Amaya's POV
As I look through the telescope at the border, I thought back to how I encountered Sunfire elves along the Breach. What if the outpost on the Xadian side was discovered? My eyes narrow at the thought and turn to Lieutenant Fen, *I see elves down there.* I signed. "General Amaya, we've searched everywhere and there's been no sign of the elves. I think it's safe to conclude that the outpost on the Xadian side remains secret." He reassured, "There, look! The signal! The outpost is secure." I looked at the smoke rising from the molten river; I couldn't stop thinking about the encounter before someone place a hand on my shoulder. I look to see Gren, *I thought you were looking for the boys.* I signed with surprise before he signed a response, *We have a lot to talk about, but it can wait. The signal was later than usual.*
My eyes narrowed when I realize that Gren was right, "No, something's wrong. Set up a search party." I signed with Gren translating. "Yes, General. I'll ready a party." Lieutenant Fen said before leaving the two of us; *How come you have returned?* I signed, still confused on his return. "The moment you left, Viren removed me from the search party and imprisoned me in a secret dungeon until a cloaked human helped me and freed a Moonshadow elf there. From what I could tell, the human was female and she seems to know sign language." Gren replied. I took in the fact that Viren has imprisoned Gren, and that he would have still be there if it wasn't for the cloaked human; though I wondered why she would also free an enemy. "Has something happened while I was gone?" he asked; I smile at how concerned he was. *I saw Sunfire elves down there. If the elves were on the Breach, chances are that they have discovered the outpost. One of them has a sunforge blade.* I confided before we walked down from the battlement, *I'm planning to go with the party to the outpost. You should stay here and recover; I doubt Viren fed you while you were down there.* Gren nodded, *Be careful.* he signed before I continue to join the search party.
Normal POV
"Who are you?" Viren asked now that he knows that the Stargazer elf in the mirror can see him, and vice versa. The elf just look to his right; Viren followed the gaze, and noticed that the elf is looking at his staff. The High Mage return his attention back to the elf and saw him walking away from the room, "What is it? Where are you going?" Viren wondered as he gripped the sides of the mirror.
Runaan's POV
Ever since we stumbled across the field where her father was killed, I've been noticing that Azura is becoming more relaxed around me; especially at night when she would sleep with her back facing me. As an assassin, I've learned that exposing your back is like having a death wish; so that in itself speaks volumes when it comes to her trust… I stood with her as she look at the map and compass this morning, and realize that we were heading straight for the fortress of the Standing Battalion. Azura must have figured out what I was thinking, "I promise it's not a trap, Runaan." She said. "There's a ledge behind a lavafall that connects the two sides of the border. They call it 'the Breach'."
"So that's how the humans get into Xadia in the first place…" I thought to myself. "In fact, we're using the same plan as when my dad and I were travelling with your parents." Azura added, "Sneak you past the Standing Battalion, and use the Breach to cross into Xadia." While her plan seems simple enough, there's just one detail that she may have overlooked… "The Standing Battalion is one of the most powerful armies in the Human Kingdoms. So, how exactly are you going to sneak me past a stronghold full of humans?" I pointed out, "It involves something that… you may not like." she replied hesitantly. "Compare to walking into a human fortress, how bad could it be?" I asked, though the look on her face gave me the feeling that I would regret asking. "Well… we'll need to disguise you as a human." Azura said, taking me by surprise.
Azura's POV
"What?" Runaan asked in shock, "I know it's risky, and you don't like the idea, but it's the only way. Unless there's another path that you know of." I said as I raised my hands up. "There is. It's called the Moonstone Path, but it can only be revealed at night when the moonlight touches it." Runaan said, "So that's how Runaan and his team made it to Katolis without General Amaya knowing…" I mused before he added "And by the time we get there…" I caught on. "It will be a new moon." I finished, earning a nod from him. "So the only option is risking the Standing Battalion. But I don't think disguising myself will be easy, Azura. If my second horn was broken, I could possibly use the hood to hide them and my ears. My hands are another story, however." He said.
