The Pentarchy summit was a quiet place, neutral territory kept pristine to host all five monarchs when a meeting was due. Guards were recruited from every kingdom to patrol the grounds and keep every ruler safe, but Ezran couldn't help feeling uneasy.

There would be new faces in that room and it was his kingdom's fault.

Peace had settled over the kingdoms after the war with Xadia, but they hadn't been all on the same side. Their common humanity, the very thing that had dragged them all into Viren's scheme, had been the only reason they had continued to coexist afterwards.

Ezran was confident everyone wanted peace as much as he did. They'd all lost family and friends. Surely, they could band together and see eye to eye. Xadia had been more open and friendly than ever before with humans, which wasn't much, but it was improving. The others would understand that.

…

In over his head and he knows it.

He just didn't know what to do if he was wrong.

"Halt." Two guards flanking the entrance to the summit crossed their spears in his path. Ezran and his procession halted. His crown had never felt heavier. "Only the king my pass through this point. No weapons, please."

Ezran slid down off of Buttermilk, giving the horse a pat. He held open his palms and managed a smile. "No weapons." Bait, who was behind him in Soren's arms, croaked with worry. "Sorry buddy, but I have to go in alone." Ezran winked. "Can't have you trying to conquer the world."

Corvus was apprehensive, shifting his weight in his saddle. "I'm sorry I cannot follow inside, my king. We'll be right here when you're back."

"Yeah!" Soren made a face of utmost concentration and pressed his fingertips to his temples. "I'll be sending you psychic support, like this! Can you feel it?"

Soren knew how to make Ezran laugh when he most needed it. "Thank you, Soren. I can!"

Rayla waved to Ezran, giving him her best smile. "You're brave, Ezran. I know you can do this."

He was brave.

Scared, but still brave. Ezran wasn't going to run away.

"You are too, Rayla. Thank you, all of you."

Ezran turned, facing the path ahead, and walked to the domed summit with his head held high.

The meeting room was a pentagon, a wall for each banner and throne represented in the five kingdoms. He wished that such gatherings were made more often, for happier reasons. The peace between the kingdoms, the borders drawn on the map, were still relatively recent in the history of the continent. If they weren't careful, the bad blood of old could stain the present.

Queen Aanya was already there, chatting with King Ahling. Ezran was equally relieved and apprehensive to see King Ahling had been able to make it, the one who had survived a direct attack. He was in a wheelchair by his throne.

"King Ahling." Ezran bowed his head and extended a hand to King Ahling. "On behalf of my kingdom regarding the former High Mage's actions, I offer my sincerest apology for what has happened to you, and the other rulers. I'm glad to see you are making a recovery."

He hadn't known what to expect, and the warm smile he got in return made his anxiety simmer down.

"King Ezran!" King Ahling shook his hand heartily. "Pardon me, King Ezran. I haven't seen you since you were a baby. Please, do not carry the burden of those who came before you on your shoulders. I'm thankful to be alive, although…" he patted his thigh. "This is as recovered as I will ever get."

Ezran tried to tell himself it wasn't his fault. If only he'd stayed, if only he'd been able to prevent it… but he'd done what he'd needed to do, with the information he'd had.

"It's good to see you again, King Ezran." Queen Aanya was able to seem composed and regal so effortlessly despite not being far from his own age.

"And you, Queen Aanya."

What would he and Aayna do if they were able to act their age? Ezran wasn't sure.

That left the other two rulers to make an appearance.

Queen Nirvi of Del Bar was first. Ezran had only heard vague information about the process to select a new monarch, and the gist he'd gotten was that it was a tournament for the throne. By Queen Nirvi's biceps and the presence of a freshly inflicted scar on her cheek, he figured her opponents looked much worse for the wear. She didn't seem intimidating to him, though, proud but pleasant as she strode in. Her hair was kept back in a blonde braid, a few strands falling into her face under the Del Barian chain circlet. She wore furs and light armor along with the regal trappings. "Good to see everyone. I'm Queen Nirvi, here to represent Del Bar."

