In the Northern Mountains- Ha'rar:
"All-Maudra, we have more correspondence from Maudra Yre, the Paladin announced as he strode quickly to where Seladon stood. She found herself visiting the eastern section of the Citadel where the Reflection room was located. The room entire outside wall was made of glass, allowing a panoramic view of the Northern Mountains. When the Rose sun would settle, the room was dazzling with sparkling light through the window and the room was full of reflections of the snow. It had been one of Brea's favorite places to sneak away and read, Seladon had found her there hiding behind the white couch when mother would send Seladon out to find her. When they had been children, Tavra, Seladon, and Brea would play in this room, running and laughing trying to catch the shimmering reflections on the walls and the furniture.
Seladon was not thinking of these memories now, she only thought of what information this new letter held.
"I will read it," she held her hand out and the Paladin who complied by handing her the scribe.
All-Maudra, I write you with extreme urgency. After battle with the Skeksis
we have discovered a new weapon at the hands of our enemies. They call
this creature a Garthim, it has few weaknesses and it ruthless against us.
These Garthim are the very same to have destroyed the Spriton village and
contributed to our defeat at the Crystal Castle. We were able to free the
remaining Spritons trapped in the castle, but it is with a heavy heart I tell you
Maudra Mera has been returned to Thra. Please be vigilant for these creatures
will take anyone with no remorse. They seem to be the Skeksis way of capturing
Gelfling for extracting essence and they cannot be reasoned with. I also write
you to say you sister, Princess Brea, is here with my clan. She is safe and
unharmed and I plan to send her back with escort as soon as there is a safe
journey guaranteed. Below are the names of the fallen from the Vapran clan-
"All-Maudra?"
Seladon turned to the Paladin," Yes?"
"You haven't spoken a word in nearly 10 minutes. I hope no ill news about the battle?"
"Princess Brea has been found," she couldn't contain her smile. "She is safe and with the Stonewoods."
Seladon let herself release the tension in her shoulders after saying the words out loud, Brea is safe. She is with Maudra Yre, a strong Stonewood warrior. Why would she leave Ha'rar without any word? Why Stone-in-the-Wood? Could it have anything to do with Rian?
"Tremendous news, All-Maudra."
"But...," she paused turning back to the long list of the fallen. "We have suffered many losses. Take this list and prepare ceremonies for the families, alert them retrieving the bodies may prove difficult. "
"Of course All-Maudra."
Seladon wrapped her arms around herself, feeling a chill brush against her skin she felt so cold, she turned back to the view of the mountains. Brea must have done something dangerous, Seladon deduced. Why else would Maudra Yre mention she is unharmed. Did she join the battle? Why would she leave without word? What secrets is Brea hiding from me now?
"All-Maudra?"
Seladon had forgotten about the Paladin, she looked over her shoulder to where he was standing. He was still holding the scroll in his hand, and he was staring at her as if waiting for more instructions. His blue hood covered pale yellow hair that only escaped over his forehead in the form a sharp fringe. His blue eyes complimented his uniform, but them seem clouded with worry.
"Is there anything else, Sir Paladin?," Seladon asked.
"Forgive me, All-Maudra," he bowed his head in submission.
Seladon shifted her body to face him head on, she was waiting for him to continue. Usually if a Paladin apologized, it was to admit guilt to failing their duties of the Citadel. As his head was lowered, his hood fell over him completely, the cape may have been too large. She fought to keep herself from smiling at the silly sight, that's when she realized she knew this Paladin. He had served her mother during the end of her reign, his cape always had been too big, once she remembered seeing him stumbling over it while walking the halls. Yet she never remembered him being one for trouble, she had never seen him reprimanded by her mother before.
"I cannot forgive what I don't know," she told him.
"While reading the names of the fallen, I saw Maudra Yre's message."
"That is of no harm, Paladin. The message has no secrets." He was still facing the floor yielding to the authority that Seladon held over him. "You don't have to bow, please stand."
He lifted himself up and she saw his eyes no longer held a sense of worry; his blue eyes seemed ignited with a sudden passion.
"I am grateful for you kindness, All-Maudra."