"Actually, it's not as difficult as you think." I told him, "There's a spell that can be used to create a convincing illusion with the help from a moonstone or a moon opal." I demonstrated by pulling out the moonstone, and held it in my hand. Closing my eyes to focus on the moonstone's energy, I chanted. "Amrof murev tse mutibah atummoc." I opened my eyes expecting to see the look on Runaan's face, only for him to remain doubtful. I was confused and worry that I have said the spell wrong before I noticed my hand; instead of five fingers, there were four. "I forgot that illusions doesn't affect Moonshadow elves." I said, now that I understood Runaan's reaction. "Most can get fooled easily. One in thirty Moonshadow elves have the innate ability of true-sight." He explained as I dispel the illusion. "And you're among the lucky few." I realized, earning a nod from him. "The spell will work, as long as you have the gemstone on person after casting it. The only drawback is that it wouldn't not as strong as the ones cast by a Moonshadow elf, especially if one is a moon mage. So the illusion will wear off, though I don't know how quickly." I added as we both continues.
Viren's POV
I watched curiously as the Stargazer elf returned once more with a box, and placed it on the small table the elf had brought in earlier. The elf then moved the table directly in front of him and opened the box. From the box, I watched him pull out an unbroken geode, a violet cloth, a spool of gold thread and a needle, a mortar and pestle, a chalice with water inside, and a dagger. He place them on the table and moved his hand over them– as if he was a peddler displaying his merchandise. "You want me to find these items." I caught on what the Stargazer elf wants, "I can do that." True to my word, it didn't take me long to find the items the elf wanted me to gather. I set them on the small desk I brought down when I realized that he could see me. The Stargazer elf nodded before grabbing the cloth and the needle, I did the same before watching the elf sew a pattern into the cloth with the gold thread. Once he had finished, he raised it for me to see. I compared the two embroideries, "I've never seen this rune before." I noted.
The Stargazer elf then left the cloth floating midair as he drew out the same rune, causing the embroidered runes to glow for a brief second. The elf then brought the geode up into the cloth and broke it to two, revealing the crystals inside. I did the same by using the pestle to break mine; I watched the elf grind the crystals with the pestle and poured the powder into his chalice. I did the same and violet vapors rose from my chalice, the elf then raised his chalice as if to make a toast. I raise my brow at what he's suggesting, "You expect me to drink this?" I asked. The Stargazer elf then drank the liquid in his chalice, to prove that it isn't poison. I looked hesitantly at my chalice before taking a drink, "Ah. It's surprisingly not terrible." I commented before setting mine down. But the drink wasn't the worst step; the elf grab his dagger and place its blade gently above the palm of his hand, suggesting me to do the same. I grabbed the knife I brought with me, and placed its blade against my palm before I started to have second thoughts. "Why should I trust you?" I asked, "I don't even know who… I don't even know what you are." The elf was still insisting that I use the dagger to draw out some blood, before I stabbed the knife down on the table. "I need time to think." I said, leaving the room.
Normal POV
Back at the Breach, General Amaya led a small party to the other side of the border to check in on the outpost. However, the party find that the outpost was completely deserted when they got there. Amaya instinctively gripped the handle of her sword, "I don't understand. Why would the outpost be abandoned? They just sent the signal a few–" Lieutenant Fen said before a shadow moved from within the dark tunnel leading to Xadian side of the border. The party ready themselves for an attack when a lone soldier walked out before standing at attention when he saw them. "Soldier, your signal was late. What happened? Where is everyone?" Fen interrogated, "Yes. My apologies, sir. The others went on patrol, and I missed my cue. The next signal will happen exactly on the hour." The soldier replied.
Fen scoffed as he and the others head back for the exit; Amaya looked back at the soldier, and noticed something. The soldier was nervous and was subtly signing *danger*, causing Amaya to look up and see a Sunfire elf behind him; drawing a bow and arrow at the soldier's back. Acting quickly, General Amaya used her shield to block the arrow. The action alerted her troop of the ambush as Sunfire elves surrounded them, with their leader silently telling them to charge. The human troops were ready and used their shields to brace the attack, until the leader began using her sunforge blade to cut through the swords and shields.
Amaya's POV
I pushed a Sunfire elf away with my shield before I swung my sword, only for a sunforged blade to cut through it. I looked at the ruined sword before looking back at the elf, realizing that it was the same female elf. Remembering our previous encounter, I move to a more evasive tactic as she swings her sunforge blade. The Sunfire elf kicked me to the wall before running up to swing at me again, prompting me to move out of the way at the last moment. I climbed up to the roof and pushed an archer off. I looked over, and notice that the elf wasn't there.
