The air in the council chamber was thick with the weight of Astrid's urgent arrival. She had come straight from the Starscraper, her wings folded tightly behind her, her robes dark and billowing with every step she took. Her gaze was sharp, intent on delivering the news she carried. Ezran, seated at the head of the table, rose as she entered.
"Astrid, it's good to see you. What brings you here at this hour?" His voice held a note of concern, though he trusted her judgment implicitly. Astrid's face remained grave as she took her place at the table.
"I'm here with a warning from Kosmo," she said, her voice low but firm, "My brother received a vision. It's troubling."
"Let me guess, my sister Claudia?" Soren asked quickly, his voice filled with a sharp edge, as if preparing for the worst. Astrid nodded but didn't elaborate just yet.
"Kosmo's vision wasn't clear, but it's about her and something much worse. There's a danger coming, one tied to Claudia and… the Fallen Star," Astrid warned. Ezran's brow furrowed.
"The Fallen Star? You mean Aaravos?" Ezran pressed. Astrid's eyes locked with his, her tone heavy with the seriousness of the matter.
"Yes. Kosmo saw him too. His role in this is still unclear, but the stars are certain of one thing: he's connected to whatever Claudia is trying to do." She paused, her wings twitching slightly behind her as she folded her arms, trying to process what Kosmo had revealed, "A vision of an upside-down eye, a vast sea… A castle consumed by fire. Shadows rising, and a child. Then the child turned to light. Kosmo couldn't make sense of it, but it felt like a warning." Soren's expression tightened, a look of realization dawning on him.
"That's… ominous," Soren grimaced. Ezran exchanged a glance with Callum.
"A child... Could that be Zym? Or someone else?" Ezran wondered. Astrid shook her head.
"Kosmo couldn't tell, but he saw Claudia, surrounded by shadows, reaching for something. Something ancient, powerful, and destructive. And the Mage… Aaravos was there too, standing among shattered glass, torn between something he fears and something he desires," Astrid explained. Astrid now spoke with urgency, the gravity of the situation became clearer.
"Kosmo believes that if this vision comes to pass, we'll all be in danger. Whatever Claudia is after, it's not just a threat to her… she's trying to unleash something much greater," Astrid warned.
"The upside-down eye, the fire, the child," Ezran mused, "Could they all be connected?"
"I think they are," Astrid replied, folding her wings slightly in thought. "If the dark mage is moving toward whatever this vision represents, we have to act before it's too late. We need to find out what Claudia is after and stop her before she gets what she's looking for."
"We'll do everything we can. But if Claudia is involved with Aaravos again..." Callum nodded, his expression resolute.
"We can't afford to wait for her to make the first move," Soren added, his voice steely. "We'll need to track her down, wherever she is." Astrid's gaze hardened, her wings folding completely as she took a deep breath. Ezran stood up, his face set with determination.
"Agreed. I'll call for a meeting of the council. We need all our forces to prepare. If Claudia is after something, we can't let her slip through our fingers again," Ezran said.
CHAPTER THREE: PROPHECIES AND PASSAGE
Callum sat at the table in his chambers, the glow of flickering candles illuminating the pile of ancient texts before him and the book Legends of Hyrule. While the Katolis library did indeed have the book, Callum immediately was stymied by its contents. He'd been at it for hours, desperate to find something, anything, that might help them. The research had been a blur, a cacophony of old stories, fables and myths. But none of it felt real. None of it felt like something he could use.
Two days. It had been two days since Rayla and Runaan left to track down Claudia. Two days without word. The longer they were gone, the more the knot in Callum's stomach tightened. He ran his hand through his hair, his eyes scanning the pages before him. As he studied it, his thoughts turned to his fiancé once again. He couldn't stop thinking about her, about what might be happening out there in the wilds, and whether Claudia would even let her return in one piece. His mind kept drifting to the worst possible outcomes, even as he tried to focus on his magical research. A soft sound behind him broke his focus. Astrid had entered the library, her wings tucked behind her, her robes barely rustling as she moved. She observed Callum for a moment, noticing the frustration on his face.
"You were able to find a copy of Legends of Hyrule?" she asked, her voice light but laced with empathy. Callum glanced up, surprised by her sudden presence but grateful for the distraction.
"Yeah," he sighed, running a hand through his hair, "But I just can't make sense of this. Everything in here feels... incomplete. Like there's something hidden just beneath the surface. I don't know what I'm missing." Astrid's gaze fell on the book for a moment.