"The news of my sister's safety has put me in too good of a mood to spoil," she said, even though it was not entirely true. Seladon still was worrying for her sister being away from Ha'rar and whys he had left so suddenly. "I know you are a dedicated Paladin and you served my mother well."
The Paladin seemed stunned that Seladon recognized him, the thought made him smile brightly. "All-Maudra Maryin was like no other, I was honored to have served her," he paused. "You are so much like her."
Now it was Seladon's turn to be stunned, she like her mother? Impossible. Her mother lead Gelfling through hardships and conflict while coming to the aide of all the clans. She was a true leader of the Gelfling, Seladon felt like a cheap imposter.
"I can see you don't believe me," the Paladin's laugh echoed in the vacant room.
"My mother was valiant and unstoppable, neither word I would use to describe myself."
Seladon felt a flush in her face, why was she confiding in a Paladin. Was she truly that alone without Brea? She must look so foolish to him! The Paladin didn't reply right away but when he changed the topic to a different matter.
"What of these new Garthim? How should we prepare to protect the Citadel?"
Seladon tried to shake her embarrassment, she briefly forgotten of Maudra Yre's urgent news. How was she going to go up against this unknown assailant? Maudra Yre had said they were ruthless and had no reasoning. She opened her mouth to respond, but she had no idea how she was going to protect her people. She knew she couldn't admit to this Paladin that she was at a loss, what kind of Maudra would she be if she did.
"Might I make a suggestion, All-Maudra?"
"Of course," Seladon tried not to sound eager for ideas.
"I heard that the Arathim fought by our side at Stone-in-the-Wood," he phrased it like a question.
"Yes, they were an ally."
"The perhaps we could lean on them for support against these Garthim. I've heard how the Skeksis imprisoned them below the Crystal Castle, they also must want to see an end to the Skeksis empire."
It was a brilliant idea. Why had she not thought of asking them for help earlier?
"Yes," she thought about a moment longer, letting her chin rest on her fist. "The Arathim are one of the oldest species native to Thra. I know they suffered under the Skeksis power, and they turned against the Skeksis during the battle at Stone-in-the-Wood. Yes...," she smiled and looked at the Paladin. "What a grand idea."
"Oh... T-Thank you, All-Maudra," the Paladin stuttered while accepting praise.
"What is your name, Paladin?"
"Oh... I was told we are not to tell our names, All-Maudra. When we become Paladins, we are a single force, and our identities are no longer relevant to the mission of serving you."
Seladon did know that Paladins never went by their names when in uniform, but it had always made little sense to her. The Paladin looked shaky, the thought of telling her his name frightened him more than admitting to reading the correspondence of Maudra Yre. She couldn't help but giggle, he had such a boyish charm about him, so innocent yet dedicated.
"Please may I know your name?," she asked again with a smile.
"Kuhr, All-Maudra," he bowed again.
"Well, Kuhr I am glad to have someone with bright ideas here in Ha'rar. I'll need to send a courier to the Grottan caves and make contact with the Arathim. Once that is done, we'll need to gather all of the Paladins, we must alert them of the new danger that might come."
"Do you think they might come here?," Kuhr asked before quickly finishing the sentence with All-Maudra.
"The Skeksis will want to weaken us, and I'm sure they have a wish to see me dead," she admitted with a sigh.
"We will protect you, All-Maudra. The Paladins would never let any harm come to you or Princess Brea."
Seladon felt that she liked this Paladin, he was optimistic and had smart ideas. He would be an asset in the war to come if he proved himself a strategist.
"I am grateful for you protection," she smiled. "Please, prepare ceremonies for the Vapran warriors, assemble the Paladins, and send word to the Arathims."
"Right away, All-Maudra!," Kuhr ran from the room with a beaming grin.
Stone-in-the-Wood:
Aughra was much too old for these journeys, she needed to find a better way to move about Thra. She hobbled quickly, she needed to speak with as many Gelfling as she could and Aughra knew a majority was gathered at Stone-in-the-Wood.
"Mother Aughra?"
She looked up to see a Gelfling girl standing in front of her.
"Ahhh! Yes, so good to see Gelfling! Must be near Stone-in-the-Wood."
"Yes, Mother Aughra. It's only half a league down the trail," the girl pointed.
