Chapter 21

  As the first light of dawn painted the horizon in hues of gold and pink, a faint clack of a latch stirred Reiko from her dreams. She opened one eye groggily, scanning the dim room for the source of the noise. On the far wall, a door creaked open, its sound faint but distinct in the morning stillness. Fiora and Eldric stepped into the great room, their movements quiet but purposeful, before heading straight outside.

  Reiko sat up in her corner, stretching her arms overhead and yawning softly. Her black cloak slipped from her shoulders as she shook off the last remnants of sleep. At that moment, the back door opened, and Alicia and Morrigan entered, their faces alight with energy despite the early hour.

  Reiko sprang to her feet, a playful smirk on her lips. “Are you two ready to teach me the ways of a real wizard?” she asked, her tone teasing but eager.

  Alicia jumped, startled by Reiko’s sudden appearance. She glanced at Morrigan before recovering her composure. “Sure,” she replied, her lips quirking into a small smile. “Let’s go.”

  As the trio began gathering their supplies for the day, the creak of another door announced the arrival of Nyssa and Rendrick. Still bleary-eyed, the pair stepped into the great room, their weapons slung casually over their shoulders.

  Alicia paused, turning to address them. “We’ll be working with Reiko all day,” she said, her tone businesslike. “I’ve arranged for some of my guardsmen to assist you in assessing Eldric. I want a full report this evening. You’ll find him outside by the fire with Fiora when you’re ready to begin.”

  Nyssa’s eyebrows arched in interest. “Ooh, does that mean they made up?” she asked, her tone laced with curiosity.

  “I guess you could say that,” Morrigan replied with a giggle, earning a puzzled look from Nyssa.

  Rendrick, however, seemed unfazed by the exchange. He picked up his ax, its polished edge glinting in the morning light, and handed Nyssa her bow. “Come on,” he said, his tone gruff but steady. “Let’s get to it.” He tossed her quiver into her hands before striding toward the door.

  The morning air greeted them with a refreshing chill, the kind that invigorated the senses and hinted at a perfect day ahead. Just a few yards away, Eldric crouched by the fire, tending to a sizzling skillet. The aroma of freshly caught rabbit filled the air, mingling with the faint scent of woodsmoke. He was dressed in his finest black leather armor, the twin swords on his back gleaming in their crossed sheaths.

  Fiora stood beside him, her laughter ringing out as the two exchanged lighthearted banter. She glanced up at the approaching pair, her face bright with a smile. “Good morning!” she called out cheerfully, grabbing a stack of plates to begin serving.

  “Well, someone’s in a good mood,” Rendrick remarked, his eyes narrowing slightly as he fixed his gaze on the first plate of food.

  “Did you two make up last night?” he added, his tone more curious than accusatory.

  Fiora’s cheeks flushed slightly, but her grin didn’t falter. “Let’s just say we worked a few things out,” she replied cryptically, passing a plate to Nyssa before turning back to Eldric, who seemed just as content as she was.

  “Yeah, tell us what happened,” Nyssa prodded, her tone playful, her eyes darting between Fiora and Eldric.

  Before either could answer, the sharp sound of shattering china pierced the morning air. Everyone turned to see Eldric standing by the fire pit, staring sheepishly at the remains of his plate now smoldering in the embers.

  Fiora rolled her eyes, a mixture of amusement and exasperation flashing across her face. “Nice one,” she teased, striding over to him with an exaggerated bounce in her step. She crouched beside him, helping salvage what was left of breakfast, her cheerful demeanor unfazed.

  “Nothing happened,” Fiora said brightly, glancing over her shoulder at Nyssa as she handed Eldric another plate. “Now, who’s hungry?”

  After they finished eating and cleaning up, Eldric stretched and leaned casually against a nearby tree. “So,” he asked, breaking the quiet rhythm of the morning, “what’s the plan for today?”

  Nyssa crossed her arms, a sly grin playing on her lips. “Alicia’s orders,” she began, “are for Rendrick, Fiora, and me to team up and assess your combat abilities. She’s also sending a few of her guards to help.”

  Eldric perked up at that, his expression brightening. “That sounds good to me,” he said eagerly. “When do we start?”

  “How about now?” a gruff voice called out from behind.

  Startled, Eldric and the others whipped around to face the source of the voice. Eight of Alicia’s guards stood before them, their sturdy leather armor gleaming faintly in the morning light. Each held a weapon at the ready—five swords and three bows slung over shoulders.