A movement from the corner of my eye alerted me that she's on the roof as well; I put my shield away and got ready to fight her hand-to-hand. I gestured her to make the first move, causing her to attack as I ran toward her. The elf swung toward me twice, only for me to dodge both times and land a hit on the second. I move out of the way, but receive a scratch in my armor from her sunforge blade. If I were to level the battlefield, I need to disarm the Sunfire elf from her weapon. She repeated the same gesture I gave her, causing me to charge toward the elf. She swung at me, I felt the intense heat radiating off the blade as I ducked. I kicked her before tackling her off the roof and on the large gear in the outpost, with the sunforge blade embedded between us. We both grabbed the handle at the same time, fighting for it until I managed to kick it out of our reach. That resulted in the Sunfire elf's skin to crack and glow like the magma beneath us before she kick me off the gear and on the hard ground. I move back to using evasive maneuvers in order to avoid her punches, realizing that the party with me are outnumbered and outmatched. I managed to trick the Sunfire elf to get herself stuck before rushing back to aid my troop, brandishing my shield to clear the way out of there. I looked back before continuing with our retreat.
Viren's POV
I look out from the late king's balcony, deep in thought on whether or not to go through with that ritual. I look at the palm of my hand, the image of a blade lightly pressed against it still vivid in my mind. The sound of a bird cawing broke my train of thought as I look up to see a crow returning with a scroll. I immediately made my way to the Crow Lord's keep, "Did a message come for me?" I asked the Crow Master. "Ah, yes. Four messages, in fact." He replied as he retrieved them, "Four messages came for me and I was not informed?" I asked.
"Actually, we searched the entire castle. We couldn't find you anywhere." Crow Master chuckled, "What, are you hiding in some secret chamber somewhere?" There is no way I'm telling him that… "I was in the bathroom." I lied. "Oh, right." Crow Master said awkwardly before handing me the messages, I decided to open them right there and then. "The other four kingdoms have agreed to a summit of the Pentarchy." I said, "Wow, that sounds important." The Crow Master commented. "I will rally the kings and queens behind Katolis and finally destroy the Xadian threat!" I said, "You are witnessing history." Crow Master sighed. "That is great." He said before asking, "Um, would you rate the service you received today as excellent?"
Azura's POV
With the stronghold in sight now, I turn my attention to Runaan. "You ready?" I asked him, "Not really, but ready as I'll every be." he answered truthfully. "Since you could see right through the illusion, I will act as your eyes. If it begins to wear off, I'll tap on my upper ear. And that will be your signal to pull up your hood and hide your hands." I said as I demonstrated the signal, earning a nod from him. I pulled the moonstone out and place it in his hand; closing his fingers around it, "Try not to crush it since it's the only moonstone I have in my collection." I said. "Now, close your eyes and concentrate on the moonstone's energy." Runaan heeded my instruction and closed his eyes, "Amrof murev tse mutibah atummoc." I chanted. The spell's effects didn't happen initially, but it slowly changed Runaan's appearance until a human stood in front of me. The markings on his face disappeared; and instead of moonlight white, his hair is dark brown. I wouldn't have recognize Runaan if it wasn't for his outfit and binding, the markings on his arms, and his turquoise eyes.
Realized that I was staring at him, I shook my head. "Let's get going." I quickly told Runaan, "If only you could see yourself like I do right now…" I mused as I made a mental note to draw his human disguise for him later. As we near the gate, I notice that two soldiers approaching us. "State your business." I could tell that Runaan was nervous; and while I don't blame him, I don't think I've ever seen him like that. "Stay calm." I internally prayed, "We were sent by Lord Viren to retrieve something from Xadia." I lied. They don't look convinced; I was worried that they might see through my lie, or… "No, they couldn't see through the illusion." I thought to myself as I sneak a glance at Runaan, in case the spell is wearing off. I let out a silent sigh of relief when the illusion is still stable "So far, so good."
Normal POV
"What's going on here?" The guards turned around and noticed Commander Gren approaching them; both Runaan and Azura shared a glance with each other when they saw him, "They say that they need to use the Breach." One of the guards replied, causing Gren to look at the two travellers. "We'll need to discuss it when General Amaya returns." He said, causing both the disguised Moonshadow elf and the light mage to let out a silent sigh of relief. "Well, you heard him. Let them in." Runaan and Azura shared a glance as the guards let them into the stronghold. By now, they were both nervous.
Commander Gren was about to turn around and tell them something when a soldier came running up, "The party is retur–" the soldier bumped into the disguised Moonshadow elf, causing him to collide with the light mage and drop the moonstone. Both Runaan's and Azura's eyes widen as the illusion faded away, revealing the former's true form.