"Excellent," she was practically giddy, it was then she took more notice of the Gelfling. "Why if it isn't the clever princess. Aughra was not expecting to see you here."
Brea smiled brightly at Aughra," I could say the same for you."
"Yes, much has been unexpected. Thra is still full of surprises!," she said with a coarse laugh and she marched down the trail.
"What brings you to Stone-in-the-Wood?"
"I come with news for Gelfling! Much left to do and time is short."
"News? Is it about the Skeksis?"
"All will be told, have patience."
"Mother Aughra, I found a book in the Skeksis library. They've been stealing the knowledge of Thra for hundreds of trine and we had no idea. I think this book will us understand Deet's new powers and why she's able to control the Darkening."
"HA!," Aughra snorted. "All Skeksis know is to steal. They steal Aughra's home. They steal the Crystal. Now they steal Gelfling! But there is still time."
"Time for what, Aughra?"
"To stop them! Ah, Stone-in-the-Wood!," Aughra gazed at the site. "I must speak to Gelfling."
"Mother Aughra?" "What is Aughra doing here?" "Something must have happened?!"
Whispers began filling the village from all clans speculating what had brought Mother Aughra to Stone-in-the-Wood.
"Mother Aughra," Rian came forward. "What brings you here?"
"There is little time, Rian," she clutched her cane and limped closer. "Much too far to Ha'rar... but all Gelfling must know."
"All Gelfling must know what?," Maudra Yre emerged from the hall after hearing the commotion.
"A prophecy! A grand prophecy made by the Crystal itself!," Aughra exclaimed with vigor, throwing her cane into the sky and calling attention to everyone.
The Endless Forest:
"These Gelfling live in the most disgusting conditions," Skekung grimaced as they walked further into the trees, in the low light of day the path was beginning to darken.
Skekso had denied The Mariner and the General transportation so the pair was forced to walk. The Mariner didn't mind exploring the land, even though it was nothing compared to the true freedom she felt at sea. This dry air and solid ground were far from her preferred taste, but it was still better than the dust crammed castle. But being here with this incompetent waste of skin was almost as intolerable. He was always blabbering away, saying nothing of importance, perhaps only to hear himself speak.
"Skeksis will rule Thra once we destroy those disgusting Gelfling," he grunted.
"Let us find this Rian and be done," Skeksa retorted.
"According to the map, we are only a few leagues away, we should go off trail."
"Very well," she agreed and they both pushed into the deep brush.
With every movement, Skekung was awkward and stiff, he tried to cut through branches to clear a new path. He was so irritated that he had to do this himself, This is what slaves are for, he thought as he swung his blade. He was still highly motivated, he wanted to make Rian pay for embarrassing him, he wanted to hear him beg for his life. He was imagining all the ways he would remove Rian's head as he crept closer and closer to Stone-in-the-Wood.
The Mariner on the other hand was much stealthier, she moved through the thick batch of dense branches with ease. From her many years at sea, she knew that one cannot fight nature, you must work with it and use it to your advantage. When sailing, you can't block a giant wave or cut through the water to make a path, you have to work around these obstacles. She suddenly froze and listened, beyond the Generals' continuously grumblings, she hears another noise. It was the faint pattering of footsteps on the ground, someone else was nearby. She signaled for the General to halt, he didn't pay any attention and kept moving.
"Someone is here," she hissed viciously pulling on his shoulders to make him stop.
"Are we already to the village?," Skekung looked around for signs of the Gelfling.
"No," she rolled her eyes. "More likely it's a lookout. We need to neutralize them."
"Right," Skekung agreed. "I'll take charge and catch him off his guard."
"By all means," The Mariner stepped back to allow the General to move. She had no intention of making things easier for him, she knew that in a fight, she could kill in all directions and escape the small army they were planning to ambush. Looking at the General with his port belly and clammy skin, the way he lazily swung his sword, she was unsure she could say the same for him.
"Which way?," The General spun in a circle unsure of where this Gelfling spy was hidden.
With him leading us in battle, we might as well abandon this world for the Gelfling, The Mariner sighed as gave Skekung no aide. Skeksa was losing patience dealing with this insufferable waste of breath, his incompetence alone astounded her that he had survived so long with learning nothing.
