They reached the front of the mansion and walked toward the barrier.
"We'll be going on foot like we always did many years ago!" Morvath said with way too much excitement for the morning.
"Aughhh! Can't Eiden just summon us some horses or something?" Vaelus groaned.
"Yes, but it won't be as fun on foot!" Seraphaine said, matching Morvath's energy.
"She's right," Morvath added. "And it won't really be an adventure if it goes by fast."
"You're right… I guess I won't complain about this any further…" Selyndra sighed.
"Well then… let's get going."
Dravien walked beside Morvath as they stepped through the invisible barrier, disappearing.
The others followed.
Outside the barrier, they walked through the tree path until they reached the dirt road.
"Alright, from this road if we go right, we can make it to the border of Linn—oh wait, nevermind. They took it down."
"Wait, for what reason?" Eiden asked.
"Wellll, everyone's favorite elven mage returned from the dead, of course," Dravien said cheerfully.
"Oh right… so now we don't even have borders anymore…" Eiden murmured.
"Anyways! Let's get going!" Dravien skipped ahead, taking the lead.
The others followed.
It was quiet as they walked.
White rabbits darted through bushes.
Deer grazed on berries.
Birds perched on branches, singing soft melodies.
When they finally exited the endless woods, the world opened into vast fields of bright green grass. Deer slept in clusters. A massive white dragon lay curled near them, its scales shimmering in the sun.
They passed a farm where workers in brown outfits and hats knelt, pulling carrots from the soil.
As they walked, Morvath glanced back, noticing something off.
"Vaelus, how come Dravien and I are the only ones energetic? Something on your mind?"
"I was wondering the same," Iris said, worry creeping into her voice. "He's usually loud. But he's been like this for a while now… is something wrong?"
Vaelus, who had been staring at the ground, looked up briefly.
"No, it's nothing," he said quietly, averting his eyes.
It was strange.
Vaelus never spoke that quietly.
"Hmmm… maybe if we find a red dragon we can fight it. Maybe that'll cheer ya up," Dravien said.
"Mmm… no, it's fine. I don't want to fight a dragon," Vaelus said again, voice low, eyes still on the ground.
Morvath suddenly stepped in front of the group, raising a hand.
"Everyone! We must come to a halt!"
They all stopped.
"C'mon, man, what's wrong? You don't even wanna fight a dragon??" Dravien said, ears perked in confusion.
"Are you hungry perhaps? I mean, we did leave before any of us ate breakfast," Iris said.
Vaelus didn't look up.
"Just a little tired is all. All this walking… my legs feel like jelly. The sun's too hot, and I haven't had cold water in a minute. And… I am hungry. I just… don't have the energy to walk or… ya know…"
His voice was quiet, almost drained.
It was unsettling.
Vaelus was never quiet.
"I could carry you on my back," Eiden offered calmly.
Vaelus finally raised his head — tired eyes, but a flicker of relief.
"Sure, I guess."
Eiden slipped his cloak off and laid it neatly on the ground.
Then he knelt in front of Vaelus.
Vaelus hesitated only a moment before climbing onto his back, arms wrapping around Eiden's neck, legs hooking around his waist.
Eiden stood, lifting him effortlessly.
He picked up his cloak and draped it over both their heads, shading Vaelus from the harsh sunlight.
"Alright," Eiden said, adjusting his grip on Vaelus's legs. "We can continue."
"Nice! C'mon guys!" Dravien cheered, immediately skipping ahead like an excited child.
"Jeez, could he slow down?" Selyndra muttered, rubbing her temple.
"Awww, his little skips are so cute!" Seraphaine squealed, clasping her hands together.
It was later in the day when the sun began to sink, painting the sky orange and gold.
They continued along the dirt path, and ahead of them, a kingdom rose in the distance.
"Oh! We found the Tcil Kingdom!" Dravien cheered. "We can get some food for everyone and Vaelus!"
He turned toward Vaelus, expecting him to be awake.
