In the overwhelming context of the authority carried by the term Four Gods, Sara l found himself compelled to concede to Lucretias assessnt.
Regardless of what the Sea Witch Lucretia specifically ant by starlight, or whatever form Duncan Abnomar currently existed in, one powerful piece of evidence stood out. The leaders of the Arks, who have the unique ability to communicate directly with the Four Gods, had collectively chosen to join forces with the entity known as the Vanished. Viewed from an extre standpoint, if even the Four Gods could provide flawed guidance, then the occurrence of a disaster would be moot. The real catastrophe would be the fact that The Four Gods Are Wrong.
Lucretia shifted her posture, her eyes turning toward the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows of the office as though she was peering at a distant sea. Our understanding of subspace is extrely limited. The fundantal laws that govern our own reality could be entirely irrelevant or even inverted in that dinsion, she spoke with an air of tranquility. The entity known as the Vanished is reerging from subspace into our own world, and this transition will undeniably set off a chain reaction of events. Bear in mind how just minor influences transford the Bright Star and the Sea Mist into their current forms. What then should we expect of the Vanished, which has been dwelling in subspace for a hundred years? And what about my father?
She paused and looked back at Sara l, making direct eye contact. To be honest, Im not overly concerned about how much of Duncan Abnomars original essence remains intact. If even a tiny spark within that ocean of starlight is genuinely his, I am prepared to welco him back for the sake of that solitary glimr. The only condition is that he must fundantally align with the interests of mortals.
As Sara l listened to Lucretias calm exposition, his facial expression went through multiple shifts, finally settling on a resigned sigh. Well, a benevolent force is certainly preferable to a malevolent entity from subspace, he conceded.
Lucretia nodded in silent agreent.
After a brief mont of silence, Sara l changed the subject. How is Taran El? I heard hes been caught in so sort of Dream Crisis. You and your father were instruntal in helping him?
Lucretia straightened her face, her voice adopting a tone of serious gravity. The dream that Master Taran El found himself trapped in is far more intricate than you might think. My father has confird information that suggests involvent by heretical groups.
She spent the next fifteen minutes sharing what she knew with Sara l, who sat attentively across the desk. Lucretia talked about the objectives of the heretical sect known as the Annihilators, and described their encounters with the Sun Offspring in the dream realm.
Then, seizing the chance, she also inford Sara l of intelligence they had received from the city-state of Pland. This intelligence pertained to another group known as the Enders, their apocalyptic prophecy regarding the Fourth Long Night, and the enigmatic ssages contained within their sermons.
Sara l was fully absorbed in what Lucretia was saying, his expression one of intense focus and seriousness. He didnt interrupt Lucretia at any point, allowing the gravity of the narrative to wash over him.
When Lucretia finally stopped speaking, a heavy silence filled the room, lasting for what felt like an endless series of seconds. Sara l, a seasoned leader with a wealth of experience, took his ti to slowly nod as if digesting the magnitude of the information he had just received.
The Dream of the Naless One Such a concept doesnt exist in elven lore. However, it does remind of the Worlds Creation Dream attributed to the demon god Saslokha, Sara l finally spoke, choosing his words carefully. But the question that remains is, if such an expansive dreamscape truly exists, why has it remained undiscovered for so many centuries? The heretics contend that elves are the gateway to this realm, yet as far as Im aware, no event like what happened to Taran El has ever occurred.
Weve pondered that too, Lucretia replied, her tone inflected with sober gravity. The most likely explanation weve co up with is that the Dream of the Naless One serves as one of the signs heralding the approach of the Fourth Long Night.'
Understanding quickly dawned on Sara l. Youre suggesting that
Exactly, Lucretia interjected. The Dream of the Naless One might have only recently beco active or revealed itself. It could have remained in a dormant or even suppressed state for a long ti, thereby eluding detection. However, as the Fourth Long Night looms ever closer, it seems to be awakening, becoming more dynamic.
Sara l said nothing for a mont, his eyebrows knitted together in deep thought. He looked up after a while, his eyes transfixed on the brilliant sunlight streaming through the window. The sun, held secure within a double ring of magical runes, was reaching its zenith. Afternoon was rapidly encroaching.
After what felt like an eternity, Sara l finally spoke, muttering more to himself than to Lucretia, but in a manner that seed to echo the apocalyptic words of the Enders.
The dusk is near, and the sun grows gentler. Those who were once exiled, who were purged from mory, are now starting to reappear in this world.
anwhile, at the front door, Nina took a mont to ticulously inspect her outfit and the items she planned to carry.
The climate in this southern city-state was noticeably warr than in Pland. Even though it was late autumn and slightly cool, lighter clothing was essential. She slipped into her favorite skirt and a pair of new, airy sandals, imdiately feeling her spirits lift.
In her small outing bag, she stowed her keys, so loose change, and a map. At Lucretias recomndation, she also included mosquito repellent in both incense and lotion form, making her feel fully prepared for whatever lay ahead.