  Rendrick, Nyssa, and Fiora exchanged knowing looks before leaving Eldric’s side to stand among the soldiers, their postures stiffening as if slipping into an unspoken camaraderie.

  “So,” Eldric said, his tone light as he began stretching his arms, “what’s the plan?”

  Rendrick stepped forward, his expression stern but faintly amused. “Simple,” he said, crossing his arms. “Your task is to walk from here to Valifield. We’ll give you fifteen minutes to prepare. After that, you head down the path toward the town. If you make it to Valifield in one piece, you pass.”

  Eldric smirked, tilting his head to one side. “That’s it? I thought this was supposed to be a challenge. See you in a bit,” he said with a wink, turning and heading back into the hut.

  Once inside, he sat against the wall, closing his eyes as he counted the seconds. His lips moved silently, keeping a steady rhythm. Nine hundred seconds, he thought when he reached the end. It’s showtime.

  Eldric rose to his feet and cautiously poked his head out the door, scanning the area before stepping fully outside. The morning air, so lively earlier, now seemed unnaturally still. The trees, normally alive with the chatter of birds and the rustling of leaves, were eerily silent.

  Without hesitation, Eldric leapt from the doorway, landing soundlessly behind a barrel near the front of the hut. He crouched low, his eyes scanning the treetops, his senses heightened. They’ve got archers. Nyssa’s one of them, he thought grimly. I’ll have to keep my back covered.

  Determining the immediate area was clear, he abandoned his cover and stepped onto the trail, fully exposed. Every muscle in his body was tense, his ears straining for the faintest hint of movement. He had no doubt that eyes were already watching him, calculating his next move.

  The hunt had begun.

  A twig snapped sharply above, breaking the silence like a crack of lightning. Eldric’s instincts kicked in, and he immediately raised his sword, turning toward the sound. High in the canopy, a branch jostled, its movement subtle but unmistakable. He narrowed his eyes, scanning the treetops for the source, but before he could fully process it, a sudden, foggy vision clouded his senses, freezing him in place.

  Focus.

  Tightening his grip on the hilt, Eldric swiftly pivoted, swinging his blade across his chest just as a rush of air signaled the arrival of an attack. Clang! The force of Rendrick’s blow reverberated through his arms, but the block was clean—barely in time.

  Rendrick stepped back, the weight of his ax shifting as he adjusted his stance. His eyes, usually brimming with camaraderie, now gleamed with the cold calculation of a hunter. He lunged forward, swinging his ax with unrelenting power. Eldric met him head-on, their weapons clashing in a cascade of sparks.

  With their blades locked in a tight embrace, Eldric peered into Rendrick’s eyes. The warmth of friendship was gone, replaced by the feral glint of a predator. Another clouded vision flickered in Eldric’s mind, snapping him back into focus. With a surge of strength, he overpowered Rendrick, shoving him back and breaking their lock.

  Rendrick stumbled but quickly recovered, adjusting his footing. Eldric raised his sword, its edge gleaming in the faint light, and swung it to the right. A sharp splinter echoed through the trees as he effortlessly sliced an arrow mid-flight. The broken shaft fell harmlessly to the ground.

  Nyssa’s arrows didn’t stand a chance against Providentia.

  Eldric returned his focus to Rendrick, who was back on his feet, his ax ready for another assault. They exchanged a cold, emotionless stare before Rendrick lunged again, his movements swift and deliberate.

  Eldric braced himself, taking a defensive stance. The clash of steel against steel rang out once more as Rendrick’s ax met his blade. The sheer force of the strike sent Eldric stumbling, his footing faltering just enough for Rendrick to unleash another attack.

  Eldric dove to the side, narrowly avoiding the crushing blow. He rolled, quick and fluid, coming to his feet behind Rendrick. Fast and strong, Eldric thought. Impressive.

  No time to rest. Another arrow zipped toward him, but Eldric’s reflexes were sharper than ever. With a flick of his wrist, he swatted it aside, the shaft spinning uselessly to the ground.

  Rendrick turned to face him again, his ax raised high.

  If I don’t stop messing around, he might actually hit me.

  Eldric charged forward, his movements a blur. Rendrick swung his ax with punishing strength, but this time Eldric was ready. A sudden shimmer of blue light flooded down his blade, from the hilt to the point, as if his weapon had come alive.