King Rithul followed. The first thing Ezran noticed about him was the perfectly white streaks in his hair that started at his temples and were swept back into a low ponytail that didn't match his middle age- a mage then. His crown was golden with an emerald in front and decorations on the side. He wore black and green, his cloak embroidered in gold with Evenere's dragonfly on the back. Like Queen Nirvi, he seemed to be eager to put his best foot forward. "It's an honor to be among you all." He gave a slight bow. "I am King Rithul, chosen by Evenere."

Formal greetings were exchanged all around, some of the tension out of Ezran's shoulders only draining once he turned his back to walk up to his throne. He couldn't help feeling like every interaction was a test, and he was hoping he'd passed.

All eyes turned to Ezran once they were settled in. It made sense, since he'd summoned the meeting.

"I've called you all here because of a new danger that has arisen in our world." Ezran had rehearsed what he might say over and over, and he focused on keeping his delivery strong. "Or, one could say it is an old danger. Aaravos, an ancient Startouch Elf, has escaped his prison in Xadia, and challenges the safety of the world as we know it."

Queen Aanya nodded. "Yes, we've heard stories, something about the entire Sea of the Castout being flooded, and an earthquake over a month ago."

"That was Aaravos," confirmed Ezran. He took a deep breath. "The problem is, we know little about him, or his exact goals, only that he is the most powerful being in all of Xadia. Vengeance, power, control- I don't know what he wants, but it is said he was responsible for much of the chaos and disasters during the Mage Wars, and further back than that. Even Xadia is on alert."

King Rithul was contemplative. "In Evenere, we have some knowledge of Aaravos."

Queen Nirvi folded her arms. "Your High Mage doesn't let anyone see it."

He laughed. "Yes, Srisha is quite picky about it. However, I can share something that may put us at ease. Aaravos was said to be a friend to humans- his return may not be a bad omen. It could very well be a cause for celebration."

Ezran's stomach dropped.

He was back on the castle balcony, hand on Aaravos's chest, feeling his pain, wanting anything but to fight him.

Celebrating his return could have been tempting, but…

"Even if he was humanity's friend, Aaravos has caused every nation much harm in his time," insisted Ezran.

Queen Nirvi glared at King Rithul. "It would be a mage to celebrate his return. We'll consider it a win if he leaves us alone. None of us needs to play with trying to attain more power."

"Ah, it takes me back," said King Ahling. "Evenere and Del Bar can't go ten minutes without a shot at each other, but nevermind that. Whatever you all plan to do about Aaravos, Neolandia is staying out of it."

Ezran felt like the floor was crumbling out from under his boots.

"Please, we need to work together and keep each other informed. Aaravos works with secrecy and sowing discord from the shadows." Ezran made eye contact with everyone. "If we are divided, we are weak. If we rely on each other, he won't have a way to corner us and bribe us."

Queen Nirvi sighed. "King Ezran, look around you. We are two newcomers, two children, and a gravely injured king, and all of us just weathered a war across the border. We are weak."

"It isn't that Evenere has anything against Xadia," said King Rithul. "In fact, trade with Xadian ships has blossomed over the past two years. We want to remain friendly with all who we can, find some future with light for us all. The fact remains that a Startouch Elf is not an enemy we can afford to make either. Why decide to band against Aaravos when we don't even know what he wants?"

This was all wrong.

Didn't they know the danger they were in?

"It isn't just us as The Five Kingdoms anymore." Ezran had no idea how well the news would go over. "The border with Xadia is opened in Katolis, as is our chance for peace and prosperity with them. Katolis will soon be allied with the Sunfire Elf Kingdom, not only by negotiations, but our General Amaya's marriage to Queen Janai."

Queen Aanya smiled. "Congratulations. I believe that will be a step forward towards the lava perhaps vanishing forever."