"It's not unusual for prophecies to be like that. They don't always reveal themselves right away. Sometimes it takes time for the pieces to fall into place," Astrid remarked. Callum offered a weak smile, but it didn't quite reach his eyes.
"I hope you're right. It's just… There's so much going on, and I don't have time to waste," Callum frowned. Astrid sat down beside him, her eyes still on the pages of the book. The quiet weight of the room pressed on both of them.
"You speak as if there's more going on than this. Anything else on your mind?" she asked, sensing something heavier than just the book in his mood. Callum hesitated for a moment. The truth had been weighing on him for days now, and he wasn't sure how to say it.
"A lot actually. I'm marrying Rayla," Callum announced. Astrid's eyes widened in shock, her hand instinctively moving to her side as if she needed to steady herself.
"You're... marrying Rayla?" she repeated, her voice rising in surprise, "The two of you? The Chosen Two, really?" Callum nodded, his gaze drifting back down to the book, though he wasn't really seeing it.
"Yeah. We've been through so much together, and it feels right. But with everything happening… I don't know if we're ready for all of it," Callum admitted. Astrid sat still for a long moment, processing the news. She had always known there was something special between Callum and Rayla, but this? This was unexpected. The thought of the Chosen Two coming together felt surreal. Astrid studied him for a moment, her expression softening.
"You and Rayla will figure it out. But you have to believe in yourselves. The future isn't all set in stone, Callum. You can't carry the weight of everything all at once," Astrid explained, "Not that I'm an expert on marriage mind you." Callum nodded, grateful for her words, but still uncertain. He turned back to the book, his hand resting on the pages, fingers tracing the symbols as if searching for a sign, an answer. Astrid stood up, sensing his growing frustration. She bent down to look over his shoulder at the book, her wings folding neatly behind her. Her presence shifted in the dim light, casting a shadow across the pages. As her shadow fell, the text seemed to shimmer. Callum's breath caught in his throat. The letters on the page began to rearrange themselves. The words glowed softly, transforming into clear, legible text. Startled by the magic, Astrid stepped back and the words returned to their original state.
"Wait Astrid! Do that again!" Callum ordered.
"Do what?" She blinked.
"Stand right there," Callum said, pointing to the spot she had stood a moment ago. She did and her shadow obscured the pages once more. The words shifted around to legible text once more.
"This is clearly no ordinary book," Callum whispered, excitement beginning to build, "This book... it was never meant to be read in the light. The magic in it only reveals itself in darkness."
"Just like the Fallen Star's actions," Astrid realized. The two of them leaned forward, now fully focused. The glowing words formed coherent sentences, guiding them through a new path of understanding. The ancient language no longer felt foreign, and Callum began to read aloud, his voice steady but full of awe.
"This book... it's a guide. A guide to star arcanum magic," Callum murmured, "I thought it was just a collection of stories, but it's more than that. It's a set of instructions too." Astrid's expression softened, a flicker of realization in her eyes.
"You're right. The stars aren't always clear in their messages. But maybe now they are," Astrid remarked.
"This could be the key to learning what Claudia is up to," Callum nodded as he got to work once again.
Meanwhile, in wilds of the forest, a campfire crackled in the quiet night. Runaan leaned back against a tree, watching Rayla across the flames. She was sharpening her butterfly blades, her focus seemingly on the task at hand, but the slight furrow in her brow betrayed her thoughts. Finally, Runaan broke the silence.
"The human mage… Rayla, what is he to you really?" He asked, his tone calm but direct. Rayla blinked and looked up, startled by the question.
"What?" Rayla asked.
"Callum," Runaan clarified, his gaze steady, "What is he to you?" Rayla hesitated, her grip tightening slightly on her blade.
"He's..." She paused, searching for the right words, "He's everything." Runaan raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable.
"Everything? Are you sure you understand what that means?" Runaan asked.
"I know what it means. He's someone I love. He's someone I'd fight for, die for if I had to," Rayla said, her jaw tightening. Runaan leaned forward slightly, the firelight casting shadows across his face.
"And yet, he's human," Runaan said back. Rayla's shoulders stiffened, but she met Runaan's gaze head-on.
"I know what he is, Runaan. I don't need you to remind me," Rayla groaned, "Don't tell me you don't agree with me marrying him after all?"