Azura's POV
"A Moonshadow elf? Secure the fortress!" Commender Gren ordered as I quickly pick the moonstone up and grabbed Runaan's hand, "Run!" As we both ran, I look around and notice that there's too many of them for Runaan to fight without him getting captured or worse. "Not good…" I was so caught up with in searching for the way to the Breach, that I almost didn't hear Runaan. "Azura!" I was about to turn around when I felt him pushing me aside before everything has gone black.
When I came to, the first thing I took notice is the stone-walls. I look around to find that I wasn't tied or chained down, but sitting in one of the four chairs surrounding a table. At the sound of the door opening, I turned to see General Amaya entering with Commander Gren, and two other soldiers. "How did you do it?" Commander Gren interpreted the deaf general's signing before they sat down across from me, "I would have both of you chained if Commander Gren hadn't recognized your voice." At that moment, I remembered what happened. "Where is…" I began to ask before General Amaya signed a reply, knowing exactly who I'm asking for.
Normal POV
"The Moonshadow elf is being detained." Commander Gren interpreted, "I don't know why you would free an enemy from Xadia, but I thank you for helping Commander Gren." Azura panicked at the thought of Runaan being in chains, thinking that she had betrayed him when they both know otherwise. "No! You need to let him out. He's already been through enough in one dungeon." She defended, surprising the deaf general. "You are aware that the elf is one of the assassins responsible for the king's death." Amaya signed while Gren interprets, "He already told me. But it wouldn't hurt to hear from his side of the story before judging him." Azura held her ground. The tension lingers for a brief second before the deaf general turn her attention to the two soldiers standing behind Azura, "Release the prisoner and let him come here for interrogation. If it makes you feel more comfortable, keep a close eye on him." Commander Gren interpreted, prompting the two soldiers to leave.
Runaan's POV
I stirred awake, still unsure on where I am… I remember seeing a soldier cutting some heavy barrels loose toward us, and I pushed Azura out of the way before the barrels came crashing down… With it all coming back to me, I became more alert and notice the cell that I'm in. I sat up on the stone slab sticking out of the wall, probably a bed of some sort. Even though my wrists are shackled, they were connected to the middle of the floor by a long chain; thus allowing me to walk around.
I spotted a window and walk toward it with ease, making me wonder why they made the chain long enough for someone to try and climb out an unbarred window until I realizes that it overlook the magma river marking the border. I cringe at the thought of past prisoners who decided that they'd rather take their own lives; but I have to admit, it is a nice change of pace compared to the last cell I was in… At the sound of a door opening, I turned around in time to see two soldiers entering. I brought my guard back up before one of them came up to me and unlocked the shackles, "If you would like to follow us, General Amaya wanted to interrogate you." he told me as I rubbed my wrists. "Or… if you'd like, you can jump out of that window." The second guard told me sneeringly; while he appears to be of a lower rank than that of his colleague, something about him really put me on edge. "Thaddeus!" the first soldier scolded, "The General won't be happy if she caught you telling him that. Especially since she's doing it for the woman being interrogated." That caught my attention before they proceed in leading me to a different room.
Normal POV
The door opened and one of the soldiers shoved Runaan in, albeit discreetly as to not to alert General Amaya. The Moonshadow elf scowled a bit before his expression soften when he saw Azura getting out of her chair and approach him, "Are you all right?" she asked out of concern. "I am, knowing that you had something to do with me being released. Thank you, Azura." Runaan said, causing both General Amaya and Commander Gren to share a glance with each other. "Azura? Is it really you? Viren said that you were dead." Commander Gren interpreted for the deaf general as both Azura and Runaan return to the table. "It's good to see you again, General Amaya." the former said, "How is it good to see her when she–" the Moonshadow elf began to ask before Azura turn her attention to him; but not before signing the deaf general *One moment, please.*
"General Amaya and her sister were my mom's oldest friends, and it's been a while since we've last saw each other. So, of course, I'm happy to see her." The light mage said with a soft smile while signing the exact words for General Amaya to see. "Although," She became more serious as she turn her attention back to the deaf general, "I am not happy to see her troop imprison my travel companion, Runaan." She finished signing by spelling out the Moonshadow elf's name. "But he's an elf!" the soldier who shoved Runaan protested, "Yeah, I'm an elf and your General is deaf. Your point is?" the latter dryly retorted as he signed as well.
Runaan's POV
"Runaan!" Azura began to chide before General Amaya turn her attention to the soldiers again, "The two of you are free to resume your post. Commander Gren and I will take it from here." The soldier Azura released interpreted. "But–" Thaddeus began to protest before the deaf general signed again, "That's an order." Commander Gren translated firmly. The soldier scowled at me a bit before reluctantly leaving the room with his colleague. Once they're gone, General Amaya turned her attention back to me. "I see you know how to sign, albeit in the Xadian dialect." Commander Gren interpreted, "My mother was an Oceanmist elf, so she taught me and my younger sister." I explained.