"You think Xadia would do that?" asked King Ahling. "Xadia's lands are rich and magical. Eliminating the border has always been something that would benefit us far more than them. Whatever peace and alliances we have now are tentative. We cannot forget the nature of our relationship to them."

"There may be some way to make progress, renegotiate our position," said King Rithul. "I know what Xadia and even many within our kingdoms think of Dark Mages. There can be rules. There can even be ways to avoid using Dark Magic altogether. Your predecessor," he nodded to Ezran, "-trespassed in Xadia to find a magical solution to a famine. If you are connected to the Sunfire Elves, then you will have no need for such magic. It would solve their problem with us, and our problems that arise due to natural conditions- if they cooperate."

"You'd really ask an elf for help as a mage?" asked Queen Nirvi.

"Yes, I may even humble myself enough to ask a Del Barian for help someday too," said King Rithul, flashing her a smile which she returned with an amused huff. "As a mage, I can field Xadia's questions or demands and make decisions on behalf of my kingdom and our mages, should it come down to it. The dual authority is useful."

Rithul's flexibility on magic may be helpful, but Ezran still didn't know what to do about the avoidance on the topic of Aaravos. Yet, he didn't bring many ideas to the table himself. Waiting for a crisis to strike and then getting everyone to take action wasn't good enough, but it was what had happened last time.

"Whatever we do, we should promise to not turn against each other, at least," said Ezran. "None of us want another Mage War."

If anyone had a reply to that, they never made it.

The room went dark.

Violet light flashed above them amid shouts of panic, the light growing and solidifying as a tall figure stepped through it, hovering above their heads in the middle of the room. He radiated starlight from his chest, eyes, and all around his body, arms spread wide as he smirked and basked in the stares of the five monarchs.

Aaravos floated downwards into the exact center of the room, ever graceful even as he made a show of his arrival.

"Didn't anyone ever tell you that it's rude to talk about someone behind their back?" he asked, feigning offense.

He bowed at the waist, still smug, taking advantage of the stunned silence. "I'll forgive you all for neither inviting me nor bowing to me upon my arrival. This world has grown ignorant of me in my forced absence." Straightening up with a hand behind his back, he slowly paced in a circle, elegant and taking every detail of those in the room in. "Well? Go on, or do I need to pose a discussion question?"

Queen Aanya addressed him first, sitting forward on her throne, putting on a brave face. "This meeting is closed to the five rulers of our kingdoms. No matter how important you think you are, you are disrespecting our laws and customs."

"Hmm, I suppose I am," said Aaravos nonchalantly. "Yes, I generally prefer to meet one on one, but try that and you all will think I'm just being a deceptive snake." He rested his palm on his chest, dramatically finishing, "-and what would never do."

"What do you want?" asked King Ahling. "Haven't you done enough?"

Aaravos turned to him, frowning. "Ah, you must mean that unpleasant business everyone pins on me. Well, let me show my sense of goodwill, then."

He drew a lavender sigil in the air, glowing with Star Magic. He pressed his palm to it and sent it towards King Ahling, who recoiled but couldn't stop it from sinking into his body.

Queen Nirvi stood up. "What did you do to him?!"

"I…" King Ahling braced himself against the arms of his wheelchair and stood up as well, testing out the feeling in his limbs as he tapped his foot on the ground. "That was incurable. It…"

"I am of the Stars, the arcanum of destiny, connections, and the mysteries of the cosmos." Aaravos held his head high. "I am the most powerful person you will ever meet.

"But, you have no reason to fear me." Gentleness replaced his authoritative tone. "Since the time of Sol Regem, the Sun King, I have been on humanity's side. I have seen your potential. I have felt your pain." His hand rested on the blackest part of his chest. "I have lost my home twice now, and I will not lose it again, to be exiled from all other living things."

Aaravos raised his eyebrows and turned to Ezran, a knowing smile on his lips. "Hasn't your big brother Callum vouched for me to you? He's been perfectly safe under my care. He's my favorite student, after all."

