Chapter Three.

Not far from Levaerûn lay Tirion, a region of boundless, lush forests and gentle hills. Its borders embraced valleys of emerald green that cradled shimmering lakes beneath an endless sky.

At the heart of Tirion, sprawled the capital city Togard, a marvel of stone structures adorned with majestic crystal spires. These spires bathed the metropolis in a soft, calming radiance emitted by bioluminescent crystals, imbuing the air with a soothing glow.

Within the tapestry of Togard, the emperor's castle stood beneath the vigilant gaze of majestic griffins. These creatures, their leonine bodies crowned with eagle-like heads, ruled the heavens, their wings choreographing a dance with the whispers of the wind. Their distant calls resonated across the land, a harmonious symphony.

Admist this breathtaking sight, venerable spirits and ethereal fairies traversed the skies with grace. Castle walls, akin to ancient guardians, stretched skyward, while waterfalls cascaded, their shimmering torrents merging with the stone, flowing downward. Sunlight pierced through the proud forests, lending a gentle luminosity to the surroundings. The air hummed with the melodies of birdsong and rustling leaves, a chorus woven into the laughter of playful woodland sprites. Serene forest nymphs and foxes, their radiant tails aglow added to the symphony of life.

Enclosed within the castle's imposing walls, the throne room stood as a magnificent symbol of the region's power and reverence for nature. The high ceiling soared above, adorned with suspended crystal ornaments that captured and refracted the sun's radiant rays. Below, the floor showcased a meticulously crafted mosaic composed of smooth, earth-toned stones. This intricate masterpiece depicted scenes from ancient legends and tales.

Emperor Luke took his seat on the throne, a magnificent piece carved from dark, sturdy wood. Intricate designs were etched into its surface, accentuated by gleaming gold accents that emphasized its grandeur. The emperor stood at an imposing height of seven feet. His white hair cascaded gracefully over his shoulders and down his back, forming a flowing mane. His bright green eyes, though tired, reflected a lifetime of experience. Wrinkles adorned his weathered face, testament to the passage of time.

High cheekbones framed his sharp features, while a long white beard graced his jaw. His robust frame hinted at a well-maintained physique beneath his attire. The soft rustling of his clothing mingled with the gentle clinking of his jewelry. Floating atop his head was a fiery green crown that blazed brilliantly. His weathered hands bore faint scars, silent reminders of battles fought in his youth.

Seated gracefully by his side was Empress Isobel, the embodiment of elegance. Her gown gently swirled around her slender frame, reminiscent of a blossoming garden caught in a gentle breeze. Blending soft pinks, radiant yellows and vibrant greens together, it formed a captivating living tableau. Atop her head rested a silver crown adorned with jeweled vines, woven through her cascading tresses-- gemstones glistening like morning dew on leaves.

To Emperor Luke's left sat Prince Theodore, heir to the throne, his muscular stature radiating authority. Restlessly shifting in his seat, his attire clung to his form. Draped across his head were strands of golden beads, symbolizing his status as Tirion's crowned prince.

Meanwhile, as the royals debated the kingdom's affairs, Arlo and his brother hurried down the hallway, illuminated by crystal lamps. Their anxiety was evident as they made their way toward the throne room. The silence around them was broken by occasional flickers of the lights, casting eerie shadows on the cold stone walls.

Approaching the throne room, the guards unsheathed their swords, their armor gleaming under the crystal lamps. The jarring clash against the frigid stone floor sent shivers down their spines. Serving as an imposing human shield, the guards halted the intruders in their tracks, their voices booming through the corridor.

"Halt in the name of the king!"

Caught off guard by the guards' swift reactions, Arlo involuntarily took a fearful step back in fear, stumbling slightly. Meanwhile, his brother Kipp, though visibly trembling, remained resolute.

"Please, we ain't got time to beat around the bush." he stated, moving closer to the guards.

"We need to see the Emperor right away. Something really bad happened, and it's absolutely important that he gets informed, ya hear? It's a matter of life and death".

The guards' voices merged in unison.

