Chapter 27: The Land’s Lament

The group leaned in closer, captivated by the elder's voice as it began to weave a tale of gods and guardians, of balance and betrayal.

"Long ago," Elandar began, his tone resonant with the weight of ancient knowledge, "the gods created the Seven Lands, each one a reflection of their divine will. To ensure the harmony of these lands, they imbued each with a core—an extension of their power, a living embodiment of their essence."

"These cores were not mere artifacts; they were guardians, tasked with maintaining the delicate balance of nature."

Arlon felt a stirring in his chest, the mention of cores sending a ripple of recognition through him. Could this story be connected to the strange powers he had felt? The way the land responded to him? It seemed too coincidental, but he kept his thoughts to himself, captivated by the elder's words.

Elandar continued as he gestured to the carvings on the walls. "But the gods, in their infinite wisdom, also created duality within these cores. Each land held both light and dark, creation and destruction. Only by maintaining balance could harmony be preserved."

Elandar paused, his gaze flickering toward Arlon's companions. "You've seen the corruption of the forest, haven't you? That's what happens when the balance is disrupted."

Alice nodded, her expression thoughtful. "The creatures we fought—they were part of that corruption, weren't they?"

Elandar's eyes darkened slightly. "Yes. The land itself is in turmoil, and the cores' dual nature is at war. Without a guiding hand, the balance tips, and chaos follows."

Arlon, who had been listening intently, finally spoke. "And what happens to those who control these cores? Are they beholden to the gods?"

Elandar's lips curved into a wry smile. "Ah, the question of power. Those who hold the cores wield great influence, but it comes with a price. They must understand the delicate balance and be willing to sacrifice for it."

Creak—

The heavy oak doors creaked open, and Eric's older brother strode into the hall, his cold, calculating gaze immediately fixing on Arlon.

Kaelan moved with the precision of a seasoned warrior, his steps deliberate and silent, his gaze unwavering as he scanned the room. An aura of authority emanated from him, chilling anyone who dared to meet his eyes.

"I see you've brought outsiders," he said, his voice low and guarded. "What danger have you led to our doorstep—"

He paused abruptly, his eyes landing on Eric. For a fleeting moment, the stoic mask cracked, revealing a flicker of recognition and profound relief.

"Eric!" His voice cracked, barely a whisper, betraying the depth of his worry and fear. Without hesitation, he rushed forward, pulling his younger brother into a tight embrace.

"I thought I'd lost you," the Alpha murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, the weight of worry and fear evident.

Eric clung to him, his own voice trembling with emotion. "I missed you, brother. Every day, I hoped I'd find my way back."

Kaelan pulled back slightly, his hands gripping Eric's shoulders as he looked him over, ensuring his brother was truly there and unharmed.

"What happened? How did you escape? We thought... we thought you were gone forever."

Eric nodded, his eyes glistening. "It's a long story, but I'm here now, thanks to them." He gestured toward Arlon's group. "They saved me."

Kaelan's gaze shifted back to Arlon, his earlier suspicion momentarily replaced by a guarded gratitude. "You brought him back," he acknowledged, though his tone remained cautious. "For that, I'm thankful."

The elder leader watched the reunion with a gentle smile, his eyes soft with understanding. Turning his attention back to Arlon and his group, he addressed Kaelan with a lighthearted tone.

"Now, now, no need to be so stern," Elandar said, his voice carrying a teasing lilt. "These travelers have already proven their worth."

He looked back at Arlon's group, offering a warm smile. "My apologies for my rude grandson's behavior. This is Kaelan. He may be stubborn, but he's a good kid. Just don't take his words too seriously."

Kaelan's face flushed slightly, a faint blush creeping up his neck. His posture stiffened, and he cast a sideways glance at Elandar, his scowl deepening. "Grandfather, must you always embarrass me?"

Elandar chuckled, his laughter rich and warm. "It's my duty as your elder to keep you grounded, Kaelan."

"You could spare me the public embarrassment," Kaelan grumbled, crossing his arms tightly over his chest.

A faint blush crept up his neck, though he quickly masked it with a scowl.

The elder leader's gaze shifted back to Arlon, his eyes softening yet filled with curiosity. The mask Arlon wore made him stand out even more, adding an air of mystery to his presence.

"Tell me, traveler, what brings you to our land? You carry yourself with a certain… presence."

Before Arlon could respond, Alice stepped forward, her voice calm but tinged with frustration. "We are here to bring Eric home. We thought it would be a simple task, but we ended up getting attacked by monsters in the forest."

Kaelan opened his mouth to speak, but Lawrence interjected, his tone thoughtful. "The forest is very dangerous, yet you all decide to stay here. Why? Even when it's hard to live here because of the nature of the land."

Both Elandar and Kaelan turned their attention to Lawrence, their expressions momentarily unreadable. Arlon, standing silently, was taken aback by Lawrence's assertiveness in the situation.

This isn't like him... but wait, it should be, Arlon thought, surprised by the sudden shift in Lawrence's demeanor.

Elandar nodded slowly. "Yes, you're right. It is dangerous, but we have reasons to stay here, even if it's difficult."