"That's not what concerns me, Little Blade," Runaan replied evenly, "I'm reminding you because it's a truth you can't escape. His life will pass in the blink of an eye compared to yours. One day, he'll be gone, and you'll remain. Do you think that will be something you can bear?" The weight of his words settled heavily between them, but Rayla refused to back down.
"I've thought long and hard about that. It doesn't change how I feel," Rayla said with confidence. Runaan regarded her quietly for a moment before sighing.
"You've always been stubborn. I suppose that's why you remind me of your mother," Runaan confessed. Rayla's eyes widened slightly, surprised by the rare mention of her parents.
"This isn't about being stubborn. It's about love," she said, her voice firm.
"And what would you know of love?" Runaan asked, his tone sharper than he intended, "You're young, Rayla. You've seen so little of the world…"
"Seen so little? Runaan, I've crossed Xadia more times than I care to admit," Rayla argued.
"OK. OK, you're well-travelled, but do you truly understand the sacrifices that come with loving someone so... different?" Runaan pressed. Rayla's grip on her blade tightened again as her gaze settled on Callum's engagement ring.
"I understand more than you think. I understand that it's not about what we are. It's about who we are. Callum and I… what we have… it's real, and I won't let anyone take that from us," Rayla said. For a long moment, Runaan said nothing. The fire crackled softly, filling the silence. When he finally spoke, his voice was quieter, almost resigned.
"I used to think the same way, you know. About Ethari," Runaan admitted. Rayla's expression shifted, her anger giving way to curiosity.
"You and Ethari are different. You're both elves," Rayla pointed out. Runaan's lips twitched in a faint smile.
"And yet, even among our kind, what we share isn't seen as... traditional. Moonshadow Elves don't often understand love between two men. It took years for everyone to accept us," Runaan said wistfully. Rayla tilted her head, processing his words.
"But you never gave up on each other," Rayla said.
"No," Runaan admitted, "We didn't and that's why I understand, even if I don't fully agree with your choice. You're willing to fight for this, for him. That's commendable. But don't mistake love for an absence of hardship. It will test you in ways you can't imagine." Rayla nodded slowly, her gaze thoughtful.
"I know it will. But I've already faced so much. I stopped Viren from killing the dragon prince. We found the pearl of Aaravos and helped kill him..." She looked up at Runaan, determination blazing in her eyes, "Now I'll stop Claudia too. For Callum. For everyone." Runaan studied her for a long moment before nodding.
"Very well. But remember this, Rayla. Love is a powerful thing, but it can also be a dangerous one. Don't let it cloud your judgment when the time comes," Runaan cautioned. Rayla didn't respond immediately. She stared into the fire, the flickering flames reflecting the fire in her heart.
"I won't," she said quietly but firmly. Runaan was silent for a while, his sharp eyes studying the moonlight filtering through the trees. His ears then pricked up, an important but mischievous thought crossing his mind.
"Have you slept with him yet?" Runaan asked. Rayla's ears turned a deep shade of violet, and she whipped her head toward him, her mouth opening and closing as she searched for words.
"W-what…?! That's… Runaan! No, we haven't! Not… Ye can't just…" Rayla stammered. A rare smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, and Rayla froze, realization dawning.
"Ye're jokin'," Rayla realized, her shock turning to annoyance.
"I am," Runaan admitted, his tone even but the faintest trace of amusement in his voice, "But it's telling how flustered you got that you want to."
"Ye're impossible," Rayla groaned, burying her face in her hands.
"I needed to see where you stood," Runaan's voice softened, and he leaned back slightly. Rayla lowered her hands and looked at him, her expression conflicted but grateful.
"I have chosen him," she said quietly, "It's just… figurin' out how to make everything else fit that's the hard part." Runaan nodded, a small but genuine smile breaking his usual stoicism.
"Then you're already braver than most," Runaan smiled as he settled back to sleep. Rayla followed suit and before either knew it, morning had come. Rayla stretched, the ache in her limbs a sharp reminder of the long days of travel. Runaan was already awake, as she expected, sitting on a fallen log and inspecting his bow.
"I could've sworn I earned a few extra winks after last night," Rayla quipped, pulling herself to her feet.
"Discipline, Rayla," Runaan replied with a faint smile, "It's time we moved on." Rayla smirked as she took the bow from him before retrieving another tracking arrow from her quiver. Runaan gave a nod of approval as she notched the arrow, its silvery shaft gleaming faintly in the morning sun. She drew the string back and whispered the spell Runaan had taught her.
