The first sight of Eyrica emerging from behind the green curtain of a dense forest left the Staav brothers breathless. Majestic towers glinted in the sunlight, their white stone facades adorned with spires and gargoyles who could still be seen from such a distance.. Yui couldn't help but marvel quietly at the intricate architecture.
"Have you ever seen anything this beautiful?" Alistair exclaimed as he looked at the city’s skyline. "Sure beats Kathara’s sewer slums!"
Yui nodded, but his thoughts lingered on the case. "I hope we can find answers here," he said quietly.
As they entered Eyrica, they saw the cobblestone streets thronged with life. Every corner seemed to hold something new: vibrant market stalls brimming with exotic wares; street performers captivating audiences; and the smells of famous Hammin bread emanating from bakeries.. At last, they arrived at the Royal Society, where they hoped to learn more about the attack on the Katharan king.
"Ah, we’ve been expecting you,” one of the elder members declared.
"Expecting us?" Yui asked, taken aback. "But how?"
"Word travels fast," the elder replied. "Especially when it concerns the near-assassination of a king."
Alistair, never one to be outdone, chimed in. "Then you must know more about this case we've been investigating?"
"Indeed," another one of the sages said. "An attempt by the Siima to stir up chaos in the wake of their invasion, no doubt."
Yui answered back with a hint of frustration. “You knew this, yet didn’t think to inform the Sun Guard?”
"Your journey here was necessary. We have much to discuss," the wizard replied cryptically.
Before Yui could press further, the doors to the Royal Society burst open, revealing Zeroi andAlatricia. The two scanned the room and analyzed the three knights, with the men from Kathara doing much the same back.
"Good timing," the head wizard Kalykus said.. "It is time we christen you all Guardians of Enthia."
The five adventurers seemed confused. "Guardians?" Yui questioned, not sure if he liked the sound of that responsibility.
“Enthia will be under Siima attack soon,” Kalykus replied. “It needs leaders to defend it. Zeroi and Alatricia have proven themselves by retrieving information in the dark reaches of the Red Woods. So have you knights proved yourselves, I have heard, in the protection of Kathara. So go now – for we race against time.”
Yui turned his gaze towards the path ahead. As they ventured forth, he knew that their destiny was intertwined, and that the true test was just beginning.