Kaelan, his tone edged with a hint of defiance, added, "It's not something outsiders can easily grasp."

"Kaelan," Elandar said sharply, casting a warning glance at his grandson.

Lawrence held his ground, his gaze steady. "Then, we want to listen to that reason. Maybe we can help. Besides, I feel like we're all in the same situation."

Arlon watched the exchange in silence, noting Lawrence's growing confidence. A small sense of relief and pride welled up in him.

He's starting to show signs of becoming the protagonist he's meant to be, Arlon mused—

"Don't you think so, Master Arlon?"

Then, Lawrence turned to Arlon, his eyes soft and filled with a quiet hope.

"...Huh? What?" Arlon blinked, caught off guard by Lawrence's sudden shift in tone and the unexpected spotlight. Why are you suddenly passing me the mic now? he thought, his mind racing in disbelief.

Quickly composing himself, Arlon cleared his throat and responded calmly. "Yeah, you're right. We're here anyway, so it makes sense to work together. I'd also like to understand your reasons for staying."

Lawrence's face lit up with a hint of satisfaction, his confidence visibly bolstered by Arlon's agreement.

Meanwhile, Ace, lounging nearby, barely contained his laughter. His grin widened as he whispered into Arlon's mind, "Smooth. Real smooth."

Arlon shot a glare at Ace, his lips twitching in suppressed frustration. I'll deal with you later, he thought, as Ace chuckled quietly, clearly enjoying every moment of Arlon's flustered state.

Elandar and Kaelan exchanged a long, silent glance, as if weighing the gravity of sharing their truth. The flickering firelight cast shifting shadows across their faces, mirroring the unspoken conflict between them.

Kaelan's eyes narrowed slightly, his jaw tightening in hesitation, while Elandar's expression softened with thoughtful contemplation.

Before either could speak, Eric tugged gently on Elandar's sleeve, his young voice cutting through the tension with earnest sincerity.

"Please, Grandfather," Eric implored, his eyes wide with trust. "Tell them. They can help us, like they helped me. I trust them because they're good humans."

Kaelan sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair as if conceding defeat. "Fine," he muttered, though his tone was laced with reluctant acceptance.

His guarded demeanor softened just a fraction, revealing the protective brother beneath the stoic exterior.

Elandar placed a comforting hand on Eric's shoulder, nodding slowly. "Very well," he said, his gaze returning to the group. His voice, though calm, carried the weight of the story he was about to unfold.

"You deserve to know the truth about this land and why we choose to stay, despite the dangers."

He settled back into his seat, the firelight reflecting in his wise eyes. "As I mentioned before, the gods created the Seven Lands, each imbued with a core that maintained balance. But what I didn't mention is that this land—our land—holds one of those cores."

Kaelan interjected, his voice steady but tinged with caution. "The core here is different. It's not just a source of balance; it's a source of conflict. The duality within it is more volatile than the others. It responds to the emotions and intentions of those who inhabit the land."

Elandar nodded in agreement. "The core's dual nature means that the land itself can shift between peace and chaos. It can be a sanctuary or a battleground, depending on how its guardians wield its power."

Anthony leaned in, his curiosity piqued. "And you're the guardians of this core?"

Elandar's expression grew solemn. "You could say that, but our role goes beyond mere protection. When we realized this strange power shouldn't be allowed to take hold and wield authority on par with the gods, we took it upon ourselves to guard it."

"Our duty is to guide it, ensuring its power is never misused. It's a heavy burden, but one we bear willingly."

Kaelan's gaze hardened, his protective instincts flaring. "That's why we stay. It's not just about surviving—it's about ensuring the core doesn't fall into the wrong hands. If it were to be corrupted, the consequences would be catastrophic."

Lawrence nodded thoughtfully, the weight of their words sinking in. "So, the monsters we faced—were they manifestations of the core's imbalance?"

Elandar's eyes darkened. "Yes. The corruption you saw is a symptom of the core's unrest. Without proper guidance, the land lashes out, creating those creatures as a defense mechanism."

Arlon listened closely, connecting the threads of Elandar's tale to his own encounters. His mind wandered back to the mysterious wind that had shielded him from the monsters—a force that felt almost familiar, as if it recognized something within him or was inherently tied to its nature.

"I see," Arlon said finally, his voice measured. "You're protecting more than just your home—you're safeguarding a force that could tip the balance of the entire region."

Elandar inclined his head, his gaze steady. "Exactly. And now, with your arrival, the land has taken notice. Perhaps it senses that you have a role to play in its future."

Arlon's eyes narrowed, his mind racing. The elder's words resonated deeply, stirring a conflicted sense of purpose within him. While it felt significant, there was a lingering doubt. We can't stay here for long.

Even if we uncover something valuable, it won't solve much. The novel barely touched on the Seven Heavens or their origins. How did this even begin, and why is the land reacting this way?.

Arlon's jaw clenched, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes, the familiar frustration of dealing with Ace bubbling to the surface.

Every answer only seemed to lead to more questions, an endless loop of uncertainty.

If we dig deeper, will we find clarity or just more confusion? His mind churned with the implications, knowing their time here was limited.