"K'ahl-a'dor Virek Aelar." The arrow pulsed with faint magic before she released it. It soared into the sky and shattered, leaving a shimmering trail in its wake, and arced toward the horizon, curving slightly downward toward the south.
"The coast," Runaan noted, rising to his feet, "She's moving quickly."
"Then we'd better catch up," Rayla agreed. The two elves broke camp and followed the arrow's magic path through the forest. They moved swiftly and silently, their steps honed by years of training. By midday, the scent of salt and the sound of waves crashing against the shore told them they were close. As they reached a rocky outcrop overlooking the southern beaches, Rayla's sharp eyes spotted movement below. A ship rested in the shallow waters. It was a wooden vessel, but its hull pulsed unnaturally with veins of glowing magic.
"A ship…" Rayla muttered, her voice tight. Looking around, she saw Claudia moving back and forth between land and the boat, loading it with supplies.
"Then we have no time to lose," Runaan agreed. On the beach, Claudia moved quickly, loading the last of her supplies. The secret stone nestled against Claudia's collarbone glimmered faintly, its energy pulsating in time with the veins of rainbow energy binding the ship. Claudia paused, her hand brushing the stone as she gazed at the ship.
"We're almost ready," she muttered. The stone's light grew brighter, its voice resonating softly but distinctly in her mind.
"Almost, but not quite. You're not alone," Aaravos cautioned. Claudia's eyes widened.
"What do you mean? Who's here?" Claudia asked, looking around.
"Two shadows, swift and silent. Their hearts beat with purpose, one with vengeance, the other with duty," Aaravos advised. Claudia's fingers clenched around the stone.
"Rayla," she growled, her expression hardening as she shifted her robes to conceal the stone. The voice hummed, an edge of amusement in its tone.
"They mean to end you," Aaravos hissed, "Strike first with the magic you've been gifted, or you may not strike at all." In the shadows above, Runaan had already drawn his bow, his sharp eyes locked on Claudia's every move.
"She knows," Rayla whispered, crouching beside him.
"Then we act now," Runaan adjusted his aim, the tension in the bowstring increasing. The bowstring thrummed softly as he released the arrow, sending it slicing through the air, a blur of silver and intent. Claudia's eyes widened, and she twisted her body at the last second. The arrow grazed her arm, cutting through fabric and skin, before embedding itself in the mast of her ship. She hissed in pain and clutched her wounded arm, but her lips curled into a smirk.
"Well, well, isn't this a surprise?" Claudia called out, her voice dripping with mockery, "If it isn't my favorite assassin and her silent mentor. What brings you to this neck of the woods? A family getaway?" Rayla's grip tightened on her butterfly blades.
"I wish but Callum's not here. We're here to stop you, Claudia," Rayla ordered. Claudia raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence.
"Stop me? From what? I'm leaving Xadia behind, maybe forever. Or maybe you just don't like my choice in travel methods," She gestured to her new ship with a flourish.
"Oh really?" Rayla snapped, "Even if I believed you, we're not about to let you become someone else's problem!"
"You're not going to stop me. I've decided to stop clinging to childish morals that get in the way of doing what needs to be done," Claudia snapped back.
"And what exactly 'needs to be done'?" Rayla shot back, "Hurt more innocent people? Twist magic into something unnatural? You think we will just stand by and let you walk away after all the suffering you helped cause?"
"Oh, spare me the lecture. Callum doesn't understand, and neither do you," Claudia sneered.
"Callum understands more than you think," Rayla said, stepping forward, "And I won't let you drag him, or anyone else down with you." Runaan used the talk as a distraction to fire another arrow, which sunk into the wood next to Claudia's head.
"You're so self-righteous," Claudia sneered, "Fine. If you want to fight, let's fight." She reached toward the arrow embedded in the mast, her fingers glowing with magic as she pulled it out.
"Stella manum!" Claudia chanted, flicking the arrow off the ship. The arrow shuddered on the ground as it transformed into three enormous, writhing rainbow-colored hands that slammed into the ground with a deafening thud.
"What… What are those things?" Rayla's eyes widened in shock.
"I don't know," Runaan admitted, his voice grim as he notched another arrow. The hands moved with unnerving fluidity, their clawed fingers scraping against the ground as they advanced. One of them stretched upward, its claw curling toward the two elves like a predator sizing up its prey.