Last but certainly not least, she made sure her companion was ready to go.
Nina turned to look at Shirley, who was still wearing her favorite dress and was crouched on the floor, fastening the straps on her sandals. Sensing Ninas eyes on her, Shirley looked up and smiled, asking, Whats on your mind, Nina?
Ninas face lit up with a warm smile as she asked, So, have you decided where you want to go?
Their previous adventure involving local delicacies had been a culinary misadventure to say the leasta fiasco so startling that both girls had briefly considered retreating to the safety of their ship. However, theyd ultimately decided against it; this was a rare chance to explore a new place during their extended sea voyage, and they were determined not to squander the opportunity.
Well, I dont really have a specific destination in mind, Shirley said as she stood up and brushed off her skirt. Rember that elf gentleman we t? He suggested a market about two blocks from here. Id prefer to go there over revisiting what the locals optimistically call the food street.'
Nina nodded, clearly in agreent with Shirleys sentint. She then looked at the small bag that Shirley had slung around her waist. Did you rember to bring the mosquito repellent? The mosquitos here are far more aggressive than the ones we encountered in Pland.
Absolutely, Shirley replied, patting her waist bag reassuringly. Dog reminded to pack it.
Perfect, then lets head out! Nina exclaid, her smile beaming brighter than ever.
Just as they were about to leave, descending the front steps of the house, the sound of a door unlocking and slowly creaking open echoed from behind them. Both girls turned around, startled.
Standing in the doorway was Duncan, an imposing figure who always seed to exude an aura of intimidating seriousness. Shirley felt a sense of nervousness creep over her almost imdiately.
We were, uh, planning on going out for a little while, Shirley stamred, taking the initiative to speak before Duncan had a chance to say anything. We already let Mr. Morris know about our plans.
We promise not to wander too far, Nina added, her smile unfazed. Were just going to the nearby market.
Im aware, Duncan simply said, nodding as he walked towards them. His gaze settled on Shirley.
Feeling suddenly self-conscious, Shirley hesitated a bit before tentatively voicing her thoughts, Maybe its better if I just
Duncan cut her off by extending several bills toward her. Take this.
For a mont, Shirleys eyes widened in confusion, staring at the money being offered to her.
Youre heading to the market, correct? Duncans voice snapped her back to reality. Consider this your allowance for the daybut dont spend it all in one place. Nina already has hers.
Snapping out of her bewildered statethanks to a ntal nudge from DogShirley hesitantly took the bills, which werent particularly large denominations. She then mumbled, as if trying to deflect the awkward mont, I thought you were going to drag back inside to finish my howork or sothing.
Unfazed by her reaction, Duncan simply looked at the two young won and added a final note of caution. Try to stay within this district and dont stay out too late. If you happen to get lost, give a call and Ill send Ai to pick you up.
We get it, we get it, Nina said, waving her hand dismissively. Though her tone was tinged with impatience, her smile remained as dazzling as ever. Co on, Shirley! Grabbing Shirleys arm, she pulled her excitedly toward the road. Lets get going! We promise to be back before the sun sets!
As Shirley was briskly pulled along by Nina, she glanced back over her shoulder at Duncan. Her mouth opened slightly as though she wanted to say sothing, but words failed her. Instead, a sudden smile broke through her hesitation, and she gave him a little wave before Nina spirited her further down the street.
Duncan remained in place, watching as the two young won rounded a nearby corner and disappeared from view. Finally, his gaze moved away from the empty space next to him, and he spoke as if to the air itself. Back from City Hall?
As his words echoed, the seemingly empty space shimred as Lucretia materialized like she was stepping out from an invisible realm. Her face registered a fleeting mont of surprise. You knew I was here all along, didnt you?
Duncan simply nodded, confirming her suspicion. Ive been aware of your presence since the beginning.
Lucretias gaze followed the path that Nina and Shirley had taken. For a mont, her expression underwent a subtle transformation. Her eyes seed to beco a whirlpool of complex emotionsperhaps swirling with past mories and sentints that were hard to define. Just as quickly as it had co, her emotional turbulence vanished, leaving only a faint, inscrutable smile on her face as she turned back to Duncan.
Oddly, Duncan sensed an imdiate and significant change in her mood, as if the witch before him had suddenly beco much more upbeat.
Taran El has already left? Lucretia abruptly shifted the topic.
He departed about thirty minutes ago, Duncan answered. He ntioned that he couldnt afford to leave his lab unattended for an extended period. Pausing for a mont, he then asked, What did you discuss with the governor at City Hall?
The churches have sent out a declaration to every city-state, Lucretia began, her voice tinged with a complexity that Duncan found hard to interpret. The warning that youve disseminated is beginning to ripple through the world, making its impact felt.
Though Duncan couldnt entirely grasp the nuances in her tone, the gravity of her words left no room for doubt. The situation they were both entangled in was escalating, growing increasingly serious with each passing mont.
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