Guardians of Enthia I - Chapter XXI
In which the new members of the Sun Guard are sent off to their next mission.
Within the heart of Castle Kathara, a fortress that stood as a testament to Katharan resilience and independence, Heirut rested anxiously behind now tightly locked doors and an entire battalion of heavily armed guards. The tension in the air was thick. Ketal Whisperwind paced the cold stone floor of the war room, his brow furrowed with worry. The situation was dire; he knew it, and so did everyone else.
"Yui, Alistair, Hrong," Ketal addressed them in a low, authoritative voice, the weight of his concerns apparent in his eyes. "I've come to a decision. Word must be sent to Eyrica. We cannot face this alone."
"Of course, sir," Yui replied, his demeanor doing its best to betray little emotion.
"Count on us, Lord Whisperwind!" Alistair boomed, his feelings much less enigmatic. "We'll bring back reinforcements, no matter what!"
"Right ye are, lad!" Hrong chimed in, his stout dwarf frame trembling with anticipation. "We’ll get ‘em ready for battle!”
Ketal nodded, appreciating their resolve. He hesitated, then took a deep breath before continuing. "I fear the worst... that all of the Region of Spring is under attack by a force we are not prepared to face."
"Whatever's out there, we'll face it head on!" Alistair declared, clapping Hrong and Yui on the shoulders. "Isn't that right, my friends?"
"Ye better believe it," Hrong growled, cracking his knuckles. "Nothin' gets past these fists!"
"Good," Ketal said, "But we must move quickly. Time is of the essence. Gather your things and prepare to leave immediately. And may Therita be with you."
"Understood, sir," Yui acknowledged, his thoughts swirling with how quickly things had changed in his life now. Alistair already bounded toward the door, with Hrong close behind.
As they made their way through the castle's corridors, the reality of the situation began to settle in. The world they knew was changing, unraveled by an unseen force.