But Vaelus was sound asleep on Eiden's back, arms loosely around his neck, head resting against his shoulder.
"He's so calm. It's unsettling," Selyndra said with a disgusted squint. She dragged her nails through her long hair and tossed it behind her shoulders.
"Unsettling how?" Seraphaine giggled.
"Because… when have you ever seen him sleep this calmly? He's always a mess when he sleeps. This concerns me." Selyndra crossed her arms, tapping her chin.
"Whatever the case, we should get to the kingdom, get him fed, and probably stay a few nights," Morvath said.
"Whatever works! I could use a bite to eat!" Dravien said.
"Honestly, me too. And a cold cup," Iris added.
"Well, come on guys!" Dravien took a step forward, but Morvath grabbed his arm.
"Huh? What's wrong?"
Selyndra's eyes narrowed. Her hand slid to her blade.
"Devils."
Eiden's expression shifted instantly, calm turning sharp.
"Huh? Devils where?" Seraphaine asked.
"Ahead. Look at the gates. They're arguing with the guards. Let's approach," Eiden said as he stepped forward.
"And be careful. Their king may be dead, but they might get hostile. Don't let your guard down."
The group nodded.
Dravien skipped along with them, ears bouncing, tail flicking, face bright with excitement.
As they approached, a guard shouted at one of the devils. The male devil had red skin, black hair, red eyes, a long pointed tail, and a black robe. The female devil beside him had pale white skin, bright blue eyes, long white hair, a white pointed tail, and a white robe.
"Listen! I'll say this a final time!" the guard yelled, voice shaking. "We do not accept devils into our kingdom and never will! Your people are still considered a danger to society!"
"Aww, but come on, we're hungry. We just need something to eat—"
"That's enough for now," Morvath said.
The male devil turned, eyes closed in smug confidence.
"Oh? And who are yo—"
His eyes snapped open.
The female devil turned too, her expression shifting.
"Well. I never thought we'd run into them," she said. "Let's go."
They walked away slowly, eyeing the group as they passed.
"Thank you! Thank you so much!" the guard said, bowing repeatedly.
Selyndra stepped forward. The others stopped behind her.
"Could we speak with King Tcil?"
"Yes, of course. Please follow me," the guard said, leading them through the gates.
Inside, nobles in white dresses and suits filled the streets. The moment they saw the Seven Great Sages together, chaos erupted. Some cheered. Some fainted. Some cried and blessed the gods.
"Wait, who is that beautiful woman?" a noble whispered.
"Which one?"
"The one with the golden hair and brown skin. She's like a goddess."
"I'm not sure… should we ask?"
"Probably best we don't."
"Oh my gosh! That woman with the golden hair is so stunning!" a female noble screeched.
They passed merchants, mages, warriors with axes, and soon reached the castle.
A knight at the entrance dropped his spear in shock, scrambled to pick it up, and sprinted inside.
"What's up with them?" Iris asked.
Moments later, a man in a white cape and bright silver armor approached, a golden crown on his head and a silver blade at his waist.
Tcil. One of the Five Powerful Kings.
"Welcome… is this all of the Seven Great Sages? I'm not familiar with the blonde-haired woman…" he said with a warm smile.
"That's Selyndra!" Dravien said proudly.
"Oh! Forgive me, Ms. Selyndra. Now, if you'd like, I can show you the inside of my castle. You're all free to choose any room except mine, which has a painting of me above a large white bed."
"Thank you so much. We've been quite tired and hungry," Seraphaine said.
"Well, come on. Find your rooms. I'll have servants deliver clothes," Tcil said, turning and leading them inside.
The interior was bright white, lined with statues of ancient descendants.
"I'll find a room for me and Vaelus," Eiden said, heading toward the large staircase.
"You're not giving him his own room?" Iris asked.
Eiden paused halfway up the stairs.
"He may overheat or something. He hasn't eaten or drunk anything all day. It's just to make sure he's okay."
