Chapter 691 The Departure
The crisp night air carried a faint hum of residual Magic as the three apprentices stood inside the king's chamber in the Elf Palace. It was clear that the three of them were exhausted but it was overshadowed by the fire of accomplishment in their eyes.
Stay updated with empire
For twenty-four relentless hours, they had pursued the elusive remnants of Magic left behind when the masked figure had torn open the portal. The trail had been faint right now cause he had created it with different kind of Magic foreign to them. Its nearly lost to time, but they had done it.
One of the apprentices named Vaelin, stepped forward and bowed deeply before the two kings, his sounds steady despite the fatigue he felt.
"We have found it, Your Majesty," he said. "The Magic residue was nearly disperse but we managed to follow its faint traces through the diagram made by Master Saeldir. When the the order comes, we can reopen the portal to that world."
King Gulben's piercing gaze met King Fairon's, a silent conversation passing between them. There was no hesitation.
"The scouts must go as soon as possible," King Fairon said with firm voice. "We cannot afford to wait. I'm sure that Laston is building an army and we must know what awaits us before it is too late."
King Gulben gave a solemn nod. "Prepare the scouts immediately."
With that order, a flurry of movement followed.
Word was sent swiftly. In the secluded training grounds where the scouts honed their skills, the sound of sparring weapons and focused footfalls filled the cool morning air. The group, consisting of Elves who had long dedicated themselves to this missio moved with precision as they ran through their drills.
Their blades met with soft rings, bows thrummed, Magic unleashed, and shadows wavered as some of them practiced blending into the surroundings, training themselves for the dangers ahead.
Then, the approaching footsteps of armored soldiers broke through the rhythm of their training. The scouts immediately halted and turning to see the messengers approaching.
The leading soldier, clad in royal silver armor bearing the insignia of the Elf Palace, stopped before them and delivered the message.
"By order of King Gulben, the scout party is to prepare for immediate departure."
A brief silence followed.
The scouts exchanged glances — some filled with grim understanding that the time has come. However, there are also the others who laced with excitement. They had been waiting for this moment.
Without hesitation, they moved.
---
The blacksmith sending their new gear to their room. Vael reaching for his now bow. The wood was dark and polished to perfection. Its also reinforced with Elf enchantments that allowed his arrows to pierce through tough metal filled with runes.
He checked the string with a swift tug before slinging it over his shoulder. Next, he secured his quiver that filled with specially crafted arrows. Some tipped with silver for piercing, others infused with Magic to adapt to different situations. The quiver also have some kind of spatial Magic that can reload the arrows with Vael's command.
On the other room, Arlyn adjusted the twin blades strapped across his back, rolling his shoulders to ensure they sat comfortably.
His braided hair swayed slightly as he moved, a practiced motion that came from years of wearing his weapons like an extension of himself.
With a smooth movement he unsheathed each blade, inspecting the edge for any imperfections before sheathing them again. His armor was light, made for speed rather than endurance, allowing him to move unhindered in the shadows.
Sylra on her room was also getting ready. Her fingers brushing over the assortment of throwing knives strapped to her belt. She took a moment to adjust the straps of her leather armor, tightening them just enough to ensure maximum mobility.
Her emerald eyes gleamed with sharp focus, the mischievous smirk still playing on her lips. This was the hunt she had been waiting for. With practiced ease, she checked the vials of poison tucked into hidden compartments on her belt. Each one of that poison designed for different effects, from paralyzing to incapacitating.
Aerchon was the first to done his preparation. He stood tall on the balcony of his room while he fastened his armored vambraces.
Not like the other scouts, his armor bore a small insignia of the Elf Palace, a mark of his royal lineage.
His Magic sword, an elegant but deadly longsword, rested at his side. He ran a gloved hand over its hilt before securing it firmly to his belt. His expression was stern but beneath the composed exterior there was a simmering intensity. It was a personal stake in this mission.
On his own chamber, Saeldir stood in the morning light that came from the window. His tight robes shifting slightly in the breeze.
His fingers traced the engraved runes along the length of his staff, the faint glow of stored Magic responding to his touch. He did not wear armor cause he did not need it.
The air around him shimmered slightly as a sign of the protective spells woven into his very being. With a slow breath, he secured a pouch filled with Magical reagents at his side, ensuring that he had everything he needed.
Few minutes later, the scouts that now fully prepared stood in formation before the two kings, their gear secured and their weapons ready.
Aerchon stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the two kings.
"We will leave at once, Your Majesty," he announced.
King Gulben and King Fairon stepped forward. The morning light cast a golden hue upon them as they raised their hands in unison.
"May the wind guide your steps and the stars watch over your path," King Fairon said.
"May the strength of the Elves be with you, and may you return victorious," King Gulben added.
A faint shimmer of Magic passed over the scouts as the kings' blessings took hold. The weight of duty settled over them but so did the assurance that they carried the will of their people.
Aerchon bowed deeply. "We will not fail."
Without further words, they turned and strode toward the courtyard where the portal would be opened. The air crackled as Saeldir raised his staff, tracing intricate runes into the space before them. A swirling vortex of energy flared to life, revealing the shadowed unknown of Laston's world.
With a final glance at their homeland, the scouts stepped through, vanishing into the portal's glow. Their mission had begun.
---