"Leave now if you value your life. The Emperor will not see you today."

Frustration surged within Kipp as he pushed forward, attempting to breach the barrier. However, a guard's arm swiftly repelled him, sending him crashing the ground. Arlo rushed to his aid.

"Emperor Luke! We're beggin' ya. A serious mess needs your attention. It's a real grave situation, we ain't messin' around," he exclaimed. The guard's anger flared, and he struck the man, escalating the situation. The abrupt disturbance caught the emperor's attention, interrupting his important discussions. Placing a hand on his cheek, he sighed, observing the unfolding chaos.

"Let them through," the emperor ordered, and the guards quickly stepped aside. Despite their battered and bruised bodies, Kipp and Arlo, the latter holding his broken arm, approached the emperor, breathing heavily. Leaning forward, the emperor fixed his gaze on the individuals before him.

"Speak," he commanded, and the brothers bowed to the emperor and empress. "Your Imperial Majesties," they greeted together. Their worried expressions conveyed the unspoken question of who would muster the courage to speak first. Stepping forward, Kipp turned to address the emperor.

"I'm Kipp, and this here's me brother, Arlo," he began, pausing as Arlo confirmed with a nod.

"We're a bunch of thieves from Aardgas, just before the outskirts of Levaerûn. We encountered a girl with a pretty gemstone and we tried to steal it from 'er,"

"Go on," Prince Theodore urged, his curiosity evident. "What happened next?"

"She whipped out a weapon unlike anythin' we'd seen. The way she conjured it, 'tis only been whispered 'bout in them old tales and legends. She created that damn weapon from her own blood!" Kipp's words echoed through the room.

The courtiers erupted in gasps, shock rippling through them like an electric current. Wide-eyed stares and whispered conversations swept through the chamber. Emperor Luke sat upright on his throne, his eyes widening in horror. The intensity of the murmurs grew. Among the attending courtiers, a hushed conversation spread, carried by a barely audible voice overhead.

"A Rieti?"

"Could they truly still exist?"

The brothers shuddered, feeling the weight of the emperor's furious gaze upon them.

"What… did you just say? Are you absolutely certain of the words you just uttered?" the emperor asked in a chilling tone.

The brothers' minds raced, Arlo whimpering under his breath and Kipp trembling, their heads bowing in submission. The emperor slammed his fist on his throne and the resounding bang shook the ground. Silence fell across the room.

"Speak now, or face the wrath of the griffins," Emperor Luke's iris flashed with swirling green haze. His gaze turned to Arlo who was already drenched in sweat.

"Your Majesty, I ain't lyin' to ya. We gave it our all. We tried standing our ground, but her power was on a whole 'nother plane." Arlo's voice trembled.

"She killed Toby right before our eyes. We were left speechless, completely defenseless. Her damn blood powers were like nothin' we'd ever seen."

Kipp added, "Yeah, we tried every trick we had, but nothing could even scratch her. She was unstoppable."

They raised their heads watching the emperor wince as he massaged his temples. The implications of this girl's existence weighed heavily on him. His worst nightmare had become a troubling reality. He stroked his beard, his eyes flickering towards his worried wife and son, all sharing the same shock and unease that spread through the room.

Empress Isobel looked worriedly at her husband. "Your Imperial Majesty, the urgency of this situation compels me to ask for your advice on how we should handle this."

"Indeed father, the seriousness of this matter cannot be overlooked. We must take immediate action for the safety of our people" Prince Theodore added.

The emperor let out an exasperated sigh. "Everyone except these men, leave us at once," he commanded, the weariness evident in his voice. The courtiers bowed in respectfully before quickly departing, their murmurs fading into the distance. Empress Isobel briefly clasped her husband's hand before departing with her maidservants.

"Theodore, summon the Silver Wolves immediately," the emperor ordered the prince, who was about to leave.

"Yes, Father," he replied, bowing before promptly exiting the room.