Ezran had known swear words for many years, most of them taught to him by animals who didn't have a filter, and he caught himself for the first time tempted to use one as everyone turned to face Ezran, shocked at the revelation that the Crown Prince of Katolis was currently with Aaravos.

"Is this true?" asked King Rithul.

"I've heard that Callum is safe," admitted Ezran. He felt like he had two choices, to defend his brother, or to condemn his actions as having any part of Katolis's stance as a country. "And I was getting to that point, that he went with Aaravos to stay and persuade him to not destroy our world."

The point would not be smoothed over so easily.

"Are you Aaravos's allies, then?" asked Queen Aanya.

Queen Aanya, who Ezran had hoped would be the least of his worries, was always direct and stood her ground. That they were almost like friends didn't make him an exception.

Callum, his brother, the High Mage, the Crown Prince.

Callum had never used his political status for much of anything. He was no king, he could get away with "just Callum", he could see the High Mage's position as something he filled automatically by being a mage in the castle. Ezran didn't want to think about anything happening to himself, but Callum was the next in line to rule- a fact that Callum never paid mind to either. It was admirable that Callum didn't abuse his royal privileges, but… he didn't always grasp the responsibilities either.

Ezran knew Callum had gone away to try and protect them.

He also knew Callum hadn't considered for a second how it would look on the world stage.

"Prince Callum's actions do not reflect Katolis's position." Ezran fought to keep his voice steady. "He's doing what he thinks is right, but we have not been given reason to trust you, Aaravos. What will it take for us all to have peace in this world? We all want what is best for our kingdoms, and Katolis has interest in Xadia's safety as well. We have only just started to build something new and fragile and good with Xadia. Katolis will not stab our new allies in the back. It won't come to war again."

Aaravos laughed. "Stab Xadia? In the back?" He doubled over, as if Ezran had told a joke. "Since when was Xadia so reasonable to accept such terms? I repeat, you have nothing to fear from me." He held Ezran's gaze. "Stay out of my way."

"No."

Ezran had risked everything for Zym, for having a relationship with Xadia.

He was small, but he stood up anyway.

"I can't let you hurt anyone in Xadia. It doesn't have to come to us versus them anymore, or more violence that will cost us our loved ones and anything we've tried to make together."

Aaravos had a habit of turning soft and kind when it was most inconvenient for the other person. He did so then. "Young king, whether or not this world has peace is out of my hands. If I am left to my own devices, able to live a life in the open, with my family, as I please without threat from Xadia, then I shall. But, if- when- they hunt me, when they turn against me, if anyone turns against me, I will make my home in this world by force.

"There it is." Aaravos gestured widely as he spoke. "Either I am accepted by this world, able to live as I wish, or I shall conquer Xadia, making it my home with my own design. Neither of these options need put any of you or your people in danger."

Queen Aanya frowned. "People like you are rarely satisfied. What will happen when elves flee across the border to us once you've taken their home? Will you leave them be? Or are we the next step in your conquest?"

"Thinking many steps ahead, are we?" Aaravos pondered it, tapping his chin. "I suppose I assumed all of humanity would be worshiping me by then. I'm already doing the favor of healing your lands and your people. Oh, King Ezran didn't know this yet, but in the next few decades, Katolis's forests will begin to look more like the way they used to. With magic back in the soil, the damage from the Mage Wars can be undone. You could live comfortable, unworried lives with plenty of food and resources. Duren could be the breadbasket to feed the entire continent if its land was restored."

He could single-handedly solve almost every problem the kingdoms had faced since their inception.

"That's a lot of 'ifs' and assumptions," muttered Queen Aanya.

"What does it cost?" asked King Rithul. "There's always a cost."

Aaravos shrugged. "It's practically free. Is loyalty and love so difficult to give? I was imprisoned by these Xadian friends of King Ezran's, isolated for three centuries, their intent to keep me locked away until I died. It's their favorite thing to do, you see. Banish, exile, and pretend they're perfect." His voice was harsh with bitterness.

