and perhaps the entire Birdmen tribe, rested on our shoulders.
With the King's plea echoing in my mind, I knew what we had to do. It was time to begin the summoning.
Tauren hovered above, tail flicking, eyes sparkling with mischief. Yet even he was silent now, sensing the weight of the moment.
°°°
From the treeline, more figures emerged Trolls, massive and imposing, their eyes glinting with a dangerous intelligence. They moved with purpose, clearly drawn to the same source as we were.
Raga's wings spread, the feathers gleaming in the filtered light.
"These are trespassers," he said, his voice carrying over the clearing.
"They must answer for entering our territory."
Volka intervened again, voice calm and unwavering.
"They are not your enemies. These travelers are bound to greater paths, and the forest has chosen their guidance. Fight if you must, but recognize their purpose."
The trolls roared, their ground-shaking steps announcing the coming clash. Tauren flared briefly, as though testing the energy in the clearing.
Nivara's fan flicked again, sending a wave of crimson light that painted the surrounding trees with sparks.
I realized then what was happening. This was not just a test of strength. This was a trial, a way to prove our intentions and our worthiness for the task ahead summoning Merith, the Verdant Maiden, the fourth Pageborn.
Volka spoke quietly to Raga, his eyes following the trolls' movements.
"Divide your forces. Protect the tribe from the invaders. Allow these travelers to gather what is needed for the summoning. Balance must be maintained."
Nivara turned to us, her expression serious.
"Master Kinon, this is the second trial. The forest and the tribe have agreed. Some of us will repel the invaders"
She glanced at me and Arin. While the other defends the village others will collect what is necessary to summon Merith."
I nodded, understanding the weight of the responsibility.
"Then let's not waste any time. We have a Princess to save, and a summoning to prepare."
°°°
The forest seemed to pulse in response, the air thick with anticipation.
Somewhere deep within, the energy of the Verdant Maiden stirred, waiting for the moment when the final threads of the summoning would be drawn together.
Tauren hovered beside Nivara, whispering with a smirk,
"Careful, kid. Flames won't help you here. But show them what a real Seer can do."
Nivara flicked her fan once more, sending a soft crimson arc through the air.
"Watch closely. Do you forget who I am?"
The clearing shimmered as our mission crystallized. The trolls advanced, the birdmen readied, and the forest itself seemed to hold its breath.
I took a deep breath, feeling the Chronicle of Origin pulse faintly against my chest. This was it.
The trial had begun, and we would either succeed in summoning Merith or fail before the eyes of the tribe and the forest itself.
The trolls surged forward, their massive bodies shaking the ground.
Tauren flared his wings briefly, emitting sparks of fire, though Nivara's crimson fan flicked again, extinguishing them before they could reach their target.
Raga's wings spread fully, his feathers gleaming as he called out to his tribe.
"Form the line! Protect the village! Do not let them pass!"
The first line of trolls collided with the birdmen warriors. Talons met club and axe, wings slicing through the air as the trolls' brute strength clashed with the tribe's aerial agility.
A massive troll swung a spiked log, sending a wave of force that knocked two birdmen into the canopy above. Another troll leapt, smashing into the ground with a roar that echoed through the clearing.
I turned to Nivara and Arin, my heart pounding in my chest, a frantic drumbeat against my ribs.
Could I really do this?
Doubts gnawed at me, whispers of failure echoing the screams of the bandits we left behind, but I pushed them down, forcing myself to focus.
"We have our task. Gather the summoning materials. Every second counts."
My voice was steadier than I felt, but I couldn't let them see my fear. Not now. Not when so much was at stake.
Arin nodded, eyes sharp, and together we navigated toward the glowing pools of mana scattered through the clearing.
The trolls' roars and the clash of birdmen wings filled the air, but our focus remained unwavering.
Nivara whispered, brushing her fan through the air, creating arcs of crimson light that deflected stray debris and even a few smaller trolls attempting to block our path.
"Keep moving," she urged.
"We cannot let them stop us now."
As we neared the first pool, the energy radiated like sunlight through emerald leaves. I could feel Merith's presence stirring, calling to the mana like a gentle song.
Rynveil appeared briefly, moving with incredible speed to fend off a troll trying to leap toward us.
His hammer glimmered as it smashed through the troll's gut, sending the creature flying like a ball struck by a bat. The sound of metal clanging echoed through the forest, a testament to his power and control.
"Almost there," I whispered, dipping my hands into the pool. The mana felt alive, flowing into the Chronicle, humming as it connected with the threads of summoning.
Meanwhile, Nivara and Arin worked in tandem, collecting the scattered mana clusters while fending off any trolls daring to approach.
Their coordination was flawless, a silent language born of countless battles together.