"Whatever they are," Rayla muttered, flipping her butterfly blades into a defensive stance, "we'd better figure out how to kill them… fast." The hands surged forward as if sensing their hesitation, claws scraping across the earth in jagged arcs. Runaan loosed an arrow with expert precision. The shot pierced the leading hand's center mass, sending it recoiling with a guttural, inhuman shriek. Black ichor dripped from the wound, but the creature didn't fall. Instead, it clawed the air, splitting into two smaller hands that moved faster than before.
"That's just unfair," Rayla cursed under her breath. One of the newly split hands lunged toward her, its elongated fingers flexing like pincers. She darted sideways, her butterfly blades gleaming as she slashed through the hand's wrist. A spurt of gloom erupted from the wound, and the appendage disintegrated with a hiss, but not before another hand swung toward her. Rayla rolled beneath the attack, narrowly avoiding the razor-sharp claws. She came up ready to counter, but a third hand was already closing in. Before she could react, it grabbed her ankle and hoisted her into the air.
"Rayla!" Runaan shouted, loosing another arrow. The projectile struck the hand holding her, and it screeched as it released her. She landed hard, gasping as she struggled to her feet. The aching sensation spreading from her ankle told her all she needed to know.
"These things… they're feeding on us!" she warned, limping back into position beside Runaan.
"Then we don't let them touch us," he said tersely, his gaze locked on the advancing monsters. Runaan drew another arrow, aiming at the largest hand looming over them. He released the shot, but before it could strike, one of the smaller hands lunged in the way, taking the hit and sacrificing itself to protect the larger one.
"They're adapting," Rayla muttered, wiping sweat from her brow. The largest hand suddenly surged toward Runaan, moving faster than either of them expected. He leapt back, but not far enough. Its clawed fingers caught him by the arm, dragging him to the ground. Runaan gritted his teeth as the creature's flesh began to spread over his skin, burning and draining him simultaneously.
"Runaan!" Rayla shouted, her voice raw with panic. Summoning all her strength, she sprinted forward, her blades flashing as she cleaved through the hand holding him. The creature dissolved into rainbow-colored dust, and Runaan slumped to the ground, clutching his arm.
"Are you okay?" she asked, kneeling beside him.
"I'll live," he said through gritted teeth, though his pallor and trembling hands told another story. The final hand loomed over them, its fingers flexing. Rayla grabbed Runaan's bowblade from where it had fallen.
"I'll handle this," Rayla insisted. She fired off two shots in quick succession, each striking the creature's center. The hand shrieked as it dissolved into a dark mist. Rayla exhaled in relief, but her reprieve was short-lived. Claudia's voice cut through the air, sharp and twisted with dark intent.
"Manum spectri!" Claudia's voice echoed. The remnants of the gloom swirled together violently, condensing into a new form. It twisted and writhed, taking shape until a dark silhouette hovered before them. The figure was humanoid yet distinctly unnatural. Its long limbs were sharp and angular, its movements flowing like liquid shadow. Crimson cracks veined its obsidian form, glowing faintly with each subtle shift. Its face was a warped imitation of Claudia's, features exaggerated into something mocking and sinister. Where its eyes should have been, twin embers of burning red glared out, filled with malice and scorn.
"Runaan, this isn't over," Rayla grimaced, her grip on the bowblade tightening. The shadowy figure raised a hand, tendrils of gloom forming into jagged projectiles that launched toward them like darts. Rayla dodged and countered, firing arrows of her own. Some struck the creature, but instead of faltering, it absorbed the hits, growing more solid with each impact.
"Great. It gets stronger the more we fight it," Rayla realized.
"You can't stop what you don't understand," The creature's voice echoed, a chilling distortion of Claudia's tone. Rayla didn't reply, trying to keep pace with the phantom's shifting, unpredictable attacks. Each strike she made with the bowblade was met with more resistance, the dark magic swirling around the phantom, bolstering it, making it more dangerous. The phantom lashed out again, and Rayla barely managed to parry one of its blows with the bowblade. But her footing slipped on the slick sand, and she was thrown off balance. The bowblade was knocked from her grasp as she stumbled, landing hard on her side.
"No!" Rayla gasped, scrambling to recover, but the phantom wasted no time. It was already upon her, its claws slashing through the air.
"Rayla!" Runaan shouted, but his voice was distant, barely audible over the phantom's chilling screech. In a flash, the phantom's claws were coming down on her, and Rayla's heart pounded in her chest. She raised her arm to block the blow, but the phantom was too fast. The shadowy claws dug into her shoulder, pinning her to the ground. A cold, draining sensation filled her body, seeping into her very bones.