  With one swift, fluid motion, Eldric swung his sword, the blue energy arcing through the air. Snap! Rendrick’s ax shattered cleanly in half, the head clattering to the ground.

  Eldric spun his sword in his hand, leading now with the flat of the blade. With a precise and calculated strike, he delivered a crushing blow across Rendrick’s back, forcing him to his knees.

  No time to savor the victory. Eldric darted to the ground, scooping up the broken ax head. Without hesitation, he hurled it skyward.

  A heavy snap rang out from above. Seconds later, a massive tree branch came crashing down, landing with a resounding thud at Eldric’s feet.

  The forest fell silent again, save for the sound of Eldric’s steady breathing. He straightened, his eyes scanning the treetops once more. The battle wasn’t over yet.

  Nyssa gasped, her breath catching in her throat as her eyes darted from the mangled branches to the cold steel of Eldric’s sword pressed lightly against her neck. His gaze was steady, his voice calm but firm as he spoke. “You lose.”

  Her shoulders sagged in reluctant defeat as she met his stare. Before she could respond, heavy footsteps approached from behind. Rendrick limped over, his expression a mixture of amusement and resignation. “Yep,” he said, rubbing the small of his back. “He got me too.”

  Offering Nyssa a hand, Rendrick helped her to her feet, and the two stumbled back toward the hut, their pride bruised but intact. Eldric watched them go for a moment before turning back to the path ahead, his resolve unwavering.

  The next quarter mile passed with an almost serene calm. Birds filled the air with their soft, melodic songs, and the gentle rustle of the wind through the trees brought a sense of quiet harmony to the forest. It was the sort of tranquil atmosphere that might lull an ordinary man into letting his guard down.

  As he rounded a blind corner, his instincts screamed a warning. Without hesitation, he tightened his grip on his swords just as five men burst from the thickets, their weapons gleaming as they encircled him.

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Eldric moved swiftly, his footwork precise and fluid as he twisted and turned, deflecting their coordinated strikes with practiced ease. The clang of steel against steel echoed through the trees, each blow met with calculated precision.

  From above, three arrows sliced through the air, their deadly tips aimed directly at him. Eldric dodged the first two with effortless grace, and as the third closed in, his second blade flashed. Snap! The arrow shattered mid-flight, its pieces falling harmlessly to the ground.

  Three more archers to deal with, Eldric thought, glancing upward. At least their arrows are slower than Nyssa’s.

  He turned his attention back to the attackers on the ground. With a well-timed strike, he knocked back two of the men, sending them stumbling. The remaining three seized the opportunity, charging forward with their swords raised.

  Eldric waited until the last possible moment, then dove between their feet, rolling smoothly through the gap in their formation. He sprang to his feet behind them, his pommel already poised to strike. The nearest man crumpled to his knees as the blow connected with his back.

  A shimmer of vibrant blue light ran down the length of Eldric’s sword, the energy crackling as it surged to life. He turned to face the remaining two attackers, their expressions hardening as they charged once more.

  With a single, fluid motion, Eldric swung his blade, the blue energy slicing effortlessly through their steel. Their swords clattered to the ground in halves, the men staring at their ruined weapons in stunned silence before raising their hands in surrender.

  Eldric barely had time to savor the moment before three more arrows whizzed past him from different directions. His blades danced as he deflected the projectiles, sending them harmlessly to the ground.

  Too easy.

  He closed his eyes, tuning out the chaos around him as he focused on the subtle sounds of the forest. A faint rustle here, the tension of a drawn bowstring there. He reached for his belt, pulling free three daggers.

  In rapid succession, Eldric hurled the blades into the trees, each one finding its mark. The sound of three pronounced thuds against the ground confirmed his success. A satisfied smirk crossed his lips.

  That takes care of that, he thought, turning back to the path ahead. Now for Fiora…

  Without pausing to catch his breath, Eldric pressed forward, his sights set on the open fields of Valifield beyond the tree line. The dense woods began to thin, the sunlight breaking through the canopy in golden streaks. Just ahead, the mouth of the forest came into view, and there, leaning casually against the final tree, was Fiora.

  She stood with one leg crossed over the other, a piece of wheat dangling lazily from her lips. Her posture was relaxed, but there was an unmistakable edge to her presence.

