Yrckos

Machiavellian laughter was heard, making everyone nearby shudder with terror. It was much darker than night, as the total eclipse outside was not over yet. Brakir stood in front of Hyra, who formed a large air bubble to protect Kahelle next to her. Yet the darkness only lasted for a brief moment. A large ball of fire appeared. It was Hyrio focusing all of his energy on his two raised hands.

Just in time, as it allowed Lydar to dodge a sting from the scorpion tail. The manticore couldn't stop laughing, hysterical.

“You won't see the sunlight again. I’ll kill you all!" Hahaha!”

All the elves immediately attacked. This did not scare the monster, who went mad with rage. He was able to escape them even though there were four of them against him.

Abruptly, the beast climbed to the ceiling, rushing towards Hyrio.

“Warning!”

Hyra saw her brother recoil from two of his blows as his fireball lost its intensity. Brakir moved quickly to push her back with force. The manticore took the opportunity to change course. Even when the elves tried to catch up with her, she was already above the princesses, opening her mouth wide to swallow them!

Hyra focused her strength on her bubble of protection, which received the blow brutally. Kahelle, who did not have her sword, felt helpless as her friend protected them. As the beast charged again, a marvellous golden light dazzled them all.

The manticore was thrown on one of the walls with a painful cry.

All eyes were on the entrance to the great hall. A man was standing there. His body was beaming powerfully, and he held in his hands an equally bright beam. He disappeared for a second only to reappear beside the beast, which he pierced before it even stood up.

This is the first time Hyra has seen someone teleport like this. The manticore howled painfully before collapsing, defeated. His body evaporated in black smoke before disappearing.

It had happened so quickly that everyone was amazed! They were out of danger now, yet who was this stranger who had helped them ?! The light emanating from her body slowly faded as her features were revealed. Gorgeous golden hair on a firm face with equally golden eyes. He was a handsome man in his thirties, with a strong and imposing build.

Surprisingly, that's when the sun's rays resurfaced timidly. The elves approached the stranger, curious but on their guard. Lydar spoke:

“We would like to thank you for your invaluable help. Who are we honoured with?”

- I wake up after all this time, and that's all you can think of to say. Since when are you so conventional? You changed Lydar...

- Do we know each other?!

The stranger smiles, beaming. He opened his arms wide to exclaim:

“Please forgive my delay! It must be said that this world has changed enormously since the last time. I am here to lend a hand. I am the magician Yrckos! I will accompany you today.”

His demeanour made Brakir chuckle as he supported Hyrio.

- If you want to help us so badly, it would be better to reveal your...

Before he even finished his sentence, Yrckos turned to him, pointing his finger to scold him:

- What are you talking about, ugly genius! I forbid you, can you hear me?

Astaldo, who did not understand anything, reproached him more.

- Brakir! Stop being sassy! Rather thank...

- Okay! I said nothing.

Lydar, skeptical despite everything, remarked:

- Even if you have helped us, how can we believe a stranger who seems to know our identities already? Who are you?

- Let's say I'm an old friend of our dear Melyarie! She's the one who sent me. Is this enough for you?

- Who tells me you're not lying?

- It's true! You have changed... Okay, very good. Since you want to, I will reveal to you a piece of information that only you know. Approach!

Yrckos motioned for him to approach, but Lydar didn't move an inch. Then, without warning, Yrckos appeared behind him and hugged him, whispering a few words in his ear. No one heard what he was saying, but the blush that set the elven king's handsome face ablaze was visible. It was the first time that Hyra had seen him so embarrassed. It wasn't to displease her. At least he didn't have that proud look that used to characterize him anymore… The coming of this wizard was a good sign.

As Lydar tried in vain to extricate himself from his embrace, Yrckos asked:

“Are everyone okay? Hyrio, are you okay?”

He grimaced, nodding his head:

- Thank you for worrying about me, but I'm fine. I'm dizzier than anything else...

- Good! Hyra, Kahelle?

The two princesses stepped forward in turn. They bowed respectfully, as Hyra replied:

- We're fine, don't worry! Thank you again with all my heart!

Yrckos admired her for a moment, smiling. He made two flowers appear in his right hand. They were wild hyacinths, Hyra's favourite. When she saw them, her heart leapt for joy. How could he guess she loved them? He gave one to each and addressed her, kindly:

- You have become a beautiful young lady! You inherited the beautiful gray of the hair from that late Desylor…

- Desylor… Did you know my father!?

- Very well, even. However, we'll continue our conversation later if you don't mind. Time is running out. We must leave immediately!

Lydar, who finally pulled away, fumed:

“How dare you give us orders?!! Please also address more correctly. Your language is too familiar!”

- It's true, but I've always expressed myself that way. Don't take it personally. I have always found human civilities too heavy.

- But you're a man, aren't you?

- No more chattering, Lydar! If we stay any longer, other demonic creatures may reappear, which would put this kingdom and all its inhabitants in a deplorable situation! This is what you want?

Ofyr also tried to reason with him:

- My brother! You know he's right. Our presence here is no longer necessary.

- You can leave with peace of mind. We will learn how to defend ourselves if such an attack should be repeated!

It was Queen Pahela who spoke. His son, Quiado, seeing Hyrio slightly weakened, rushed towards him, worried. She greeted the twins one last time and thanked Yrckos for his help.

Then, the latter asked them strangely to regroup on the terrace, where the sun was shining again as before. After a final greeting to their aunt, the twins and all the others were gone in the blink of an eye!