Arlon exhaled softly, regaining his composure. He needed clarity, and there was one question burning in his mind. "Elandar," he began, his voice calm but probing, "if the land is so sensitive to outsiders, how did Eric get kidnapped? How did a group of intruders manage to bypass its defenses?"

Elandar's expression darkened, a shadow passing over his features. "We don't know everything," he admitted, his tone heavy with regret. "It happened quickly—a group of men in black robes descended upon us. They were coordinated, ruthless."

He paused, his gaze distant as he recalled the harrowing events. "They took our young wolves, including Eric. We fought back, and thanks to the second nature of the land, we managed to stop them before they could take more. But… we weren't able to save Eric in time."

"....!"

The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of Elandar's words pressing down on everyone. Arlon's mind churned, piecing together the grim picture. Black robes… It's definitely the Pry cult. The realization sent a chill down his spine.

Their influence ran far deeper than he had anticipated, and their motives were even more sinister than he feared.

Elandar's gaze returned to Arlon, his eyes filled with a mix of sorrow and determination.

"That day, we learned a hard truth—the land's power, formidable as it is, is not infallible. It reacts, it shields, but it is not omnipotent. There are limits, and those who seek to exploit them know this."

"We'll do what we can to help," Lawrence said, his voice steady and resolute.

Arlon nodded slowly, the weight of Elandar's words settling heavily on his shoulders. The stakes were higher than he had imagined, and the threads of this conflict stretched far beyond this village.

He felt the pull of destiny tightening around him, a reminder that their journey was far from over.

Just as Arlon opened his mouth, ready to offer their help despite the constraints of their journey, the ground beneath them trembled violently. A deep, ominous rumble echoed through the hall, shaking loose dust from the ancient stone walls.

Rumbling—

The tremors grew stronger, sending a ripple of unease through the group as they struggled to maintain their footing.

Cracking—

Panic flickered in their eyes, but Elandar stood unmoved, his gaze steady and knowing, as if he had expected this moment. The elder's calm presence was a stark contrast to the chaos unfolding around them.

Bang— Crash—

Suddenly, the doors to the hall burst open, slamming against the walls with a resounding crash. Fenrik and several other gray wolves rushed in, their faces etched with urgency and fear.

"The monsters," Fenrik gasped, his voice tight with alarm. "They've breached the village. They're attacking everyone!"

A heavy silence followed his words, the gravity of the situation sinking in. Outside, distant roars and the clash of battle could be heard, a chilling reminder of the impending danger.

Elandar's expression darkened, his calm demeanor now laced with resolve. "We must act quickly," he declared, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.

Without hesitation, the group moved. Arlon followed, his steps measured but determined. Ace leapt gracefully onto his shoulder, his crimson eyes gleaming with anticipation as they joined the others outside.

Slash—

The village was in chaos. Flames flickered in the distance, casting eerie shadows as villagers scrambled to defend their home. The air was thick with the acrid scent of smoke and the sound of battle—roaring beasts, clashing steel, and the cries of the wounded.

Swoosh— Slash—

A monstrous creature lunged from the shadows, its grotesque form barely visible in the flickering light. Its claws slashed through the air with a deadly precision. Lawrence met the attack head-on, his sword ringing out as it clashed with the beast's thick hide.

Anthony was beside him in an instant, their blades moving in perfect unison, driving the creature back into the darkened woods. The stench of its breath filled the air, mingling with the acrid smell of burning wood.

Boom—

Nearby, Alice conjured a shimmering barrier, the shield spell absorbing the brunt of an explosive impact. She stood firm, her focus unwavering as smaller creatures threw themselves against the magical defense, only to be repelled by its glowing surface.

A chilling silence descended upon the group as the monstrous wolf emerged from the shadows. Its massive frame, dripping with a viscous fluid, loomed over them like a nightmare. Its ragged breath, heavy and foul, filled the air, making their blood run cold.

The group tensed, instinctively falling into defensive stances. Anthony and Lawrence raised their swords, ready to strike, while Alice strengthened her shield, the magical barrier shimmering brighter in anticipation of the coming assault.

The creature's lips curled into a grotesque snarl, and a deep, guttural voice rumbled from its throat. "×*&#+#..." it growled, the sounds harsh and alien.

The air grew still as the words echoed around them. Though incomprehensible to the others, Arlon and Ace understood every syllable, the meaning sharp and undeniable.

"Pathetic humans…"

Arlon's eyes narrowed, a cold determination settling over him. It's speaking English like Ace, he realized, the words clear despite their twisted delivery.

His mind raced, piecing together the implications. Could it be that this monster was similar to Ace? The thought sent a ripple of unease through him.

Ace's tail flicked sharply, his gaze locked onto the monstrous wolf. "Looks like this isn't just another mindless beast," he whispered into Arlon's mind. "We're dealing with something far more dangerous."

The large monster's gaze swept over the gray wolves before landing on Arlon's companions.

"So, these are the intruders," it rumbled, its voice deep and guttural. Its piercing eyes locked onto Lawrence.

"I can feel it... the presence of the same blood that awakens the seal."