After ensuring Alma was safe, Logan called upon Silvia to take him back to the point where their journey had paused. As he descended the tower, he rembered Emary—who was waiting patiently alongside Leonard and Logan's two knights.
"Emary, I have a task for you," Logan said, his tone steady. "Check my trained creatures, learn from their strengths, and if possible, make a pact with one of their subjects. I'd recomnd choosing a raptor if you can. I believe Scorch's pack had grown even larger, so start there. While I can't take you with to find the ents due to ti constraints, we will search for the hydra together later. Get strong enough to handle that."
Logan's heart ached slightly at the thought of parting ways with Emary so soon. Yet, he knew his intentions were for the boy's growth and success. Emary, though saddened, understood and was bolstered by Logan's faith in him. The opportunity to ta one of the hero's strongest creatures wasn't sothing he took lightly, and with Kai by his side, he rushed off eagerly to fulfill his task.
Logan and Silvia ventured forward alone, relying on Zephyr and one of Logan's eagles to ensure their speed. Using these wind-elental creatures, they aid to complete the trip by the end of the day. Their pace was swift, not stopping for anything until they reached Poykut.
Within monts of activating the warp array, they arrived back near the forest where their previous array had been set up. The team now consisted of Zephyr, his mate, Logan, Silvia, and Kryst—a compact group prepared for the next stage of their journey.
It wasn't going to be difficult, especially since Zephyr's mate was also a Tempest Kite.
The group of five set out near noon, aiming to reach the next great tree where the tribe's leader, Isabel, awaited them. They traversed the barren landscape with ease, cutting swiftly through sparse forests and open plains. After four hours, the silhouette of a massive tree ca into view on the horizon.
Logan's breath caught at the sight—it seed even larger than the last one he'd encountered. Unlike its predecessor, however, this tree didn't strip the land of nutrients. Instead, it stood at the heart of a thriving forest, its presence radiating life. Towering and ancient, the tree's branches stretched wide and strong, each as massive as a skyscraper. Its vast canopy disappeared into the clouds, leaving Logan to marvel at its age and wonder about the secrets it held.
As they approached, an incredible scene unfolded before them. Large flying creatures soared gracefully through the air, ferrying passengers like a natural transportation system. The colossal tree's bark was intricately carved into vertical structures—buildings and stairways that spiraled upward. Vines hung like natural ropes, allowing inhabitants to swing effortlessly between platforms.
It was a surreal and breathtaking sight. The harmony between the bustling community and the majestic, natural environnt made Logan think of the fabled elven cities where humans and nature lived in perfect coexistence.
The tree shifted subtly, its colossal branches forming natural bridges that allowed people to move with ease. Logan marveled at the sight, wondering why the previous tribe's tree hadn't displayed such remarkable ability.
As Logan and his group approached, one of the giant branches extended toward them, creating a platform. Standing atop it were ten armored individuals, their imposing figures flanking a lady positioned gracefully at the center of the formation.
Logan could only guess it was Lady Isabel. She stood with a commanding grace, wearing a golden crown adorned with intricately arranged leaves, resembling a Native Arican headdress. The leaves shimred faintly, radiating a powerful earth aura as though they were directly tied to the grand tree itself.
The leader appeared to be around forty, her face marked by slight wrinkles near her eyes and nose that only added to her elegance. Her long brown hair was neatly tied to complent the golden crown she wore—a regal headdress adorned with leaves, radiating the earth's aura as though directly connected to the grand tree. Her green dress flowed gracefully, resembling the intricate designs of a kimono, and her jewelry—rings and an amber-stone necklace—seed to amplify the earth spirits' blessing that surrounded her.
Logan landed softly with Zephyr and his mate, helping Silvia dismount while motioning for his tad beasts to settle down and relax. He didn't have to wait long before the group on the extended branch began to approach them.
"Hero of taming and King of Highrule," Chief Isabel said, her voice calm yet authoritative, "I welco you to our land. Please make yourself at ho as we discuss the purpose of your visit." Her knights maintained a respectful distance, standing poised and ready a few ters behind her.
"Thank you for personally welcoming us," Logan replied, motioning to Silvia at his side. "This is Silvia, hero and Soul Scholar. We're honored by your personal greeting, Chief Isabel." His tone shifted, becoming brisk as he continued. "However, we're in a bit of a hurry. As you may have heard, the demons are getting serious, and I need to ta four more monsters before heading to the empire to join the war."
Logan's directness cut through the usual pleasantries, underscoring the urgency of his mission. Isabel nodded, her expression thoughtful as she weighed the importance of his words against the gravity of the events happening around the continent.
"Very well, we will need to fly there," Isabel said, her tone calm yet firm. "If it is the ents you seek, they reside within the canopy of this great tree. I must warn you, the journey will be dangerous, so please prepare yourselves." She turned to her knights, issuing orders to ready themselves and summon her mount.
Logan nodded in acknowledgnt, reaching into his belongings to produce several earth crystals, which he offered to the Chief as a gesture of goodwill. Alongside them, he presented a terminal—a token to demonstrate the value of aligning with him. As he had done before with other leaders, Logan hoped to underscore how beneficial their alliance could be.
While waiting for the mounts to arrive, Silvia took the opportunity to demonstrate the terminal's capabilities. She showed Isabel how to navigate its functions, playing movies, songs, and even recording short videos to rewatch.
"Impressive," Isabel said, her expression thoughtful as she explored the device. "I will consider purchasing more of these for my staff in the future. However, we will negotiate later. I believe my knights are returning now." She gestured toward the sky, drawing their attention.
Below them, ten large mounts approached, their silhouettes growing clearer with every passing mont.
Reviews
All reviews (0)