*****

Just as the tension began to dissipate, a shadowy trio emerged silently from the darkness- The Silver Wolves. Clad in dark garbs, their faces were obscured by masks that revealed only their eyes. An aura of intimidation radiated from them, causing both Kipp and Arlo to shudder as they observed the assassin's passage. Following closely, Prince Theodore took his seat beside his father. The assassins knelt before the emperor, bowing their heads in deference.

"Your Imperial Majesty" they intoned.

"Tokio, Bose, Dayle. Rise, I have an important task for you," the emperor said, his gaze fixed upon them. They straightened up, poised for their instructions.

The Silver Wolves comprised a small guild of exceptionally skilled elemental assassins, meticulously chosen by the Founding Elements from the four regions of Elamenta. Operating as an elite force, their purpose was to eliminate targets beyond the reach of elemental knights and generals. The trio standing before Emperor Luke represented the foremost members of this elite force.

Tokio stepped forward and said "Your Imperial Majesty, please provide us with your orders. We will take care of your concerns without delay."

Emperor Luke's expression turned stern.

"Recent reports indicate the survival of a a Rieti girl," he disclosed. The assassins exchanged bewildered glances.

"A Rieti? Are you absolutely certain, Your Imperial Majesty?" Tokio inquired, clearly surprised.

Crystal lamps flickered along the walls, casting a warm, bright glow that danced across the faces of the assembled men.

Emperor Luke gestured towards Kipp and Arlo.

"These two have encountered this situation and reported it to me," he clarified. Kipp and Arlo nodded in agreement.

"I require three of you to accompany these men. Locate this nuisance and eliminate it," Emperor Luke's tone dripped with disdain. "Bring me its remains. I won't find peace until I've witnessed it firsthand. Understand?"

The assassins bowed their heads, and Tokio spoke up.

"Your Imperial Majesty, we shall track down the source of your concerns and present you with it's remains, and thereby restore your peace and triumph," he vowed.

A smug smile played across the emperor's contented face. "Now, go and bring me favourable news." he commanded, waving his hand dismissively.

Kipp, Arlo and the assassins made their exit. The emperor stood from his throne, his frown deepening, and clasped his hands behind his back. Prince Theodore, his curiosity piqued, cautiously approached his father. "Father, where are you going?" he inquired.

Stopping abruptly, Emperor Luke turned to face his son, "I must summon the council, evil has befallen us," his words hung heavily in the air. Prince Theodore's lips pressed together as he began, "But, Father. The Silver Wolves….they possess unrivaled skills. Surely they can handle the situation without involving the council. It's just one girl"

"That single girl," The Emperor emphasized, "holds the potential to unleash an apocalypse, one that could bring the annihilation of us all"

The Prince's breath hitched in uncertainty as silence settled between them. Without waiting for further debate, the emperor resumed his stride, leaving the Prince's mind racing.

** ** ** ** ** **

In the lively town of Aardgas, Levaerûn, Sira stood before a tavern known as "Ye Olde Magpie". The weathered sign gently swayed in the evening breeze as she pushed open the wooden door and stepped inside.

The tarven buzzed with a delightful blend of elementals---pure, half and cross breeds---alongside humans stuffing their faces with food and drinks. Smiles lit up their faces as they relished both companionship and spirits. Tankards clanked with celebratory toasts, a tribute to friendships and shared tales. The air was filled with hearty laughter, wrapping the place in an atmosphere of camaraderie. Amid the clatter of silverware, the alluring aroma of meals enhanced the ambiance.

Sira's focus was abruptly drawn to an intoxicated man who was inappropriately touching one of the waitresses. With a sudden lurch, he stumbled back, his tankard tipping over and its contents spilling onto the floor.

"Stupid git!" the waitress exclaimed, frustrated. "Look what yer did!"

"Wassa matter? The floor not good enuff for me to spill my drink on it?" the drunkard sneered.

The waitress rolled her eyes, clearly irritated. "Just clean that up," she ordered, pointing at the spill.

"Why? ya wretched bitch!" the intoxicated man slurred, his hand moving towards her again.

The waitress slapped his hand and walked away.