"Runaan!" Rayla cried out, her voice strained with pain. In a split second, Runaan reacted. He dove for the bowblade, his hand closing around the hilt, and with a swift, fluid motion, he swung it with precision, cutting through the arm that pinned Rayla down. With a sharp crack, the phantom screeched, its form wavering, but it wasn't enough. It lashed out again, aiming to finish them both. Runaan positioned himself between Rayla and the phantom, raising the bowblade high.
"Get back!" he commanded, his voice low but steady. The phantom roared, its form shifting violently, now more monstrous than ever. It moved with unnatural speed, its glowing eyes fixed on Rayla and Runaan. As the shadowy figure reared back, preparing for a final, devastating strike, Runaan swung the bowblade with all his remaining strength. The phantom screamed as the blade slammed, its form faltering. But instead of collapsing, it morphed, its body warping into something even more terrifying - a grotesque version of Claudia made of rainbow-colored matter. The creature's eyes burned with malicious intent, but the blow had slowed it, its once-solid form now flickering with uncertainty. Rayla's breath was shallow, the cold still draining her energy. She found the strength to push herself to her feet. She locked eyes with him, grateful for his intervention. The phantom lunged at them, its monstrous claws tearing through the air. Rayla stepped forward, using the momentum of the attack to duck and weave. With Runaan at her side, they struck in unison, their movements fluid and deadly. The phantom recoiled from the blows. Its form twisted again, the gloom surrounding it in a violent storm. Rayla tightened her grip on her blades, ready for whatever came next. The creature's eyes locked onto Rayla, a deep, distorted version of Claudia's voice slipping from its lips.
"You can't defeat me, Rayla," The phantom taunted. Rayla's heart skipped a beat, the words searing into her mind. But she couldn't let it distract her. Runaan raised the bowblade again, and in one fluid motion, he drove the tip into the phantom's chest. The dark magic surrounding the creature rippled violently as it let out a final, desperate scream. The moment the blade struck, the phantom's form shattered into shards of shadow, dissipating into the air like smoke. Rayla stood, panting heavily, her body trembling from the battle. Runaan placed a steadying hand on her shoulder, his expression softened with concern.
"Are you alright?" he asked quietly. Rayla nodded, though her legs felt like they might give way beneath her. She glanced at the now-empty space where the phantom had stood, the air heavy with the remnants of magic.
"It's over," she said, though the words felt hollow in her mouth, "But it was too close." She glanced to the side, where Runaan knelt, his face pale and strained but resolute. He still held the bowblade in a tight grip, its edge faintly glowing in the aftermath of the fight.
"She's gone," Runaan said, his voice sharp with frustration. He pointed toward the horizon. The ship was already a dark blur against the water, its sails billowing as it sped further away.
"No," Rayla muttered, clenching her fists.
"Her monster bought her too much time. She played us perfectly," Runaan grimaced, bracing himself on the bowblade as he rose to his feet. Rayla's chest tightened, a mix of anger and guilt boiling inside her.
"I should've tried harder," She bit her lip, shaking her head, "She can't keep getting away with this."
"You didn't know what she was planning," Runaan said firmly, his tone cutting through her spiraling thoughts, "None of us did." He straightened, but his steps faltered as pain flashed across his face. Rayla hurried to his side, slipping an arm under his to steady him.
"You're hurt," she said, her voice softening.
"It's nothing," Runaan replied curtly, though his wince betrayed him. Rayla glanced toward the retreating ship again, determination in her violet eyes.
"We have no choice now. We're going to have to follow her," Rayla vowed, "Let's regroup at the palace." Runaan nodded but said nothing, his expression grim. As they stood on the edge of the shore, the sun dipped low in the sky, its golden light casting long shadows. The faint sound of waves lapping against the shore was the only thing that broke the silence.
Back at Katolis Castle, Callum and Astrid stood before Ezran, Zym, Ethari, and Opeli, eager to uncover the mysteries within the weathered pages.
"As it turns out," Astrid chimed in, "this book isn't a book of legends at all. It contains star magic instructions. It's also a historical record, detailing an ancient war between a race called the Zonai and the Startouch elves."
"A war between Startouch elves and the Zonai?" Opeli echoed.
"I've never heard of the Zonai," Ethari remarked.