The ground shook as a particularly massive troll, towering above the others, roared and charged toward us. Its clubs swung, splintering the forest floor, uprooting trees, and throwing us off balance.
"Watch out!"
Nivara shouted, spinning her fan in a blur. The crimson light struck the troll's shoulder, leaving a deep gash. It roared in pain and swung again, but her movements were too quick.
She danced around its attacks with the grace of a born flame seer, forcing it to stumble with each precise strike.
Arin nocked an arrow, aiming at the troll's exposed back. The arrow struck true, embedding itself deep, causing the creature to howl in pain and stagger.
Raga's call cut through the chaos.
"Protect the tribe! Push them back! Do not falter!"
From the treetops, birdmen swooped down, talons extended, striking with lethal precision. Some trolls fell, others roared in anger and confusion, realizing they were not facing an easy prey.
The battle waged around us, the chaos a constant rhythm, yet I focused on the task at hand. The pools of mana shimmered, whispering instructions.
Nivara's fan glowed brighter, and Arin's arrows sparked with ethereal energy as we moved between the pools, collecting, storing, and preparing.
A sudden tremor shook the clearing. From the mist at the forest's edge, a second wave of trolls appeared, larger and more aggressive.
They seemed to anticipate our movements, converging on the group assigned to repel them.
Kinon's mind raced. He had to divide efforts.
"Raga, your tribe holds this line. Tauren, Lysera, Rynveil, you take the trolls head-on. Nivara, Arin, and I will finish gathering the summoning materials. Every second counts."
Raga nodded, flapping his wings.
"Understood. Protect the village. You have our blessing."
The air thickened with tension as the battle intensified. Tauren's flames erupted in arcs, Lysera's ice formed walls and spikes, and Rynveil's daggers moved with surgical precision.
Each troll that fell created space for others to advance. The forest itself seemed alive, roots and branches reacting to their movements, almost aiding the defenders.
°°°
Meanwhile, Nivara and Arin continued, avoiding debris and fallen trolls. Each step brought us closer to completing the task.
The pools of mana hummed louder as we gathered the final fragments, their light now converging into a single, radiant point.
"Almost there," I said, feeling the Chronicle pulsing in response.
"Keep steady. This is the moment."
Nivara nodded, her fan spinning, scattering faint embers that lit the clearing. Arin's arrows shimmered, connecting the final pieces of the summoning energy.
The threads of mana stretched, forming intricate patterns in the air.
With a final motion, I raised the Chronicle. The air trembled, a powerful force radiating outward.
Leaves, dust, and fragments of debris swirled as a bright green light erupted from the center of the clearing. The pools of mana fused into the light, shaping the form of Merith.
She emerged gracefully, surrounded by glowing flora, robes flowing like liquid emerald, hair cascading in luminous strands.
Her eyes opened, serene and calm, as if she had been expecting us all along. The forest seemed to breathe with her presence, the energy vibrant, alive, and nurturing.
Merith's voice, soft yet commanding, carried through the clearing.
"You have done well. The threads were strong and your hearts steadfast. I am summoned. What calls me to action?"
I lowered the Chronicle slightly, awe and relief washing over me.
"Princess of the Birdmen is gravely ill. No other magic can heal her. We summoned you to cure her."
Merith's gaze softened, and she extended her hands. Vines and glowing flora swirled around her, wrapping gently in the air like a protective cocoon. The pools of mana pulsed one final time, and a gentle wave of energy rippled outward, touching every living thing in the clearing.
The trolls' aggression faltered as if sensing the overwhelming power. Even Tauren and Rynveil paused to watch. The forest itself seemed to kneel in respect, the threat fading in the face of true power.
Nivara lowered her fan, the crimson feathers still glowing faintly. Arin slumped slightly, exhaustion evident, but his eyes shone with relief. Raga watched, wings folded, his expression a mixture of awe and respect.
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of what had been accomplished.
"It's done," I said softly, almost to myself.
"Merith has been summoned."
Merith's eyes met mine.
"And now, the healing begins. Place your trust in me, and I will restore the Princess. The threads of life and magic are intertwined, and I am their guardian."
The forest was silent for a heartbeat, the tension of battle replaced by the serenity of her presence.
I glanced at my companions, seeing fatigue, relief, and determination mirrored in their faces.
For the first time since leaving Thalorein, hope seemed tangible. The summoning had succeeded, and the trials had strengthened us not just as warriors, but as guardians of the balance.
The air shimmered with green light as Merith floated above the pools, her aura radiating calm and nurturing power.
The forest, the tribe, and even the trolls seemed to acknowledge the magnitude of what had just occurred.
We had reached the turning point. Merith's summoning was complete, and the path to saving the Princess and perhaps many others had begun.