"You were imprisoned for causing the deaths of more than anyone else in history," said Ezran. "You orchestrated tragedy after tragedy. Why?"

"I worked from the shadows." Aaravos spoke of it all lightly. "I did not advertise my intentions. To keep my anonymity, my actions got quickly underhanded. The current state of the Sunforge- something the Sun Elves enjoyed torturing captive humans with- is my doing."

Ezran's chest seized.

Queen Nirvi narrowed her eyes. "That thing's done a lot of damage, and our reports say it may not stay in Xadia."

King Ahling, still not used to his newly healed body, nodded. "It's terrible. Even if we keep ourselves in line, the threat of something like that looming over us… that's no way to live."

Aaravos hmmed.

"I see," Aaravos said. "Trust is never simply given, is it? Allow me to earn it. I can show you I mean only to bless this world- my world. I shall fix the Sunforge so you needn't fear its corruption." He chuckled. "Though, it will give your greatest former adversaries their weapon forge back. Just remember, these were the terms." He spun on his foot to face King Ezran. "If I go and undo the damage to the Sunforge, will you trust me?"

Ezran hesitated.

"You're playing a difficult game, Your Majesty." Aaravos pouted playfully, ears even tilted down. "I have not harmed anyone since coming back to this world. I freed your elf friend's parents. Your brother has been safe. I have not even enacted vengeance on Xadia for their treatment of me. Do you know what that imprisonment was like? I'm even offering to solve some of their problems for you. What else is there? Are you just as unreasonable as they are?"

It seemed reasonable to Ezran to keep someone who'd killed so many people away from others, but he also couldn't deny that isolation for that long sounded terrible. He'd been given a glimpse into the sort of pain Aaravos carried with him.

Almost anyone he'd ever known, gone.

Ezran didn't want to think about it.

"Restore the Sunforge because it's the right thing to do. Not for me," replied Ezran.

Aaravos bowed.

"Very well."

He teleported in another bright spark of light, gone as if he'd never been there. Daylight flooded back into the room and they all looked at each other as if waking from a dream.

"We cannot go against him," said Queen Nirvi.

King Ahling sighed. "Agreed."

Queen Aana looked away, silent.

King Rithul stood up, brushing himself off. "It seems our talk has concluded."

No one had wanted to take a strong stance anyway, and Aaravos had ensured no one was willing to risk being caught between him and Xadia.

"I can't believe this." Ezran felt defeated, even if Aaravos had promised them that they'd be safe if they didn't interfere. "He could have just been lying to all of us. There's a reason everyone he knew agreed he had to be sent away, even though that was horrible. I want peace, I do, but I can't see Zym or anyone else hurt."

"How many years would it take for someone like him to be punished for what he did?" asked Queen Aanya. "Is there a number that can ever heal those wounds? I suppose there isn't. It doesn't do anything but make him hate his captors."

Ezran felt like he was at more of a loss than before the Pentarchy. "I have to convince Xadia to not fight him. I have to save Zym, Zubeia, everyone, but I don't know if they'll listen."

Queen Aanya sighed. "I don't trust him to back down even if you do convince them to talk. It could be a trap. A final payback for betraying him."

"I know."

Aaravos was clever. Dragons were stubborn at best, and elves weren't fond of Aaravos or humans either. Ezran had no idea how it would go.

He couldn't even blame Xadia for trying to get rid of Aaravos now that he was freed again, but he also understood why Aaravos would demand he could live his own life. Everyone wanted that. Was his life one were he would ascend to power anyway, beloved by humanity despite all the pain he'd caused?

Was Callum Aaravos's family now? Were Viren, Callum, and Claudia so important that Aaravos would dedicate himself to them?

There always seemed to be at least one piece missing to what he knew.

Ezran strode out of the meeting after rushed farewells, doing his best to not stress cry. Soren, Rayla, and Corvus were waiting for him, and before they could ask, he said:

"We're going to see my Aunt Amaya and Queen Janai. Right now."