"Felix, ye better hand over me gold to clear yer tab for the food and drinks ye've devoured, or I swear, I'll be forced to chop off them bullshit hands ye dare to put on me girls. Think of it as payment, ye drunken fool." warned Magpie, the tavern owner, amid laughter that surged through the tavern.

"Screw you, ya old hag." he slurred.

Sira approached the bar, where Magpie, a middle-aged woman, greeted her with a warm smile "Well, well, if it ain't our feisty rebel, Sira,"

"Hey, Magpie, what's going on?" Sira waved. Magpie studied her. "Now, now, what's got ye wearin' such a gloomy face, darlin'? What's troublin' ye?''

"Nothing's wrong," Sira fibbed. "I just… I just need a drink, that's all."

Magpie gently cupped her face "Ye know, me dear, ye can always spill yer guts to me when somethin' ain't right, aye? I'm 'ere for ye, ready to lend me ear." She persisted.

"You know your offer means alot to me. It's just that right now, i could really use a drink." Sira replied with a small smile.

Magpie sighed. "Of course," she conceded. "Have a bowl of stew first. I'll whip up somethin' special to put a cheer in yer heart. Just wait a moment, love." She winked. As Magpie went into the kitchen, Sira's eyes wandered to the mural above the fireplace, depicting a bird taking flight from a raven's mouth, soaring into the night sky.

The clatter of pots and pans jolted Sira from her thoughts, and she looked up as Magpie reappeared, balancing a bowl of steaming stew filled with vegetables. She placed them on the bar in front of Sira.

Sira murmured her thanks before dipping the spoon into the steaming stew. Sira took a spoonful and savored it. "This is really delicious. Where did you learn to cook like this?" She inquired, impressed.

"From the best cook there is," Magpie replied proudly.

"Who's this amazing cook?" Sira grinned. Magpie covered her cheeks, blushing. "Oh, er… a chef i met months ago"

"You know," Sira teased. "If your mystery chef is as charming as i imagine, maybe I would be more interested in hanging out with him instead of you." Sira laughed.

"Don't worry, I definitely would never drink alcohol with him."

"Aw, shut yer pie hole," Magpie exclaimed, laughing. As the friends laughed, Sira's expression shifted, her gaze momentarily drawn to the flickering flames behind Magpie. Sira swallowed the lump forming in her throat. She felt uneasy.

She snapped back to reality, her mood lifted by Magpie's bright smile. Magpie's skilled hands danced nimbly among various bottles, their colorful labels catching the light. The pleasant aroma of the mix wafted through the air. Ice tinkled within the shaker as Magpie poured the mixture into a wooden mug. She added a colorful fruit garnish and slipped a straw into the mug.

Magpie's eyes gleamed as she passed the drink to Sira. "Give it a try, darlin'!" she urged. As Sira took a sip, she felt the spicy warmth spreading within her. She swallowed and Magpie eagerly watched her. Sira's emerald eyes lit up. "This is good! It's so spicy and warm....and good!"

Magpie chuckled. "'Tis a brew I whipped up meself, a new addition to our menu."

"I see," Sira said, "What's it called?

"The name be 'Sweet & Spicy', a little somethin' I been tinkerin' with fer weeks. Something ye might find worth sippin' more than once." Maggie responded.

"Hmmmm…..sounds good," Sira remarked. She took another sip.

"Your creations never get old," she added, "Neith has to taste this."

"I'm pleased ye fancy it and happy to see ye smilin' too," Magpie responded "Ye best keep that up, me dear, else ye'll age faster than meself if ye keep on sportin' that frown on that pretty face of yours."

"Sure, I'll remember that." Sira chuckled, her laughter mingling with the lovely atmosphere of the tarven.

*****

Behind the tavern, Kipp and Arlo cornered a waitress in the dimly lit alleyway. Arlo's arm was in a cast, held by his shoulder. They loomed over her, trapping her against the cold, rough bricks. Kipp held a knife to her throat, while Arlo clutched a crudely drawn portrait of Sira up close to the waitress's face.

