Chapter 5 - The Beginning of Chaos
Standing on the edge of the Cliff of the Three Whirlwinds, Ternon looked at his companions, and they nodded.
"I haven't taken my human form in a long time," Sayura said, closing her eyes as mana particles formed a whirlwind and completely covered her. When they dispersed, they revealed a woman with blonde hair and tanned skin.
Her naked body was partially covered by her wing, and a red scar was visible on her back a reminder that one of her wings had been brutally torn off, rendering her unable to fly again. She supported her weight on her hands and feet, then slowly stood up. Her body trembled slightly as she straightened but then calmed down.
She let out a sigh as she took a step forward, slowly trying to get used to walking on two feet again. When there was no danger of falling, she smiled at them confidently, her yellow feline eyes looking at them with assurance.
"Give me something to cover myself," she said, looking at Ternon.
"Of course." He took off his coat and handed it to her. Once her body was wrapped in the coat, she looked at the baby before handing her to Sayura. "We'll see each other again," he said quietly.
"We'll take good care of her," Sayura said, carefully taking the baby.
"We'll prepare her for what she must face in the future."
"Yes, twenty years should be enough," Sipros said seriously.
"I hope they are, because I don't think Ekhros can last longer than that," Ternon commented.
He reached his hand out and tore a piece of the blanket that enveloped the baby, then gently stroked Amiona's small head.
"In the meantime, grow strong and become stronger than your enemy."
"After you reunite with the others, where will you go?" Sipros asked.
"The Island of Silence is a good hideout. We'll try to gather as many allies as we can in her absence. She will need many on her side." Both Letohoiko nodded once. There was nothing more to say, so Ternon turned on his heels and walked toward the cliff.
He stopped, raised his hands to the cloudy sky, and chanted an ancient spell that shook the sea.
"
"It's time."
Sayura mounted Sipros's back, and the Letohoiko advanced. He stopped in front of his companion, who would miss their conversations, their wise and sometimes nonsensical words. With sad eyes, Ternon gently stroked his friend's head, feeling the warm fur. They had shared countless adventures and enjoyed moments of peace together, including chats that sometimes brought a rough smile to the Letohoiko. There was no reason for goodbyes, as time felt like a breath for them their long lives had made them lose a sense of time.
Sipros continued toward the portal. Sayura looked over her right shoulder at Ternon, saying nothing but giving him a warm smile. The sorcerer's silhouette grew smaller as they crossed the portal and felt its light consume them. The water bubble shone as their companions passed through it. Ternon watched as the portal slowly closed. Water flowed out of the bubble, and the rocks returned to the depths of the whirlpool. The waters calmed, and the whirlpool reverted to its original form of three. Sighing, he looked at the sky, and the clouds returned to normal.
In the distance, he saw the silhouette of a ship. Kery had received the message sent by wind and followed its instructions, navigating on the water and not flying. As he waited, the piece of cloth he had enchanted wrapped around his right wrist. His companions were already there, and he turned to see their tired faces approaching him.
"You're late and just in time," he said.
"It's a shame we couldn't say goodbye," Cork said sadly.
"I'm glad you came back, but from your expression, it seems it didn't go well," Ternon commented, furrowing his brow and looking at Corman.
"Before delivering the final blow, he disappeared," Corman said bitterly.
"I see..."
"It was Isayri."
"Was she close?" Ternon asked.
"No, we couldn't tell if she was close or did it from afar," Corman replied. Ternon furrowed his brow pensively.
"I don't think it was Isayri. For her to use the espolo spell, she would need to be a short distance from her target."
"You're right," Cork commented. "If it had been her, she would have attacked us the same way."
"But if it wasn't her, who was it?" Corman asked, furrowing his brow.
"It's hard to say," Ternon said, turning back to the sea, watching the ship approach. "Kery's close. Call your bird," he said to Corman.
Corman brought his index and thumb to his mouth and emitted a loud whistle that echoed around. Moments later, from the distant sky, the bird Erkonomo descended rapidly like a dive, spreading its wings and landing majestically, shaking the earth. The three guardians climbed onto the bird, and with Corman's signal, it flapped its wings and flew towards Kery's ship. Their companion awaited them near the bow with the rest of the crew. As the bird landed in front of them and everyone was safe on the ship, Corman bid his bird farewell. The enormous bird flapped its wings and flew back into the sky.
"Are you all right?" Kery asked Cork and Corman, noting their tired and injured appearance. They nodded in response. "What happened? There's a feeling of death in the air. Tell me, what happened?" Ternon let out a loud sigh.
"The king and queen are dead, the entire Kums family perished."
"All of them? What about the princess? What about Sipros?"
"No, she still lives, along with Sipros and Sayura, but..."
"But what?" she asked, furrowing her brow in anticipation of the answer.
"They aren't here now." Ternon sighed heavily before beginning to recount everything that had happened. Kery and the others listened, struggling to comprehend. Their lives would now take a path with an uncertain future. Hiding was the best option for now. The awaited return of their princess meant a long survival battle.