  “It’s about time you got here,” she said, her voice calm but laced with confidence. She didn’t bother to look up, as though she already knew he was there. “I see you’ve barely even broken a sweat.” She spat out the wheat, letting it fall to the ground, and turned to face him fully. Her smirk widened. “Let’s fix that.”

  Fiora’s hand dropped to the hilt of her sword, and in one fluid motion, she unsheathed it. The blade gleamed with a familiar blue luster, its energy radiating faintly in the morning light. Her expression shifted as her eyes locked onto Eldric’s. The confident smirk melted away, replaced by an icy, emotionless stare that seemed to pierce straight through him.

  Eldric felt a chill creep down his spine. For the second time in his life, he was truly terrified of her.

  “Bring it,” she said, her voice low and cold.

  Eldric swallowed hard, steeling his nerves as he cautiously approached, his blades at the ready.

  Fiora didn’t wait. With a burst of speed, she closed the gap between them and swung her sword in a wide arc aimed at Eldric’s chest. He parried with his left blade, the clash of their weapons sending shockwaves through the air. A thunderous boom roared through the forest, reverberating off the trees and leaving their ears ringing.

  Fiora adjusted her footing, her movements swift and calculated. She swung again, her blade slicing through the air with deadly precision. Eldric moved to parry, but before their swords met, Fiora disengaged and pivoted. Her blade changed direction mid-swing, forcing Eldric to react.

  He barely managed to block with his rear blade, the force of her strike sending another earth-shattering boom echoing through the woods.

  The sheer power of their duel drew attention. From further down the path, Rendrick, Nyssa, and several of Alicia’s guards rushed toward the commotion. They skidded to a halt at the edge of the forest, their eyes wide with amazement as they took in the sight of Eldric and Fiora locked in combat.

  The two combatants moved like dancers, their blades a blur of shimmering blue light as they clashed again and again.

  Fiora suddenly leapt back, tossing her sword to the ground with a deliberate flourish. Her expression remained cold, but there was a glint of mischief in her eyes.

  She lunged at Eldric, her fists raised.

  So, she thinks she’s better off in hand-to-hand combat, Eldric thought, his mind racing as he assessed her new approach. We’ll see about that.

  With a cool demeanor, Eldric dropped his swords and shifted his stance, dodging to the right just as Fiora’s advance reached him. He spun to face her, ready to counter, but she was faster than he expected.

  Wham!

  Fiora’s forehead connected with his, the force of her headbutt sending him stumbling backward. Stars danced in Eldric’s vision as he struggled to regain his balance.

  She didn’t relent. A flurry of punches followed, her movements relentless and precise. Eldric managed to duck and sidestep, narrowly avoiding her strikes, but the ferocity of her assault kept him on the defensive.

  Fiora’s intensity left no room for underestimation. Eldric knew this wasn’t just a sparring match. She was testing him, and she wasn’t holding back.

  The crowd of onlookers watched in awe, the tension crackling in the air as the battle between the two warriors unfolded like a storm.

  Eldric stared at Fiora, his fists raised, a mix of awe and frustration in his eyes. He launched forward, attempting to mount an assault, but Fiora sidestepped him with ease, her movements fluid and precise.

  Providentia should give me the edge here, Eldric thought, shifting his stance and readying his defense. But to his utter shock, it wasn’t fast enough.

  Fiora closed the gap in an instant, her fist driving into his gut with a force that left him reeling. Before he could react, another blow followed, her movements relentless. She swung her leg high, and despite his instincts screaming at him to block, he was once again too slow.

  Her kick smashed across his face, snapping his head to the side. Eldric staggered, dazed, only to feel the impact of her fist slamming into his stomach again. He stumbled backward, barely keeping his footing.

  How can someone so small hit this hard? Eldric thought, his mind racing. Her strength and speed defied all logic, leaving him scrambling to respond.

  Fiora didn’t give him a moment to recover. She pressed her advantage, landing strike after strike, her fists and kicks raining down with calculated precision. Eldric felt himself being driven to the ground, each blow hammering away at his defenses.

  “Enough!” he bellowed, his voice cutting through the chaos.

  Summoning every ounce of agility he possessed, Eldric somersaulted backward, creating just enough distance between them. His hands found his swords, and in one swift motion, he scooped them up, crossing the blades before lunging forward.

  The shimmering steel pressed lightly against Fiora’s neck. “Yield!” he demanded, his voice firm but strained.