"Do ye recognize this lass?" He gruffly asked "Red hair, brown skin?" The waitress felt a lump in her throat, tears welling up. "I swear on me life, I ain't never seen her before," she stammered.

"I'm just a new face 'round these parts, started me job yesterday."

"That ain't the answer we want," Kipp shot back. He pressed the blade, and a tiny bead of blood oozed out, staining the knife. The waitress whimpered, her cheeks wet with tears. Kipp grinned sadistically, licking the blood off the blade.

Arlo glared at the girl. He dropped the sketch on the ground and crushed it underfoot. He pulled the waitress away from Kipp and pushed her against the brickwork. She whimpered softly.

"We be well aware she frequents this place, and the girl's chums with Magpie," Arlo snarled.

"Tell me the truth. We wouldn't fancy seein' such a pretty head go to waste, would we?" The waitress's breaths trembled as she felt the weight of his stare.

"Hold on, hold on, please!" she cried out. Recognition flashed across her face. "Oh, 'er! She popped in today. She's with Magpie right now," The waitress hurriedly explain.

"I seen her walkin' in moments ago. But I swear, I'm new 'round 'ere. I didn't know she be a regular. This be me first time layin' eyes on 'er. Please, spare me life... I don't want to die," she pleaded desperately.

The brothers exchanged a knowing glance. Arlo slowly loosened his grip on the waitress. "Good, that's a good girl," he said, adjusting her disheveled dress. Kipp turned her slightly to his side, leaning in and pressing his body against hers. He groped her breasts.

"If ye dare so much as breathe a word 'bout what went down 'ere, I'll track ye down," he growled.

Kipp slipped his hand underneath her garment and grasped her thighs. The waitress yelped. "After I'm done playin' me little game with ya, I'll tear ye limb from limb. Got it?" He licked her cheek. She muffled and nodded. The brothers pushed her out of the alley. She stumbled, barely keeping her balance on the sidewalk. As she tried to regain her balance, The Silver Wolves appeared silently before the brothers. Arlo gasped, his hand clutching his chest. "Gah! You blokes scare the livin' daylights outta me," he exclaimed.

"That's what assassins do," Kipp muttered dismissively.

Dayle shot him an irate glare.

"Anyways, she's in there right now. We know what she looks like, so it ain't gonna be hard to spot 'er," Kipp stated, not bothering to acknowledge him.

Tokio raised his hand. "Wait here and stay hidden until she emerges," he instructed.

"Entering the tavern risks her recognizing you, and we cannot afford any missteps. We'll be watching, and once you start tailing her, we'll follow. When she reaches the forest, we'll take it from there." And then they disappeared.

Kipp pulled out a cigarette and lit it. "Bloody assassins, actin' so high and mighty," he grumbled. "We shoulda demanded a damn hefty reward for all this. I couldn't give a rat's arse 'bout that bitch's gem. I just want a fucking proper reward." he spat.

"We gon' get a fucking reward, don't worry," Arlo whispered in agreement.

The two men stood silently, waiting.

A couple of hours passed and Sira walked out of the tavern into the cool late evening breeze. She rubbed her arms. She held the small bag Magpie had given to her tightly. She looked around before heading into the narrow street. People were passing by and chatting amiably at every corner. Some walked toward her, while others passed without a second glance. Many completely ignored her. There seemed to be no end to the bustling crowd on the streets of Levaerûn.

"There she goes," Arlo murmured softly.

"Be careful, you fool. We can't be heard." Kipp slapped the back of Arlo's head.

As Sira disappeared into the night, the brothers emerged from the alley, cautiously moving closer to her while staying out of sight. Sira kept moving forward, navigating through the narrow streets, while they merged into the bustling crowd. Tokio and his comrades watched from the rooftops and followed.

They watched as Sira briskly walked, making an effort not to draw any unwanted attention. The night air blew gently against her cheek, sending a chill rush down her spine. Something about tonight felt off to her. She furrowed her brow, wondering why she felt uneasy. It wasn't like her to suddenly become nervous or apprehensive. But there was something off about tonight.