Chapter 526: Informing Them
Erend and Aurdis lingered in their kiss for a while in that tower. The warmth between them offering a brief escape from the burdens that weighed heavily on their shoulders. For a moment, the world outside is not exist. No harbingers, no Great Calamity, no looming battles. It was just them.
But soon, their lips parted. The silence stretching out between them before Aurdis spoke with soft and curious voice.
"What were you doing? You just fly away in a hurry."
"Yeah, I just killed the second harbinger of doom," he said. "It's part of the prophecy. I believe Eccar already told you about the first that we killed. I'll explain everything in more detail to the others."
Aurdis nodded, but a sad smile crept onto her lips. Her eyes reflecting the bittersweet realization that their moments together were fleeting, always interrupted by the call of what must be done.
Erend saw it, the hint of sadness that softened her face and guilt tugged at him.
Erend sighed and said. "I'm sorry that we can't talk more. I wish we had more time, but—"
Before he could finish, Aurdis gently placed a finger on his lips and cutting him off with a reassuring look.
"It's okay," she whispered. "Let's go to the council. There will be time for us later."
With that, she took his hand and gently pulled him toward the council room, her grip strong yet tender.
Together, they made their way through the palace halls, their footsteps echoing off the stone floors.
When they entered the council room, the atmosphere shifted immediately. The room was filled with tension, the faces of king Gulben and the other Elves council were stern, waiting for Erend's report. They knew that he just came back from fight based on what Eccar had said to them moments before.
He stood before them, his gaze sweeping across the gathered figures, before he began to speak.
"I've just returned from a battle," Erend started. "With the help of two Archmages from the human kingdom of Astoria, we've defeated the second harbinger of doom."
Murmurs spread through the council, and Aurdis stood beside him, her expression solemn, giving him strength with her presence.
Erend continued, recounting the details of the fight, the harbinger's power, and the mysterious connection to the Great Calamity itself. Each word carried weight as the council listened intently, the gravity of the situation clear in their eyes.
When he finished, silence fell over the room. The enormity of what lay ahead was clearer than ever.
"We have two more harbingers left," Erend said, his voice dropping slightly. "We don't know when they'll appear, but we have to be ready."
King Gulben who right now sat at the head of the room give a sharp gaze that fixed on Erend, eyes narrowing slightly as he processed the information. After a moment, he leaned forward, breaking the silence.
"You said the first harbinger you and Eccar had killed here, the one that was raising the spirits of the dead, was some kind of snake-like creature?" the king asked. "But now, the second harbinger is... human?"
Erend shook his head slightly, his expression somber. "He looked human but he certainly wasn't anymore," he replied. "The power of Great Calamity had taken hold of him and turned him into something far worse."
King Gulben nodded slowly, absorbing Erend's words. "Alright," he said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Then, what do you suppose will be the next two?"
"I don't know, Your Majesty," Erend admitted with a sigh.
An exasperated sigh escaped King Gulben's lips as he leaned back in his chair, his expression momentarily hardening.
"So, we don't know who or what our next enemy will be," he muttered, frustration tinging his voice. "This is bad."
From the other side of the room spoke up. "We don't even know where they come from, right?" he asked, his eyes fixed on Erend.
Erend shook his head again. "No. We have no idea where they originate or how they're summoned.
The room grew heavier with the weight of that truth. The uncertainty gnawed at them all.
Saeldir stepped forward. His expression was calm but his words carried the gravity of the situation.
"We can only bolster our defenses. Both Magical and physical. It's the only way to ensure we're not caught off guard."
A tense silence settled over the room, everyone lost in their thoughts as they considered what lay ahead. The unknown danger loomed large, casting shadows over their heart. Each of them understood that the stakes were growing higher and the path forward was shrouded in mystery. The unknown always become the greatest fear of any living being.
Erend glanced around the room, seeing the worry etched into the faces of the council, and he felt the weight of their hopes on his shoulders. But he also don't have any idea about how or when the next harbinger will come next.
Saeldir was the first to break the silence.
"We can't wait any longer. We need to strengthen the barriers now and fortify the kingdom even more before it's too late." His gaze shifted to Aerchon and Aurdis, silently urging them to act with him.
Aerchon rose from his seat without a word, his face already set with determination. Aurdis followed, casting one last glance at Erend. Her eyes softened as she gave him a small smile.
"Be careful," she whispered before turning to leave with her brother and Saeldir.
King Gulben watched them go, nodding solemnly, allowing his children and the Archmage to depart. He can only trusted them to do what was necessary to protect the kingdom for now.
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Erend then walked closer to the king.
"I need to leave for a while, Your Majesty" he said. "Eccar and I have something to take care of."
King Gulben studied him for a moment, sensing the gravity behind Erend's words. Though the king's expression remained stoic a brief flicker of understanding crossed his face. He gave a slow nod. "Go, then. Do what you must."
With the king's blessing, Erend wasted no time. He quickly left the council room and made his way to the balcony where he had seen Eccar earlier.
"Eccar," Erend called out. "Lets go!"
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