  Fiora froze, her eyes narrowing slightly before she nodded, a small smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.

  Eldric lowered his blades, wiping his nose on his sleeve. The fabric came away streaked with blood. He grimaced, realizing just how much she had gotten the better of him.

  A burst of applause erupted from behind, snapping Eldric out of his thoughts. He turned to see Rendrick, Nyssa, and several guards watching the fight’s conclusion with wide grins.

  “Most excellent,” one of the guards said, his tone filled with admiration. “Alicia will be pleased to hear about this,” he added.

  Another guard stepped forward, gesturing to his companions. “You three should head back,” he said to Eldric, Fiora, and Rendrick. “We’re needed in Valifield.”

  The groups parted ways, heading down the path in opposite directions.

  “You almost had him, Fiora!” Rendrick said, clapping her on the shoulder.

  “Of course I did,” Fiora replied confidently. “I may be outmatched with a sword, but when it comes to strength and agility, Eldric doesn’t stand a chance.”

  Nyssa glanced at Eldric, her brow furrowed with concern. “You all right?” she asked. He hadn’t spoken a word since the fight ended, his expression distant and contemplative.

  “Yeah,” Eldric replied, though his tone carried a hint of confusion. “I’m just surprised… impressed, actually. It’s almost like the magic didn’t work on her.”

  Nyssa tilted her head. “But you countered my arrows with ease,” she said, her voice skeptical. “You even took on three archers at once. How could you not be quick enough to defend against a fist?”

  “My thoughts exactly,” Eldric muttered, frustration creeping into his voice. “Something about that fight didn’t feel right.”

  Fiora shot him a playful grin. “Don’t be a sore loser, Eldric,” she teased, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

  The group continued their trek in silence, the tension lingering in the air. After a while, Fiora nudged Eldric lightly in the side, breaking the quiet. “You know that was my win, don’t you?”

  Eldric glanced at her, his lips twitching into a reluctant smile. “I’ll let you believe that,” he said, shaking his head.

  Fiora laughed, her confidence undiminished. “That’s because it’s true,” she said, striding ahead with a spring in her step.

  Eldric smiled, his tone light but sincere. “Whatever makes you happy.”

  As the group approached the hut, the warm glow of lamplight spilled out through the windows. However, as they stepped inside, the scene that greeted them was unexpected.

  Alicia and Morrigan sat slouched at the table, their clothes torn and dirtied, bruises and small cuts visible on their faces and arms. Reiko, seated nearby, appeared far less battered. Her only visible injury was a dried streak of blood beneath her nose, though her usually sharp gaze carried a faint weariness.

  “So… how did your day go?” Eldric asked, stunned by their disheveled appearances.

  Alicia smirked, leaning back in her chair with a mix of exhaustion and pride. “We were showing Reiko some advanced magic,” she said. “It turns out she’s exceptionally powerful. So powerful, in fact, that she can’t fully control her own strength.”

  Reiko, who had been silently sipping from a steaming cup, glanced up with a faint shrug but said nothing.

  Alicia stretched, wincing slightly, and let out a heavy yawn. “The problem is,” she continued, “an actual wizard never trained her. With proper instruction, though, she could become a truly formidable wizard.”

  “Good to hear,” Eldric replied, a note of pride in his voice as he glanced at Reiko. “I’m going to go wash up.”

  “Me too!” Fiora chimed in, her voice bright and cheerful.

  “Might as well join,” Reiko added with a shrug, her tone casual as she set her cup down.

  “That lucky guy,” Rendrick muttered under his breath, shaking his head in mock jealousy.

  “Rendrick,” Nyssa interrupted, her voice amused, “shall we go fetch dinner then?”

  “That sounds like a great idea,” Alicia cut in suddenly, her tone shifting to something more deliberate. “Nyssa, you go ahead. I’d like to borrow Rendrick for a moment.”

  Nyssa hesitated, her eyes darting curiously between them, but she nodded and quietly exited the hut.

  Once the door clicked shut, Alicia turned to Rendrick, her expression growing serious. “So,” she began, her voice low and measured, “how did he do?”

  Rendrick’s face mirrored her seriousness as he considered his words. “He’s strong,” he said finally. “Stronger than I would have imagined. His swordsmanship is unmatched—fluid, precise, and powerful. But…” He paused, his brow furrowing. “Fiora managed to beat him easily in hand-to-hand combat. She overwhelmed him. It wasn’t until he retrieved his swords that he finally forced her to yield.”