"Quiet," she quickly pulled him down. "The Gelfling are near."
The General wanted to swat her away, but her grip was strong and that was when he heard the voices too.
"Let's make it quick, I don't want to miss anything."
"It'll be fine, we just have finish the perimeter."
"I don't want to miss what she has to say!," the first voice whined.
"Then you go back and I'll check the perimeter alone. If I meet a Garthim, I'll slay it single-handedly and become a hero!"
A chipper laugh made Skeksa's ears shriek.
"As if you could ever! Aren't you curious what she's going to say?!"
The deeper voice replied," We will find out soon enough."
That's when the pair appeared, two Gelfling in armor walking side by side. The did not resemble Stonewoods, but Skeksa could not clearly make out which clan they had originated from.
"I'm going back! There's nothing out here," the female complained.
The male was running out of patience," Then go! I'll finish alone."
"Thanks Pruno! You're the best," she smiled happily and ran back from the direction they came.
The male named Pruno kept going alone, it would have been easy to kill him without him making a sound.
"Let's kill him," Skekung grunted.
"No," Skeksa stopped him from lunging. "We are here for Rian's head. We should find him quickly and not doddle with lesser Gelfling."
"They are all lesser!"
"Shhh," Skeksa scrambled to silence him. "If we take on their whole army it will only anger the Emperor. He wants Rian and we will deliver Rian."
"Get off of me!," Skekung snapped and stood up. "We go onward on my call. I am the General," he huffed.
How dare the Mariner stop me! I will slaughter all Gelfling if I please and burn this entire forest to the ground, Skekung puffed his chest out and continues on his march towards Stone-in-the-Wood. She is no ally of mine. I need strong members of court to gain favor with the Emperor... the Ritual Master might be good.
"More Gelfling ahead," Skeksa muttered to herself. They must be building a stronger defense, it is a wise move, but needless since they so overestimate the Emperor.
"No matter how many we kill, there's always more," Skekung grunted as the pair moved stealthily away from the Gelflings.
"Silence," Skeksa snapped and craned her neck to listen. "That voice is not of Gelfling."
"I have seen it with my own eyes, Gelfling!"
"What exactly did it say, Mother Aughra?"
Skekung snarled at the mention of Mother Aughra, he wanted nothing more to charge forward and strike her heart. It had been many trine since Skeksa had seen Mother Aughra with her own eyes, she remembered her admiration of all life and desire to travel beyond this world.
"When single shines the triple sun. What was sundered and undone. Shall be whole, the two made one... by Gelfling hand or else by none."
"What is she babbling about," Skekung gritted his beak.
"What does it mean?" "What must we do?!" Distant replies called out.
"Move closer," Skeksa nudged the General as the crept past the bushes and discovered the edge of Stone-in-the-Wood. There were not Gelfling they could see, foolish creatures abandoned their posts, she almost wanted to punish them for their carelessness. Perhaps they should slaughter this army, what good would it do the Gelfling if they didn't follow simple orders!
"Gelfling listen! You will be the heroes of Thra! Only you can defeat the Skeksis, this is the prophecy of the Crystal!"
Skeksa stopped walking, prophecy? How could the Gelfling defeat Skeksis?
"Those whining grubs," Skekung growled. "We should kill them. The Emperor will be pleased to see them all drained."
"Look," Skeksa stopped him and they pair watched silently.
Rian stepped into view," How can we defeat them, Mother Aughra?"
"Details are not up to the Crystal," Aughra shook her head. "You now must spread the word to the other clans. Tell them that Thra is with you and Gelfling will triumph over Skeksis."
"How can we know this is true," Maudra Yre silenced the other questions bubbling amongst the Gelfling.
Mother Aughra turned to face Maudra Yre and silence rang in the air, no one dared utter a sound in the Gelfling crowd. Skeksa was also extremely interested in this prophecy whereas Skekung was trying to find the right time to charge at them.
"You have not seen such a place, Gelfling. Where this prophecy stands is now sacred to Thra, it marks history."
"But what made the prophecy?," Gurjin asked.
"A prophecy cannot be made, Gelfling. It is destiny! It is foreseen by power greater than all of us."
"And this prophecy says that we will defeat the Skeksis?," Brea smiled.
