CHAPTER 4: The Path Ahead

The heavy wooden doors of the council chamber swung open, and the trio emerged from the dimly lit room into the bright sunlight of Eldris Citadel. The echoes of their steps reverberated through the grand hall as they made their way toward the central courtyard. Nyroth, Ilara, and Zyrran walked in silence, each with their thoughts clouded by the weight of the council's demands.

Nyroth stopped near the courtyard's edge, looking out over the city below. His eyes hardened with resolve as he turned to Ilara.

"You're ready," Nyroth said quietly, though his voice carried the authority of a leader. "Theradrin will be treacherous, but you'll find a way."

Ilara nodded her expression grim. "Theradrin will not be kind to us. We'll need to be careful. The king there is dangerous."

"Don't worry, my lady," Varrian said with a grin, already knowing that he'll acompany her, stepping forward to stand beside Ilara. "I'll watch out for you." He gave her a wink, clearly enjoying the playful moment. "I'm ready for adventure!! Haa!!"

Before anyone could respond, Varrian wrapped his massive hand around Zyrran's shoulder, pulling him into a brief, jovial side hug.

Zyrran's response was almost instant. Without a word, the shadows around him rippled, and in a flash, he emerged from Varrian's own shadow, standing behind him.

"Don't even—"

Varrian didn't miss a beat. With a grin, he turned his head slightly, as if expecting this. "Yeah, yeah, I know."

The room fell silent again, the air thick with both unease and a hint of amusement at Varrian's antics.

Zyrran, as always, offered no words but gave a curt nod before turning his attention elsewhere. The shadows seemed to cling to him even in the well-lit hall, as though they were his constant companions.

Ilara glanced at him, slightly annoyed. "Not going to say anything?"

Zyrran smirked, his violet eyes glinting with amusement. "You know I don't waste my words."

Nyroth exhaled softly, then clasped Ilara on the shoulder. "Take care of yourself," he said, his gaze lingering for a moment longer than usual, though his voice was steady. "Theradrin will test you both."

Ilara offered a faint smile, one tinged with both apprehension and determination. "We'll be back before you know it."

As they turned to leave, Nyroth stayed behind, his mind already focusing on the tasks ahead in Eldris. Zyrran, ever the enigma, remained silent, his shadowy presence still filling the space between them. The mission to Theradrin loomed large on the horizon, and it would be up to Ilara and Varrian to uncover the dark truths hidden within that kingdom.

The war room of Eldris Citadel was tense with unspoken thoughts. Around the large oak table, the Guardians gathered, waiting for news from Nyroth and Kael. The silence was broken only by the occasional clatter of silverware.

Elian, Dren, and Siris sat together at one side of the table, a large plate of roasted meat and fresh bread between them. At first, the meal had been civil. Then, as if by unspoken agreement, chaos erupted.

"Give me that!" Elian growled, grabbing at a thick slice of meat.

Dren smirked, holding it just out of reach. "You snooze, you lose, kid."

Siris, already stuffing his face with bread, mumbled between bites, "You two argue too much."

Elian lunged, knocking into Dren's arm, sending the meat tumbling toward Siris—who caught it with his mouth and grinned triumphantly.

"You absolute animal," Elian groaned.

Dren scowled. "That was mine!"

Before another scuffle could begin, a heavy thud silenced the room.

Kael had entered, arms crossed, an amused smirk on his face. Beside him, Nyroth stood, unimpressed.

Kael sighed dramatically. "Is this what the future of the Guardians looks like? Fighting over scraps?"

Nyroth simply shook his head. "Pathetic."

Elian barely had time to react before Kael punched all three of them in one swift motion.

The impact sent Elian, Dren, and Siris crashing into the wall, groaning as they slumped to the ground in a heap.

Kael dusted off his hands, casually taking a seat and pulling the plate toward himself. He grabbed a piece of bread, took a hearty bite, and grinned at Nyroth. "I see why they were fighting. This is pretty good."

Nyroth exhaled slowly, rubbing his temples. "You're impossible."

Kael merely grinned wider and continued eating.

Elian groaned from the floor. One day, I'm going to knock him through a wall.

As the laughter settled and the meeting began, Elian rubbed his bruised ribs, vowing to one day be strong enough to take on Kael—and win.

Nyroth sighed and turned to the rest of the Guardians. "Enough playing around. We have serious matters to discuss."

Before anyone could respond, Zyrran, who had been leaning against the door frame, straightened up and cast one last look at the room. Without warning, he turned and walked toward the door grabbing his bow and putting it on his back, his footsteps echoing ominously in the silence.

"Where are you going?" Nyroth called after him.

Zyrran didn't answer immediately. His form paused in the doorway, casting a long shadow across the room. With a brief glance over his shoulder, he replied in his usual low, detached tone. "Nyroth, a word. "

Nyroth stepped near him in the hallway. "North.", Zyrran said, " I have a lead, possibly of a general. "

Nyroth went serious, "A general?! We have not heard from them since the Great War. That explains the increase in demon attacks these days. What could a creature like that have to do with the Northern kingdom. Theradrin yes, but North... It doesn't make sense. Except--"

"Thats why I have to go find out. I trust you'll manage things here."

Nyroth nodded in confirmation but also with worry filled on his face.

Kael leaned back, smirking. "Ah, running off into the cold again? Try not to freeze before I get the chance to beat you in a real fight."

Zyrran gave him a sideways glance, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "I'll make sure to leave you something to fight when I return, assuming you don't eat yourself into a coma first."

Kael laughed, clapping Zyrran on the shoulder. "Stay alive, shadow boy. Wouldn't be the same without someone lurking in the corners."

Zyrran's violet eyes gleamed with mischief. "And it wouldn't be the same without your loud mouth. Try not to get soft while I'm gone."

Nyroth watched the exchange, shaking his head slightly. "Enough. Zyrran, be careful."

With a nod, Zyrran turned, his form already melding with the dim candlelight as he left the hall.

The door swung shut behind him, leaving a heavy silence in its wake.

Elian stared at the now-closed door, a sense of unease creeping up his spine. "Why does he always do that?" he muttered to no one in particular.

Nyroth sighed deeply, his shoulders tense. "Zyrran doesn't need anyone's permission. He does what he believes is necessary. We'll have to trust that he knows what he's doing."

Kael leaned back, stretching. "He'll be fine. Probably."

Nyroth sighed. "You two are..."

Kael grinned wider. "Entertaining? Haha!"

As the night settled over Eldris, the weight of what was to come pressed on them all. The road ahead was uncertain, and each of them had their own battles to fight. But for now, amidst the rivalry and laughter, there was a brief moment of peace. A moment before the storm.