  “Interesting,” Alicia murmured, a faint hint of concern flickering in her eyes.

  “There’s more,” Rendrick added. “On the way back, he said something peculiar. He mentioned that even with the aid of his Providentia, he couldn’t keep up with Fiora’s attacks. If the fight had stayed hand-to-hand much longer, I’m certain she would have won.”

  “That is intriguing,” Morrigan said, joining the conversation. She leaned against the edge of the table, her gaze thoughtful.

  Alicia nodded slowly, her hand resting lightly on Rendrick’s shoulder. “Thank you,” she said softly.

  Rendrick inclined his head. “I’ll go catch up with Nyssa,” he said, before turning and heading toward the door.

  With his back to the girls, Eldric crouched at the edge of the pond, scooping up a handful of the cool water. He splashed it onto his sweaty face, sighing as the instant relief spread over his skin. His fingers lingered in the shimmering surface, and as the faint glow of the Lunaflare nectar mingled with the water, he marveled again at the magic working beneath his skin.

  It never ceases to amaze me, he thought, watching as faint cuts closed seamlessly and bruises faded into nothingness.

  “Man, how I’ve missed the magical healing power of these waters,” he sighed contentedly, running his damp fingers through his hair.

  “I hate to disappoint you,” Fiora called out from behind him, her tone playful, “but the magic in this pond faded while you were gone. It doesn’t have healing powers anymore.”

  Eldric froze mid-motion, then turned to face her, skepticism written across his face. “What are you talking about?”

  As he looked at her, his heart sank. Her back was still marked with bruises from their earlier sparring, her skin showing no signs of the rapid recovery he had come to associate with the pond’s magic.

  In the distance, the sound of hushed voices carried through the trees. Eldric’s head snapped toward the noise, his body tensing.

  “What the heck!” he hollered, spinning around just as two figures emerged from the woods, their voices no longer hushed.

  Making their way toward the pond were Morrigan and Alicia. Their casual banter was accompanied by the unmistakable rustle of fabric as they stripped off their garments with an air of complete indifference.

  Eldric’s face turned crimson as he spun back toward the waterfall, stumbling slightly in his haste to avert his eyes. “What is wrong with you two!?” he shouted.

  “Oh, you big baby,” Alicia teased, her voice light and mocking. “We’re the ones who should be embarrassed.”

  “Then why aren’t you!?” Eldric retorted, his voice strained.

  “Because it’s fun to watch you squirm,” Morrigan said, bursting into laughter.

  Eldric groaned, keeping his back firmly to the group. He remained in the pond long after the women finished their bathing, waiting for the sound of their footsteps to fade before daring to leave the water.

  By the time he climbed out, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting the forest in hues of deep blue and gray. He quickly dressed, tugging on his final sock as the faint rustling of footsteps reached his ears.

  “Fiora?” he called, glancing toward the trees as he moved to investigate.

  Out of the shadows emerged two cloaked figures. Their faces were obscured beneath deep hoods, one white, the other black.

  Eldric froze, his blood turning to ice as recognition washed over him.

  “Eldric, did you call me?” Fiora’s voice called out from the direction of the hut. Her footsteps crunched against the forest floor as she approached, her cheerful tone fading as she caught sight of him.

  Eldric stood pale and unmoving, his eyes locked on the two figures.

  “Eldric?” she repeated, her voice tinged with concern. Then her gaze followed his, and she, too, stopped cold.

  “We need to talk,” said the figure in white, her voice smooth yet commanding as she pulled back her hood. Her bright Red hair tumbled free, and her piercing eyes met Eldric’s.

  Eldric nearly collapsed, his breath catching in his throat.

  “No way,” Fiora murmured, her voice barely audible, her face a mask of disbelief.

  “Gather your gear and meet us back here in five minutes,” said the figure in black, her voice sharp and final. She pulled back her hood to reveal a face as striking as the other’s but colder, more severe. “Tell no one that we’re here. If you do, we’ll kill them all.”

  Eldric stared at her, his voice trembling. “Yes… Mom,” he stuttered. “We’ll be right back.”

  “Don’t worry, Mom,” Fiora added, her tone firm despite her shock. “We won’t tell a soul.”