"Neither have we. Unfortunately, the magic used to preserve this book has faded over time, leaving some parts illegible. But from what we can decipher, these Zonai were a powerful and enigmatic race that fought alongside humans and elves long ago," Astrid continued. Callum nodded, flipping to a section of the book where the text was still clear.
"The Zonai eventually settled in Hyrule, a distant continent to the west of Xadia. It's only reachable by crossing the Sea of Storms. The sea serves as a natural barrier between the two lands," Callum explained. Ezran leaned in closer, eyes wide with curiosity.
"So, there's an entire history of conflict and migration that we've barely scratched the surface of?" Ezran wondered.
"Precisely," Callum replied, "The Zonai's journey to Hyrule, their battles, and their integration into a new world… All of it is chronicled here, albeit in fragments."
"That's incredible! Do you think the Zonai left any hidden magic or artifacts in this land Hyrule?" Zym added excitedly.
"That's a possibility," Astrid said with a smile, "From what little we could glean, their knowledge and power were immense. Who knows what might still be out there, waiting to be discovered?"
"But why did Claudia want this book so badly? What power is she hoping to uncover?" Ethari wondered. Ezran's face darkened with concern.
"Especially considering the fact that no one has seen her in the last year. She's been outlawed from every civilized city in the Pentarchy, as well as the elf and dragon lands of Xadia for her involvement with Aaravos," Ezran remarked, "Whatever she's after, she was willing to risk death to get it."
"Here's an even better question that needs asking. Did she find what she's looking for?" Callum wondered ominously. A sharp knock at the door broke the solemn atmosphere. A guard stepped inside, his expression urgent.
"Your Majesty! Lady Rayla and Sir Runaan have returned. They're injured," The guard reported. Callum's heart skipped a beat on the words Rayla and injured.
"What? What happened to Rayla?" Callum immediately demanded.
"Unclear sir. She insisted you come immediately," The guard insisted. Ezran and Callum exchanged glances before hurrying out, their entourage following. They followed the guard to the castle infirmary. The two royals went inside and saw Rayla and Runaan surrounded by healers. Both lay in beds being tended to. As he got closer, Callum saw Runaan's left arm was heavily bandaged.
"Rayla!" Callum called, relief flooding his voice as he rushed toward his fiancé.
"Miss me already?" Rayla asked, giving him a weak smirk, brushing a strand of silver hair from her face. Callum's lips quirked into a soft smile, but his relief quickly turned to concern.
"Of course I did. I still need you to help me with wedding planning," Callum said gently, planting a kiss on her forehead, "What happened to you?" Her smile faded as she glanced at the others.
"We found her… Claudia. She's got some kind of new magic," Rayla groaned as one of the medics finished wrapping a bandage around her injured arm, "Never seen anything like it."
"We tried to stop her, but she escaped us. She was rambling about leaving Xadia behind and then she sailed away, heading west," Runaan, his voice steady despite his injuries, added.
"West… Looks like it's been decided. We're going after her," Callum decided.
"After her? What are you talking about?" Rayla wondered. Callum then proceeded to explain what he had uncovered in Legends of Hyrule. By the time he was done, his future wife and father-in-law were surprised.
"That's interesting to say the least… It would explain the meaning behind Claudia's words. The problem we face though is how to cross the Sea of Storms?" Runaan wondered.
"Indeed. No ship of ours has ever made it across. If you think you'll cross it, you're going on a fool's errand," Opeli frowned.
"Actually, I'm thinking there's a ship that could make it. And we know the captain," Ezran realized. The room went silent. Callum and Rayla exchanged horrified glances.
"No," Rayla said firmly, shaking her head.
"Absolutely not," Callum added, his tone resolute, "Are you serious?"
"What's wrong with the Sea Legs? Captain Villads is the best sailor we know," Ezran tilted his head, confused.
"First off, he's the only sailor we know. Second, the last time we were on that boat, I nearly ended up as a leviathan's lunch," Rayla groaned, rubbing her temples.
"And he's not exactly... grounded," Callum added, making a vague spinning motion with his hand to illustrate Villads' eccentricity.
"I understand your reservations, but we may not have much choice," Ezran argued, "Unless you know a human captain willing to make the journey…" The two brothers shared a brief look, subtly trying to read the other. Knowing his brother was right, Callum sighed in defeat.
"Guess we don't have much of a choice," Callum conceded.
"We never do," Rayla sighed.
