The Hidden Realm

Chapter 25 – THREAT

HE woke up early in the morning to review the spells from Enkille’s book. He read some about the Vanire and shapeshifting, but it was complicated. He couldn’t self-study because a mistake would lead to his death.

“You’re taking it seriously, Eleand.”

Eleand looked in Enkille’s direction. She stood near the dining table with a tray of foods at hand. He used her transportation magic to get in and out of the room. He was not surprised anymore.

“This is an advance study regarding shapeshifting and transportation magic. And you’re right, I can’t understand much of the context,” he closed the book and faced Enkille.

“One magic at a time. I talked with Fariyah. She seemed thrilled with your fast improvement. Imagine, you mastered the Protexerium, and you survived the harsh condition of the Unforgiving Mountain.” She lightly laughed and added, “If only she knew,” she teased.

“I guess I need to show off this time to impress her more. It’s kind of weird, but I feel fire magic is for me,” he said with confidence.

“If you can properly wield the Vatranum, that means you are strong, and you can do the transportation magic in a short period.”

“We’ll see. I’m confident about it.”

“Okay, let’s have our breakfast.”

They ate their food in silence. Enkille told him about his schedule within the day. He felt relieved when she said he would not be fighting Fariyah.

They went down together and found Fariyah praying on Veira’s statue. She looked in their direction when she sensed their presence.

“Good morning, High Priestess!” he cheerfully greeted her.

Fariyah studied him. He wore his typical black winter suit with a silver buckle and a fur cloak. He didn’t bring his bow according to Enkille’s order. But he put daggers to his pockets to protect himself in case something happened.

“You’re one tough mortal.” She seemed satisfied scrutinizing him, and she looked at Enkille.

“You have a task today, Enkille. I need you to join the General in patrolling the borders of Noyuh. There are so many unexplained deaths every day. The culprit is still at large. Strong scents of dark magic lingered everywhere.” her voice sounded concerned.

“Yes, High Priestess.” Enkille lightly arched down her head. She wavered between looking at him momentarily and faced the priestess again, “During the council meeting, Branigan discussed the possibility of Airoh’s return.”

Fariyah’s eyes widened, and her mouth opened, but no words came.

“No, that’s impossible!” she hardly shook her head.

“I didn’t tell it to you because I thought it was absurd.” Enkille sighed.

Eleand was amazed at the expression on Fariyah’s face. This was the first time she showed emotion. She might not be that frigid at all. A hint of fear was visible in her eyes. But he could not relate to their talks.

“Airoh is the only fae who can wield dark magic here in Erganiv. Although, we are not sure about it. The other High Leaders won’t believe it as well.” Enkille lowered her gaze.

“Airoh was dead a long time ago. Rieska killed him for his betrayal. That only makes the theory irrelevant. If it’s true, war is inevitable.” The priestess was more anxious than before.

Enkille lightly shrugged. “But we never found his dead body. I also don’t want to consider the possibility, but we need to be ready.”

On the other side, Eleand was curious about what they were talking about. Especially after he heard the name of the Ancient Queen, he controlled himself not to ask. It was none of his concern.

Fariyah was silent for a moment before she looked at Eleand. “Meet me at the library. I need to do something.” She seemed in a rush and talked to Enkille, “Do what I’ve just said.”

Enkille nodded before Fariyah vanished. He finally found a chance to ask.

“Who is this Branigan?”

“He is the new ruler of Argia, and he took over as a High Leader when his father passed away. He is just a kid.”

“A kid? How can it be possible?”

“I mean, he is so young; I think over forty years old,” her eyes rolled.

“Forty is not a kid. I’m twenty-seven, look at me?” He exaggeratedly pointed himself.

“You’re a human. He’s a fae.” Enkille shrugged and went on, “Branigan was forced to grow up by his father using his remaining magic, few years from his original period of existence. His father passed some important knowledge to Branigan so he could lead Argia despite his very young age.”

Eleand smiled. Of course, he knew that faeries were immortal even if they were a century old. They were considered young. But he never knew this kind of magic existed. To force somebody to grow up? He shrugged it off. Again, it was none of his concern.

“Hmm, and who is Airoh?” he asked again. It was better to know the high-ranking faeries for him to be familiarized.

“Airoh was Rieska’s mate. Some legend says that the Ancient King is the last descendant of Sorath—the spirit of the sun. An irony is that his powers are pure destruction and dark magic, which made him invincible. And he could also wield the perfect combination of dark and light magic,” she explained seriously, looking straight in his eyes.

Somehow, he knew about the mate of the queen because Aserah had once mentioned it.

“So, this Airoh is dead, right? I heard the Faerie Queen killed him thousands of years ago for his betrayal. Therefore, it’s quite impossible that he is still alive. You guys are just threatening yourselves.”

“His body was not found. There’s always a possibility.”

“It might be incinerated. If he’s still alive, why would he unleash his wrath just now? What is that, a late reaction?” Eleand tried to be rational about the argument. Because even if he tried to look at a different perspective, the Ancient King couldn’t be alive in this time.

However, according to the information he knew, the Ancient Queen had also been on a hiatus. Maybe the two finally reunited and doing these evil things?

“You know nothing. A mere mortal like you don’t have an idea about the conflicts in this realm, do you?” her one brow raised.

“I have a common sense. Anyway, if the Ancient King is alive, that’s your problem, to begin with. Your ancestors might have had spread fake news.”

Enkille didn’t get his joke. She mocked at him by puckering her lips.

“Don’t act as if you know everything.”

“Oh, I do. Your history might be distorted. Besides, when the king is back, I pray that I’m already back to my world.” Eleand wanted to shiver with the thought that came to his mind. Because a normal faerie could wield immense power, then probably the king would be invincible.

“Pray hard to your God because I assure you, the war will happen while you’re still here.” Enkille laughed and disappeared before he could rebut her. Her wicked laugh echoed.

“Oh, come on!” he protested.

Eleand turned to go in the library to follow the High Priestess’ order.