He continued up the stairs.
Morvath let out a quiet "Hmph," and the others followed to find their rooms.
Eiden entered a cold room with a large white bed, an open bathroom door, and a fireplace in the corner. He gently lifted Vaelus from his back and laid him on the bed.
He removed his blade and placed it on the nightstand.
With a small gesture, the door closed.
He summoned clothes into his hands, a long black silk robe.
Quietly, carefully, he undressed Vaelus and dressed him in the robe. Vaelus didn't stir.
Eiden tucked him under the covers and slid a pillow beneath his head.
Vaelus's breathing steadied. His expression softened.
He finally looked comfortable.
Eiden held Vaelus's clothes in his hands.
"Quila."
The fabric instantly smelled fresh, every trace of dirt erased. He set the clothes neatly on the nightstand, then sat on the edge of the bed beside Vaelus.
"Hmmm…" Eiden thought to himself.
He lifted his palm.
"Creation Magic: Cooked pork and bread on a plate with a fork."
In a blink, a white plate appeared in his hand, steaming hot, fork included.
He placed it on the nightstand.
"Creation Magic: Cup of ice cold water."
A silver chalice filled with chilled water formed in his hand. He set that beside the plate as well.
He stood and headed toward the door.
"Eiden?" Vaelus said faintly behind him.
Eiden stopped and turned. "Yes?"
"Where are we?"
"The Tcil Kingdom. Do not worry. I put food and water on the nightstand for you, so try to eat while it is still warm."
With that, Eiden stepped out of the room.
Vaelus stared at the doorway for a moment before sitting up to reach for the plate—
but something outside the window caught his eye.
Far away, on a small hill beyond the kingdom, he saw shapes.
Many shapes.
A mass of figures standing together.
He formed a circle with his index finger and thumb, held it to his eye, and channeled mana.
The image sharpened instantly.
His eyes widened.
He grabbed his blade from the nightstand and tried to rush out of bed—
but ended up falling straight off it.
He did not care.
Downstairs, Eiden and the others sat together on the couch.
"What was that sound?" Iris asked.
"Probably a servant," Seraphaine said.
Hurried footsteps thundered down the stairs.
"Eiden? Selyndra?" Vaelus called out.
"What's up with him?" Dravien muttered.
"We are in here!" Selyndra answered.
Vaelus burst into the room, still in the silky robe, blade in hand.
Eiden stood immediately, the others rising with him.
"What is wrong?" Morvath asked, concern in his voice.
"Eiden, it is Reia! She is outside the kingdom—we have to do something!" Vaelus said, breathless.
"Wait… Reia? The Beast?!" Seraphaine's voice cracked with worry.
Vaelus nodded, then turned to Eiden. "Eiden, you—"
He froze.
Eiden's eyes were filled with pure, murderous bloodlust.
"Does she have her daughters with her?" Eiden asked.
"Well… only five of the six…" Vaelus said quietly.
"I see. Morvath, Seraphaine, Iris, Selyndra—you are coming with me. Dravien, stay here and watch over Vaelus. We do not know where her other daughter is."
Footsteps approached.
King Tcil entered, hand resting on his hilt.
"I will be accompanying you. Her daughters are extremely powerful, and a two on one does not sound fun," he said with a smirk.
"Fine. Just do not get yourself killed," Morvath replied.
"I am human, but I am titled one of the Five Powerful Kings for a reason. We may not wield mana like mages, but we have our own tricks."
He walked out toward the castle doors.
The others followed, the breeze washing over them as they stepped outside.
Dravien and Vaelus watched from the doorway before closing it.
The group walked down the stone path toward the kingdom gates.
At the gates, the guards saluted.
"Sir, what are you doing out this late?" one asked.
"Do not question it. Half of you return to guard the castle. Move!" Tcil commanded.
"Yes, sir!" the knights shouted, sprinting back toward the castle.
Tcil smirked.
"Now… let us go meet our enemy."