"I'm aware that it was one of the ways Oceanmist elves communicate with each other when they're underwater. Therefore, I imagine that it's common among the other tribes. But if it wasn't for Azura vouching for you, I would have you executed." I was quiet when General Amaya signed that; when it comes to her reputation, the deaf general means business. "However, Azura did say that I should hear from your side." I hesitated for a moment before explaining how despite it being a success, it felt off… almost too easy, given the late king's reputation as a warrior. Sensing that this is an uneasy conversation, Azura decided to speak up.
Normal POV
"We were wondering if we could use the Breach to reach Xadia." The light mage asked, causing General Amaya to sign. "May I ask why?" Commander Gren translated, "We need to catch up to the princes. They're returning something that the world thought was destroyed, the egg of the Dragon Prince." Runaan explained. "Impossible. But then again… Viren did say that Azura was killed by a Moonshadow elf. I wouldn't be surprised if he hid the egg and lied about it, as well. That would explain the princes' behaviours at the lodge before a young Moonshadow elf kidnapped them." Commander Gren interpreted, getting Runaan's attention. "Was the young elf a female with violet eyes?" he asked; both the deaf general and her commander were confused, but nodded nonetheless. "So, Rayla's alive…" The Moonshadow elf said in relief before explaining, "The Moonshadow elf you mentioned is my sister. And if the princes are returning the egg to his mother, then she's travelling with them."
"If that is the case, then why didn't they tell us the truth?" Amaya signed with Gren translating, "I think it's because Callum knows how you are when it comes to Xadia, considering the last time you were there." Azura said, despite her surprise by Runaan's revelation. The deaf general nodded in understanding before signing again, "I would let you use the Breach if the Sunfire elves hadn't taken over the outpost." Commander Gren interpreted, causing both Runaan and Azura to exchange looks. "Their leader didn't say much on the battlefield, but she wields a sunforge blade." At this, Runaan had a clear idea on who it was. "Janai." Both Amaya and Gren looked at each other in surprise before the former begin to sign, "You know her?"
Runaan's POV
"She's the younger sister of the current Sunfire Queen. A good friend of mine is a relative of theirs." I explained, "and like yourself, General, Janai is deaf." I signed out the letters of Janai's name for General Amaya to know. "If you know Janai… then maybe we can use the Breach, after all. I can disguise myself and–" Azura began before I cut her off, knowing what she was going to suggest. "I don't think so." I told her, "Janai may be deaf, but she's not foolish. So, the best course of action is to catch up with the princes before they use the other path." This piques General Amaya's interest. "There's a second way into Xadia?" Commander Gren asked for her, "There is, but I can't say anymore about it." I said bluntly. "Be nice!" Azura began before the deaf general signed again. "It's all right, Azura. I understand where he's coming from. If the situation was reversed, you wouldn't want to disclose the Breach." Commander Gren translated before they stood up, and lead us out of the fortress.
Normal POV
With the other kingdoms agreeing to a summit, Viren decided not to complete the ritual the Stargazer elf wants me to do. Returning to the cell, the High Mage noticed that he was still standing there. The elf looked at Viren before bringing his dagger up to the palm of his hand. The High Mage looked at the dagger that he stabbed into the table when he left earlier, before reaching over… and grab the cover. The Stargazer elf's eyes widen in surprise before Viren covered the mirror and left the room to pack for the summit of the Pentarchy.
Meanwhile, back at the border, General Amaya and Commander Gren led two horses to both Runaan and Azura, "Take these horses with you; they'll help you cover more distance. I will send word to Corvus about the situation." Commander Gren translated for the deaf general as he passed the reins to Azura before the former pulled the Moonshadow elf aside. *I will not spare you again if any harm comes to the boys.* Despite not knowing what General Amaya was signing, Runaan had an idea that she's threatening him not to hurt Callum and Ezran; even though he told her that he regretted that night. "You have my word that I won't lay an ill hand on the princes, and Azura can vouch for me." He said, *You better not break Azura's trust.* the deaf general signed again. Runaan nodded before he and Azura mounted, "We will alert someone at the castle to keep an eye on Viren." Commander Gren interpreted with Amaya signing *snake* for the High Mage's name. "Thank you, for everything." Azura said before the two of them shook their reins and galloped off.