Chapter 6 - Itarmi

Upon crossing the portal, Sayura and Sipros's feline eyes closed abruptly. The sky's light in this world was different; their eyes had adapted to the purple sky's color, but this sky was white, seemingly covered entirely by clouds. It was a strong glow that momentarily blinded them. They slowly opened their eyes halfway, gradually readapting to the light.

The wind blew on their faces, feeling fresh and comforting. They both lifted their faces to the sky, taking a deep breath, recognizing the scent of their home. Slowly, their eyes opened more, and the light barely bothered them. Sipros walked along the old path leading to their city. Walking there again brought back old memories; part of his life there had been very peaceful until the day they were invaded by beings from another world who kidnapped many of their people. That was long ago.

After walking for an hour, they encountered a wall twice their height. The metal gates creaked before opening, and they were greeted by Letohoikos guards in both feline and human forms. Sipros advanced firmly and stopped when he received a halt signal from a human Letohoiko.

"Identify yourselves, brothers," his voice was strong and hoarse.

"I am Sayura, the third daughter of the Lessh house. My parents are Saynur and Naynir Lessh," there were whispers of surprise at hearing her name.

"I am Sipros. My parents are Tarmir and Sclero Morn. I am the second prince of Itarmi," this time the whispers were even more surprised. The guards in front of them said nothing, but their twisted faces with surprise spoke volumes. After a brief moment, the human guard said:

"I'm sorry, your highness. It's been many years since we last saw you," he bowed his head slightly. "Apologies for not recognizing you," he raised his head and stepped aside.

"Please, allow us to escort you." He looked at one of the soldiers and nodded, who then transformed into a tiger and flew to the palace to announce the second prince's return.

"Thank you," Sipros said.

"I'll get down now," Sayura said, sliding smoothly down Sipros's right side.

"Are you sure you can walk?" Sipros commented gently.

"If I don't, I'll look very weak," she said seriously. "My deplorable appearance is enough to embarrass me." Losing a wing was like telling her people she wasn't worthy of being called a supreme warrior.

This was a title very few obtained, as their skills, abilities, and power were superior. Returning with scars after battle was normal, even losing an arm or leg wasn't considered shameful, but losing a wing was, thus dishonoring the given title. Sipros said nothing, seeing how the others looked at Sayura was enough to know what they thought.

The soldiers guided them to the palace. Those they encountered on the way looked at them with surprise. Some recognized them immediately, while others tried to remember. Both Letohoikos felt anxious. Returning home was something they had planned for in due time, but they didn't expect to return under these circumstances. The defeat marked on their faces and bodies wasn't something they wanted to show upon their return, but things didn't turn out as they had hoped. Still, they had a mission to fulfill at all costs.

Upon reaching the red palace doors, they opened wide. The hall's gold and white decor colored the walls and pillars. The floors were so shiny that they were reflected in them. Huge windows extended along both walls, allowing sunlight to enter and make the gold decorations shine. In front of them, atop the grand podium, was the golden throne.

The figure resting there was the king of Itarmi, Dymur Morn. Dymur, Sipros's older brother, appeared imposing in his human form. His milk-white hair fell over his shoulders. His face resembled a man no older than fifty years but was over five thousand years old. At first, his face twisted in surprise at seeing Sipros but recovered after assimilating his presence. Furrowing his brow, he observed his brother.

"Your majesty, great king of Itarmi," Sipros said while bowing, joined by Sayura. "It's been a long time since I last saw you, and your figure remains imposing."

"And you seem weakened," the king said with a hoarse voice. "I didn't expect your return, especially in that condition," he looked at both, noting the wounds and weariness on their faces, particularly the newborn human form in Sayura's arms. "I see you brought a newborn; I don't smell Letohoiko blood in her."

"Her name is Amiona Kums, she is the princess heir of Ekhros," Sipros said firmly. Supreme warriors, councilors, and servants beside the throne began to whisper among themselves, and Dymur frowned in displeasure.

"Why do you bring the Ekhros heir here?" he asked firmly, silencing the whispers.

"A war broke out in Ekhros, and we lost nearly the entire royal family. She is the last survivor," Sipros explained calmly. The king listened in silence as Sipros recounted the events, also explaining why he returned and the plan during his stay.

"You're asking us to be part of a war that doesn't concern us."

"Your majesty, we only ask for permission to stay until the princess is ready to return."

"How long do you expect that to take?"

"Only twenty years."

"No one is ready in twenty years."

"Ekhronians are different, your majesty," Sayura spoke for the first time. "During our stay in Ekhros, we saw them learn combat, magic, and other gifts quickly."

"I'm asking, your majesty," Sipros said, bowing again. "I beg you, please let us stay here." A prolonged silence filled the hall. No whispers could be heard, except the baby's cooing in Sayura's arms.

Moments later, King Dymur stood up and walked toward them, stopping a few steps from Sayura and observing the baby with silver eyes closely.

"She has his eyes," he commented. Then he looked at his brother before signaling one of his servants who approached with a coat. He handed it to the king, continuing: "First, return to your human form," offering him the coat. Sipros nodded.

The mana in the form of particles enveloped him, and Sipros's body shrank, taking the form of a muscular man with bronzed skin. His white hair cascaded over his face, and a prominent white beard covered part of his face, which appeared no older than forty years. Slowly, he stood on his two legs and then took the coat offered to him.

"It's been a while," Dymur said, softening his expressions into a half-smile. "Brother."

"The old one is you," Sipros said, grinning. Moments later, both brothers were laughing and embracing each other.

"It's been four thousand years since I last saw you," Dymur said, separating from him. "Time seems to have taken its toll on you." He looked at the scar on Sipros's eye.

"And it seems to have worked well on you," they looked at each other and then smiled.

"You can stay," he looked at them both, "as long as you want."

"We appreciate it, your highness," Sayura said with a smile.

"Prepare the grand hall!" Dymur ordered, extending his hand majestically. "Tonight, we will celebrate not just my brother's return but also Sayura's." He looked at his guards, servants, and councilors and continued, "When announcing their return, do not mention the baby," he ordered firmly.

Every order given by the king was always respected and followed, and information not ordered by him was never leaked. His word was law.