"YES!," Aughra cheered. "It must be you Gelfling! The Prophecy states that very clearly, only Gelfling will be able to stop the Skeksis!"
Skeksa's spine tingled, this was big news.
"We must go," she told The General. "The Emperor needs to hear of this."
"But there is Rian, I must take his head!"
"There is no time! We must alert The Emperor."
"Of what? He will not care for foolish prophecies by Gelfling," the General sneered.
"You say this prophecy was etched in stone? Who etched it?," Maudra Yre still seemed skeptical.
"It was none other that Deet," Mother Aughra replied.
"Deet?," Rian was now more enticed by Mother Aughra. "Is she okay?"
"Yes, she lives well with her family. It was her who scorched the stone, giving us this prophecy."
"I am leaving, "Skeksa announced to her partner. "The Emperor will need to hear of this. Stay if you wish, I'm sure the Gelfling will spare your life."
"How dare you! I will kill them all with a single swing. My blade is the sharpest thing to ever be made! It will cute Rian's head clean off!"
"Be that as it may, General. The Emperor wants Rian head because of his rage, he does not know of this prophecy. If we bring it to him, he will surely be pleased by our success to learn of the Gelfling's plans."
"Perhaps," the General grumbled.
"Then you come back for Rian's head and gain his favor once more."
The General narrowed his eyes," I am in the Emperor's favor."
"All the more reason to return to the castle," Skeksa said before leaving his side.
I need to get her thrown out of court! She is no ally of mine and only thinks of herself! If the Emperor gets cross it will be all her fault... good, let him get angry. Perhaps he will throw her back to the sea.
The General made the decision to follow Skeksa back to the castle, he wanted to be the one to deliver the news to the Emperor.
"How could Deet make a prophecy?"
"Destiny is not a question, Rian. It is destiny. I bring you this news with Thra's blessing, Gelfling... but this not the time to fight."
"If not now, then when?," Maudra Yre's eyes narrowed. "Skeksis will not stop until we are all dead. We will not sit by and let our clans and our children be slain for prophecy's sake."
The crowd roused to Maudra Yre's words, clapping and cheering after hearing her dedication got defeat the Skeksis. Mother Aughra saw their spirits flare, she knew that certain futures were ending and she was nearly out of time.
"When single shines the triple sun. What was sundered and undone. Shall be whole, the two made one, by Gelfling hand or else by none," Mother Aughra raised her voice above all the others. She spun and faced the Gelfling surrounding her, all the clans gathered together to fight for one cause- their freedom. Thra's freedom. Nothing was more important to Aughra. "Look into the sky and what do you see!"
All the Gelfling turning to look up and Mother Aughra grunted," Not now Gelfling! Too dark! The day is done! But in the sky we see three suns that orbit Thra, and only during the Great Conjunction do they align and shine together."
"The Great Conjunction?," Brea repeated her words. "But Mother Aughra, that can't be right."
"The Great Conjunction? What is this?," Rek'yr turned to Brea for clarification.
"Surely you must have heard of it," Brea was surprised.
"They speak of the Single Sun, Rek'yr," Iyera broke from the crowd and smiled brightly to Rek'yr.
"Yes, it goes by many names," Mother Aughra did not care about the name. "Point is, Gelfling that the Great Conjunction is not far. You must wait, only during the Great Conjunction will you defeat the Skeksis."
"Why the Great Conjunction? What will be made whole? The prophecy makes no sense," Maudra Yre stood tall. "Should we forsake all those who have died for us, Mother Aughra? What of all those who have fallen? Are we just supposed to wait? Let the Skeksis grow in strength?!"
"Prophecy's do not follow the desires of the many, Maudra Yre. I tried once to stop Maudra Fara from battle with the Skeksis, she did not heed my warning and that memory pains me," Mother Aughra, bowed her head and closed her eyes. The thought of it brough a strong ache to her chest, Mother Aughra wanted to preserve all life on Thra.
"Mother Aughra, when is the next Great Conjunction?," Rian asked.
Mother Aughra slowly raised her head and looked to Rian, this would be another memory that she would look on with sadness. She knew that this news would not settle amongst the Gelfling and they would resist her warnings.
"The Great Conjunction is 23 trine away."