The journey to the capital took five grueling days. Through dense forests, storm-slicked valleys, and winding mountain passes, the group pushed forward with quiet urgency. The closer they got to the heart of the kingdom, the heavier the air became—as if the land itself could sense the coming storm.
By the sixth morning, the stone towers of the capital came into view through the morning mist. High, fortified walls loomed ahead, their silhouettes dark and brooding against the rising sun. At the city's gate, banners fluttered weakly in the breeze, bearing the golden lion crest of King Tharion, the ruler of the western realm.
Sera took a deep breath. The capital was where decisions were made. Where leaders either rose or fell. And now, she had to convince a king—one who had not seen the horrors of the Gate—to prepare for a war most wouldn't even believe in.
As they approached the guards, Naeya pulled her hood lower, concealing her unusual eyes. Her presence in the capital would raise questions—many of which they couldn't afford to answer.
"State your names and business," the guard at the gate demanded, eyeing them with suspicion.
Sera stepped forward. "I'm Sera Eldwyn of the North March. We carry urgent news for the king. A threat to all of Aerwyn."
The guard frowned. "Everyone's got a threat these days. Bandits, beasts, war rumors... What makes you special?"
Rayden smirked and stepped up beside her. "Because our threat eats bandits for breakfast. Open the damn gate."
The guard hesitated, but Tessa stepped forward, presenting a sealed scroll. "This comes from the Council of Swords. It bears the sigil of the eastern guardians."
That did the trick. The guard studied the seal, eyes narrowing, before turning and shouting an order. The gates slowly creaked open, and the group slipped inside.
Inside the capital, the mood was no less grim. The streets were filled with whispers and worried eyes. Tensions ran high—supplies were short, taxes high, and the nobles had grown fearful. The people sensed something was wrong, even if they didn't know what it was.
They didn't stop to rest. Their path led them straight to the castle atop the hill, its marble spires piercing the sky like needles. The guards there were more cautious, but the Council's seal opened doors faster than steel.
Within the castle, they were brought to a long chamber filled with tapestries, golden chandeliers, and a high dais upon which sat King Tharion. He was not what Sera had expected.
Tall and lean, with sharp gray eyes and silver-streaked hair, the king looked more scholar than warrior. But the way he watched them—measured, silent—showed the mind of a man who missed nothing.
"You bring news," the king said without preamble. "News important enough to storm my gate."
Sera bowed low, then stood tall. "Your Majesty, the Gate in the northern valley has opened. Ancient creatures from beyond our world are stirring. We sealed it temporarily—but they are pushing through. If we do not act now, this realm will fall."
The court murmured behind her. Whispers of "impossible," and "a child's tale" echoed across the marble floor.
King Tharion raised a hand, silencing the room. "These are bold claims, Lady Eldwyn. Where is your proof?"
Naeya stepped forward, pulling back her hood. Gasps rippled through the chamber. Her glowing eyes and silver-streaked hair marked her as something more than human.
"I am Naeya," she said, voice calm but firm. "I am a Keeper of the Old Blood. I have seen what lies beyond the Gate. The storm that struck your outer villages was only a taste. If we do not stand together now, your kingdom will become ash."
King Tharion narrowed his eyes, fingers steepled before his face. "And what do you ask of me?"
"We need soldiers," Sera said. "Weapons. Supplies. And messengers sent to the other realms. The world must unite before it is too late."
A long silence followed.
Then, the king rose to his feet. "I will not send soldiers to chase shadows. But I will send scouts to the northern valleys. If what you say is true, I will summon the high council."
"But time—" Tessa began.
"I said what I said," the king cut in coldly. "You will have food, shelter, and access to the armory. But I will not risk my people on stories without evidence."
Sera's fists clenched at her side. But she bowed. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
As they left the chamber, the court continued to buzz behind them. Outside, Kira muttered, "We don't have time for this. Every day we wait, they grow stronger."
Naeya nodded. "Then we must gather allies ourselves. The king's pride will slow him—but we cannot afford to be still."
Sera looked to the horizon from the castle balcony. "Then we split. Half of us go north—to check the seal and gather evidence. The rest travel to the other kingdoms. We spread the word ourselves."
Rayden grinned. "Now that sounds like a plan."
The war hadn't started yet, but the pieces were falling into place. And Sera knew this was only the calm before the storm.